The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Thirdly, Therefore that there might be spiritual plantations, and holy Colonies, the Lord Christ appointed extraordinary Officers, furnished with extraordinary abilities, to propagate the Gospel. These were called Apostles. It was for the Apostles, and not ordinary Officers to plant Churches; so that they had a Commission to go and preach to any people in the world: They were not bound to keep residence at any one place, but to go from Nation to Nation, to disseminate the spiritual seed of the Gospel; and that like mustard seed at first, small and little, presently grew up to a tall tree, and spreaded its branches through the whole world. And as the Apostles had this universal commission; so they were endued with power to work wonderful miracles; for miracles were, because of the Heathens and unbelievers. By these they confirmed their Doctrine and calling to be of God immediately, yet this was not so tied to the Apostolical Office, but that in after ages, many Countries have received the Gospel by other means, especially persecution, and the patient sufferings of Christians did much help thereunto: That as a captive Maid was a means to bring Naaman to the knowledge of God, and his Worship; so captive persons have been instrumental to make whole Kingdoms acquainted with the Gospel of Christ. Thus God hath always disappointed the hopes of wicked men, and that very way, whereby they have thought to destroy the Gospel, it hath flourished more. It's the Vine that by pruning hath increased: As the grain of corn, except it die, cannot bring forth any fruit; so is it with the Gospel: These precious herbs, the more they are pressed and pounced, the sweeter smell they make.

Thirdly, Therefore that there might be spiritual plantations, and holy Colonies, the Lord Christ appointed extraordinary Officers, furnished with extraordinary abilities, to propagate the Gospel. These were called Apostles. It was for the Apostles, and not ordinary Officers to plant Churches; so that they had a Commission to go and preach to any people in the world: They were not bound to keep residence at any one place, but to go from Nation to Nation, to disseminate the spiritual seed of the Gospel; and that like mustard seed at first, small and little, presently grew up to a tall tree, and spreaded its branches through the whole world. And as the Apostles had this universal commission; so they were endued with power to work wonderfull miracles; for miracles were, because of the Heathens and unbelievers. By these they confirmed their Doctrine and calling to be of God immediately, yet this was not so tied to the Apostolical Office, but that in af•er ages, many Countreys have received the Gospel by other means, especially persecution, and the patient sufferings of Christians did much help thereunto: That as a captive Maid was a means to bring Naaman to the knowledge of God, and his Worship; so captive persons have been instrumental to make whole Kngdoms acquainted with the Gospel of Christ. Thus God hath alwayes disappointed the hopes of wicked men, and that very way, whereby they have thought to destroy the Gospel, it hath flourished more. It's the Vine that by pruning hath increased: As the grain of corn, except it die, cannot bring forth any fruit; so is it with the Gospel: These precious herbs, the more they are pressed and pounced, the sweeter smell they make.