Grace as some do and the whole is rendred a meer outside Appearance Take away the outward Administration and all Spiritual Gifts and order thereon depending must cease But as it is possible that some may belong unto the Covenant with respect unto internal Grace who are no way taken into the External Administration of it as Elect Infants who die before they are Baptized so it is frequent that some may belong to the Covenant with respect to it's outward Administration by vertue of Spiritual Gifts who are not made Partakers of it's inward effectual Grace § 12. FOURTHLY Saving Grace hath an immediate respect unto the Friestly Office of Jesus Christ with the Discharge thereof in his Oblation and Intercession There is I acknowledge no Gracious Communication unto Men that respects any one Office of Christ exclusively unto the other For his whole Mediation hath an Influence into all that we receive from God in a way of Favor or Grace And it is his Person as vested with all his Offices that is the immediate Fountain of all Grace unto us But yet something may yea sundry things do peculiarly respect some one of his Offices and are the immediate Effects of the Vertue and Efficacy thereof So is our Reconciliation and Peace with God the peculiar Effect of his Oblation which as a Priest he offered unto God And so in like manner is our Sanctification also wherein we are washed and cleansed from our Sins in his Blood Ephes. 5. 25 26. Tit. 2. 14. And although Grace be wrought in us by the Administration of the Kingly Power of Christ yet it is in the pursuit of what he had done for us as a Priest and the making of it effectual unto us For by his Kingly Power he makes effectual the Fruits of his Oblation and Intercession But Gifts proceed solely from the Regal Office and Power of Christ. They have a remote respect unto and Foundation in the Death of Christ in that they are all given and distributed unto and for the good of that Church which he purchased with his own Blood but immediately they are Effects only of his Kingly Power Hence Authority to give and dispose them is commonly placed as a Consequent of his Exaliation at the Right Hand of God or with respect thereunto Mat. 28. 18. Acts 2. 33. This the Apostle declares at large Ephes. 4. 7 8 9 10 11. Christ being exalted at the Right Hand of God all Power in Heaven and Earth being given unto him and he being given to be Head over all things unto the Church and having for that end received the Promise of the Spirit from the Father he gives out these Gifts as it seemeth good unto him And the Continuation of their Communication is not the least Evidence of the Continuance of the Exercise of his Kingdom For besides the Faithful Testimony of the Word to that purpose there is a three-fold Evidence thereof giving us Experience of it 1 His Communication of Saving Grace in the Regeneration Conversion and Sanctification of the Elect. For these things he worketh immediately by his Kingly Power And whilst there are any in the World savingly called and sanctified he leaves not himself without Witness as to his Kingly Power over all Flesh whereon he gives Eternal Life unto unto as many as the Father hath given him John 17. 2. But this Evidence is wholly invisible unto the World neither is it capable of receiving it when tendred because it cannot receive the Spirit nor seeth him nor knoweth him John 14. 17. Nor are the things thereof exposed to the Judgment of Sence or Reason 1 Cor. 2. 9 10. 2 Another Evidence hereof is given in the Judgments that he executes in the World and the outward Protection which he affords unto his Church On both these there are evident Impressions of the continued actual Exercise of his Divine Power and Authority For in the Judgments that he executes on Persons and Nations that either reject the Gospel or persecute it especially in some signal and uncontrollable Instance as also in the Guidance Deliverance and Protection of his Church he manifests that though he was dead yet he is alive and hath the Keys of Hell and Death But yet because he is on the one Hand pleased to exercise great Patience towards many of his open stubborn Adversaries yea the greatest of them suffering them to walk and prosper in their own ways and to leave his Church unto various Trials and Distresses his Power is much hid from the World at present in these Dispensations 3 The third Evidence of the Continuance of the Administration of his Mediatory Kingdom consists in his Dispensation of these Spiritual Gifts which are properly the Powers of the New World For such is the Nature of them and their Use such the Sovereignty that appears in their Distribution such their Distinction and Difference from all natural Endowments that even the World cannot but take notice of them though it violently hate and persecute them and the Church is abundantly satisfied with the Sense of the Power of Christ in them Moreover the principal End of these Gifts is to enable the Officers of the Church unto the due Administration of all the Laws and Ordinances of Christ unto it's Edification But all these Laws and Ordinances these Offices and Officers he gives unto the Church as the Lord over his own House as the Sole Sovereign Lawgiver and Ruler thereof § 13. FIFTHLY They differ as unto the Event even in this World they may come unto and oft-times actually do so accordingly For all Gifts the best of them and that in the hignest Degree wherein they may be attained in this Life may be utterly lost or taken away The Law of their Communication is that who improveth not that Talent or Measure of them which he hath received it shall be taken from him For whereas they are given for no other end but to Trade withall according to the several Capacities and Opportunities that Men have in the Church or their Families or their own private Exercise if that be utterly neglected to what end should they be left unto rust and uselesness in the Minds of any Accordingly we find it to come to pass Some neglect them some reject them and from both sorts they are Judicially taken away Such we have amongst us Some there are who had received Considerable Spiritual Abilities for Evangelical Administrations But after a while they have fallen into an outward state of things wherein as they suppose they shall have no Advantage by them yea that their Exercise would turn to their Disadvantage and thereon do wholly neglect them By this means they have insensibly decayed until they become as devoid of Spiritual Abilities as if they never had Experience of any Assistance in that kind They can no more either pray or speak or evidence the Power of the Spirit of God in any thing unto the Edification of the Church Their Arm is dried
of that Office whereunto they were called or at least a limitation was put for a Season upon it For under all this Provision and Furniture they are commanded to stay at Hierusalem and not address themselves unto the discharge of their Office until that were fulfilled which gave it its compleatness and perfection Acts 1. 4 6. Wherefore it is said That after his Ascention into Heaven he gave some to be Apostles Ephes. 4. 8 11. He gave not any compleatly to be Apostles until then He had before appointed the Office designed the Persons gave them their Commission with the visible pledge of the Power they should afterwards receive But there yet remained the Communication of extraordinary Gifts unto them to enable them unto the discharge of their Office And this was that which after the Ascention of Christ they received on the day of Pentecost as it is related Acts 2. And this was so essentially necessary unto their Office that the Lord Christ is said therein to give some to be Apostles For without these Gifts they were not so nor could discharge that Office unto his Honour and Glory And these things all concurred to the Constitution of this Office with the Call of any Persons to the discharge of it The Office it self was instituted by Christ the Designation and Call of the Persons unto this Office was an immediate Act of Christ. So also was their Commission and Power and the Extraordinary Gifts which he endowed them withall And whereas the Lord Christ is said to give this Office and these Officers after his Ascension namely in the Communication of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost unto those Officers for the Discharge of that Office it is evident that all Office-Power depends on the Communication of Gifts whether Extraordinary or Ordinary But where any of these is wanting there is no Apostle nor any Successor of one Apostle Therefore when Paul was afterwards added unto the Twelve in the same Power and Office he was careful to declare how he received both Call Commission and Power immediately from Jesus Christ. Paul an Apostle not of Men neither by Men but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the Dead Gal. 1. 1. Whereas those who pretend to be their Successors if they will speak the Truth must say that they are what they are neither of Jesus Christ nor God the Father but or Men and by Men. However they neither dare nor will pretend so to be of God and Christ as not to be called by the Ministry of Man which evacuates the pretence of Succession in this Office § 8. Furthermore unto the Office described there belongs the measure and extent of its Power Objectively and the Power it self Intensively or Subjectively For the first the Object of Apostolical Power was Twofold 1. The World to be Converted 2. The Churches gathered of those that were Converted whether Jews or Gentiles For the first their Commission extended to all the World and every Apostle had Right Power and Authority to Preach the Gospel to every Creature under Heaven as he had opportunity so to do Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Mark 16. 15. Rom. 10. 15 16 17 18. Now whereas it was impossible that any one Person should pass through the whole World in the pursuit of this Right and Power and whereas for that cause our Lord had ordained Twelve to that purpose that the Work might the more effectually be carried on by their Endeavours it is highly probable that they did by Agreement distribute the Nations into certain Lots and Portions which they singly took upon them to instruct So there was an Agreement between Paul on the one Hand with Barnabas and Peter James and John on the other that they should go to the Gentiles and the other take more especial Care of the Jews Gal. 2. 7 8 9. And the same Apostle afterwards designed to avoid the Line or Allotment of others to Preach the Gospel where the People were not allotted unto the especial Charge of any other 2 Cor. 10. 16. But yet this was not so appointed as if their Power was limited thereby or that any of them came short in his Apostolical Power in any other place in the World as well as that wherein for conveniency he particularly exercised his Ministry For the Power of every one still equally extended unto all Nations although they could not always Exercise it in all places alike Nor did that express Agreement that was between Peter and Paul about the Gentiles and the Circumcision either discharge them of their Duty that the one should have more regard unto the Circumcision or the other unto the Gentiles nor did it limit their Power or bound their Apostolical Authority but only directed the Exercise of it as unto the principal Intention and Design Wherefore as to the Right and Authority of Preaching the Gospel and Converting Persons unto the Faith the whole World sell equally under the Caâ—e and was in the Commission of every Apostle although they applyed themselves unto the discharge of this Work in particular according to their own Wisdom and Choice under the guidance and disposal of the Providence of God And as I will not deny but that it is the Duty of every Christian and much more of every Minister of the Gospel to promote the Knowledge of Christ unto all Mankind as they have opportunities and advantages so to do yet I must say if there be any who pretend to be Successors of the Apostles as to the extent of their Office-Power unto all Nations notwithstanding whatever they may pretend of such an Agreement to take up with a Portion accommodated unto their Ease and Interest whilst so many Nations of the Earth lye unattempted as to the Preaching of the Gospel they will one Day be found Transgressors of their own Profession and will be dealt withal accordingly § 9. OUT of the World by the Preaching of the Gospel Persons were called converted and thereon gathered into Holy Societies or Churches for the Celebration of Gospel worship and their own mutual Edification All these Churches whenever they were called and planted in the whole World were equally under the Authority of every Apostle Where any Church was called and planted by any particular Apostle there was a peculiar Relation between him and them and so a peculiar mutual Care and Love Nor could it otherwise be So the Apostle Paul pleads an especial Interest in the Corinthians and others unto whom he had been a Spiritual Father in their Conversion and the Instrument of forming Christ in them Such Churches therefore as were of their own peculiar calling and planting it is probable they did every one take Care of in a peculiar manner But yet no Limitation of the Apostolical Power ensued hereon Every Apostle had still the Care of all the Churches on him and Apostolical Authority in every Church in the World equally which he might exercise as occasion did require Thus Paul
unto Trial for their Testimony unto the Gospel We are in such cases to make use of any Reason Skill Wisdom or Ability of Speech which we have or other honest and advantageous Circumstances which present themselves unto us as the Apostle Paul did on all occasions But our dependance is to be solely on the Presence and Supplies of our blessed Advocate who will not suffer us to be utterly defective in what is necessary unto the Defence and Justification of our Cause 2 HE is the Advocate for Christ the Church and the Gospel in and by his Communication of Spiritual Gifts both extraordinary and ordinary unto them that do believe For these are things at least in their Effects visible unto the World Where Men are not utterly blinded by Prejudice Love of Sin and of the World they cannot but discern somewhat of a Divine Power in these Supernatural Gifts Wherefore they openly testifie unto the Divine Approbation of the Gospel and the Faith that is in Christ Jesus So the Apostle confirms the Truths that he had preached by this Argument that therewith and thereby or in the confirmation of it the Spirit as unto the Communication of Gifts was received Gal. 3. 2. And herein is he the Churches Advocate justifying their Cause openly and visibly by this Dispensation of his Power towards them and in their behalf But because we have treated separately and at large of the Nature and Use of these Spiritual Gifts I shall not here farther insist on the Consideration of them 3 BY Internal Efficacy in the Dispensation of the Word Herein also is he the Advocate of the Church against the World as is declared John 16. 8 9 10 11. For when he is come he will reprove the World of Sin and of Righteousness and of Judgment Of Sin because they believe not on me Of Righteousness because I go to my Father and ye see me no more Of Judgment because the Prince of this World is judged That which is ascribed unto him with respect unto the World is expressed by the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He shall reprove or convince 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Scripture is used variously Sometimes it is to manifest or bring forth unto Light Eph. 5. 13. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For all things that are reproved or discovered are made manifest by the Light And it hath the same Sence John 3. 20. Sometimes it is to rebuke and reprove 1 Tim. 5. 20. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Those that sin rebuke before all So also Rev. 3. 19. Tit. 1. 13. Sometimes it is so to convince as in that to stop the Mouth of an Adversary that he shall have nothing to answer or reply John 8. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Being convicted by their own Consciences so as not having a Word to reply they deserted their Cause So Tit. 1. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To convince Gainsayers is explained Ver. 11. by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To stop their Mouth namely by the convincing Evidence of Truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is an uncontroulable Evidence or an evident Argument Heb. 11. 1. Wherefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here is by undeniable Argument and Evidence so to convince the World or the Adversaries of Christ and the Gospel as that they shall have nothing to reply This is the Work and Duty of an Advocate who will absolutely vindicate his Client when his Cause will bear it AND the Effect hereof is Two-fold For all Persons upon such an over-powring Conviction take one of these two ways 1 They yield unto the Truth and embrace it as finding no Ground to stand upon in its refusal Or 2 They fly out into desperate Rage and Madness as being obstinate in their Hatred against the Truth and destitute of all Reason to oppose it An Instance of the former way we have in those Jews unto whom Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost Reproving and convincing of them beyond all Contradiction they were pricked in their Hearts and cried out Men and Brethren what shall we do And therewithall came over unto the Faith Acts 2. 37 41. Of the latter we have many Instances in the Dealings of our Saviour with that People For when he had at any time convinced them and stopped their Mouths as to the Cause in hand they called him Beelzebub cried out that he had a Devil took up Stones to throw at him and conspired his Death with all Demonstration of desperate Rage and Madness John 8. 48 58. Chap. 10. 30 31 39. So it was in the case of Stephen and the Testimony he gave unto Christ Acts 7. 56 57 58. And with Paul Acts 22. 22 23. An Instance of Bestial Rage not to be parallel'd in any other Case but in this it hath often fallen out in the World And the same Effects this Work of the Holy Ghost as the Advocate of the Church ever had and still hath upon the World Many being convinced by Him in the Dispensation of the Word are really humbled and converted unto the Faith So God adds daily to the Church such as shall be saved But the generality of the World are enraged by the same Work against Christ the Gospel and those by whom it is dispensed Whilst the Word is preached in a formal manner the World is well enough contented that it should have a quiet Passage among them But where ever the Holy Ghost puts forth a convincing Efficacy in the Dispensation of it the World is enraged by it which is no less an Evidence of the Power of their Conviction than the other is of a better Success THE Subject-matter concerning which the Holy Ghost manageth his Plea by the Word against the World as the Advocate of the Church is referred unto the Three Heads of Sin Righteousness and Judgment Ver. 8. the especial Nature of them being declared Ver. 9 10 11. 1. WHAT Sin it is in particular that the Holy Spirit shall so plead with the World about and convince them of is declared Ver. 9. Of Sin because they believe not in me There are many Sins whereof Men may be convinced by the Light of Nature Rom. 2. 14 15. More that they are reproved for by the Letter of the Law And it is the Work of the Spirit also in general to make these Convictions effectual But these belong not unto the Cause which he hath to plead for the Church against the World nor is that such as any can be brought unto Conviction about by the Light of Nature or Sentence of the Law but it is the Work of the Spirit alone by the Gospel And this in the first place is Unbelief particularly not believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God the promised Messiah and Saviour of the World This he testified concerning himself this his Works evinced him to be and this both Moses and the Prophets bare witness unto Hereon he tells the Jews that if they believed not that he was He that is the
affirmeth that the Care of all the Churches was upon him daily 2 Cor. 11. 28. And it was the Crime of Diotrephes for which he is branded that he opposed the Apostolical Power of John in that Church where probably he was the Teacher 3 John 9 10. But what Power now over all Churches or Authority in all Churches some may fancy or claim to themselves I know not but it were to be wished that Men would reckon that Care and Labour are as extensive in this Case as Power and Authority § 10. AGAIN the Power of this extraordinary Office may be consider'd intensively or formally what it was And this in one Word was All the Power that the Lord Christ hath given or thought meet to make use of for the Edification of the Church I shall give a brief Description of it in some few general Instances 1 It was a Power of administring all the Ordinances of Christ in the way and manner of his Appointment Every Apostle in all places had Power to Preach the Word to Administer the Sacraments to Ordain Elders and to do whatever else belonged unto the Worship of the Gospel But yet they had not Power to do any of these things any otherwise but as the Lord Christ had appointed them to be done They could not Baptize any but Believers and their Seed Acts 8. 36 37 38. Acts 16. 15. They could not Administer the Lord's Supper unto any but the Church and in the Church 1 Cor. 10. 20 22 23 24. Chap. 10. 17. They could not Ordain Elders but by the Suffrage and Election of the People Acts 14. 23. Those indeed who pretend to be their Successors plead for such a Right in themselves unto some if not all Gospel-Administrations as that they may take Liberty to dispose of them at their pleasure by their sole Authority without any regard unto the Rule of all Holy Duties in particular 2 It was a Power of executing all the Laws of Christ with the Penalties annexed unto their Disobedience We have saith the Apostle in a readiness wherewith to revenge all Disobedience 2 Cor. 10. 6. And this principally consisted in the Power of Excommunication or the Judiciary Excision of any Person or Persons from the Society of the Faithful and Visible Body of Christ in the World Now although this Power were absolutely in each Apostle towards all Offenders in every Church whence Paul affirms that he had himself delivered Hymeneus and Alexander unto Satan 1 Tim. 1. 20. Yet did they not exercise this Power without the Concurrence and Consent of the Church from whence an Offender was to be cut off because that was the Mind of Christ and that which the Nature of the Ordinance did require 1 Cor. 5. 3 4 5. 3 Their whole Power was Spiritual and not Carnal It respected the Souls Minds and Consciences of Men alone as it's Object and not their Bodies or Goods or Liberties in this World Those extraordinary Instances of Ananias and Saphira in their suddain Death of Elymas in his Blindness were only miraculous Operations of God in testifying against their Sin and proceeded not from any Apostolical Power in the Discharge of their Office But as unto that kind of Power which now hath devoured all other Appearances of Church Authority and in the Sence of the most is only significant namely to Fine Punish Imprison Banish Kill and Destroy Men and Women Christians Believers Persons of an unblameable useful Conversation with the worst of Carnal Weapons and Savage Cruelty of Mind as they were never intrusted with it nor any thing of the like kind so they have sufficiently manifested how their Holy Souls did abhor the Thoughts of such Antichristian Power and Practices though in others the Mystery of Iniquity began to work in their Days § 11. THE Ministry of the LXX also which the Lord Christ sent forth afterwards to go two and two before his Face into every City and Place whither he himself would come was in like manner Temporary that is it was subservient and commensurate unto his own Personal Ministry in the Flesh Luke 10. 1 2 3. These are commonly called Evangelists from the General Nature of their Work but were not those Extraordinary Officers which were afterwards in the Christian Church under that Title and Appellation But there was some Analogy and Proportion between the one and the other For as these first Seventy seem to have had an Inferiour Work and subordinate unto that of the Twelve in their Ministry unto the Church of the Jews during the time of the Lord Christ his Converse among them so those Evangelists that afterwards were appointed were subordinate unto them in their Evangelical Apostleship And these also as they were immediately called unto their Employment by the Lord Jesus so their Work being Extraordinary they were endued with Extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost as Ver. 9. 17 19. § 12. IN the Gospel Church-state there were Evangelists also as they are mentioned Eph. 4. 11. Acts 21. 2. 2 Tim. 4. 5. Gospellers Preachers of the Gospel distinct from the Ordinary Teachers of the Churches Things I confess are but obscurely delivered concerning this sort of Men in Scripture their Office being not designed unto a Continuance Probably the Institution of it was traduced from the Temporary Ministry of the Seventy before mentioned That they were the same Persons continued in their first Office as the Apostles were is uncertain and improbable though it be not that some of them might be called thereunto as Philip and Timothy and Titus were Evangelists that were not of that first Number Their especial Call is not mentioned nor their Number any where intimated That their Call was Extraordinary is hence apparent in that no Rules are any where given or prescribed about their Choice or Ordination no Qualification of their Persons expressed nor any Direction given the Church as to it 's future Proceeding about them no more than about new or other Apostles They seem to have been called by the Apostles by the Direction of a Sp irit of Prophesie or immediate Revelation from Christ. So it is said of Timothy who is expresly called an Evangelist 2 Tim. 4. 5. That he received that Gift by Prophesie 1 Tim. 4. 14. that is the Gift of the Office As when Christ ascended he gave Gifts unto Men some to be Evangelists Eph. 4. 8 11. For this way did the Holy Ghost design Men unto extraordinary Offices and Employments Acts 13. 1 2 3. And when they were so designed by Prophesie or immediate Revelation from Christ by the Holy Ghost then the Church in Compliance therewith both prayed for them and laid their Hands on them So when the Holy Ghost had revealed his choosing of Paul and Barnabas unto an especial Work the Prophets and Teachers of the Church of Antioch where they then were fasted and prayed and laid their Hands on them so sending them away Acts 13. 14. And when Timothy was called to be
