A30242:431
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgess ...The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgesse ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for T.U., 1659
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The Apostle doth in many places, delight to compare the Church to a mans body, where there are several parts, and every part hath its peculiar Office. There is the eye, the hand, the foot; and though all are not equally eminent, yet all are equally necessary. But 1 Cor. 12.4, 5. you may see this excellently described: I here are diversities of Gifts, and of Administrations, but all from the same Spirit, the same Lord, and all is for the same end. The manifestation of the Spirit is to profit withal. Whatsoever Abilities and Gifts God hath given, they are not for vain ostentation: They are not for humane applause, but for use to profit withal. Insomuch, that if any man should should use his parts, his abilities, to propagate error, or to strengthen men in wickedness, they did greatly abuse the good Gifts of God, and turn wholesome meat into poison.
The Apostle doth in many places, delight to compare the Church to a mans body, where there are several parts, and every part hath its peculiar Office. There is the eye, the hand, the foot; and though all are not equally eminent, yet all are equally necessary. But 1 Cor. 12.4, 5. you may see this excellently described: I here are diversities of Gifts, and of Administrations, but all from the same Spirit, the same Lord, and all is for the same end. The manifestation of the Spirit is to profit withall. Whatsoever Abilities and Gifts God hath given, they are not for vain ostentation: They are not for humane applause, but for use to profit withall. Insomuch, that if any man should should use his parts, his abilities, to propagate errour, or to strengthen men in wickedness, they did greatly abuse the good Gifts of God, and turn wholesome meat into poyson.
To open this Doctrine, you may consider, That the Gifts of God to the Church, 1are (as to our purpose) of two sorts.
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