First be proved
Indeed so far is the practice of the apostolic age from inclining us to think it was unlawful for a man to preach before he was ordained, that we have reason to think it was then accounted necessary. Certainly the practice and the direction of the apostle Paul was to prove a man before he was ordained at all. Let these (the deacons), says he, first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:10). Proved? How? By setting them to construe a sentence of Greek, and asking them a few commonplace questions? O amazing proof of a minister of Christ! No — but by making a clear, open trial (as is still done by most of the Protestant churches in Europe) not only whether their lives are holy and blameless, but whether they have such gifts as are absolutely and indispensably necessary in order to edify the church of Christ.
1771 text
9. Indeed so far is the practice of the apostolic age, from inclining us to think it was unlawful for a man to preach before he was ordained, that we have reason to think, it was then accounted necessary. Certainly the practice and the direction of the apostle Paul was, to prove a man before he was ordained at all. Let these, (the deacons) says he, first be proved: then let them use the office of a deacon――1 Tim. iii. 10. Proved? How? By setting them to construe a sentence of Greek? And asking them a few common-place questions? O amazing proof of a minister of Christ! Nay: but by making a clear, open trial (as is still done by most of the Protestant churches in Europe) not only whether their lives be holy and unblameable, but whether they have such gifts as are absolutely and indispensably necessary, in order to edify the church of Christ.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.