continued by the Will of Christ in the ordinary State and Course of the Chrrch. 2 That there is no need of their Continuance from any Work applied unto them § 16. AND 1. The things that are Essential unto the Office of an Evangelist are unattainable at present unto the Church For where no Command no Rule no Authority no Directions are given for the calling of any Officer there that Office must cease as doth that of the Apostles who could not be called but by Jesus Christ. What is required unto the Call of an Evangelist was before declared And unless it can be manifested either by Institution or Example how any one may be otherwise called unto that Office no such Office can be continued For a Call by Prophesie or Immediate Revelation none now will pretend unto And other Call the Evangelists of Old had none § 17. NOR is there in the Scripture the least mention of the Call or Appointment of any one to be an Ecclesiastical Officer in an Ordinary stated Church but with Relation unto that Church whereof he was or was to be an Officer But an Evangelist as such was not especially related unto any one Church more than another though as the Apostles themselves they might for a time attend unto the Work in one Place or Church rather or more than another Wherefore without a Call from the Holy Ghost either immediate by Prophesie and Revelation or by the Direction of Persons infallibly inspired as the Apostles were none can be called to be Evangelists nor yet to succeed them under any other Name in that Office Wherefore the Primitive Church after the Apostles time never once took upon them to constitute or Ordain an Evangelist as knowing it a thing beyond their Rule and out of their Power Men may invade an Office when they please but unless they be called unto it they must account for their Usurpation And as for those who have erected an Office in the Church or an Episcopacy principally if not solely out of what is ascribed unto these Evangelists namely to Timothy and Titus they may be further attended unto in their Claim when they lay the least Pretence unto the whole of what is ascribed unto them But this doing the Work of an Evangelist is that which few Men care for or delight in only their Power und Authority in a new kind of Mannagery many would willingly possess themselves of § 18. 2. THE Evangelists we read of had extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Spirit without which they could not warrantably undertake their Office This we have manifested before Now these extraordinary Gifts differing not only in Degrees but in Kind from all those of the Ordinary Ministry of the Church are not at present by any pretended unto And if any should make such a Pretence it would be an easie matter to convince them of their Folly But without these Gifts men must content themselves with such Offices in the Church as are stated with respect unto every particular Congregation Acts 14. 23. Chap. 20. 28. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Pet. 5. 1 2. Phil. 1. 1. § 19. SOME indeed seem not satisfied whether to derive their Claim from Timothy and Titus as Evangelists or from the Bishops that were Ordained by them or described unto them But whereas those Bishops were no other but Elders of particular Churches as is evident beyond a modest Denyal from Acts 20. 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Tim. 3. 1 2 8. Tit. 1. 4 5. So certainly they cannot be of both sorts the one being apparently superiour unto the other If they are such Bishops as Titus and Timothy Ordained it is well enough known both what is their Office their Work and their Duty If such as they pretend Timothy and Titus to be they must manifest it in the like Call Gifts and Employment as they had § 20. FOR 3 There are not any now who do pretend unto their Principal Employment by Vertue of Office nor can so do For it is certain that the Principal Work of the Evangelists was to go up and down from one Place and Nation unto another to preach the Gospel unto Jews and Gentiles as yet unconverted and their Commission unto this purpose was as large and extensive as that of the Apostles But who shall now empower any one hereunto What Church what Persons have received Authority to Ordain any one to be such an Evangelist Or what Rules or Directions are given as to their Qualifications Power or Duty or how they should be so ordained It is true those who are ordained Ministers of the Gospel and others also that are the Disciples of Christ may and ought to preach the Gospel to unconverted Persons and Nations as they have opportunity and are particularly guided by the Providence of God But that any Church or Person have Power or Authority to ordain a Person unto this Office and Work cannot be proved § 21. LASTLY The Continuance of the Employment as unto the Settling of new planted Churches is no way necessary For every Church being planted and settled is entrusted with Power for it's own Preservation and continuance in due Order according to the Mind of Christ and is enabled to do all those things in it self which at first were done under the Guidance of the Evangelists nor can any one Instance be given wherein they are defective And where any Church was called and gathered in the Name of Christ which had some things yet wanting unto it's Perfection and Compleat Order which the Evangelists were to finish and settle they did it not but in and by the Power of the Church it self only presiding and directing in the things to be done And if any Churches through their own Default have lost that Order and Power which they were once established in as they shall never want Power in themselves to recover their pristine Estate and Condition who will attend unto their Duty according unto Rule to that purpose So this would rather prove a Necessity of raising up new Evangelists of a new extraordinary Ministry on the Defection of Churches than the continuance of them in the Church rightly stated and settled § 22. Besides these Evangelists there were Prophets also who had a Temporary Extraordinary Ministry in the Church Their grant from Christ or Institution in the Church is mentioned 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 11. and the Exercise of their Ministry is declared Acts 13. 1. But the Names of Prophets and Prophesie are used variously in the New Testament For sometimes an Extraordinary Office and Extraordinary Gifts are signified by them and sometimes Extraordinary Gifts only sometimes an Ordinary Office with Ordinary Gifts and sometimes Ordinary Gifts only And unto one of these Heads may the use of the word be every where reduced In the places mentioned Extraordinary Officers endued with Extraordinary Gifts are intended For they are said to be set in the Church and are placed in the second Rank of Officers next to the
wary or less able on any account to make a right Judgment between those who were really endowed with extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit and those who falsly pretended thereunto For these Persons received this Gift and were placed in the Church for this very End that they might guide and help them in making a right Judgment in this matter And whereas the Communication of these Gifts is ceased and consequently all Pretences unto them unless by some Persons Phrenetical and Enthusiastical whose Madness is manifest to all there is no need of the Continuance of this Gift of Discerning of Spirits that standing Infallible Rule of the Word and ordinary Assistance of the Spirit being every way sufficient for our Preservation in the Truth unless we give up our selves to the Conduct of corrupt Lusts Pride Self-conceit Carnal Interest Passions and Temptations which Ruine the Souls of Men. § 22. THE two Spiritual Gifts here remaining are Speaking with Tongues and their Interpretation The first Communication of this Gift of Tongues unto the Apostles is particularly described Acts 2. 1 2 3 4 c. And although they were at that time endued with all other Gifts of the Holy Ghost called Power from Above Acts 1. 8. yet was this Gift of Tongues signalized by the Visible Pledge of it the joynt Participation of the same Gift by all and the Notoriety of the matter thereon as in that place of the Acts is at large described And God seems to have laid the Foundation of Preaching the Gospel in this Gift for two Reasons 1 To signify that the Grace and Mercy of the Covenant was now no longer to be confined unto one Nation Language or People but to be extended unto all Nations Tongues and Languages of People under Heaven 2 To testifie by what means he would subdue the Souls and Consciences of Men unto the Obedience of Christ and the Gospel and by what means he would maintain his Kingdom in the World Now this was not by Force and Might by external Power or Armies but by the Preaching of the Word whereof the Tongue is the only Instrument And the outward Sign of this Gift in Tongues of Fire evidenced the Light and Efficacy wherewith the Holy Ghost designed to accompany the Dispensation of the Gospel Wherefore although this Gift began with the Apostles yet was it afterwards very much diffused unto the Generality of them that did believe See Acts 10. 46. Chap. 19. 6. 1 Cor. 14. And some few things we may observe concerning this Gift As 1 The especial matter that was expressed by this Gift seems to have been the Praises of God for his wonderful Works of Grace by Christ. Although I doubt not but that the Apostles were enabled by vertue of this Gift to declare the Gospel unto any People unto whom they came in their own Language yet ordinarily they did not Preach nor Instruct the People by Vertue of this Gift but only spake forth the Praises of God to the Admiration and Astonishment of them who were yet Strangers to the Faith So when they first received the Gift they were heard speaking the wonderful Works of God Acts 2. 11. And the Gentiles who first believed spake with Tongues and magnified God Acts 10. 46. 2 These Tongues were so given for a Sign unto them that believed not 1 Cor. 14. 22. that sometimes those that spake with Tongues understood not the Sence and Meaning of the Words delivered by themselves nor were they understood by the Church it self wherein they were uttered 1 Cor. 14. 6 7 8 9 10. c. But this I suppose was only sometimes and that it may be mostly when this Gift was unnecessarily used For I doubt not but the Apostles understood full well the things delivered by themselves in divers Tongues And all who had this Gift though they might not apprehend the meaning of what themselves spake and uttered yet were so absolutely in the Exercise of it under the Conduct of the Holy Spirit that they neither did nor could speak any thing by vertue thereof but what was according unto the Mind of God and tended unto his Praise 1 Cor. 14. 2. 14 17. 3 Although this Gift were excellent in it self and singularly effectual in the Propagation of the Gospel unto Unbelievers yet in the Assemblies of the Church it was of little or no Use but only with respect unto the things themselves that were uttered For as to the principal End of it to be a Sign unto Unbelievers it was finished and accomplished towards them so as they had no farther need nor use of it But now whereas many Unbelievers came occasionally into the Assemblies of the Church especially at some freer Seasons for whose Conviction the Holy Ghost would for a Season continue this Gift among Believers that the Church might not be disadvantaged thereby he added the other Gift here mentioned namely The Interpretation of Tongues He endowed either those Persons themselves who spake with Tongues or some others in the same Assembly with an Ability to interpret and declare to the Church the things that were spoken and uttered in that miraculous manner which is the last Gift here mentioned But the Nature Use and Abuse of these Gifts is so largely and distinctly spoken unto by the Apostle 1 Cor. 14. that as I need not insist on them so I cannot fully do it without an entire Exposition of that whole Chapter which the Nature of my Design will not permit CHAP. V. The Original Duration Use and End of Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts § 1. THIS Summary Account doth the Apostle give of these Extraordinary Gifts of the Holy Ghost which then flourished in the Church and were the Life of it's extraordinary Ministry It may be mention may occur of some such Gifts under other Names but they are such as may be reduced unto some one of those here expressed Wherefore this may be admitted as a perfect Catalogue of them and comprehensive of that Power from Above which the Lord Christ promised unto his Apostles and Disciples upon his Ascension into Heaven Acts 1. 8. For he ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things Ephes. 4. 10. that is the Church with Officers and Gifts unto the Perfection of the Saints by the Work of the Ministry and the Edification of his Body Ver. 11. For being by the Right Hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost he shed forth or abundantly poured out these things whereof we speak Acts 2. 33. And as they were the great Evidence of his Acceptation with God and Exaltation seeing in them the Spirit convinced the World of Sin Righteousness and Judgment so they were the great means whereby he carried on his Work amongst Men as shall afterwards be declared § 2. THERE was no certain limited Time for the Cessation of these Gifts Those peculiar unto the Apostles were commensurate unto their Lives None after their Decease had
A Ministry without Gifts is no Ministry of Christ's giving nor is of any other Use in the Church but to deceive the Souls of Men. To set up such a Ministry is both to despise Christ and utterly to frustrate the ends of the Ministry those for which Christ gave it and which are here expressed For 1 Ministerial Gifts and Graces are the great Evidence that the Lord Christ takes care of his Church and provides for it as called into the Order and into the Duties of a Church To set up a Ministry which may be continued by outward Forms and Orders of Men only without any Communication of Gifts from Christ is to despise his Authority and Care Neither is it his Mind that any Church should continue in Order any longer or otherwise than as he bestows these Gifts for the Ministry 2 That these Gifts are the only Means and Instruments whereby the Work of the Ministry may be performed and the End of the Ministry attained shall be farther declared immediately The Ends of the Ministry here mentioned called it's Work are the perfecting of the Saints and the Edifying of the Body of Christ untill we all come unto a perfect Man Hereof nothing at all can be done without these Spiritual Gifts And therefore a Ministry devoid of them is a Mock-ministry and no Ordinance of Christ. § 8. 5. THE Eminency of this Gift appears in the Variety and Diversity of the Offices and Officers which Christ gave in giving of the Ministry He knew there would and had appointed there should be a two-fold Estate of the Church ver 10. 1 Of it's first Election and Foundation 2 Of it's Building and Edification and different both Offices and Gifts were necessary unto these different States For 1 Two things were extraordinary in the first Erection of his Church 1 An extraordinary Aggression was to be made upon the Kingdom of Sathan in the World as upheld by all the Potentates of the Earth the concurrent Suffrage of Mankind with the Interest of Sin and Prejudices in them 2 The casting of Men into a new Order under a new Rule and Law for the Worship of God that is the planting and erecting of Churches all the World over With respect unto these Ends extraordinary Officers with extraordinary Authority Power and Abilities were requisite Unto this end therefore he gave some Apostles some Prophets and some Evangelists of the Nature of whose Offices and their Gifts we have spoken before I shall here only add that it was necessary that these Officers should have their immediate Call and Authority from Christ antecedent unto all Order and Power in the Church For the very Being of the Church depended on their Power of Office But this without such an immediate Power from Christ no Man can pretend unto And what was done originally by their Persons is now done by their Word and Doctrine For the Church is built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Corner-stone Eph. 2. 20. 2ly There was a state of the Church in it's Edification which was to be carried on according to the Rules and Laws given by Christ in the ordinary Administration of all the Ordinances and Institutions of the Gospel To this end Christ gives ordinary Officers Pastors and Teachers who by his Direction were ordained in every Church Acts 14. 23 24. And these are all the Teaching Officers that he hath given unto his Church Or if any shall think that in the Enumeration of them in this place as also 1 Cor. 12. our Apostle forgot Popes and Diocesan Bishops with some others who certainly cannot but laugh to themselves that they should be admitted in the World as Church-Officers he must speak for himself § 9. BUT whereas the other sort of Officers was given by Christ by his immediate Call and Communication of Power unto them it doth not appear how he gives these ordinary Officers or Ministers unto it I answer He did it originally and continueth to do it by the ways and means ensuing 1 He doth it by the Law and Rule of the Gospel wherein he hath appointed this Office of the Ministry in his Church and so always to be continued Were there not such a standing Ordinance and Institution of his it were not in the Power of all the Churches in the World to appoint any such among them whatever appearance there may be of a Necessity thereof And if any should have attempted any such thing no Blessing from God would have accompanied their Endeavour so that they would but set up an Idol of their own Hereon we lay the continuance of the Ministry in the Church If there be not an Ordinance and Institution of Christ unto this purpose or if such being granted yet the Force of it be now expired we must and will readily confess that the whole Office is a meer Usurpation But if he have given Pastors and Teachers unto his Church to continue until all his Saints in all Ages come unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the Stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes. 4. 11 12 13. and hath promised to be with them as such unto the consummation of all things Matth. 28. 18 19 20. If the Apostles by his Authority Ordained Elders in evry Church and City Acts 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. and who therein were made Overseers of the Flocks by the Holy Ghost Acts 20. 28. having the charge of feeding and overseeing the Flock that is among them always until the chief Shepherd shall appear 1 Pet. 5. 1 2 3 4 5. If Believers or the Disciples of Christ are obliged by him always to yield Obedience unto them Heb. 13. 7 17. with other such plain Declarations of the Will of the Lord Christ in the Constitution and Continuance of this Office this Foundation standeth firm and unshaken as the Ordinances of Heaven that shall not be changed And whereas there is not in the Scripture the least Intimation of any such Time State or Condition of the Church as wherein the Disciples of Christ may or ought to live from under the orderly Conduct and Guidance of the Ministers it is vain to imagine that any Defect in other Men any Apostasie of the greatest part of any or all Visible Churches should cast them into an Incapacity of erecting a regular Ministry among them and over them For whereas the Warranty and Authority of the Ministry depends on this Institution of Christ which is accompanied with a Command for it's Observance Matth. 28. 18. all his Disciples being obliged to yield Obedience thereunto their doing so in the Order and Manner also by him approved is sufficient to constitute a lawful Ministry among them To suppose that because the Church of Rome and those adhering unto it have by their Apostasie utterly lost an Evangelical Ministry among them that therefore others unto whom the Word of God is come and hath been effectual unto their Conversion have not sufficient
is as pleadable against them who pretend to exercise the Rule and Power of his present Kingdom after the manner of the Potestative Administrations of the World When our Saviour forbad all Rule unto his Disciples after the manner of the Gentiles who then possessed all Sovereign Power in the World and told them that it should not be so with them that some should be great and exercise Dominion over others but that they should serve one another in Love the greatest Condescention unto Service being required of them who are otherwise most eminent he did not intend to take from them or divest them of that Spiritual Power and Authority in the Government of the Church which he intended to commit unto them His Design therefore was to declare what that Authority was not and how it should not be exercised A Lordly or Despotical Power it was not to be nor was it to be exercised by Penal Laws Courts and Coercive Jurisdiction which was the way of the Administration of all Power among the Gentiles And if that kind of Power and Rule in the Church which is for the most part exercised in the World be not forbidden by our Saviour no Man living can tell what is so For as to Meekness Moderation Patience Equity Righteousness they were more easie to be found in the Legal Administrations of Power among the Gentiles than in these used in many Churches But such a Rule is signified unto them the Authority whereof from whence it proceedeth was Spiritual its Object the Minds and Souls of Men only and the way of whose Administration was to consist in an humble holy Spiritual Application of the Word of God or Rules of the Gospel unto them 2 The End of this Rule is meerly and solely the Edification of the Church All the Power that the Apostles themselves had either in or over the Church was but unto their Edification 2 Cor. 10. 8. And the Edification of the Church consists in the Encrease of Faith and Obedience in all the Members thereof in the subduing and mortifying of Sin in Fruitfulness in good Works in the Confirmation and Consolation of them that stand in the raising up them that are fallen and the recovery of them that wander in the Growth and Flourishing of mutual Love and Peace and whatever Rule is exercised in the Church unto any other end is Foreign to the Gospel and tends only to the Destruction of the Church it self 3 In the way and manner of the Administration of this Rule and Government two things may be considered 1 What is internal in the Qualifications of the Minds of them by whom it is to be exercised Such are Wisdom Diligence Love Meekness Patience and the like Evangelical Endowments 2 What is external or what is the outward Rule of it and this is the Word and Law of Christ alone as we have elsewhere declared § 9. FROM these things it may appear what is the Nature in general of that Skill in the Rule of the Church which we assert to be a peculiar Gift of the Holy Ghost If it were only an Ability or Skill in the Canon or Civil Law or Rules of Men if only an Acquaintance with the Nature and Course of some Courts proceeding litigiously by Citations Processes Legal Pleadings issuing in Pecuniary Mulcts outward Coercions or Imprisonments I should willingly acknowledge that there is no peculiar Gift of the Spirit of God required thereunto But the Nature of it being as we have declared it is impossible it should be exercised aright without the especial Assistance of the Holy Ghost Is any Man of himself sufficient for these things Will any Man undertake of himself to know the mind of Christ in all the occasions of the Church and to adminster the Power of Christ in them and about them Wherefore the Apostle in many places teacheth that Wisdom Skill and Understanding to administer the Authority of Christ in the Church unto its Edification with Faithfulness and Diligence are an especial Gift of the Holy Ghost Rom. 12. 6 8. 1 Cor. 12. 28. It is the Holy Ghost which makes the Elders of the Church it's Bishops or Overseers by calling them to their Office Acts 20. 28. And what he calls any Man unto that he furnisheth him with Abilities for the Discharge of And so have we given a brief Account of these Ordinary Gifts which the Holy Ghost communicates unto the constant Ministry of the Church and will do so unto the Consummation of all things having moreover in our Passage manifested the Dependance of the Ministry on this Work of his so that we need no Addition of Pains to demonstrate that where he goeth not before in the Communication of them no outward Order Call or Constitution is sufficient to make any one a Minister of the Gospel § 10 THERE are Gifts which respect Duties only Such are those which the Holy Ghost continues to communicate unto all the Members of the Church in a great Variety of Degrees according to the Places and Conditions which they are in unto their own and the Churches Edification There is no need that we should insist upon them in particular seeing they are of the same nature with them which are continued unto the Ministers of the Church who are required to excell in them so as to be able to go before the whole Church in their Exercise The Spirit of the Gospel was promised by Christ unto all his Disciples unto all Believers unto the whole Church and not unto the Guides of it only To them he is so in an especial manner with respect unto their Office Power and Duty but not absolutely or only As he is the Spirit of Grace he quickens animates and unites the whole Body of the Church and all the Members of it in and unto Christ Jesus 1 Cor. 12. 12 13. And as he is the Administrator of all Supernatural Gifts he furnisheth the whole Body and all it's Members with Spiritual Abilities unto it's Edification Ephes. 4. 15 16. Col. 2. 19. And without them in some measure or degree ordinarily we are not able to discharge our Duty unto the Glory of God For § 11. 1. THESE Gifts are a great means and help to excite and exercise Grace it self without which it will be lifeless and apt to decay Men grow in Grace by the due exercise of their own Gifts in Duties Wherefore every individual Person on his own account doth stand in need of them with respect unto the exercise and improvement of Grace Zech. 12. 10. 2 Most Men have it may be such Duties incumbent on them with respect unto others as they cannot discharge aright without the especial Aid of the Spirit of God in this kind So is it with all them who have Families to take care of and provide for For ordinarily they are bound to instruct their Children and Servants in the Knowledge of the Lord and to go before them in that Worship which God requires of
