The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University

We know that [it] is necessary there should be teachers of men in Christianity; we know also that those that teach must be called of God and sent by Christ. Now what is this sending by Christ? We know that Christ has the managing of things relating to the church, that is, to Christianity. And we know that when he so manages and orders things that it becomes a man's duty to teach and administer sacraments, he is sent by Christ to do it; thus far is clear. And though you'll say, everyone may have the liberty of speaking his mind when he thinks it will do men good, yet it is clear that those that are in the New Testament called ministers are not every private Christian; and consequently, if any such remain now as are there spoken of, they are distinct from other Christians. 'Tis clear they are born undistinguished; from this 'tis clear they are distinguished afterwards. 'Tis also evident that they are distinguished some way or other by Christ, and that their distinction is known either by Scripture, or reason without Scripture. (I am willing the flaws of this reasoning should be discovered.) How their distinction is known I leave to be yet disputed.