Richard Baxter's dying thoughts upon Phil. I, 23 written for his own life and…

§ 39. But by this it appeareth that even among his Twelve Apostles, Christ made a difference, and preferred some before the rest: Though he set no one over the rest in any Governing Authority, yet some ⟨p. 349⟩of them were qualified above the rest, and esteemed, and used by him accordingly. Peter is called the first, and it seems was qualified above the rest, by his more frequent speaking and familiarity with Christ, and his Speeches and Miracles after the Resurrection. Though yet the Faction that said, I am of Cephas, or I am of Paul was rebuked as Carnal; so far was Christ from directing the Churches to end all difference by obeying Peter as their Supreme Ruler. James and John are called the Sons of Thunder: They had some more eminent qualification than the rest: So that James was the first Martyred Apostle, and John the Disciple whom Jesus specially loved. Ministers of the same Office, and Order may much differ in Gifts and Grace, in labour and success, and in God's acceptance and reward, and in the Churches just esteem and love. All Pastors were not such as Cyprian, Basil, Gregory Nazianzene, Chrysostom, or Augustine. And the rest must not envy at the preference of Peter, James, and John. Andrew seems to be Peters Elder Brother, and knew Christ before him, as Aaron was Elder Brother to Moses; and yet must give God leave to choose to give pre-eminence to whom he will.

§ 39. But by this it appeareth that even among his Twelve Apostles, Christ made a difference, and preferred some before the rest: Though he set no one over the rest in any Governing Authority, yet some ⟨p. 349⟩of them were qualified above the rest, and esteemed, and used by him accordingly. Peter is called the first, and it seems was qualified above the rest, by his more frequent speaking and familiarity with Christ, and his Speeches and Miracles after the Resurrection. Though yet the Faction that said, I am of Cephas, or I am of Paul was rebuked as Carnal; so far was Christ from directing the Churches to end all difference by obeying Peter as their Supream Ruler. James and John are called the Sons of Thunder: They had some more eminent qualification than the rest: So that James was the first Martyred Apostle, and John the Disciple whom Jesus specially loved. Ministers of the same Office, and Order may much differ in Gifts and Grace, in labour and success, and in God's acceptance and reward, and in the Churches just esteem and love. All Pastors were not such as Cyprian, Basil, Gregory Nazianzene, Chrysostome, or Augustine. And the rest must not envy at the preference of Peter, James, and John. Andrew seems to be Peters Elder Brother, and knew Christ before him, as Aaron was Elder Brother to Moses; and yet must give God leave to choose to give pre-eminence to whom he will.