with undeniable Efficacy but his Assumption into Heaven testified unto his Person with an astonishing Glory 2. IT was necessary with respect unto the Humane Nature it self that after all its Labours and Sufferings it might be crowned with Honour and Glory He was to suffer and enter into his Glory Luk. 24 26. Some dispute whether Christ in his Humane Nature merited any thing for himself or no but not to immix our selves in the Niceties of that Enquiry it is unquestionable that the highest Glory was due to him upon his accomplishment of the Work committed unto him in this World which he therefore lays claim to accordingly Joh. 17. 4 5. It was so 3. WITH respect unto the Glorious Administration of his Kingdom For as his Kingdom is not of this World so it is not only over this World or the whole Creation here below The Angels of Glory those Principalities and Powers above are subject unto him and belong unto his Dominion Eph. 1. 21. Phil. 2. 9 10. Among them attended with their ready Service and Obedience unto all his Commands doth he exercise the Powers of his glorious Kingdom And they would but degrade Him from his Glory without the least Advantage unto themselves who would have him forsake his high and glorious Throne in Heaven to come and reign among them on the Earth unless they suppose themselves more meet Attendants on his Regal Dignity than the Angels themselves who are mighty in Strength and Glory SECONDLY The Presence of the Humane Nature of Christ in Heaven was necessary with respect unto Us. The Remainder of his Work with God on our behalf was to be carried on by Intercession Heb. 7. 26 27. And whereas this Intercession consisteth in the Vertual Representation of his Oblation or of himself as a Lamb slain in Sacrifice it could not be done without his continual Appearing in the Presence of God Heb. 9. 24. The other Part of the Work of Christ respects the Church or Believers as its immediate Object So in particular doth his comforting and supporting of them This is that Work which in a peculiar manner is committed and entrusted unto the Holy Spirit after the Departure of the Humane Nature of Christ into Heaven But two things are to be observed concerning it 1. That whereas this whole Work consisteth in the Communication of Spiritual Light Grace and Joy to the Souls of Believers it was no less the immediate Work of the Holy Ghost whilst the Lord Christ was upon the Earth than it is now he is absent in Heaven Only during the time of his Conversation here below in the days of his Flesh his holy Disciples looked on him as the only Spring and Foundation of all their Consolation their only Support Guide and Protector as they had just Cause to do They had yet no insight into the Mystery of the Dispensation of the Spirit nor was he yet so given or poured out as to evidence himself and his Operation unto their Souls Wherefore they looked on themselves as utterly undone when their Lord and Master began to acquaint them with his leaving of them No sooner did he tell them of it but Sorrow filled their Hearts Joh. 16. 6. Wherefore he immediately lets them know that this great Work of relieving them from all their Sorrows and Fears of dispelling their Disconsolations and supporting them under their Trouble was committed to the Holy Ghost and would by him be performed in so eminent a manner as that his Departure from them would be unto their Advantage Ver. 7. Wherefore the Holy Spirit did not then first begin really and effectually to be the Comforter of Believers upon the Departure of Christ from his Disciples but he is then first promised so to be upon a double Account 1. Of the Fall Declaration and Manifestation of it So things are often said in the Scripture then to be when they do appear and are made manifest An eminent lustance hereof we have in this Case John 7. 38 39. The Disciples had hitherto looked for all immediately from Christ in the Flesh the Dispensation of the Spirit being hid from them But now this also was to be manifested unto them Hence the Apostle affirms that though we have known Christ after the flesh yet henceforth we know him no more 2 Cor. 1. 16. That is so as to look for Grace and Consolation immediately from him in the Flesh as it is evident the Apostles did before they were instructed in this unknown Office of the Holy Ghost 2. Of the full Exhibition and eminent Communication of Him unto this End This in every kind was reserved for the Exaltation of Christ when he received the Promise of the Spirit from the Father and poured it out upon his Disciples 2. THE Lord Christ doth not hereby cease to be the Comforter of his Church For what he doth by his Spirit he doth by himself He is with us unto the end of the World by his Spirit being with us and he dwelleth in us by the Spirit dwelling in us and whatever else is done by the Spirit is done by him And it is so upon a Three-fold Account For 1 The Lord Christ as Mediator is God and Man in One Person and the Divine Nature is to be consider'd in all his Mediatory Operations For he who worketh them is God and he worketh them all as God-Man whence they are Theandrical And this is proposed unto us in the greatest Acts of his Humiliation which the Divine Nature in it self is not formally capable of So God redeemed his Church with his own Blood Acts 20. 28. Inasmuch as he who was in the form of God and thought it no Robbery to be equal with God humbled himself and became obedient unto Death the Death of the Cross Phil. 2. 6 7 8. Now in this respect the Lord Christ and the Holy Spirit are one in Nature Essence Will and Power As he said of the Father I and my Father are one John 10. 30. So it is with the Spirit he and the Spirit are One. Hence all the Works of the Holy Spirit are his also as his Works were the Works of the Father and the Works of the Father were his All the Operations of the Holy Trinity as to things external unto their Divine Subsistence being individed So is the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Consolation of the Church his Work also 2 BECAUSE the Holy Spirit in this Condescention unto Office acts for Christ and in his Name So the Son acted for and in the Name of the Father where he every where ascribed what he did unto the Father in a peculiar manner The Word saith he which you hear is not mine but the Fathers which sent me John 14. 24. It is his originally and eminently because as spoken by the Lord Christ he was said by him to speak it So are those Acts of the Spirit whereby he comforteth Believers the Acts of Christ because the Spirit speaketh and acteth for
his Office so to do CHAP. II. General Adjuncts or Properties of the Office of a Comforter as exercised by the Holy Spirit TO evidence yet further the Nature of this Office and Work we may consider and enquire into the general Adjuncts of it as exercised by the Holy Spirit And they are Four FIRST Infinite Condescention This is among those Mysteries of the Divine Dispensation which we may admire but cannot comprehend And it is the Property of Faith alone to act and live upon incomprehensible Objects What Reason cannot comprehend it will neglect as that which it hath no concernment in nor can have Benefit by Faith is most satisfied and cherished with what is infinite and inconceivable as resting absolutely in Divine Revelation Such is this Condescention of the Holy Ghost He is by Nature over all God blessed for ever And it is a Condescention in the Divine Excellency to concern it self in a particular manner in any Creature whatever God humbleth himself to behold the things that are done in Heaven and in Earth Psal. 113. 5 6. How much more doth he do so in submitting himself unto the Discharge of an Office in the behalf of poor Worms here below THIS I confess is most astonishing and attended with the most incomprehensible Rays of Divine Wisdom and Goodness in the Condescention of the Son For he carried the Term of it unto the lowest and most abject Condition that a rational intelligent Nature is capable of So is it represented by the Apostle Phil. 2. 6 7 8. For he not only took our Nature into Personal Union with himself but became in it in his outward Condition as a Servant yea as a Worm and no Man a Reproach of Men and despised of the People and became subject to Death the Ignominious shameful Death of the Cross. Hence this Dispensation of God was filled up with Infinite Wisdom Goodness and Grace How this Exinanition of the Son of God was compensated with the Glory that did ensue we shall rejoyce in the Contemplation of unto all Eternity And then shall the Character of all Divine Excellencies be more gloriously conspicuous on this Condescention of the Son of God than ever they were on the Works of the whole Creation when this Goodly Fabrick of Heaven and Earth was brought by Divine Power and Wisdom through Darkness and Confusion out of nothing THE Condescention of the Holy Spirit unto his Work and Office is not indeed of the same kind as to the Terminus ad quem or the Object of it He assumes not our Nature he exposeth not himself unto the Injuries of an outward State and Condition But yet it is such as is more to be the Object of our Faith in Adoration than of our Reason in Disquisition Consider the thing in it self how one Person in the Holy Trinity subsisting in the Unity of the same Divine Nature should undertake to execute the Love and Grace of the other Persons and in their Names What do we understand of it This Holy Oeconomy in the distinct and subordinate Actings of the Divine Persons in these external Works is known only unto is understood only by themselves Our Wisdom it is to acquiesce in express Divine Revelation Nor have they scarcely more dangerously erred by whom these things are denyed than those have done who by a proud and conceited Subtilty of Mind pretend unto a Conception of them which they express in Words and Terms as they say precise and accurate indeed foolish and curious whether of other Men's coyning or their own finding out Faith keeps the Soul at an Holy Distance from these infinite Depths of the Divine Wisdom where it profits more by Reverence and Holy Fear than any can do by their utmost Attempt to draw nigh unto that inaccessable Light wherein these Glories of the Divine Nature do dwell BUT we may more steddily consider this Condescention with respect unto its Object the Holy Spirit thereby becomes a Comforter unto us poor miserable Worms of the Earth And what Heart can conceive the Glory of this Grace What Tongue can express it Especially will its Eminency appear if we consider the Ways and Means whereby he doth so comfort us and the Opposition from us which he meets withal therein whereof we must treat afterwards SECONDLY Unspeakable Love accompanieth the Susception and Discharge of this Office and that working by Tenderness and Compassion The Holy Spirit is said to be the Divine Eternal mutual Love of the Father and the Son And although I know that much Wariness is to be used in the Declaration of those Mysteries nor are Expressions concerning them to be ventured on not warranted by the Letter of the Scripture yet I judge that this Notion doth excellently express if not the distinct manner of Subsistence yet the mutual internal Operation of the Persons of the Blessed Trinity For we have no Term for nor Notion of that inessable Complacence and eternal Rest which is therein beyond this of Love Hence it is said that God is Love 1 John 4. 8 16. It doth not seem to be an essential Property of the Nature of God only that the Apostle doth intend For it is proposed unto us as a Motive unto mutual Love among our selves And this consists not simply in the Habit or Affection of Love but in the Actings of it in all its Fruits and Duties For so is God Love as that the Internal Actings of the Holy Persons which are in and by the Spirit are all the ineffable Actings of Love wherein the Nature of the Holy Spirit is expressed unto us The Apostle prays for the Presence of the Spirit with the Corinthians under the Name of the God of Love and Peace 2 Epist. 13. 11. And the Communication of the whole Love of God unto us is committed unto the Spirit for the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us Rom. 5. And hence the same Apostle distinctly mentioneth the Love of the Spirit conjoyning it with all the Effects of the Mediation of Christ Rom. 15. 30. I beseech you Brethren for the Lord Jesus Christ his sake and for the Love of the Spirit I do so on the Account of the respect you have unto Christ and all that he hath done for you which is a Motive irresistible unto Believers I do it also for the Love of the Spirit all that Love which he acts and communicates unto you Wherefore in all the Actings of the Holy Ghost towards us and especially in this of his Susception of an Office in the behalf of the Church which is the Foundation of them all his Love is principally to be considered and that he chuseth this way of acting and working towards us to express his peculiar personal Character as he is the Eternal Love of the Father and the Son And among all his Actings towards us which are all Acts of Love this is most conspicuous in those wherein he is a
and Corruption Wherefore whatever First-Fruits we may enjoy yet can we not enter into the actual Possession of the whole Inheritance untill not only our Souls are delivered from all Sins and Temptations but our Bodies also are rescued out of the Dust of the Grave This is the full Redemption of the Purchased Possession whence it is signally called the Redemption of the Body Rom. 8. 23. THUS as the Lord Christ himself was made Heir of all things by that Communication of the Spirit unto him whereby he was anointed unto his Office so the participation of the same Spirit from him and by him makes us Coheirs with him and so he is an Earnest given us of God of the future Inheritance It belongs not unto my present purpose to declare the Nature of that Inheritance whereof the Holy Spirit is the Earnest In brief it is the highest Participation with Christ in that Glory and Honour that our Natures are capable of AND in like manner we are said to receive 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 8. 23. That is the Spirit himself as the First Fruits of our Spiritual and Eternal Redemption God had appointed that the First Fruits which are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should be a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Offering unto himself Hereunto 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 answereth and is taken generally for that which is first in any kind Rom. 16. 5. 1 Cor. 15. 20. Jam. 1. 18. Rev. 14. 4. And the First Fruits of the Spirit must be either what he first worketh in us or all his Fruits in us with respect unto the full Harvest that is to come or the Spirit himself as the Beginning and Pledge of Future Glory And the latter of these is intended in this place For the Apostle discourseth about the Liberty of the whole Creation from that slate of Bondage whereunto all things were subjected by Sin With respect hereunto he saith that Believers themselves having not as yet obtained a full Deliverance as he had expressed it Chap. 7. 24. do groan after it's perfect Accomplishment But yet saith he we have the Beginning of it the First Fruits of it in the Communication of the Spirit unto us For where the Spirit of God is there is Liberty 2 Cor. 3. 17. For although we are not capable of the full and perfect Estate of the Liberty provided for the Children of God whilst we are in this World conflicting with the Remainders of Sin pressed and exercised with Temptations our Bodies also being subject unto Death and Corruption yet where the Spirit of God is where we have that First Fruit of the Fulness of our Redemption there is Liberty in the real Beginning of it and assured Consolation because it shall be consummated in the appointed Season THESE are some of the Spiritual Benefits and Priviledges which Believers enjoy by a Participation of the Holy Ghost as the promised Comforter of the Church These things he is unto them and as unto all other things belonging unto their Consolation he works them in them which we must in the next place enquire into Only something we may take notice of from what we have already insisted on As 1 That all Evangelical Priviledges whereof Believers are made Partakers in this World do center in the Person of the Holy Spirit He is the great Promise that Christ hath made unto his Disciples the great Legacy which he hath bequeathed unto them The Grant made unto him by the Father when he had done all his Will and fulfilled all Righteousness and exalted the Glory of his Holiness Wisdom and Grace was this of the Holy Spirit to be communicated by him unto the Church This he received of the Father as the Complement of his Reward wherein he saw of the Travail of his Soul and was satisfied This Spirit he now gives unto Believers and no Tongue can express the Benefits which they receive thereby Therein are they anointed and sealed therein do they receive the Earnest and First Fruits of Immortality and Glory In a Word therein are they taken into a Participation with Christ himself in all his Honour and Glory Hereby is their Condition rendred honourable safe comfortable and the whole Inheritance is unchangeably secured unto them In this one Priviledge therefore of receiving the Spirit are all others enwrapped For 2 No one way or thing or Similitude can express or represent the greatness of this Priviledge It is Anointing it is Seallng it is an Earnest and First Fruit every thing whereby the Love of God and the blessed Security of our Condition may be expressed or intimated unto us For what greater Pledge can we have of the Love and Favour of God What greater Dignity can we be made Partakers of What greater Assurance of a future blessed Condition than that God hath given us of his Holy Spirit And 3 Hence also is it manifest how abundantly willing he is that the Heirs of Promise should receive strong Consolation in all their Distresses when they fly for Refuge unto the Hope that is set before them The End of the First Part. A DISCOURSE OF Spiritual Gifts BEING The SECOND PART OF THE Work of the Holy Spirit IN WHICH These Particulars are distinctly handled in the following Chapters Chap. I. Spiritual Gifts their Names and Significations Chap. II. Differences between Spiritual Gifts and Saving Graces Chap. III. Of Gifts and Offices Extraordinary and First of Offices Chap. IV. Of Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts Chap. V. Of the Original Duration Use and End of Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts Chap. VI. Of Ordinary Gifts of the Spirit the Grant Institution Use Benefit and End of the Ministry Chap. VII Of Spiritual Gifts enabling the Ministry to the Exercise and Discharge of their Trust and Office Chap. VIII Of the Gifts of the Spirit with respect unto Doctrine Rule and Worship How attained and improved By the late Reverend JOHN OWEN D. D. London Printed for William Marshall at the Bible in Newgate Street 1693. OF Spiritual Gifts PART II. CHAP. I. Spiritual Gifts their Names and Significations § 1. THE Second part of the Dispensation of the Spirit in order unto the perfecting of the New Creation or the Edification of the Church consists in his communication of Spiritual Gifts unto the Members of it according as their places and stations therein do require By his Work of Saving Grace which in other Discourses we have given a large account of he makes all the Elect Living Stones and by his communication of Spiritual Gifts he fashions and builds those Stones into a Temple for the Living God to dwell in He spiritually unites them into one Mystical Body under the Lord Christ as an Head of Influence by Faith and Love and he unites them into an Organical Body under the Lord Christ as an Head of Rule by Gifts and Spiritual Abilities Their Nature is made one and the same by Grace their Use is various by Gifts Every one is a
part of the Body of Christ of the Essence of it by the same quickning animating Spirit of Grace but one is an Eye another an Hand another a Foot in the Body by vertue of peculiar Gifts For unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ Eph. 4. 7. § 2. THESE Gifts are not saving sanctifying Graces those were not so in themselves which made the most glorious and astonishing appearance in the World and which were most eminently useful in the Foundation of the Church and propagation of the Gospel Such as were those that were Extraordinary and Miraculous There is something of the Divine Nature in the least Grace that is not in the most glorious Gift which is only so It will therefore be part of our work to shew wherein the Essential Difference between these Gifts and sanctifying Graces doth consist as also what is their Nature and Use must be enquired into For although they are not Grace yet they are that without which the Church cannot subsist in the World nor can Believers be useful unto one another and the rest of Mankind unto the Glory of Christ as they ought to be They are the powers of the World to come those effectual Operations of the power of Christ whereby his Kingdom was Erected and is preserved § 3. AND hereby is the Church state under the New Testament differenced from that under the Old There is indeed a great Difference between their Ordinances and ours theirs being suited unto the dark apprehensions which they had of Spiritual things ours accommodated unto the clearer Light of the Gospel more plainly and expresly representing Heavenly things unto us Heb. 10. 1. But our Ordinances with their Spirit would be carnal also The principal Difference lyes in the Administration of the Spirit for the due performance of Gospel Worship by vertue of these Gifts bestowed on Men for that very End Hence the whole of Evangelical Worship is called the Ministration of the Spirit and thence said to be glorious 2 Cor. 3. 8. And where they are neglected I see not the Advantage of the outward Worship and Ordinances of the Gospel above those of the Law For although their Institutions are accommodated unto that Administration of Grace and Truth which came by Jesus Christ yet they must lose their whole Glory Force and Efficacy if they be not dispensed and the Duties of them performed by vertue of these spiritual Gifts And therefore no sort of Men by whom they are neglected do or can content themselves with the pure and immixed Gospel Institutions in these things but do rest principally in the outward part of Divine Service in things of their own finding out For as Gospel Gifts are useless without attending unto Gospel Institutions so Gospel Institutions are found to be fruitless and unsatisfactory without the attaining and exercising of Gospel Gifts § 4. BE it so therefore that these Gifts we intend are not in themselves saving Graces yet are they not to be despised For they are as we shall shew The powers of the World to come by means whereof the Kingdom of Christ is preserved carried on and propagated in the World And although they are not Grace yet are they the great means whereby all Grace is ingenerated and exercised And although the spiritual Life of the Church doth not consist in them yet the Order and Edification of the Church depends wholly on them And therefore are they so frequently mentioned in the Scripture as the great priviledge of the New Testament Directions being multiplyed in the Writings of the Apostles about their nature and proper use And we are commanded earnestly to desire and labour after them especially those which are most useful and subservient unto Edification 1 Cor. 12. 31. And as the neglect of Internal saving Grace wherein the power of Godliness doth consist hath been the Bane of Christian Profession as to Obedience issuing in that Form of it which is consistent with all manner of Lusts so the neglect of these Gifts hath been the Ruin of the same Profession as to Worship and Order which hath thereon issued in fond Superstition § 5. THE great and signal promise of the Communication of these Gifts is recorded Psal. 68. 18. Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led Captivity Captive thou hast received Gifts for Men. For these words are applyed by the Apostle unto that Communication of spiritual Gifts from Christ whereby the Church was founded and edified Ephes. 4. 8. And whereas it is foretold in the Psalm that Christ should receive Gifts that is to give them unto Men as that Expression is Expounded by the Apostle so he did this by receiving of the Spirit the proper cause and immodiate Author of them all as Peter declares Acts 2. 23. Therefore being by the Right Hand of God exalted and having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Ghost he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear speaking of the miraculous Gifts conferred on the Aposties at the Day of Pentecost For these Gifts are from Christ not as God absolutely but as Mediator in which Capacity he received all from the Father in a way of free Donation Thus therefore he received the Spirit as the Author of all spiritual Gifts And whereas all the powers of the World to come consisted in them and the whole work of the Building and Propagation of the Church depended on them the Apostles after all the Instructions they had received from Christ whilst he conversed with them in the Days of his Flesh and also after his Resurrection were commanded not to go about the great work which they had received Commission for until they had received power by the coming of the Holy Ghost upon them in the Communication of those Gifts Acts 1. 4 8. And as they neither might nor could do any thing in their peculiar work as to the laying of the Foundation of the Christian Church until they had actually received those extraordinary Gifts which gave them power so to do so if those who undertake in any Place Degree or Office to carry on the Edification of the Church do not receive those more ordinary Gifts which are continued unto that end they have neither Right to undertake that work nor Power to perform it in a due manner § 6. The things which we are to enquire into concerning these Gifts are 1. Their Name 2. Their Nature in general and therein how they agree with and differ from Saving Graces 3. Their Distinction 4. The particular Nature of them and 5. Their Use in the Church of God § 7. 1. THE general Name of those Spiritual Endowments which we intend is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so the Apostle renders 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eph. 4. 8. from Psal. 68. 18. Dona Gifts That is they are free and undeserved Effects of Divine Bounty In the Minds of Men on whom they are bestowed they are Spiritual Powers
