The next and principal ends of all instituted worship in respect of Believers, are the increase of the Grace of God in them, their edification in their most holy faith, and the testification of the good will of God unto them, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. 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 fullness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, 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 supplieth according ⟨p. 38⟩to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love. Whence also is that prayer of the Apostle for the blessing of God upon the Church, in the use of them, Ephes. 3.16, 17, 18. That he will grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, the length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God: For these ends, and with a design to have them accomplished, in and upon their souls, ought they to attend unto them. James 1.21. Receive with meekness the ingrafted word of God, which is able to save your souls, 1 Pet. 2.2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. Unto the effecting of these ends, especially the increase and establishment of our faith, are they suited and appointed of God, ⟨p. 39⟩whereon all their efficacy doth depend. In their due observation, doth God give out that supply of Grace which he hath promised, Ephes. 1.16, 17, 18, 19. and thus also is faith exercised, in an especial manner, which i• the only ordinary means of its growth and increase.
The next and principall ends of all instituted worship in respect of Believers, are the increase of the Grace of God in them, their edification in their most holy faith, and the testification of the good will of God unto them, Ephes. 4.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. 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 Ministery, 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 children, tossed to and fro, and carryed 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 joyned together and compacted, by that which every joynt supplyeth according ⟨p. 38⟩to the effectuall working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of it self in love. Whence also is that prayer of the Apostle for the blessing of God upon the Church, in the use of them, Ephes. 3.16, 17, 18. That he will grant you according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inward man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, the length, and depth, and heighth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God: For these ends, and with a design to have them accomplished, in and upon their souls, ought they to attend unto them. James 1.21. Receive with meekness the ingrafted word of God, which is able to save your souls, 1 Pet. 2.2. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. Unto the effecting of these ends, especially the increase and establishment of our faith, are they sui•ed and appointed of God, ⟨p. 39⟩whereon all their efficacy doth depend. In their due observation, doth God give out that supply of Grace which he hath promised,
