Animadversions on a treatise entitled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…Animadversions on a treatise intituled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…

It is true, the design of the story of the Acts, being to deliver unto us the progress of the Christian faith, by the Ministry of the Apostles, insists principally on those Sermons which God in an especial manner, blessed to the conversion of souls, and increase of the Church thereby; but, Is there therefore no mention made of Preaching in it, to the edification of their Converts? or, Is there no mention of Preaching, unless it be said, that such a one preached at such a time, so long, on such a Text? When the people abode in the Apostles Doctrine, Acts 2.42. I think the Apostle ⟨p. 294⟩taught them. And the Ministry of the Word, which they gave themselves unto, was principally in reference unto the Church, Ch. 7.4. So Peter and John preached the Word to those whom Philip had converted at Samaria, Ch. 18.25. A whole year together Paul and Barnabas assembled themselves together with the Church of Antioch, and taught much people, Ch. 12.26. At Troas, Paul preached unto them who came together to break bread, (that is, the Church) until midnight, Ch. 20.7, 9. which, why our Author calls a dispute; or, what need of a dispute there was, when only the Church was assembled, neither I, nor he, do know. And ver. 20. & 27. he declares, that his main work and employment was, constant Preaching to the Disciples and Churches; giving commands to the Elders of the Churches to do the same. And what his practice was, during his imprisonment at Rome, the close of that book declares. And these not footsteps, but express examples of, and precepts concerning, Preaching to the Churches themselves, and their Disciples, we have in that book purposely designed, to declare their first ⟨p. 295⟩calling and planting, not their progress and edification. Should I trace the commands given for this work, the commendation of it, the qualifications and gifts for it bestowed on men by Christ, and his requiring of their exercise, recorded in the Epistles, the work would be endless, and a good part of most of them must be transcribed. In brief, if the Lord Christ continue to bestow Ministerial gifts upon any, or to call them to the Office of the Ministry, if they are bound to labour in the Word and Doctrine, to be instant in Season, and out of Season in Preaching the Word to those committed to their charge;