and Endowments with respect unto a certain end But as to their Original and principal cause they are free undeserved Gifts Thence the Holy Spirit as the Author of them and with respect unto them is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Gift of God John 4. 10. And the Effect it self is also termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Gift of the Holy Ghost Acts 10. 45. The Gift of God Acts 8. 20. The Gift of the Grace of God Ephes. 3. 7. The Gift of Christ Ephes. 4. 7. The Heavenly Gift Heb. 6. 4. All expressing the Freedom of their Communication on the part of the Father Son and Spirit And in like manner on the same account are they called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is gracious largesses Gifts proceeding from meer Bounty And therefore saving Graces are also expressed by the same Name in general because they also are freely and undeservedly communicated unto us Rom. 11. 28. But these Gifts are frequently and almost constantly so expressed Rom. 12. 6. 1 Cor. 1. 7. Chap. 7. 7. Chap. 12. 4 9 28 30. 1 Pet. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 1. 6. And it is absolute freedom in the Bestower of them that is principally intended in this Name Hence he hath left his Name as a Curse unto all Posterity who thought this free gift of God might be purchased with Money Acts 8. 20. A Pageantry of which Crime the Apostate Ages of the Church erected in applying the Name of that Sin to the purchase of Benefices and Dignities whilst the Gift of God was equally despised on all hands And indeed this was that whereby in all Ages Countenance was given unto Apostasie and Defection from the Power and Truth of the Gospel The Names of Spiritual things were still retained but applyed to outward Forms and Ceremonies which thereby were substituted insensibly into their room to the ruine of the Gospel in the Minds of Men. But as these Gifts were not any of them to be bought no more are they absolutely to be attained by the Natural Abilities and Industry of any whereby an Image of them is attempted to be set up by some but deformed and useless They will do those things in the Church by their own Abilities which can never be acceptably discharged but by Vertue of those Free Gifts which they despise whereof we must speak more afterwards Now the full Signification of these Words in our Sence is peculiar unto the New Testament For although in other Authors they are used for a Gift or Free Grant yet they never denote the Endowments or Abilities of the Minds of Men who do receive them which is their principal Sence in the Scripture § 8. WITH respect unto their especial Nature they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sometimes absolutely 1 Cor. 12. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but concerning Spirituals that is Spiritual Gifts And so again Chap. 14. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Desire Spirituals that is Gifts for so it is explained Chap. 12. 31. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Covet Earnestly the best Gifts Whenever therefore they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 denoting their general Nature is to be supplied And where they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to be understood as expressing their especial Difference from all others They are neither Natural nor Moral but Spiritual Endowments For both their Author Nature and Object are respected herein Their Author is the Holy Spirit their Nature is Spiritual and the Object about which they are exercised are Spiritual Things § 9. AGAIN with respect unto the Manner of their Communication they are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 2. 4. Distributions or Partitions of the Holy Ghost Not whereof the Holy Ghost is the Subject as though he were parted or divided as the Socinians dream on this place but whereof he is the Author the Distributions which he makes And they are thus called Divisions Partitions or Distributions because they are of divers sorts and kinds according as the Edification of the Church did require And they were not at any time all of them given out unto any one Person at least so as that others should not be made Partakers of the same sort From the same inexhaustible Treasure of Bounty Grace and Power these Gifts are variously distributed unto Men. And this Variety as the Apostle proves gives both Ornament and Advantage to the Church If the whole Body were an Eye where were the Hearing c. 1 Cor. 12. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25. It is this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 this various Distribution of Gifts that makes the Church an Organical Body and in this Composure with the peculiar Uses of the Members of the Body consists the Harmony Beauty and Safety of the whole Were there no more but One Gift or Gifts of one sort the whole Body would be but one Member As where there is none there is no animated Body but a dead Carkass § 10. AND this various Distribution as it is an Act of the Holy Spirit produceth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There are Diversities of Gifts 1 Cor. 12. 4. The Gifts thus distributed in the Church are Divers as to their sorts and kinds one of one kind another of another An Account hereof is given by the Apostle particularly Ver. 8 9 10. in a distinct Enumeration of the sorts or kinds of them The Edification of the Church is the general End of them all but divers distinct different Gifts are required thereunto § 11. THESE Gifts heing bestowed they are variously expressed with regard unto the Nature and Manner of those Operations which we are enabled unto by Vertue of them So are they termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Minisirations 1 Cor. 12. 5. That is Powers and Abilitles whereby some are enabled to administer Spiritual Things unto the Benefit Advantage and Edification of others And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ver. 6. Effectual Workings or Operations efficaciously producing the Effects which they are applied unto And lastly they are comprized by the Apostle in that Expression 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Manifestation of the Spirit Ver. 7. In and by them doth the Holy Spirit evidence and manifest his Power For the Effects produced by them and themselves in their own Nature especially some of them do evince that the Holy Spirit is in them that they are given and wrought by him and are the ways whereby he acts his own Power and Grace These things are spoken in the Scripture as to the Names of these Spiritual Gifts And it is evident that if we part with our Interest and Concern in them we must part with no small Portion of the New Testament For the mention of them Directions about them their Use and Abuse do so frequently occur that if we are not concerned in them we are not so in the Gospel CHAP. II. Differences between Spiritual Gifts and Saving Grace § 1. THEIR Nature
in General which in the next place we enquire into will be much discovered in the Consideration of those things wherein these Gifts do agree with Saving Graces and wherein they differ from them § 2. THERE are three things wherein Spiritual Gifts and Saving Graces do agree 1. THEY are both sorts of them the Purchase of Christ for his Church the especial Fruit of his Mediation We speak not of such Gifts or Endowments of Men's Minds as consist meerly in the Improvement of their Natural Faculties Such are Wisdom Learning Skill in Arts and Sciences which those may abound and excell in who are utter Strangers to the Church of Christ and frequently they do so to their own Exaltation and Contempt of others Nor do I intend Abilities for Actions Moral Civil or Political as Fortitude Skill in Government or Rule and the like For although these are Gifts of the Power of the Spirit of God yet they do belong unto those Operations which he exerciseth in upholding or Ruling of the World or the Old Creation as such whereof I have treated before But I intend those alone which are conversant about the Gospel the things and Duties of it the Administration of its Ordinances the Propagation of its Doctrine and Profession of it's ways And herein also I put a difference between them and all those Gifts of the Spirit about Sacred things which any of the People of God enjoyed under the Old Testament For we speak only of those which are Powers of the World to come Those others were salted to the Oeconomy of the Old Covenant and confined with the Light which God was pleased then to communicate unto his Church Unto the Gospel State they were not suited nor would be useful in it Hence the Prophets who had the most eminent Gifts did yet all of them come short of John the Baptist because they had not by Vertue of their Gifts that Acquaintance with the Person of Christ and Insight into his Work of Mediation that he had and yet also he came short of him that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven because his Gifts were not purely Evangelical Wherefore these Gifts whereof we treat are such as belong unto the Kingdom of God erected in an especial manner by Jesus Christ after his Ascension into Heaven For he was exalted that he might fill all things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the whole Church with these Effects of his Power and Grace The Power therefore of communicating these Gifts was granted unto the Lord Christ as Mediator by the Father for the Foundation and Edification of his Church as it is expressed Acts 2. 33. And by them was his Kingdom both set up and propagated and is preserved in the World These were the Weapons of Warfare which he furnished his Disciples withall when he gave them Commission to go forth and subdue the World unto the Obedience of the Gospel Acts 1. 4 8. And mighty were they through God unto that purpose 2 Cor. 10. 3 4 5 6. In the Use and Exercise of them did the Gospel run and was glorisied to the Ruine of the Kingdom of Sathan and Darkness in the World And that he was ever able to erect it again under another Form than that of Gentilism as he hath done in the Antichristian Apostasie of the Church Visible it was from a Neglect and Contempt of these Gifts with their due Use and Improvement When Men began to neglect the attaining of these Spiritual Gifts and the Exercise of them in praying in preaching in Interpretation of the Scripture in all the Administrations and whole Worship of the Church betaking themselves wholly to their own Abilities and Inventions accommodated unto their Ease and Secular Interests it was an easie thing for Sathan to erect again his Kingdom though not in the old manner because of the Light of the Scripture which had made Impression on the Minds of Men which he could not obliterate Wherefore he never attempted openly any more to set up Heathrnism or Paganism with the Gods of the Old World and their Worship but he insensibly raised another Kingdom which pretended some likeness unto and compliance with the Letter of the Word though it came at last to be in all things expresly contrary thereunto This was his Kingdom of Apostasie and Darkness under the Papal Antichristianism and woful Degeneracy of other Christians in the World For when Men who pretend themselves entrusted with the Preservation of the Kingdom of Christ did wilfully cast away those Weapons of their Warfare whereby the World was subdued unto him and ought to have been kept in Subjection by them what else could ensue § 3. BY these Gifts I say doth the Lord Christ demonstrate his Power and exercise his Rule External Force and Carnal Weapons were far from his Thoughts as unbecoming his absolute Sovereignty over the Souls of Men his infinite Power and Holiness Neither did any ever betake themselves unto them in the Affairs of Christ's Kingdom but either when they had utterly lost and abandoned these Spiritual Weapons or did not believe that they are sufficient to maintain the Interest of the Gospel though Originally they were so to introduce and fix it in the World That is that although the Gifts of the Holy Ghost were sufficient and effectual to bring in the Truth and Doctrine of the Gospel against all Opposition yet are they not so to maintain it which they may do well once more to consider Herein therefore they agree with Saving Graces For that they are peculiarly from Jesus Christ the Mediator is confessed by all unless it be by such as by whom all real internal Grace is denyed But the Sanctifying Operations of the Holy Spirit with their respect unto the Lord Christ as Mediator have been sufficiently before confirmed § 4. 2. There is an Agreement between Saving Graces and Spiritual Gifts with respect unto their immediate efficient Cause They are both sorts of them wrought by the Power of the Holy Ghost As to what concerneth the former or saving Grace I have already treated of that Argument at large nor will any deny that the Holy Ghost is the Author of these Graces but those that deny that there are any such That these Gifts are so wrought by him is expressly declared where-ever there is mention of them in general or particular Wherefore when they acknowledge that there were such Gifts all confess him to be their Author by whom he is denied so to be it is only because they deny the continuance of any such Gifts in the Church of God But this is that which we shall disprove § 5. 3. Herein also they agree that both sorts of them are designed unto the Good Benefit Ornament and Glory of the Church The Church is the proper Seat and Subject of them to it are they granted and in it do they reside For Christ is given to be Head over all things unto the Church which is his Body the
THUS was it with the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists at the first which were all Extraordinary Teaching Officers in the Church and all that ever were so 1 Cor. 12. 28. Ephes. 4. 11. Besides these there were at the first planting of the Church Persons endued with Extraordinary Gifts as of Miracles Healing and Tongues which did not of themselves constitute them Officers but do belong to the second Head of Gifts which concern Duties only Howbeit these Gifts were always most eminently bestowed on them who were called unto the Extraordinary Offices mentioned 1 Cor. 14. 18. I thank my God I speak with Tongues more than you all They had the same Gift some of them but the Apostle had it in a more Eminent Degree See Mat. 10. 8. And we may treat briefly in our passage of these several sorts of Extraordinary Officers § 5. First For the Apostles they had a double Call Mission and Commission or a Twofold Apostleship Their first Call was unto a subserviency unto the Personal Ministry of Jesus Christ. For he was a Minister of the Circumcision for the Truth of God to confirm the Promises made unto the Fathers Rom. 15. 8. In the discharge of this his Personal Ministry it was necessary that he should have peculiar Servants and Officers under him to prepare his Way and Work and to attend him therein So he Ordained Twelve that they should be with him and that he might send them forth to Preach Mark 3. 14. This was the substance of their first Call and Work namely to attend the presence of Christ and to go forth to Preach as he gave them order Hence because he was in his own Person as to his Prophetical Office the Minister only of the Circumcision being therein according to all the Promises sent only to the lost Sheep of the House of Israel he confined those who were to be thus assistant unto him in that his especial Work and Ministry and whilst they were so unto the same Persons and People expresly prohibiting them to extend their Line or Measure any further Go not saith he into the way of the Gentiles and into any City of the Samaritans enter you not but go rather unto the lost Sheep of the House of Israel Mat. 10. 5. This rather was absolutely exclusive of the others during his Personal Ministry and afterwards included only the preeminence of the Israelites that they were to have the Gospel offered unto them in the first place It was necessary the Word of God should be first spoken unto them Acts 13. 46. § 6. And this it may be occasioned that Difference which was afterwards among them whether their Ministry extended unto the Gentiles or no as we may see Acts Chap. 10 and 11. But whereas our Saviour in that Commission by virtue whereof they were to act after his Resurrection had extended their Office and Power expresly to all Nations Mat. 28. 19. or to every Creature in all the World Mat. 16. 15. A Man would wonder whence that uncertainty should arise I am perswaded that God suffered it so to be that the Calling of the Gentiles might be more signaliz'd or made more eminent thereby For whereas this was the great Mystery which in other Ages was not made known but hid in God namely that the Gentiles should be Fellow Heirs and of the same Body and partakers of his Promise in Christ that is of the Promise made unto Abraham by the Gospel Ephes. 3. 5 6 7 8 9 10. it being now to be laid open and displayed he would by their Hesitation about it have it searched into examined tryed and proved that the Faith of the Church might never be shaken about it in after Ages And in like manner when God at any time suffereth Differences and Doubts about the Truth or his Worship to arise in the Church he doth it for Holy Ends although for the present we may not be able to discover them But this Ministry of the Apostles with its Powers and Duties this Apostleship which extended only unto the Church of the Jews ceased at the Death of Christ or at the end of his own Personal Ministry in this World Nor can any I suppose pretend unto a Succession to them therein Who or what peculiar Instruments he will use and imploy for the final Recovery of that miserable lost People whether he will do it by an Ordinary or an Extraordinary Ministry by Gifts Miraculous or by the naked Efficacy of the Gospel is known only in his own Holy Wisdom and Counsel The Conjectures of Men about these things are vain and fruitless For although the Promises under the Old Testament for the calling of the Gentiles were far more clear and numerous than those which remain concerning the recalling of the Jews yet because the Manner Way and all other Circumstances were obscured the whole is called a Mystery hid in God from all the former Ages of the Church much more therefore may the way and manner of the recalling of the Jews be esteemed an hidden Mystery as indeed it is notwithstanding the Dreams and Conjectures of too many § 7. BUT these same Apostles the same individual Persons Judas only excepted had another Call unto that Office of Apostleship which had respect unto the whole Work and Interest of Christ in the World They were now to be made Princes in all Lands Rulers Leaders in Spiritual things of all the Inhabitants of the Earth Psal. 4. 5. 16. And to make this Call the more conspicuous and evident as also because it includes in it the Institution and Nature of the Office it self whereunto they were called our Blessed Saviour proceedeth in it by sundry degrees For 1. He gave unto them a Promise of Power for their Office or Office-Power Mat. 16. 19. So he promised unto them in the Person of Peter the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven or a power of Spiritual binding and loosing of Sinners of remitting or retaining Sin by the Doctrine of the Gospel Mat. 18. 18. John 20. 23. 2. He actually collated a Right unto that Power upon them expressed by an outward Pledge John 20 21 22 23. Jesus saith unto them Peace be unto you as my Father hath sent me even so send I you And when he had said this he breathed on them and saith unto them Receive ye the Holy Ghost whose soever Sins ye remit they are remitted unto them and whose soever Sins ye retain they are retained And this Communication of the Holy Ghost was such as gave them a peculiar Right and Title unto their Office but not a Right and Power unto its Exercise 3. He Sealed as it were their Commission which they had for the Discharge of their Office containing the whole warranty they had to enter upon the World and to subdue it unto the Obedience of the Gospel Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Go Teach Baptize Command But yet 4. All these things did not absolutely give them a present Power for the Exercise
an Evangelist by especial Revelation or Prophesie the Apostle laid his Hands on him whereby he received the Holy Ghost in his extraordinary Gifts The Gift of God which was in him by the putting on of his Hands 2 Tim. 1. 6. And as it was usual with him to joyn others with himself in those Epistles which he wrote by immediate Divine Inspiration so in this Act of laying his Hands on an Evangelist as a Sign of the Communication of extraordinary Gifts he joyned the Ordinary Presbytery of the Church with him that were present in the place where he was so called It is evident therefore that both their Call and their Gifts were extraordinary and therefore so also was their Office For although Men who have only an Ordinary Call to Office may have Extraordinary Gifts and many had so in Primitive Times And although some might have Extraordinary Gifts who were never called unto Office at all as some of those who spake with Tongues and wrought Miracles yet where there is a Concurrence of an Extraordinary Call and Extraordinary Gifts there the Office is Extraordinary § 13. THE Power that these Officers in the Church were entrusted with was Extraordinary For this is a certain Consequent of an Extraordinary Call and Extraordinary Gifts And this Power respected all Churches in the World equally yea and all Persons as the Apostles also did But whereas their Ministry was subordinate unto that of the Apostles they were by them guided as to the particular places wherein they were to exercise their Power and discharge their Office for a Season This is evident from Paul's Disposal of Titus as to his Work and Time Tit. 1. 5. Chap. 3. 12. But yet their Power did at no time depend on their Relation unto any particular place or Churcb nor were they ever Ordained to any one Place or See more than another But the Extent of their Employment was every way as large as that of the Apostles both as to the World and as to the Churches only in their present particular Disposal of themselves they were as it is probable for the most part under the Guidance of the Apostles although sometimes they had particular Revelations and Directions from the Holy Ghost or by the Ministry of Angels for their especial Employment as Philip had Acts 8. 26. § 14. AND as for their Work it may be reduced unto Three Heads 1 To Preach the Gospel in all Places unto all Persons as they had occasion So Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ Acts 8. 5. And when the Apostle Paul chargeth Timothy to do the Work of an Evangelist 2 Tim. 4. 5. he prescribes unto him Preaching the Word in Season and out of Season ver 2. And whereas this was incumbent in like manner on the Ordinary Teachers of every Church the Teaching of those Evangelists differed from theirs in two things 1 In the Extent of their Work which as we shewed before was equal unto that of the Apostles whereas Ordinary Bishops Pastors or Teachers were to feed teach and take care of the especial Flocks only which they were set over Acts 20. 17 18. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 2 They were obliged to labour in their Work in a more than ordinary manner as it should seem from 2 Tim. 4. 5. 2ly The Second Part of their Work was to confirm the Doctrine of the Gospel by Miraculous Operations as occasion did require So Philip the Evangelist wrought many Miracles of sundry sorts at Samaria in the Confirmation of the Doctrine which he taught Acts 8. 6 7 13. And in like manner there is no question but that the rest of the Evangelists had the Power or Gift of Miraculous Operations to be exercised as occasion did require and as they were guided by the Holy Ghost 3 They were employed in the settling and compleating of those Churches whose Foundations were laid by the Apostles For whereas they had the great Work upon them of Preaching the Gospel unto all Nations they could not continue long or reside in any one Place or Church And yet when Persons were newly converted to the Faith and disposed only into an Imperfect Order without any especial peculiar Officers Guides or Rulers of their own it was not safe leaving of them unto themselves lest they should be too much at a Loss as to Gospel-Order and Worship Wherefore in such places where any Churches were planted but not compleated nor would the Design of the Apostles suffer them to continue any longer there they left these Evangelists among them for a Season who had Power by vertue of their Office to dispose of things in the Churches until they came unto Compleatness and Perfection When this End was attained and the Churches were settled under Ordinary Elders of their own the Evangelists removed into other places according as they were directed or disposed These things are evident from the Instructions given by Paul unto Timothy and Titus which have all of them respect unto this Order § 15. Some there are who plead for the Continuance of this Office Some in express Terms and under the same Name Others for Successors unto them at least in that part of their Work which consisteth in Power over many Churches Some say that Bishops succeed to the Apostles and Presbyters unto those Evangelists But this is scarce defensible in any tolerable manner by them whose Interest it is to defend it For Timothy whom they would have to be a Bishop is expresly called an Evangelist That which is pleaded with most probability for their Continuance is the Necessity of the Work wherein they were employed in the Rule and Settlement of the Churches But the Truth is if their whole Work as before described be consulted as none can perform some parts of it so it may be very few would over-earnestly press after a Participation of their Office For to preach the Word continually and that with a peculiar Labour and Travail and to move up and down according as the Necessity of the Edification of the Churches doth require doing nothing in them but according to the Rule and Appointment of Christ are things that not many will earnestly covet to be engaged in But there is an Apprehension that there was something more than Ordinary Power belonging unto this Office that those who enjoyed it were not obliged always to labour in any particular Church but had the Rule of many Churches committed unto them Now whereas this Power is apt to draw other desireable things unto it or carry them along with it this is that which some pretend a Succession unto Though they are neither Called like them nor Gifted like them nor Labour like them nor have the same Object of their Employment much less the same Power of Extraordinary Operations with them yet as to the Rule over sundry Churches they must needs be their Successors I shall therefore briefly do these two things 1 Shew that there are no such Officers as these Evangelists
