An Apology for the True Christian Divinity / Being an explanation and vindication of the principles and doctrines of the people called Quakers

by Robert Barclay

§. XXVI.

The Distinction of Clergy and Laity not to be found in Scripture.That which we oppose, is the Distinction of Laity and Clergy, which in the Scripture is not to be found, whereby none are admitted unto the Work of the Ministry but such as are educated at Schools on Purpose, and instructed in Logick and Philosophy, &c. and so are at their Apprenticeship to learn the Art and Trade of Preaching, even as a Man learns any other Art, whereby all other honest mechanick Men, who have not got this Heathenish Art, are excluded from having this Privilege. And so he that is a Scholar thus bred up must not have any honest Trade whereby to get him a Livelihood, if he once intend for the Ministry, but he must see to get him a Place, and then he hath his set Hire for a Livelihood to him. Their Garb.He must also be distinguished from the rest by the Colour of his Clothes; for he must only wear Black, and must be a Master of Arts: But more of this hereafter.