Hence probably it was, that the _Jews_ themselves never urged it as an objection to our Lord’s preaching (even those who did not acknowledge or believe, that he was sent of God in an _extraordinary_ character) that he was no _priest_ after the order of ♦_Aaron_. Nor indeed could be; seeing he was of the tribe of _Judah_. ♦ “Aron” replaced with “Aaron” Nor does it appear, that any objected this to the apostles. So far from it, that at _Antioch_ in _Pisidia_, we find _the rulers of the synagogue sending unto Paul and_ Barnabas, strangers just come into the city, _saying, men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on_, Acts xiii. 15. If we consider these things, we shall be the less surprized at what occurs in the 8th chapter of the _Acts_: _At that time there was a great persecution against the church, and they ♦were all scattered abroad_: (i. e. all the _church_, all the believers in Jesus) _throughout the regions of_ Judea _and_ Samaria. (verse 1.) _therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the word_, (verse 4.) Now, what shadow of reason have we to say, or think, that all these were _ordained_ before they _preached_? ♦ “where” replaced with “were” 12. * If we come to later times; was Mr. _Calvin_ ordained? Was he either priest or deacon? And were not most of those whom it pleased God to employ in promoting the _reformation_ abroad, _laymen_ also? Could that great work have been promoted at all in many places, if _laymen_ had not preached? And yet how seldom do the very _Papists_ urge this, as an objection against the _reformation_? Nay, as rigorous as they are in things of this kind, they themselves appoint, even in some of their strictest _orders_, that “if any _lay-brother_ believes himself called of God, to _preach_ as a _missionary_, the superior of the _order_, being informed thereof, shall immediately send him away.” * In all _protestant_ churches it is still more evident, that _ordination_ is not held a necessary _prerequisite_ of preaching: for in _Sweden_, in _Germany_, in _Holland_, and, I believe, in every _reformed_ church in _Europe_, it is not only _permitted_ but _required_, that before any one is _ordained_, (before he is admitted even into _deacon_’s orders, wherever the distinction between priests and deacons is retained) he should publickly preach a year or more _ad probandum facultatem_. And for this practice, they believe they have the authority of an express command of God: _Let these first be_ proved: _then let them use the office of a_ deacon, _being found blameless_, 1 Timothy iii. 10.