Apostles first Apostles secondarily Prophets 1 Cor. 12. 28. between them and Evangelists Ephes. 4. 11. And two things are ascribed unto them 1. That they received immediate Revelations and Directions from the Holy Ghost in things that belonged unto the present Duty of the Church Unto them it was that the Holy Ghost revealed his Mind and gave Commands concerning the separation of Barnabas and Saul unto their Work Acts 13. 2. 2. They foretold things to come by the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost wherein the Duty or Edification of the Church was concerned So Agabus the Prophet foretold the Famine in the days of Claudius Caesar whereon Provision was made for the poor Saints at Hierusalem that they might not suffer by it Acts 11. 28 29. And the same Person afterwards prophesied of the Bonds and Sufferings of Paul at Hierusalem Acts 21. 10 11. And the samething it being of the highest Concernment unto the Church was as it should seem revealed unto the Prophets that were in most Churches for so himself gives an account hereof And now behold I go bound in the Spirit unto Hierusalem not knowing the things that shall befall me there save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every City that Bonds and Afflictions abide me Acts 20. 21 22. That is in all the Cities he passed through where there were Churches planted and Prophets in them These things the Churches then stood in need of for their Confirmation Direction and Comfort and were therefore I suppose most of them supplyed with such Officers for a Season that is whilst they were needful And unto this Office though expresly affirmed to be set in the Church and placed between the Apostles and the Evangelists none that I know of do pretend a Succession All grant that they were extraordinary because their Gift and Work was so but so were those of Evangelists also But there is no mention of the Power and Rule of these Prophets or else undoubtedly we should have had on one pretence or other Successors provided for them § 23. 2dly Sometimes an Extraordinary Gift without Office is intended in this Expression So it is said that Philip the Evangelist had four Daughters Virgins which did Prophesie Acts 21. 9. It is not said that they were Prophetesses as there were some under the Old Testament only that they did Prophesie that is they had Revelations from the Holy Ghost occasionally for the use of the Church For to Prophesie is nothing but to declare hidden and secret things by virtue of immediate Revelation be they of what Nature they will and so is the word commonly used Mat. 26. 68. Luke 22. 64. So an Extraordinary Gift without Office is expressed Acts 19. 6. And when Paul had laid his Hands upon them the Holy Ghost came and they spake with Tongues and Prophesied Their Prophesying which was their Declaration of Spiritual things by immediate Revelation was of the same Nature with their speaking with Tongues both Extraordinary Gifts and Operations of the Holy Ghost And of this sort were those Miracles Healings and Tongues which God for a time set in the Church which did not constitute distinct Officers in the Church but they were only sundry Persons in each Church which were endued with these Extraordinary Gifts for its Edification And therefore are they placed after Teachers comprizing both which were the principal sort of the ordinary continuing Officers of the Church 1 Cor. 12. 28. And of this sort do I reckon those Prophets to be who are treated of 1 Cor. 14. 29 30 31 32 33. For that they were neither stated Officers in the Churches nor yet the Brethren of the Church promiscuously but such as had received an especial Extraordinary Gift is evident from the Context see verse 30. 37. § 24. AGAIN an Ordinary Office with Ordinary Gifts is intended by this Expression Rom. 12. 6. Having then Gifts differing according to the Grace that is given to us whether Prophesie let us Prophesie according to the proportion of Faith Prophesie here can intend nothing but Teaching or Preaching in the Exposition and Application of the Word for an External Rule is given unto it in that it must be done according to the proportion of Faith or the sound Doctrine of Faith revealed in the Scripture And this ever was and will ever continue to be the Work and Duty of the ordinary Teachers of the Church whereunto they are enabled by the Gifts of Christ which they receive by the Holy Ghost Eph. 4. 7. as we shall see more afterwards And hence also those who are not called unto Office who have yet received a Gift enabling them to declare the Mind of God in the Scripture unto the Edification of others may be said to Prophesie § 25. AND these things I thought meet to interpose with a brief Description of those Officers which the Lord Jesus Christ granted unto his Church for a Season at its first Planting and Establishment with what belonged unto their Office and the necessity of their Work For the Collation of them on the Church and their whole Furniture with Spiritual Gifts was the immediate Work of the Holy Ghost which we are in the Declaration of and withall it was my Design to manifest how vain is the pretence of some unto a kind of Succession unto these Officers who have neither an Extrordinary Call nor Extraordinary Gifts nor Extraordinary Imployment but only are pleased to assume an Extraordinary Power unto themselves over the Churches and Disciples of Christ and that such as neither Evangelists nor Prophets nor Apostles did ever claim or make use of But this matter of Power is Fuel in it self unto the Proud Ambitious Minds of Diotrephists and as now circumstanced with other Advantages is useful to the corrupt Lusts of Men and therefore it is no wonder if it be pretended unto and greedily reached after by such as really have neither Call to the Ministry nor Gifts for it nor do employ themselves in it And therefore as in these Extraordinary Officers and their Gifts did consist the Original Glory and Honour of the Churches in an especial manner and by them was their Edification carried on and perfected so by an empty pretence unto their Power without their Order and Spirit the Churches have been stained and deformed and brought to destruction But we must return unto the Consideration of Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts which is the especial Work before us CHAP. IV. Extraordinary Spiritual Gifts 1 Cor. 12. v. 8 9 10 11. § 1. EXTRAORDINARY Spiritual Gifts were of two sorts First Such as absolutely exceed the whole Power and Faculties of our Minds and Souls These therefore did not consist in an abiding Principle or Faculty alway resident in them that received them so as that they could Exercise them by vertue of any inherent Power and Ability They were so granted unto some Persons in the Execution of their Office as that so often as was needful they could produce their Effects by
vertue of an immediate Extraordinary Influence of Divine Power transiently affecting their Minds Such was the Gift of Miracles Healing and the like There were no Extraordinary Officers but they had these Gifts But yet they could work or operate by vertue of them only as the Holy Ghost gave them especial Direction for the putting forth of his Power in them So it is said that Paul and Barnabas Preaching at Iconium the Lord gave Testimony unto the word of his Grace and granted Signs and Wonders to be done by their Hands Acts 14. 3. The working of Signs and Miracles is the immediate operation of the Spirit of God nor can any Power or Faculty efficiently productive of such Effects abide in the Souls or Minds of Men These miraculous Operations were the witness of the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven which he gave to the Truth of the Gospel See Heb. 2. 4. with our Exposition thereon Wherefore there was no more in these Gifts which absolutely exceed the whole faculties of our Natures but the designing of certain Persons by the Holy Ghost in and with whose Ministry he would himself effect miraculous operations Secondly They were such as consisted in Extraordinary Endowments and Improvements of the Faculties of the Souls or Minds of Men such as Wisdom Knowledge Utterance and the like Now where these were bestowed on any in an Extraordinary manner as they were on the Apostles and Evangelists they differed only in Degree from them that are ordinary and still continued but are of the same kind with them whereof we shall treat afterward Now whereas all these Gifts of both sorts are expresly and distinctly enumerated and set down by our Apostle in one place I shall consider them as they are there proposed by him § 2. 1 COR. 12. 7 8 9 10 11. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man to profit withall For to one is given by the Spirit the word of Wisdom to another the word of Knowledge by the same Spirit to another Faith by the same Spirit to another the Gifts of Healing by the same Spirit to another the working of Miracles to another Prophesie to another discerning of Spirits to another divers kinds of Tongues to another the Interpretation of Tongues But all these worketh that one and self-same Spirit dividing to every one severally as he will The general Concernments of this passage in the Apostle were declared and the context opened at the beginning of our Discourse on this subject I shall only now consider the especial Spiritual Gifts that are here enumerated by the Apostle which are Nine in number laid down promiscuously without respect unto any order or dependance of one upon another although it is probable that those first placed were the principal or of principal use in the Church § 3. The first is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Word of Wisdom 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here is of the same signification with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Hebrew which often signifies a Thing or Matter Wherefore the Word of Wisdom is nothing but Wisdom it self And our Enquiry is What was that Wisdom which was a peculiar and an especial Gift in those days of the Holy Ghost Our Lord Jesus Christ promised unto his Disciples that he would give them a Mouth and Wisdom which all their Adversaries should not be able to gainsay nor resist Luke 21. 15. This will be our Rule in the Declaration of the Nature of this Gift That which he hath respect unto is the Defence of the Gospel and its Truth against powerful persecuting Adversaries For although they had the Truth on their side yet being Men ignorant and unlearned they might justly fear that when they were brought before Kings and Rulers and Priests they should be baffled in their Profession and not be able to defend the Truth Wherefore this Promise of a Mouth and Wisdom respects Spiritual Ability and Utterance in the Defence of the Truth of the Gospel when they were called into question about it Spiritual Ability of Mind is the Wisdom and Utterance or freedom of Speech is the Mouth here promised An Eminent instance of the accomplishment hereof we have in Peter and John Acts 4. For upon their making a Defence of the Resurrection of Christ and the Truth of the Gospel therein such as their Adversaries were not able to gainsay nor resist it is said that when the Rulers and Elders saw their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is their utterance in Defence of their Cause with Boldness and so the Wisdom wherewith it was accompanied considering that they were unlearned and Ignorant they were astonished and only considered that they had been with Jesus v. 13. And he it was who in the accomplishment of his Promise had given them that Spiritual Wisdom and Utterance which they were not able to resist So it is said expresly of Stephen that his Adversaries were not able to resist the Wisdom and Spirit whereby he spake Actt 6. 10. Wherefore this Gift of Wisdom in the first place was a Spiritual Skill and Ability to defend the Truths of the GosPel when questioned opposed or blasphemed And this Gift was eminent in those Primitive Times when a Company of unlearned Men were able upon all occasions to maintain and defend the Truth which they Believed and Professed before and against Doctors Scribes Lawyers Rulers of Synagogus yea Princes and Kings continually so confounding their Adversaries as that being obstinate in their unbelief they were forced to cover their Shame by betaking themselves unto Rage and Bestial Fury Acts 6. 10 11 12 13 14. Chap. 7. 54. Chap. 22. 22 23. As hath been the manner of all their Successors ever since § 4. NOW although this be an especial kind of Wisdom an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost wherein the Glory of Christ and Honour of the Gospel in greatly concerned namely an Ability to manage and defend the Truth in times of Trial and Danger to the Confusion of its Adversaries yet I suppose the Wisdom here intended is not absolutely consined thereunto though it be principally intended Peter speaking of Paul's Epistles affirms that they were written according to the Wisdom given into him 2 Pet. 3. 15. That is that especial Gift of Spiritual Wisdom for the management of Gospel Truths unto the Edification of the Church of Christ which he had received And he that would understand what this Wisdom is must be throughly conversant in the Writings of that Apostle For indeed the Wisdom that he useth in the management of the Doctrine of the Gospel in the due consideration of all Persons Occasions Circumstances Temptations of Men and Churches of their State Condition Strength or Weakness Growth or Decays Obedience or Failings their Capacities and Progresses with the Holy Accommodation of himself in what he teacheth or delivereth in Meekness in Vehemency in Tenderness in Sharpness in severe Arguings and pathetical Expostulations with all other ways and means suited
Idea of it even the Lord Jesus Christ in his Ministry namely what he did what he spake how on all occasions his Condescention Meekness and Authority did manifest themselves until he be changed into the same Image and likeness by the Spirit of the Lord. The same is to be done in their place and Sphere towards the Apostles as the principal Followers of Christ and who do most lively represent his Graces and Wisdom unto us Their Writings and what is written of them are to be searched and studied unto this very end that considering how they behaved themselves in all Instances on all occasions in their Testimony and all Administrations of the Truth we may endeavour after a Conformity unto them in the Participation of the same Spirit with them It would be no small stay and Guidance unto us if on all occasions we would diligently search and consider what the Apostles did in such Circumstances or what they would have done in answer to what is recorded of their Spirit and Actings For although this Wisdom be a Gift of the Holy Spirit yet as we now consider it as it is continued in the Church it may be in part obtained and greatly improved in the due Use of the Means which are subservient thereunto provided that in all we depend solely on God for the giving of it who hath also prescribed these Means unto us for the same End § 8. 4. LET them who design a Participation of this Gift take heed it be not stifled with such vitious Habits of Mind as are expresly contrary unto it and destructive of it Such are Self-fulness or Confidence Hastiness of Spirit Promptness to speak and Slowness to hear which are the great Means which make many abound in their own Sense and Folly to be wise in their own Conceits and contemptible in the Judgment of all that are truly so Ability of Speech in time and season is an especial Gift of God and that eminently with respect unto the Spiritual things of the Gospel But a Profluency of Speech venting it self on all occasions and on no occasions making Men open their Mouths wide when indeed they should shut them and open their Ears and to pour out all that they know and what they do not know making them angry if they are not heard and impatient if they are contradicted is an unconquerable Fortification against all true Spiritual Wisdom § 9 5. LET those who would be Sharers herein follow after those Gifts and Graces which do accompany it promote it and are inseparable from it Such are Humility Meekness Patience Constancy with Boldness and Confidence in Profession without which we shall be Fools in every Trial. Wisdom indeed is none of all these but it is that which cannot be without them nor will it thrive in any Mind that is not cultivated by them And he who thinks it is not worth his Pains and Travail nor that it will quit Cost to seek after this Spiritual Wisdom by a constant Watchfulness against the opposite Vices mentioned and Attendance unto those concomitant Duties and Graces must be content to go without it This is the first Instance given by our Apostle of the Spiritual Gifts of the Primitive Times to one is given by the Spirit the Word of Wisdom § 10. TO another the Word of Knowledge by the same Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I shewed before that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may denote the thing it self the Word of Knowledge that is Knowledge But if any shall suppose that because this Knowledge was to be expressed unto the Church for it's Edification it is therefore called a Word of Knowledge as a Word of Exhortation or a Word of Consolation that is Exhortation and Consolation administred by Words I shall not contend to the contrary It is Knowledge that is the Gift peculiarly intended in this Second Place And we must enquire both how it is an especial Gift and of what sort it is And it should seem that it cannot have the Nature of an especial Gift seeing it is that which was common to all For so saith the Apostle speaking unto the whole Church of the Corinthians We know that we all have Knowledge 1 Cor. 8. 1. And not only so but also adds that this Knowledge is a thing which either in it's own Nature tends unto an ill Issue or is very apt to be abused thereunto For saith he Knowledge puffeth up for which cause he frequently reflects upon it in other places But yet we shall find that it is a peculiar Gift and in it self singularly useful However it may be abused as the best things may be yea are most liable thereunto The Knowledge mentioned in that place by the Apostle which he ascribes in common unto all the Church was only that which concerned things Sacrificed unto Idols and if we should extend it farther unto an Understanding of the Mystery of the Gospel which was in the Community of Believers yet is there place remaining for an Eminency therein by vertue of an especial Spiritual Gift And as to what he adds about Knowledge puffing up he expounds in the next Words if any Man thinketh that he knoweth any thing he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know Ver. 2. It is not Men's Knowledge but the vain and proud Conceit of ignorant Men supposing themselves knowing and wise that so puffeth up and hindreth Edification § 11. WHEREFORE 1 By this Word of Knowledge not that Degree of it which is required in all Christians in all the Members of the Church is intended Such a Measure of Knowledge there is necessary both unto Faith and Confession Men can believe nothing of that whereof they know nothing nor can they confess with their Mouths what they apprehend not in their Minds But it is somewhat singular eminent and not common to all Neither 2 Doth that Eminency or Singularity consist in this that it is Saving and Sanctifying Knowledge which is intended That there is such a peculiar Knowledge whereby God shines into the Hearts of Believers with a Spiritual Saving Insight into Spiritual things transforming the Mind into the Likeness of them I have at large elsewhere declared For it is reckoned among Gifts whereas that other is a Saving Grace whose difference hath been declared before It is expressed by the Apostle 1 Cor. 13. 2. by understanding all mysteries and all knowledge that is having an Understanding in and the knowledge of all Mysteries This Knowledge he calleth a Gift which shall vanish away Ver. 8. and so not belonging absolutely unto that Grace which being a part of the Image of God in us shall go over into Eternity And Knowledge in Ver. 2. is taken for the thing known if I understand all Knowledge which is the same with all Mysteries Wherefore the Knowledge here intended is such a peculiar and especial Insight into the Mysteries of the Gospel as whereby those in whom it was were enabled to teach and instruct others Thus
the Apostle Paul who had received all these Gifts in the highest Degree and Measure affirms that by his Writing those to whom he wrote might perceive his Skill and Understanding in the Mystery of Christ. § 12. AND this was in an especial manner necessary unto those first Dispensers of the Gospel for how else should the Church have been instructed in the Knowledge of it This they prayed for them namely that they might be filled with the Knowledge of the Will of God in all Wisdom and Understanding Col. 1. 9. Ephes. 1. 18 19 20. Chap. 3. 18 19. Col. 2. 2. The means whereby they might come hereunto was by their Instruction who therefore were to be skilled in a peculiar manner in the Knowledge of those Mysteries which they were to impart unto others and to do it accordingly And so it was with them Acts 20. 27. Ephes. 3. 8 9. Col. 4. 2. Now although this Gift as to that excellent Degree wherein it was in the Apostles and those who received the Knowledge of Christ and the Gospel by immediate Revelation be with-held yet it is still communicated in such a Measure unto the Ministers of the Church as is necessary unto it's Edification And for any one to undertake an Office in the Church who hath not received this Gift in some good measure of the Knowledge of the Mystery of God and the Gospel is to impose himself on that Service in the House of God which he is neither called unto nor sitted for And whereas we have lived to see all Endeavours after an especial Acquaintance with the Mysteries of the Gospel despised or derided by some it is an Evidence of that fatal and fearful Apostasie whereinto the Generality of Christians are fallen § 13. FAITH is added in the 3d place To another Faith by the same Spirit That the Saving Grace of Faith which is common unto all True Believers is not here intended is manifest from the Context There is a Faith in Scripture which is commonly called the Faith of Miracles mentioned by our Apostle in this Epistle as a principal extraordinary Spiritual Gift Chap. 13. 2. Though I had all Faith so that I could remove Mountains that is the highest Degree of a Faith of Miracles or such as would effect miraculous Operations of the highest Nature This I should readily admit to be here intended but that there is mention made of working Miracles in the next Verse as a Gift distinct from this Faith Yet whereas this working of Miracles is every where ascribed to Faith and could not be any where but where the peculiar Faith from which those Operations did proceed was first imparted it is not unlikely but that by Faith the Principle of all miraculous Operations may be intended and by the other Expressions the Operations themselves But if the Distinction of these Gifts be to be preserved as I rather judge that it ought to be considering the placing of Faith immediately upon Wisdom and Knowledge I should judge that a peculiar Confidence Boldness and Assurance of Mind in the Profession of the Gospel and the Administration of it's Ordinances is here intended Faith therefore is that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Freedom Confidence and Boldness in the Faith or Profession of the Faith which is in Christ Jesus mentioned by the Apostle 1 Tim. 3. 13. That is our 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Confidence in Profession whose Beginning we are to hold fast and firm unto the end Heb. 3. 14. And we do see how excellent a Gift this is on all occasions When Troubles and Trials do befall the Church upon the account of it's Profession many even true Believers are very ready to faint and despond and some to draw back at least for a Season as others do utterly to the Perdition of their Souls In this State the eminent Usefulness of this Gift of Boldness in the Faith of an assured Confidence in Profession of an especial Faith to go through Troubles and Tryals is known unto all Oft-times the Eminence of it in one single Person hath been the means to preserve an whole Church from Coldness Back-sliding or sinful Compliances with the World And where God stirreth up any one unto some great or singular Work in his Church he constantly endows them with this Gift of Faith So was it with Luther whose undaunted Courage and Resolution in Profession or Boldness in the Faith was one of the principal means of succeeding his great Undertaking And there is no more certain Sign of Churches being forsaken of Christ in a time of Tryal than if this Gift be with-held from them and Pusillanimity Fearfulness with Carnal Wisdom do spring up in the room of it The Work and Effects of this Faith are expressed 1 Cor. 16. 13. Watch ye stand fast in the Faith quit you like men be strong So also Ephes. 6. 10. 2 Pet. 2. 1. And the especial way whereby it may be attained or improved is by a diligent careful discharge at all times of all the Duties of the Places we hold in the Church 1 Pet. 3. 13. § 14. THE Gifts of Healing are nextly mentioned 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To another the Gifts of Healings by the same Spiris So they are again expressed Ver. 28. in the Plural Number because of their Free Communication unto many Persons These Healings respected those that were sick in their suddain and miraculous Recovery from long or deadly Distempers by the Imposition of Hands in the Name of the Lord Jesus And as many of the mighty Works of Christ himself for the Reasons that shall be mentioned consisted in these Healings so it was one of the first things which he gave in Commission to his Apostles and furnished them with Power for whilst they attended on him in his personal Ministry Matth. 10. 1. So also did he do to the Seventy making it the principal Sign of the Approach of the Kingdom of God Luke 10. 9. And the same Power and Vertue he promiseth to Believers namely that they should lay Hands on the Sick and recover them after his Ascension Of the Accomplishment of this Promise and the Exercise of this Power the Story of the Acts of the Apostles giveth us many Instances Acts 5. 15. Chap. 3. 7. Chap. 9. 33 34. And two things are observed singular in the Exercise of this Gift As First That many were cured by the Shadow of Peter as he passed by Acts 5. 15. And again many were so by Handkerchiefs and Aprons carried from the Body of Paul Chap. 19. 12. And the Reason of these extraordinary Operations in extraordinary Cases seems to have been the Encouragement of that great Faith which was then stirred up in them that beheld those miraculous Operations which was of singular Advantage unto the Propagation of the Gospel as the Magical Superstition of the Roman Church sundry ways endeavouring to imitate these inimitable Actings of Sovereign Divine Power hath been a Dishonour to Christian Religion §
thereof when the Healing may not ensue it is to turn an Ordinance into a Lie For if a Recovery follow Ten times on this anointing if it once fall out otherwise the Institution is rendred a Lie a False Testimony and the other Recoveries manifested to have had no dependance on the Observation of it For these Reasons I judge that this Gift of Healing though belonging unto miraculous Operations in general is every where reckoned as a distinct Gift by it self And from that place of James I am apt to think that this Gift was communicated in an especial manner unto the Elders of Churches even that were ordinary and sixed it being of so great Use and such singular Comfort unto them that were poor and persecuted which was the Condition of many Churches and their Members in those Days § 18. MIRACLES ensue in the fifth place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Effectual Working of mighty Powers or powerful Works For the Signification of this Word here rendred Miracles the Reader may consult our Exposition on Heb. 2. 4. I shall not thence transcribe what is already declared nor is any thing necessary to be added thereunto Concerning this Gift of Miracles we have also spoken before in general so that we shall not much further here insist upon it neither is it necessary that we should here treat of the Nature End and Use of Miracles in general which in part also hath been done before Wherefore I shall only observe some few things as to the Gift it self and the Use of it in the Church which alone are our present Concernment And 1 As we before observed this Gift did not consist in any Inherent Power or Faculty of the Mind so as that those who had received it should have an Ability of their own to work or effect such Miracles when and as they saw good As this is disclaimed by the Apostles Acts 3. 12. so a Supposition of it would overthrow the very Nature of Miracles for a Miracle is an immediate Effect of Divine Power exceeding all created Abilities and what is not so though it may be strange or wonderful is no Miracle Only Jesus Christ had in his own Person a Power of working Miracles when and where and how he pleased because God was with him or the Fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him Bodily 2 Unto the working of every Miracle in particular there was a pcculiar Act of Faith required in them that wrought it This is that Faith which is called the Faith of Miracles Have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains 1 Cor. 13. 2. Now this Faith was not a strong fixing of the Imagination that such a thing should be done as some have blasphemously dreamed nor was it a Faith resting meerly on the Promises of the Word making particular Application of them unto Times Seasons and Occasions wherein it no way differs from the Ordinary Grace of Faith But this was the true Nature of it that as it was in general resolved into the Fromises of the Word and Power of Christ declared therein that such and such things should be wrought in general so it had always a peculiar immediate Revelation for it's Warranty and Security in the working of any Miracle And without such an immediate Revilation or Divine Impulse and Impression all Attempts of miracuious Operations are vain and means only for Sathan to infinuate his Delusions by § 19 No Man therefore could work any Miracle nor attempt in Faith so to do without an immediate Revelation that Divine Power should be therein exerted and put forth in it's Operation Yet do I not suppose that it was necessary that this Inspiration and Revelation should in order of time precede the acting of this Faith though it did the operation of the Miracle it self Yea the Inspiration it self consisted in the Elevation of Faith to apprehend Divine Power in such a Case for such an end which the Holy Ghost granted not to any but when he designed so to work Thus Paul at once acted Faith apprehended Divine Power and at the same time struck Elymas the Sorcerer Blind by a Miraculous Operation Acts 13. 9 10 11 12. Being filled with the Holy Ghost vor 9. That is having received an Impression and Warranty from him he put forth that act of Faith at whose presence the Holy Spirit would effect that miraculous Operation which he believed Wherefore this was the Nature of this Gift some Persons were by the Holy Ghost Endowed with that especial Faith which was prepared to receive Impressions and Intimations of his putting forth his Power in this or that Miraculous operation Those who had this Faith could not work Miracles when and where and how they pleased only they could infallibly signifie what the Holy Ghost would do and so were the outward Instruments of the Execution of his Power § 20. 3. ALTHOUGH the Apostles had all Gift of the Spirit in an Eminent Degree and Manner above all others as Paul saith I thank my God I speak with Tongues more than you all yet it appears that there were some other Persons distinct from them who had this Gift of working Miracles in a peculiar manner For it is not only here reckoned as a peculiar distinct Gift of the Holy Ghost but also the Persons who had received it are reckoned as distinct from the Apostles and other Officers of the Church 1 Cor. 12. 28 29. Not that I think this Gift did constitute them Officers in the Church enabling them to Exercise Power in Gospel Administrations therein only they were Brethren of the Church made Eminent by a participation of this Gift for the end whereunto it was ordained By these Persons Ministry did the Holy Spirit on such occasions as seemed meet to his Infinite Wisdom effect miraculous Operations besides what was done in the same kind by the Apostles and Evangelists all the World over § 21. 4. THE use of this Gift in the Church at that time and season was manifold For the Principles which Believers proceeded on and the Doctrines they professed were new and strange to the World and such as had mighty prejudices raised against them in the Minds of Men. The Persons by whom they were maintained and asserted were generally as to their outward condition poor and contemptible in the World The Churches themselves as to their Members few in number encompassed with multitudes of Scoffers and persecuting Idolaters themselves also newly converted and many of them but weak in the Faith In this state of things this Gift of Miracles was exceeding useful and necessary unto the propagation of the Gospel the vindication of the Truth and the Establishment of them that did believe For 1. By Miracles occasionally wrought the people round about who yet believed not were called in as it were unto a due consideration of what was done and what was designed thereby Thus when the noise was first spread abroad of the Apostles speaking with Tongaes the multitude came
together and were confounded Acts 2. 6. So the multitude gathered together at Lystra upon the Curing of the Cripple by Paul and Barnabas thinking them to have been Gods Acts 14. 11. When therefore any were so amazed with seeing the Miracles that were wrought hearing that they were so in the confirmation of the Doctrine of the Gospel they could not but enquire with Diligence into it and cast out those Prejudices which before they had entertained against it 2. They gave Authority unto the Ministers of the Church For whereas on outward accounts they were despised by the Great Wise and Learned Men of the World it was made evident by these Divine Operations that their Ministry was of God and what they taught approved by him And where these two things were effected namely that a sufficient yea an eminently cogent Ground and Reason was given why Men should impartially enquire into the Doctrine of the Gospel and an evidence given that the Teachers of it were approved of God unless Men were signally Captivated under the power of Sathan 2 Cor. 4. 4. or given up of God judicially unto Blindness and Hardness of Heart it could not be but that the prejudices which they had of themselves or might receive from others against the Gospel must of necessity be prevailed against and conquered And as many of the Jews were so hardned and blinded at that time Rom. 11. 7 8 9 10. 1 Thes. 2. 14 15 16. so it is marvellous to consider with what Artifices Sathan bestirred himself among the Gentiles by false and lying Signs and Wonders with many other ways to take off from the Testimony given unto the Gospel by these Miraculous Operations AND this was that which Miracles were designed unto towards unbelievers namely to take away prejudices from the Doctrine of the Gospel and the Persons by whom it was taught so disposing the Minds of Men unto an attendance unto it and the Reception of it For they were never means instituted of God for the ingenerating of Faith in any but only to provoke and prevail with Men to attend unprejudicately unto that whereby it was to be wrought For Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God Rom. 10. 17. And therefore whatever Miracles were wrought if the Word preached was not received if that did not accompany them in its powerful Operation they were but despised Thus whereas some upon hearing of the Apostles speak with Tongues mocked and said These Men are full of new Wine Acts 2. 13. yet upon preaching of the Word which ensued they were Converted unto God And the Apostle Paul tells us that if there were nothing but miraculous speaking with Tongues in the Church and Unbeliever coming in would say they were all mad 1 Cor. 14. 23. who by the Word of Prophesie would be convinced judged and converted unto God ver 24 25. 3. They were of singular use to confirm and establish in the Faith those who were weak and newly Converted For whereas they were assaulted on every hand by Sathaen the World and it may be their nearest Relations and that with Contempt Scorn and Cruel Mocking it was a singular Confirmation and Establishment to behold the miraculous Operations which were wrought in the approbation of the Doctrine which they did profess Hereby was a sence of it more and more let into and impressed on their Minds until by an habitual Experience of its Goodness Power and Efficacy they were established in the Truth § 22. PROPHESY is added in the sixth place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To another Prophesie that is is given by the same Spirit Of this Gift of Prophesie we have sufficiently treated before Only I take it here in its largest Sense both as it signifies a faculty of Prediction or foretelling things future upon Divine Revelation or an Ability to declare the Mind of God from the Word by the especial and immediate Revelation of the Holy Ghost The first of these was more rare the latter more ordinary and common And it may be there were few Churches wherein besides their Elders and Teachers by vertue of their Office there were not some of these Prophets so of those who had this Gift of Prophesie enabling in an eminent manner to declare the Mind of God from the Scriptures unto the Edification of the Church It is expressed that there were some of them in the Church at Antioch Acts 13. 1 2. and many of them in the Church at Corinth 1 Cor. 14. For this Gift was of singular use in the Church and therefore as to the end of the Edification thereof is preferred by our Apostle above all other Gifts of the Spirit whatever 1 Cor. 12. 31. Chap. 14. 1 39. For it had a double use 1. The Conviction and Conversion of such as came in occasionally into their Church Assemblies Those unto whom the propagation of the Gospel was principally committed went up and down the World laying hold on all occasions to preach it unto Jews and Gentiles as yet unconverted And where Churches were gathered and settled the principal work of their Teachers was to Edifie them that did believe But whereas some would come in among them into their Church Assemblies perhaps out of Curiosity perhaps out of worse designs the Apostle declares that of all the Ordinances of the Church this of Prophecy was suited unto the Conviction and Conversion of all Unbelievers and is oft-times Blessed thereunto whereby this and that Man is Born in Sion 2dly This Exposition and Application of the Word by many and that by vertue of an extraordinary assistance of the Spirit of God was of singular use in the Church it self For if all Scripture given by Inspiration from God so expounded and applyed be profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousness the more the Church enjoyeth thereof the more will its Faith Love Obedience and Consolation be encreased Lastly the manner of the Exercise of this Gift in the Church unto Edification is prescribed and limited by our Apostle 1 Cor. 14. 29 30 31 32 33. And first he would not have the Church burdened with the most profitable Gift or its exercise and therefore determines that at one time not above two or three be suffered to speak that is one after another that the Church be neither wearied nor burthened ver 29. Secondly Because it was possible that some of them who had this Gift might mix somewhat of their own Spirits in their Word and Ministry and therein mistake and err from the Truth he requires that the other who had the like Gift and so were understanding in the Mind of God should judge of what was spoken by them so as the Church might not be led into any Errour by them let the other judge Thirdly That order he observed in their Exercise and especially that way be given unto any immediate Revelation and no Confusion be brought into the Church by many speaking at the same
time And this Direction manifests that the Gift was extraordinary and is now ceased though there be a continuance of ordinary Gifts of the same kind and to the same end in the Church as we shall see afterwards ver 30. Fourthly By the observation of this order the Apostle shews that all the Prophets might exercise their Gift unto the Instruction and Consolation of the Church in a proper Season such as their frequent Assemblies would afford them ver 31. And whereas it may be objected that these things coming in an extraordinary immediate manner from the Holy Ghost it was not in the power of them who recieved them to confine them unto the order prescribed which would seem to limit the Holy Spirit in his operations whereas they were all to speak as the Spirit gave them Ability and Utterance let what would ensue the Apostle assures them by a general Principle that no such thing would follow on a due use and exercise of this Gift For God saith he is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace as in all Churches of the Saints ver 33. As if he should have said If such a course should be taken that any one should speak and prophesie as he pretended himself to be moved by the Spirit and to have none to judge of what he said all Confusion Tumult and Disorder would ensue thereon But God is the Author of no such thing gives no such Gifts appoints no such exercise of them as would tend thereunto But how shall this be prevented seeing these things are extraordinary and not in our own power yea saith he the Spirit of the Prophets is subject to the Prophets ver 32. By the Spirit of the Prophets that their Spiritual Gift and Ability for its exercise is intended none do question And whereas the Apostle had taught two things concerning the Exercise of this Gift 1 That it ought to be Orderly to avoid Confusion 2 That what proceedeth from it ought to be judged by others he manifests that both these may be observed because the Spirit of the Prophets is subject to the Prophets that is both their Spiritual Gift is so in their own Power as that they might dispose themselves unto its Exercise with Choice and Judgment so as to preserve Order and Peace not being acted as with an Enthusiastical Afflation and carried out of eheir own Power this Gift in it's Exercise was subject unto their own Judgment Choice and Understanding so what they expressed by vertue of their Spiritual Gift was subject to be judged of by the other Prophets that were in the Church Thus was the Peace and Order of the Church to be preserved and the Edefication of it to be promoted § 25. Discerning of Spirits is the next Gift of the Spirit here enumerated 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To another the Discernings of Spirits the Ability and Faculty of Judging of Spirits The Dijudication of Spirits This Gift I have upon another occasion formerly given an Account of and therefore shall here but briefly touch upon it All Gospel-Administrations were in those Days avowedly executed by Vertue of Spiritual Gifts No Man then durst set his Hand unto this Work but such as either really had or highly pretended unto a Participation of the Holy Ghost For the Administration of the Gospel is the Dispensation of the Spirit This therefore was pleaded by all in the preaching of the Word whether in private Assemblies or publickly to the World But it came also then to pass as it did in all Ages of the Church that where God gave unto any the extraordinary Gifts of his Spirit for the Reformation or Edification of the Church there Sathan suborned some to make a Pretence thereunto unto it's Trouble and Destruction So was it under the Old Testament and so was it foretold that it should be under the New So the Apostle Peter having declared the Nature and Excellency Use and Certainty of that Prophesie which was of old 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. adds thereunto But there were false Prophets also among the People Chap. 2. 1. That is when God granted that signal Priviledge unto the Church of the Immediate Revelation of his Will unto them by the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost which constituted Men true Prophets of the Lord Sathan stirred up others to pretend unto the same Spirit of Prophesie for his own malicious Ends whereby there were false Prophets also among the People But it may be it will be otherwise now under the Gospel Church State No saith he There shall be false Teachers among you that is Persons pretending to the same Spiritual Gift that the Apostles and Evangelists had yet bringing in thereby damnable Heresies Now all their damnable Opininions they Fathered upon immediate Revelations of the Spirit This gave occasion to the Holy Apostle John to give that Caution with his Reason of it which is expressed 1 John 4. 1 2 3. which Words we have opened before And this false Pretence unto extraordinary Spiritual Gifts the Church was tried and pestred withall so long as there was any occasion to give it Countenance namely whilst such Gifts were really continued unto any therein What way then had God Ordained for the Preservation and Safety of the Church that it should not be imposed upon by any of these Delusions I answer There was a Standing Rule in the Church whereby whatsoever was or could be offered Doctrinally unto it might certainly and infallibly be tryed judged and determined on And this was the Rule of the written Word according to that everlasting Ordinance To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them Isa. 8. 20. This in all Ages was sufficient for the Preservation of the Church from all Errors and Heresies or damnable Doctrines which it never fell into nor shall do so but in the sinful Neglect and Contempt hereof Moreover the Apostle further directs the Application of this Rule unto present occasions by advising us to fix on some Fundamental Principles which are likely to be opposed and if they are not owned and avowed to avoid such Teachers whatever Spiritual Gift they pretend unto 1 John 4. 2 3. 2 John 9 10 11. But yet because many in those Days were weak in the Faith and might be surprized with such Pretences God had graciously provided and bestowed the Gift here mentioned on some it may be in every Church namely of Discerning of Spirits They could by Vertue of the Extraordinary Gift and Aid therein of the Holy Ghost make a true Judgment of the Spirits that Men pretended to act and to be acted by whether they were of God or no. And this was of singular Use and Benefit unto the Church in those Days For as Spiritual Gifts abounded so did a Pretence unto them which was always accompanied with pernicious Designs Herein therefore did God grand Relief for them who were either less skilful or less
either Apostolical Office Power or Gifts The like may be said of Evangelists Nor have we any undoubted Testimony that any of those Gifts which were truly miraculous and every way above the Faculties of Men were communicated unto any after the Expiration of the Generation of them who conversed with Christ in the Flesh or those who received the Holy Ghost by their Ministry It is not unlikely but that God might on some occasions for a longer Season put forth his Power in some miraculous Operations and so he yet may do and perhaps doth sometimes But the Superstition and Folly of some ensuing Ages inventing and divulging innumerable Miracles false and foolish proved a most disadvantagious Prejudice unto the Gospel and a means to open a way unto Sathan to impose endless Delusions upon Christians For as true and real Miracles with becoming Circumstances were the great means that won and reconciled a Regard and Honour unto Christian Religion in the World so the Pretence of such as either were absolutely false or such as whose Occasions Ends Matter or Manner were unbecoming the Greatness and Holiness of him who is the true Author of all miraculous Operations is the greatest Dishonour unto Religion that any one can invent But although all these Gifts and Operations ceased in some respect some of them absolutely and some of them as to the immediate manner of Communication and Degree of Excellency yet so far as the Edification of the Church was concerned in them something that is Analogous unto them was and is continued He who gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists gave also some Pastors and Teachers And as he furnished the former with extraordinary Gifts so as far as any thing of the like kind is needful for the continual Edification of the Church he bestows it on the latter also as shall be declared § 3. AND these Gifts of the Spirit added unto his Grace in real Holiness were the Glory Honour and Beauty of the Church of Old Men have but deceived themselves and others when they have seigned a Glory and Beauty of the Church in other things And whatever any think or say where these Gifts of the Holy Ghost which are the Ornaments of the Church her cloathing of wrought Gold and her Raiment of Needle-work being neglected and lost and they think to adorn her with the meritricious Paint of pompous Ceremonies with outward Grandeur Wealth and Power she is utterly fallen from her Chastity Purity and Integrity But it is evident that this is the state of many Churches in the World which are therefore worldly and carnal not Spiritual or Evangelical Power and Force and Wealth the Gifts in this Case of Another Spirit under various Pretences and Names are their Life and Glory indeed their Death and Shame I deny not but that it is lawful for Ministers of the Gospel to enjoy Earthly Possessions which they do attain by any commendable way among other Men. Neither are they required unless in extraordinary Cases to part with the Right and Use of their Temporal Goods because they are so Ministers of Christ though those who are so indeed will not deny but that they ought to use them in a peculiar manner unto the Glory of Christ and Honour of the Gospel beyond other Men. Neither shall I ever question that wherein the Scripture is so express namely That those who labour in the Word and Doctrine should have a convenient yea an Honourable Subsistence provided for them according to the best Ability of the Church for their Work 's sake It is in like manner also granted that the Lord Christ hath committed all that Power which with repect unto the Edification of the Church he will exercise in this World unto the Church it self as it cannot without a Virtual Renunciation of the Gospel and Faith in Christ Jesus as the Head and King of the Church be supposed that this Power is any other but Spiritual over the Souls and Consciences of Men. And therefore cannot this Power be exercised or be any ways made effectual but by vertue of the Spiritual Gifts we treat of But for Men to turn this Spiritual Power to be exercised only by vertue of Spiritual Gifts into an external coercive Power over the Persons Bodies Liberties and Lives of Men to be exercised by Law-Courts in Ways Forms Manners utterly Forreign to the Gospel and all Evangelical Administrations without the least Pretence unto or Appearance of the Exercise of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost therein yea and by Persons by whom they are hated and derided acting with Pride Scorn and Contempt of the Disciples of Christ and over them being utterly ignorant of the true Nature and Use of all Gospel Administrations this is to disorder the Church and in stead of an House of Spiritual Worship in some Instances to turn it into a Den of Thieves Where hereunto there are moreover annexed earthly Revenues containing all Food and Fuel of corrupt Lusts with all things satisfactory unto the Minds of Worldly Sensual Men as a meet Reward of these Carnal Administrations as it is at this Day in the Church of Rome there all Use of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost is excluded and the Church is brought into extream Desolacion And although these things are are as contrary to the Gospel as Darkness to Light yet the World for many Reasons not now to be insisted on being willing to be deceived in this matter it is generally apprehended that there is nothing so pernicious unto the Church so justly to be watched against and rooted out as a Dislike of their Horrible Apostasies in the Corrupt Depravation of all Evangelical Administrations This was not the State this was not the Condition of the Primitive Churches their Life consisted in the Grace of the Spirit and their Glory in his Gifts None of their Leaders once dreamed of that new kind of Beauty Glory and Power consisting in numberless Superstitious Ceremonies instead of Religious Worship Worldly Grandeur instead of Humility and Self-denyal and open Tyranny over the Consciences and Persons of Men in the room of Spiritual Authority effectual in the Power of Christ and by vertue of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost § 4. THERE are many sore Divisions at this Day in the World among and between the Professors of Christian Religion both about the Doctrine and Worship of the Gospel as also the Discipline thereof That these Divisions are evil in themselves and the Cause of great Evils Hinderances of the Gospel and all the Effects thereof in the World is acknowledged by all and it is a thing doubtless to be greatly lamented that the generality of them who are called Christians are departed from the great Rule of keeping the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace He who doth not pray always who is not ready with his utmost Endeavour to remedy this Evil to remove this great Obstruction of the Benefit of the Gospel is scarce
Souls of Men unto his Obedience making them free ready willing in the Day of his Power These were the Forces and Weapons that he used in the establishing of his Kingdom which were mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds casting down of Imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the Knowledge of God and bringing into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ 2 Cor. 10. 4 5. So doth the Apostle describe the success of these Administrations as an absolute conquest wherein all Opposition is broken all strong Holds and Fortifications are demolished and the whole reduced unto due Obedience For by this means were all things effected all the strong holds of Sin in the Minds of Men in their natural Darkness Blindness and Obstinacy all the high Fortifications of prejudices and vain proud lofty imaginations raised in them by Sathan were all cast down by and before Gospel Administrations managed by Vertue and Authority of these Spiritual Gifts which the Lord Christ ordained to be the Powers of his Kingdom § 9. THIRDLY Those of them which consisted in miraculous operations were suited to fill the World with an Apprehension of a Divine Power accompanying the Word and them by whom it was administred And sundry things unto the furtherance of the Gospel depended hereon As 1 The World which was stupid asleep in Sin and Security satisfied with their Lusts and Idolatries regardless of any thing but present Enjoyments was awakened hereby to an Attendance unto and Enquiry into this new Doctrine that was proposed unto them They could not but take notice that there was something more than ordinary in that Sermon which they were summoned unto by a Miracle And this was the first and principal use of these miraculous Operations They awakened the dull stupid World unto a consideration of the Doctrine of the Gospel which otherwise they would have securely neglected and despised 2 They weaken'd and took off those mighty prejudices which their Minds were possessed with by Tradition and Secular Enjoyments what these prejudices were I shall not here declare I have done it elsewhere It is enough to observe that they were as great as many as effectual as Humane Nature in any Case is capable of But yet although they were sufficiently of proof against all other means of Conviction yet they could not but sink and weaken before the manifest evidence of present Divine Power such as these miraculous Operations were accompanied withall For although all the things which they cleaved unto and intended to do so inseparably were as they thought to be preferred above any thing that could be offered unto them yet when the Divine Power appeared against them they were not able to give them Defence Hence upon these Operations one of these two Effects ensued 1 Those that were shut up under their Obstinacy and Unbelief were filled with Tormenting Convictions and knew not what to do to relieve themselves The Evidence of Miracles they could not withstand and yet would not admit of what they tendred and confirmed whence they were filled with Disquietments and Perplexities So the Rulers of the Jews manifested themselves to have been upon the Curing of the Impotent Person at the Gate of the Temple What shall we do say they to these Men for that indeed a notable Miracle hath been done by them Acts 4. 16. 2 The Minds of others were exceedingly prepared for the Reception of the Truth the Advantages unto that purpose being too many to be here insisted on 3 They were a great means of taking off the Scandal of the Cross. That this was that which the World was principally offended at in the Gospel is sufficiently known Christ Crucified was to the Jews a Stumbling-block and unto the Greeks Foolishness Nothing could possibly be or have been a matter of so high offence unto the Jews as to offer them a Crucified Messiah whom they expected as a Glorious King to subdue all their Enemies nor ever will they receive him in the Mind wherein they are upon any other Terms And it seemed a part of the extreamest Folly unto the Grecians to propose such Great and Immortal Things in the Name of one that was himself Crucified as a Malefactor And a shame it was thought on all hands for any Wise Man to profess or own such a Religion as came from the Cross. But yet after all this blustering of Weakness and Folly when they saw this Doctrine of the Cross owned by God and witnessed unto by manifest Effects of Divine Power they could not but begin to think that Men need not be much ashamed of that which God so openly avowed And all these things made way to let in the Word into the Minds and Consciences of Men where by its own Efficacy it gave them satisfying Experience of its Truth and Power § 10. FROM these few Instances whereunto many of an alike Nature might be added it is manifest how these Spiritual Gifts were the Powers of the World to come the Means Weapons Arms that the Lord Christ made use of for the subduing of the World destruction of the Kingdom of Sathan and Darkness with the planting and establishment of his own Church on the Earth And as they were alone suited unto his Design so his Accomplishment of it by them is a glorious Evidence of his Divine Power and Wisdom as might easily be demonstrated Of Ordinary Gifts of the Spirit CHAP. VI. The Grant Institution Use Benefit End and Continuance of the Ministry § 1. THE consideration of those Ordinary Gifts of the Spirit which are annexed unto the Ordinary Powers and Duties of the Church doth in the next place lye before us And they are called Ordinary not as if they were absolutely common unto all or were not much to be esteemed or as if that were any way a diminishing Term But we call them so upon a double account 1 In distinction from those Gifts which being absolutely Extraordinary did exceed the whole Power and Faculties of the Souls of Men as Healings Tongues and Miracles For otherwise they are of the same Nature with most of those Gifts which were bestowed on the Apostles and Evangelists differing only in degree Every true Gospel Ministry hath now Gifts of the same kind with the Apostles in a degree and measure sufficient to their Work excepting those mentioned 2 Because of their continuance in the ordinary state of the Church which also they shall do unto the Consummation of all things Now my design is to treat peculiarly of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit But because there is a Gift of Christ which is the Foundation and Subject of them something must be spoken briefly unto that in the first place And this Gift of Christ is that of the Ministry of the Church the Nature of which Office I shall not consider at large but only speak unto it as it is a Gift of Christ. And this I shall do by some little illustration
given unto that passage of the Apostle where this Gift and the Communication of it is declared Ephes. 4. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16. But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the Gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith when he ascended up on high he led Captivity Captive and gave Gifts unto Men Now that he ascended what is it but that be also descended first into the lower parts of the Earth He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all Heavens that he might fill all things and he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the Work of the Ministry for the Edifying of the Body of Christ till we all come in the Unity of the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect Man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more tossed to and fro and carried about with every Wind of Doctrine by the sleight of Men and cunning Craftiness whereby they lye in wait to deceive but speaking the Truth in Love may grow up into him in all things which is the Head even Christ. From whom the whole Body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplyeth according unto the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of the Body unto the Edifying of it self in Love § 2. THERE is no other place of Scripture wherein at one view the Grant Institution Use Benefit End and Continuance of the Ministry is so clearly and fully represented And the End of this whole Discourse is to declare that the Gift and Grant of the Ministry and Ministers of the Office and the Persons to discharge it is an Eminent most useful Fruit and Effect of the Mediatory Power of Christ with his Love and Care towards his Church And those of whom the Apostle speaks unto every one of us are the Officers or Ministers whom he doth afterwards enumerate although the words may in some sense be extended unto all Believers But principally the Ministry and Ministers of the Church are intended And it is said unto them is Grace given It is evident that by Grace here not Sanctifying Saving Grace is intended but a participation of a gracious Favour with respect to an especial End So the word is frequently used in this case by our Apostle Rom. 15. 15. Gal. 2. 9. Ephes. 3. 8. This Gracious Favour we are made partakers of this Trust is freely in a way of Grace committed unto us And that according to the measure of the Gift of Christ unto every one according as the Lord Christ doth measure the Gift of it freely out unto them Thus in general was the Ministry granted unto the Church the particular account whereof is given in the ensuing Verses And § 3. FIRST it is declared to be a Gift of Christ. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And he himself gave ver 11. It is the great Fundamental of all Church-Order Power and Worship that the Gift and Grant of Christ is the Original of the Ministry If it had not been so given of Christ it had not been lawful for any of the Sons of Men to institute such an Office or appoint such Officers If any had attempted so to do as there would have been a Nullity in what they did so their Attempt would have been expresly against the Headship of Christ or his Supreme Authority over the Church Wherefore that he would thus give Ministers of the Church was promised of old Jer. 3. 15. as well as signally foretold in the Psalm from whence these Words are taken And as his doing of it is an Act of his Mediatory Power as it is declared in this place and Matth. 28. 18. so it was a Fruit of his Care Love and Bounty 1 Cor. 2. 21 22. And it will hence follow not only that Offices in the Church which are not of Christ's giving by Institution and Officers that are not of Gift Grant by Provision and Furnishment have indeed no place therein but also that they are set up in Opposition unto his Authority and in Contempt of his Care and Bounty For the doing so ariseth out of an Apprehension that both Men have a Power in the Church which is not derived from Christ and that to impose Servants upon him in his House without his Consent as also that they have more Care of the Church than he had who made not such Provision for them And if an Examination might be admitted by this Rule as it will one Day come on whether Men will or no some great Names now in the Church would scarce be able to preserve their Station Popes Cardinals Metropolitans Diocesan Prelates Arch-Deacons Commissaries Officials and I know not what other monstrous Products of an incestuous Conjunction between Secular Pride and Ecclesiastical Degeneracy would think themselves severely treated to be tried by this Rule But so it must be at last and that unavoidably Yea and that no Man shall be so hardy as once to dare attempt the setting up of Officers in the Church without the Authority of Christ the Eminency of this Gift and Grant of his is declared in sundry particular Instances wherein neither the Wisdom nor Skill nor Power of any or all of the Sons of Men can have the least Interest or in any thing alike unto them § 4. AND this appears 1 From the Grandeur of it's Introduction or the great and solemn Preparation that was made for the giving out of this Gift It was given by Christ when he ascended up on high and led Captivity captive Ver. 8. The Words are taken from Psal. 68. 17 18. The Chariots of God are twenty thousand even Thousands of Angels the Lord is among them as in Sinai in the Holy Place Thou hast ascended on high thou hast led Captivity captive thou hast received Gifts for Men yea for the Rebellious also that the Lord God might dwell among them In the first place the glorious Appearance of God on Mount Sinai in giving of the Law his descending and ascending unto that purpose is intended But they are applied here unto Christ because all the glorious Works of God in and towards the Church of Old were either Representatory or gradually introductory of Christ and the Gospel Thus the glorious Ascending of God from Mount Sinai after the giving of the Law was a Representation of his ascending far above all Heavens to fill all things as Ver. 10. And as God then led Captivity captive in the Destruction of Pharaoh and the Egyptians who had long held his People in Captivity and under Cruel Bondage So dealt the Lord Christ now in the Destruction and Captivity of Sathan and all his Powers Col. 2. 15. Only whereas it is said in the Psalm that he received Gifts for men here it is said that he gave Gifts to
men wherein no small Mystery is couched For although Christ is God and is so gloriously represented in the Psalm yet an Intimation is given that he should act what is here mentioned in a condition wherein he was capable to receive from another as he did in this matter Acts 2. 2 3. And so the Phrase in the Original doth more than infinuate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thou hast received Gifts in Adam in the Man or Humane Nature And 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies as well to give as to receive especially when any thing is received to be given Christ received this Gift in the Humane Nature to give it unto others Now to what end is this glorious Theatre as it were prepared and all this Preparation made all Men being called to the Preparation of it It was to set out the Greatness of the Gift he would bestow and the Glory of the Work which he would effect And this was to furnish the Church with Ministers and Ministers with Gifts for the Discharge of their Office and Duty And it will one Day appear that there is more Glory more Excellency in giving one poor Minister unto a Congregation by furnishing him with Spiritual Gifts for the Discharge of his Duty than in the Pompous Installment of a Thousand Popes Cardinals or Metropolitans The worst of Men in the Observance of a few outward Rites and Ceremonies can do the latter Christ only can do the former and that as he is ascended up on high to that purpose § 5. 2ly IT appears to be such an eminent Gift from it's Original Acquisition There was a Power acquired by Christ for this great Donation which the Apostle declares ver 9. Now that he ascended what is it but that he also descended first into the Lower parts of the Earth Having mentioned the Ascension of Christ as the immediate Cause or Fountain of the Communication of this Gift Ver. 8. he found it necessary to trace it unto it's first Original He doth not therefore make mention of the descending into the lower parts of the Earth occasionally upon that of his ascending as if he catched at an Advantage of a Word Nor doth he speak of the Humiliation of Christ absolutely in it's self which he had no occasion for but he introduceth it to shew what respect this Gift of the Ministry and Ministers of the Office Gifts and Persons had thereunto And Christ's descending into the lower parts of the Earth may be taken two ways according as that Expression the Lower parts of the Earth may be diversly understood For the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Lower Parts of the Earth are either the whole Earth that is those lower Parts of the World or some part of it For the Word Lower includes a Comparison either with the whole Creation or with some part of it self In the first Sence Christs state of Humiliation is intended wherein he came down from Heaven into these lower parts of Gods Creation conversing on the Earth In the latter his Grave and Burial are intended for the Grave is the lowest part of the Earth into which Mankind doth descend And both of these or his Humiliation as it ended in his Death and Burial may be respected in the Words And that which the Apostle designs to manifest is that the deep Humiliation and the Death of Christ is the Fountain and Original of the Ministry of the Church by way of Acquisition and Procurement It is a Fruit whose Root is in the Grave of Christ. For in those things in the Humiliation and Death of Christ lay the Foundation of his Mediatory Authority whereof the Ministry is an Effect Phil. 2. 6 7 8 9 10. And it was appointed by him to be the Ministry of that Peace between God and Man which was made therein and thereby Ephes. 2. 14 16 17. For when he had made this Peace by the Blood of the Cross he preached it in the giving these Gifts unto Men for it's solemn Declaration See 2 Cor. 5. 18 19 20 21. Wherefore because the Authority from whence this Gift proceeded was granted unto Christ upon his descending into the lower parts of the Earth and the end of the Gift is to declare and preach the Peace which he made between God and Man by his so doing this Gift relates thereunto also Hereon doth the Honour and Excellency of the Ministry depend with respect hereunto is it to be esteemed and valued namely it 's Relation unto the Spiritual Humiliation of Christ and not from the carnal or secular Exaltation of those that take it upon them § 6. 3 ly IT appears to be an eminent and signal Gift from the immediate Cause of it's actual Communication or the present Qualification of the Lord Christ for the bestowing of it and this was his glorious Exaltation upon his Ascension A Right unto it was acquired by him in his Death but his actual Investiture with all glorious Power was to precede it's Communication ver 8 10. He was first to ascend up on high to triumph over all his and our Adversaries put now under him into absolute and eternal Captivity before he gave out this Gift And he is said here to ascend far above all Heavens that is these visible and aspectable Heavens which he passed through when he went into the glorious Presence of God or unto the Right Hand of the Majesty on high See Heb. 4. 14. with our Exposition thereon It is also added why he was thus gloriously exalted and this was that he might fill up all things not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not in the Essence of his Nature but in the Exercise of his Power He had laid the Foundation of his Church on himself in his Death and Resurrection but now the whole Fabrick of it was to be fill'd with it's Utinsils and beautify'd with it's Ornaments This he ascended to accomplish and did it principally in the Collation of this Gift of the Ministry upon it This was the first Exercise of that glorious Power which the Lord Christ was vested withall upon his Exaltation the first Effect of his Wisdom and Love in filling all things unto the Glory of God and the Salvation of his Elect. And these things are mentioned that in the Contemplation of their Greatness and Order we may learn and judge how excellent this Donation of Christ is And it will also appear from hence how contemptible a thing the most pompous Ministry in the World is which doth not proceed from this Original § 7. 4. THE same is manifest from the Nature of the Gift it self For this Gift consisteth in Gifts He gave Gifts There is an active giving expressed He gave And the thing given that is Gifts Wherefore the Ministry is a Gift of Christ not only because freely and bountifully given by him to the Church but also because Spiritual Gifts do essentially belong unto it are indeed it 's Life and inseparable from it's Being
Primitive Pattern that the Circumstances of things are capable of 4. The Lord Christ continueth his bestowing of this Gift by the Solemn Ordinance of setting apart those who are called in the manner declared by Fasting and Prayer and Imposition of Hands Acts 14. 23. Chap. 13. 2. 1 Tim. 4. 14. By these means I say doth the Lord Christ continue to declare that he accounts Men faithful and puts them into the Ministry as the Apostle speaks 1 Tim. 1. 12. § 12. THERE are yet remaining sundry things in the Passage of the Apostle which we now insist on that declare the Eminency of this Gift of Christ which may yet be farther briefly considered As 6 The End why it is bestowed and this is expressed 1 Positiveiy as to the Good and Advantage of the Church thereby ver 12. 2 Negatively as to it's Prohibition and Hinderance of Evil ver 14. In the end of it as positively expressed three things may be considered 1 That it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is for the gathering of the Saints into compleat Church-Order The Subject-matter of this part of their Duty is the Saints that is by Calling and Profession such as are all the Disciples of Christ. And that which is effected towards them is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their Coagmentation joynting or compacting into Order So the Word signifies Gal. 6. 1. And this Effect is here declared ver 16. It is true the Saints mentioned may come together into some initial Church-Order by their Consent and Agreement to walk together in all the ways of Christ and in Obedience unto all his Institutions and so become a Church essentially before they have any ordinary Pastor or Teacher either by the conduct of extraordinary Officers as at first or through Obedience unto their Word whence Elders were ordained among those who were in Church-state that is thus far before Acts 14. 23. but they cannot come to that Perfection and Compleatness which is designed unto them That which renders a Church compleatly Organical the proper Seat and Subject of all Gospel-Worship and Ordinances is this Gift of Christ in the Ministry BUT it may be asked Whether a Church before it come unto this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Compleatness before it hath any Minister in Office or have by any means lost the Ministry among them may not delegate and appoint some one or more from among themselves for to Administer all the Ordinances of the Gospel among them and unto them and by that means make up their own Perfection § 13. SECONDLY The Church being so compleated these Officers are given unto it for the Work of the Ministry This Expression is comprehensive and the Particulars included in it are not in this place to be enquired into It may suffice unto our present purpose to consider that it is a Work not a Preferment and a Work they shall find it who design to give up a comfortable Account of what is committed unto them It is usually observed that all the Words whereby the Work of the Ministry is expressed in the Scripture do denote a peculiar industrious kind of Labour Though some have sonne out ways of Honour and Ease to be signified by them And Both these are directed unto one general Issue It is all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Unto the Edification of the Body of Christ. Not to insist on the Metaphors that are in this Expression the Excellency of the Ministry is declared in that the Object of it's Duty and Work is no other but the Body of Christ himself and it 's End the Edification of this Body or it's Encrease in Faith and Obedience in all the Graces and Gifts of the Spirit until it comes unto Conformity unto him and the Enjoyment of him And a Ministry which hath not this Object and End is not of the giving or Grant of Christ. § 14. THE End of the Ministry is expressed negatively or with respect unto the Evils which it is ordained for our Deliverance from ver 14. 1 The Evil which we are hereby delivered from is the danger of being perniciously and destructively deceived by false Doctrines Errors and Heresies which then began and have ever since in all Ages continued to infest the Churches of God These the Apostle describes 1 From the Design of their Authors which is to deceive 2 Their Diligence in that Design They lay in wait to accomplish it 3 The Means they use to compass their End which are Slights and cunning Craftiness managed sometimes with impetuous Violence and thence called a Wind of Doctrine And 2 The Means hereof is our Deliverance out of a Child-like state accompanied with 1 Weakness 2 Instability And 3 Wilfulness And sad is the condition of those Churches which either have such Ministers as will themselves toss them up and down by false and pernicious Doctrines or are not able by sound Instructions to deliver them from such a condition of Weakness and Instabi'ity as wherein they are not able to preserve themselves from being in these things imposed on by the cunning Slights of Men that lie in wait to deceive And as this Ministry is always to continue in the Church ver 13. so it is the great means of Influencing the whole Body and every Member of it into a due Discharge of their Duty unto their Edification in Love ver 15 16. § 15. DESIGNING to treat of the Spiritual Gifts bestowed on the Ministry of the Church I have thus far diverted into the Consideration of the Ministry it self as it is a Gift of Christ and shall shut it up with a few Corollaries As 1 Where there is any Office erected in the Church that is not in particular of the Gift and Institution of Christ there is a Nullity in the whole Office and in all Administrations by vertue of it 2 Where the Office is appointed but Gifts are not communicated unto the Person called unto it there is a Nullity as to his Person and a Disorder in the Church 3 It is the Duty of the Church to look on the Ministry as an eminent Grant of Christ with Valuation Thankfulness and Improvement 4 Those who are called unto this Office in due Order labour to approve themselves as a Gift of Christ which it is a shameless Impudence for some to own who go under that Name 5 This they may do in labouring to be furnished 1 With gracious Qualifications 2 Useful Endowments 3 Diligence and laborious Travail in this Work 4 By an exemplary Conversation in 1. Love 2. Meekness 3. Self-denyal 4. Readiness for the Cross c. CHAP. VII Of Spiritual Gifts enabling the Ministry to the Exercise and Discharge of their Trust and Office § 1. UNTO the Ministry so given unto the Church as hath been declared the Holy Ghost gives Spiritual Gifts enabling them unto the Exercise and Discharge of the Power Trust and Office committed unto them Now although I am not thoroughly satisfied what Men will grant or
Prophesie c. It is indifferent as to our present purpose whether the Apostle treat here of Offices or of Duties only The things ensuing which are plain and obvious in the Text are sufficient unto the confirmation of what we plead for 1 It is the ordinary state of the Church its Continuance being planted its Preservation and Edification that the Apostle discourseth about wherefore what he speaks is necessary unto the Church in all Ages and Conditions To suppose a Church devoid of the Gifts here mentioned is to overthrow the whole Nature and End of a Gospel Church 2 That the Principle of all Administrations in the Church-state described is Gifts received from Jesus Christ by his Spirit For declaring the way whereby the Church may be Edified he laveth the Foundation of it in this that to every one of us is Grace given according to the measure of the Gift of Christ. For the Apostle exhorts those unto whom he speaks to attend unto those Duties whereby the Church may be Edified and that by vertue of the Gifts which they had received All the whole Duty of any one in the Church lyes in this that he act according to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that he is made partaker of And what these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are as also by whom they are bestowed hath been already fully declared 3. That these Gifts give not only Ability for Duty but Rule and Measure unto all Works of Service that are to be performed in the Church Every one is to act therein according to his Gift and no otherwise To say that this state of the Church is now ceased and that another state is introduced wherein all Gospel Administrations may be managed without Spiritual Gifts or not by virtue of them is to say that which de facto is true in most places but whether the true Nature of the Church is not overthrown thereby is left unto consideration 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. is a parallel Testimony hereunto and many others to the same purpose might be pleaded together with that which is the Foundation of this whole Discourse Ephes. 4. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 c. Only let it be remembred that in this whole Discourse by Gifts I do understand those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 those Spiritual Largesses which are neither absolutely Natural Endowments nor attainable by our own Industry and Diligence § 9. 7thly THESE Gifts as they are bestowed unto that End so they are indispensibly necessary unto Gospel Administrations For as we have proved they are Spiritual and not Legal or Carnal and Spiritual Administrations cannot be exercised in a due manner without Spiritual Gifts Yea one Reason why they are Spiritual and so called is because they cannot be performed without the Aid and Assistance of the Holy Spirit in and by these Gifts of his Had the Lord Christ appointed Administrations of another Nature such as were every way suited unto the Reason of Men and to be exercised by the Powers thereof there had been no need of these Spiritual Gifts For the Spirit of a Man knoweth the things of a Man and will both guide and act him therein And whereas these Admistrations are in their Nature Use Signification and Efficacy Spiritual it is by Spiritual Gifts alone that they may be managed Hence these things do live and die together Where the one is not there neither will the other be Thus when many perhaps the most who were outwardly called unto Office in the Church began to be Carnal in their Hearts and Lives and to neglect the use of these Gifts neither applying themselves unto the attaining of them nor endeavouring to excite or encrease what they had received by Diligence or constant Exercise refusing to Trade with the Talent committed unto them they quickly began to wax weary of Spiritual Administrations also Hereon in compliance with many corrupt Affections they betook themselves unto an outward Carnal Ceremonious Worship and Administration of Ordinances which they might discharge and perform without the least Aid or Assistance of the Holy Ghost or Supply of Spiritual Gifts So in the neglect of these Gifts and the loss of them which ensued thereon lay the beginning of the Apostasie of the Christian Church as to its outward Profession which was quickly compleated by the neglect of the Grace of the Spirit whereby it lost both Truth and Holiness Nor could it be otherwise For as we have proved the outward Form and Being of the Church as to its visible Profession depends on the receipt and use of them On their decay therefore the Church must decay as to its Profession and in their loss is its Ruin And we have an instance in the Church of Rome what Various Extravagant and Endless Inventions the Minds of Men will put them upon to keep up a shew of Worship when by the loss of Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Administrations are lost also This is that which their innumerable Forms Modes sets of Rites and Ceremonies seasons of Worship are invented to supply but to no purpose at all but only the aggravation of their Sin and Folly § 10. IN the last place we plead the Event even in the days wherein we live For the Holy Ghost doth continue to dispense Spiritual Gifts for Gospel Administrations in great variety unto those Ministers of the Gospel who are called unto their Office according unto his Mind and Will The opposition that is made hereunto by Profane Scoffers is not to be valued The Experience of those who are Humble and Wise who fearing God do enquire into those things is appealed unto Have they not an Experiment of this Administration Do they not find the presence of the Spirit himself by his various Gifts in them by whom Spiritual things are Administred unto them Have they not a proof of Christ speaking in them by the Assistance of his Spirit making the Word mighty unto all its proper Ends And as the thing it self so variety of his Dispensations manifest themselves also unto the Experience of Believers Who see not how different are the Gifts of Men the Holy Ghost dividing unto every one as he will And the Experience which they have themselves who have received these Gifts of the especial Assistance which they receive in the Exercise of them may also be pleaded Indeed the Profaneness of a contrary apprehension is intolerable among such as profess themselves to be Christians For any to boast themselves they are sufficient of themselves for the Stewardly Dispensation of the Mysteries of the Gospel by their own Endowments Natural or Acquired and the Exercise of them without a participation of any peculiar Spiritual Gift from the Holy Ghost is a presumption which contains in it a Renunciation of all or any Interest in the Promises of Christ made unto the Church or the continuance of his presence therein Let Men be never so well perswaded of their own Abilities let them Pride themselves in their Performances in Reflection of
Applauses from Persons unacquainted with the Mystery of these things let them frame to themselves such a Work of the Ministry as whose Discharge stands in little or no need of these Gifts yet it will at length appear that where the Gifts of the Holy Ghost are excluded from their Administration the Lord Christ is so and the Spirit himself is so and all true Edification of the Church is so and so are all the real Concerns of the Gospel And so have we as I hope confirmed the second part of the Work of the Holy Ghost with respect unto Spiritual Gifts namely his continuance to distribute and communicate unto the Church to the End of the World according unto the Powers and Duties which he hath erected in it or required of it CHAP. VIII Of the Gifts of the Spirit with respect unto Doctrine Rule and Worship how attained and improved § 1. THERE remain yet two things to be spoken unto with respect unto the Gifts which the Holy Ghost bestows on the Ministers of the Gospel to qualifie them unto their Office and to enable them unto their Work And these are 1 What they are 2. How they are to be attained and improved In our Enquiry after the first or what are the Gifts whereby Men are fitted and enabled for the Ministry we wholly set aside the consideration of all those gracious qualifications of Faith Love Zeal Compassión Careful tender Watchfulness and the like whereon the Holy Use of their Ministry doth depend For our Enquiry is only after those Gifts whereon depends the very Being of the Ministry There may be a true Ministry in some cases where there is no sanctifying Grace but where there are no Spiritual Gifts there is no Ministry at all They are in General Abilities for the due management of the Spiritual Administrations of the Gospel in its Doctrine Worship and Discipline unto the Edification of the Church It is not easie nay it they be unto us it is not possible to enumerate in particular all the various Gifts which the Holy Ghost endows the Ministers of the Gospel withall â—â—ereas all the Concerns of the Church may be referred unto these three Heads of Doctrine Worship and Rule we may enquire what are the principal Spiritual Gifts of the Holy Ghost with respect unto them distinctly § 2. THE first great Duty of the Ministry with reference unto the Church is the Dispensation of the Doctrine of the Gospel unto it for its Edification As this is the Duty of the Church continually to attend unto Acts 2. 42. so it is the principal Work of the Ministry the Foundation of all other Duties which the Apostles themselves gave themselves unto in an especial manner Acts 6. 4. Hence is it given in charge unto all Ministers of the Gospel Acts 20. 28. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 1 Tim. 1. 3. chap. 5. 17. chap. 4. 13 14 16. 2 Tim. 4. 1 2 3. For this is the principal means appointed by Christ for the Edification of his Church that whereby Spiritual Life is begotten and preserved Where this Work is neglected or carelesly attended unto there the whole Work of the Ministry is despised And with respect unto this Ministerial Duty there are three Spiritual Gifts that the Holy Ghost endoweth Men withall which must be considered § 3. THE first is Wisdom or Knowledge or Understanding in the Mysteries of the Gospel the Revelation of the Mystery of God in Christ with his Mind and Will towards us therein These things may be distinguished and they seem to be so in the Scripture sometimes I put them together as all of them denote that Acquaintance with and Comprehension of the Doctrine of the Gospel which is indispensibly necessary unto them who are called to Preach it unto the Church This some imagine an easie matter to be attained at least that there is no more nor the use of any other means required thereunto than what is necessary to the Acquisition of Skill in any other Art or Science And it were well if some otherwise concerned in Point of Duty would but lay out so much of their Strength and Time in the obtaining of this Knowledge as they do about other things which will not turn much unto their account But the Cursory Perusal of a few Books is thought sufficient to make any Man wise enough to be a Minister And not a few undertake ordinarily to be Teachers of others who would scarcely be admitted as tolerable Disciples in a well ordered Church But there belongeth more unto this Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding than most Men are aware of Were the Nature of it duely considered and withall the Necessity of it unto the Ministry of the Gospel probably some would not so rush on that Work as they do which they have no provision of Ability for the performance of It is in brief such a comprehension of the Scope and End of the Scripture of the Revelation of God therein such an Acquaintance with the Systeme of particular Doctrinal Truths in their Rise Tendency and Use such an Habit of Mind in judging of Spiritual Things and comparing them one with another such a distinct insight into the Springs and Course of the Mystery of the Love Grace and Will of God in Christ as enables them in whom it is to declare the Counsel of God to make known the Way of Life of Faith and Obedience unto others and to instruct them in their whole Duty to God and Man thereon This the Apostle calls his Knowledge in the Mystery of Christ which he manifested in his Writings Ephes. 3. 4. For as the Gospel the Dispensation and Declaration whereof is committed unto the Ministers of the Church is the Wisdom of God in a Mystery 1 Cor. 2. 7. so their Principal Duty is to become so wise and understanding in that Mystery as that they may be able to declare it unto others without which they have no Ministry committed unto them by Jesus Christ. See Ephes. 1. 9. Chap. 3. 3 6 19. Col. 4. 3. The sole Enquiry is Whence we may have this Wisdom seeing it is abundantly evident that we have it not of our selves That in general it is from God that it is to be asked of him the Scripture every where declares See Col. 1. 9. Chap. 2. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 7. Jam. 1. 5. 1 John 5. 20. And in particular it is plainly affirmed to be the especial Gift of the Holy Ghost He gives the Word of Wisdom 1 Cor. 12. 8. which place hath been opened before And it is the first Ministerial Gift that he bestows on any Where this is not in some measure to look for a Ministry is to look for the Living among the Dead And they will deceive their own Souls in the End as they do those of others in the mean time who on any other grounds do undertake to be Preachers of the Gospel But I shall not here divert unto the full description of this Spiritual Gift
because I have discoursed concerning it elsewhere § 4 WITH respect unto the Doctrine of the Gospel there is required unto the Ministry of the Church skill to divide the word aright which is 〈…〉 a peculiar Gift of the Holy Ghost 2 Tim. 〈…〉 study to approve thy self unto God a 〈…〉 â—hat needeth not to be ashamed rightly 〈…〉 Word of Truth Both the former Clauses depend on the latter If a Minister 〈◊〉 be accepted with God in his Work if he would 〈◊〉 found at the last day a Workman that needs 〈◊〉 to be ashamed that is such a Builder of the House of God as whose Work is meet proper and useful he must take care to divide the word of Truth which is committed unto his Dispensation aright or in a due manner Ministers are Stewards in the House of God and Dispensers of the Ministeries thereof And therefore it is required of them that they give unto all the Servants that are in the House or do belong unto it a meet Portion according unto their Wants Occasions and Services suitable unto the Will and Wisdom of their Lord and Master Luke 12. 42 43. Who is that faithful and wise Steward whom his Master shall make Ruler over his Houshold to give them their Portion of Meat in due Season For this giving of Provision and a Portion of Meat unto the Houshold of Christ consists principally in the Right dividing and distribution of the Word of Truth It is the taking out from those great stores of it in the Scripture and as it were cutting off a Portion suitable unto the various Conditions of those in the Family Hèrein consists the principal Skill of a Scribe furnished for the Kingdom of Heaven with the Wisdom before described And without this a â—â—â—mon course of Dispensing or Preaching the 〈◊〉 without differencing of Persons and 〈…〉 ever it may be Gilded over with a 〈…〉 VVords and Oratory is shameful 〈◊〉 House of God Now unto this skill 〈…〉 are required 1 A sound Judgment in 〈…〉 â—â—ncerning the state and condition of thâ—se 〈…〉 any one is so dispensing the VVord 〈…〉 of a Shepherd to know the state of his Flock and unless he do so he will never feed them profitably He must know whether they are Babes or Young Men or Old whether they need Milk or strong Meat whether they are skilful or unskilful in the VVord of Righteousness whether they have their Senses exercised to discern Good and Evil or not or whether their Hearers are mixed with all these sorts VVhether in the Judgment of Charity they are Converted unto God or are yet in an unregenerate Condition VVhat probably are their principal Temptations their Hinderances and Furtherances what is their growth or decay in Religion He that is not able to make a competent Judgment concerning these things and the other Circumstances of the Flock so as to be steered thereby in his VVork will never Evidence himself to be a VVorkman that needeth not to be ashamed 2 An Acquaintance with the VVays and Methods of the VVork of God's Grace on the Minds and Hearts of Men that he may pursue and comply with its design in the Ministry of the VVord Nothing is by many more despised than an understanding hereof yet is nothing more necessary to the VVork of the Ministry The VVord of the Gospel as Preached is Vehiculum Gratiae and ought to be ordered so as it may comply with its design in its whole VVork on the Souls of Men. He therefore who is unacquainted with the ordinary Methods of the Operation of Grace sights uncertainly in his Preaching of the Word like a Man beating of the Air. It is true God can and often doth direct a Word of Truth spoken as it were at Random unto a proper effect of Grace on some or other as it was when the Man drew a Bow at a venture and smote the King of Israel between the Joynts of the Harness But ordinarily a Man is not like to hit a Joynt who knows not how to take his aim 3 An Acquaintonce with the Nature of Temptation with the especial Hinderances of Faith and Obedience which may befall those unto whom the Word is dispensed is in like manner required hereunto Many things might be added on this Head seeing a principal part of Ministerial Skill doth consist herein 4 A right understanding of the Nature of Spiritual Diseases Distempers and Sicknesses with their proper Cures and Remedies belongeth hereunto For the want hereof the Hearts of the wicked are oftentimes made glad in the Preaching of the Word and those of the Righteous filled with sorrow the Hands of Sinners are strengthened and those who are looking towards God are discouraged or turned out of the way And where Men either know not these things or do not or cannot apply themselves skilfully to distribute the Word according to this variety of occasion they cannot give the Houshold its portion of Meat in Season And he that wants this Spiritual Gift will never divide the Word aright unto its proper Ends 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. And it is lamentable to consider what shameful Work is made for want hereof in the Preaching of some Men Yea how the whole Gift is lost as to its Power Use and Benefit § 5. THIRDLY The Gift of Utterance also belongeth unto this part of the Ministerial Duty in the Dispensation of the Doctrine of the Gospel This is particularly reckoned by the Apostle among the Gifts of the Spirit 1 Cor. 1. 5. 2 Cor. 8. 5. And he desires the Prayers of the Church that the Gift may abide with himself and abound in him Ephes. 6. 19. And he there declares that the Nature of it consists in the opening of the Mouth boldly to make known the Mysteries of the Gospel As also Col. 4. 3. Now this Utterance doth not consist in a Natural Volubility of Speech which taken alone by it self is so far from being a Gift of the Spirit or a thing to be so earnestly prayed for as that it is usually a Snare to them that have it and a trouble to them that hear them Nor doth it consist in a Rhetorical Ability to set off Discourses with a flourish of Words be they never so plausible or enticing much less in a bold corrupting of the Ordinance of Preaching by a Foolish Affectation of words in supposed Elegancies of Speech Quaint Expressions and the like Effects of Wit that is Fancy and Vanity But four things do concur hereunto 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or dicendi libertas The word we Translate Utterance is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Speech But that not Speech in general but a certain kind of Speech is intended is evident from the places mentioned and the Application of them And it is such a Speech as is elsewhere called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is a freedom and liberty in the declaration of the Truth conceived This a Man hath when he is not from any Internal Defect or
them as Abraham did the Father of the Faithful And hereunto some Spiritual Abilities are requisite For none can teach others more than they know themselves nor perform Spiritual Worship without some Spiritual Gifts unless they will betake themselves unto such shifts as we have before on good Grounds rejected 3. Every Member of a Church in Order according to the Mind of Christ possesseth some Place Use and Office in the Body which it cannot fill up unto the Benefit and Ornament of the whole without some Spiritual Gift These places are various some of greater use than others and of more necessity unto the Edification of the Church but all are useful in their kind This our Apostle disputes at large 1 Cor. 12. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 c. All Believers in due order do become one Body by the participation of the same Spirit and Union unto the same Head Those who do not so partake of the one Spirit who are not united unto the Head do not properly belong to the Body whatever place they seem to hold therein Of those that do so some are as it were an Eye some as an Hand and some as a Foot All these useful in their several places and needful unto one another None of them is so highly exalted as to have the least occasion of being lifted up as though he had no need of the rest for the Spirit distributeth unto every one severally as he will not all unto any one save only unto the Head our Lord Jesus from whom we all receive Grace according to the measure of his Gift Nor is any so depressed or useless as to say It is not of the Body nor that the Body hath no need of it But every one in his Place and Station concurrs to the Unity Strength Beauty and Growth of the Body which things our Apostle disputes at large in the place mentioned 4 Hereby are supplies communicated unto the whole from the Head Ephes. 4. 15 16. Col. 2. 19. It is of the Body that is of the Church under the Conduct of its Officers that the Apostle discourseth in those places And the Duty of the whole it is to speak the Truth in Love every one in his several Place and Station And herein God hath so ordered the Union of the whole Church in it self unto and in dependance on its Head as that through and by not only the supply of every Joint which may express either the Officers or more Eminent Members of it but the effectual working of every part in the Exercise of the Graces and Gifts of the Spirit doth impart to the whole the Body may Edifie it self and be Encreased Wherefore 5 The Scripture is express that the Holy Ghost doth communicate of those Gifts unto private Believers and directs them in that Duty wherein they are to be exercised 1 Pet. 4. 10. Every one that is every Believer walking in the Order and Fellowship of the Gospel is to attend unto the Discharge of his Duty according as he hath received Spiritual Ability So was it in the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 1. 5 6 7. and in that of the Romans Chap. 15. 14. as they all of them knew that it was their Duty to covet the best Gifts which they did with success 1 Cor. 12. 31. And hereon depend the Commands for the Exercise of those Duties which in the Ability of these Gifts received they were to perform So were they all to admonish one another to exhort one another to Build up one another in their most Holy Faith And it is the loss of those Spiritual Gifts which hath introduced amongst many an utter neglect of these Duties so as they are scarce heard of among the generality of them that are called Christians But blessed be God we have large and full Experience of the continuance of this Dispensation of the Spirit in the Eminent Abilities of a multitude of private Christians however they may be despised by them who know them not By some I confess they have been abused some have presumed on them beyond the Line and Measure which they have received some have been puffed up with them some have used them disorderly in Churches and to their hurt some have boasted of what they have not received all which miscarriages also befell the Primitive Churches And I had rather have the Order Rule Spirit and Practice of those Churches that were planted by the Apostles with all their Troubles and Disadvantages than the Carnal Peace of others in their open Degeneracy from all those things § 12. IT remains only that we enquire how Men may come unto or attain a participation of these Gifts whether Ministerial or more Private And unto this End we may observe 1 That they are not Communicated unto any by a sudden Afflatus or extraordinary Infusion as were the Gifts of Miracles and Tongues which were bestowed on the Apostles and many of the first Converts That Dispensation of the Spirit is long since ceased and where it is now pretended unto by any it may justly be suspected as an Enthusiastick Delusion For as the End of those Gifts which in their own Nature exceed the whole power of all our Faculties is ceased so is their Communication and the manner of it also Yet this I must say that the Infusion of Spiritual Light into the Mind which is the Foundation of all Gifts as hath been proved being wrought sometimes suddenly or in a short season the Concomitancy of Gifts in some good measure is oftentimes sudden with an appearance of something Extraordinary as might be manifested in instances of several sorts 2 These Gifts are not absolutely attainable by our own Diligence and Endeavours in the use of means without respect unto the Soveraign Will and Pleasure of the Holy Ghost Suppose there are such means of the Attainment and Improvement of them and that several Persons do with the same measures of Natural Abilities and Diligence use those means for that end yet it will not follow that all must be equally Partakers of them They are not the immediate product of our own Endeavours no not as under an ordinary Blessing upon them For they are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arbitrary Largesses or Gifts which the Holy Spirit worketh in all Persons severally as he will Hence we see the different Events that are among them who are exercised in the same Studies and Endeavours some are endued with Eminent Gifts some scarce attain unto any that are useful and some despise them Name and Thing There is therefore an immediate Operation of the Spirit of God in the Collation of these Spiritual Abilities which is unaccountable by the measures of Natural Parts and Industry Yet I say 4 That ordinarily they are both attained and increased by the due use of Means suited thereunto as Grace is also which none but Pelagians affirm to be absolutely in the power of our own Wills And the naming of these Means shall put