The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

THE Qualifications of Christ unto, and the gracious Qualities of his Mind and Soul in the discharge of his Pastoral Office, may be referred unto Four Heads.

1. THAT furniture with spiritual Gifts and Abilities by the communication of the Holy Ghost unto him, in an unmeasurable fullness, whereby he was fitted for the discharge of ⟨p. 53⟩his Office. This is expressed with respect unto his undertaking of it, Isa. 11.2, 3. Chap. 61.1, 2, 3. Luk. 4.14. Herein was he anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows, Heb. 1.9. But this unction of the Spirit is in a certain measure required in all who are called, or to be called unto the Pastoral Office, Ephes. 4.1. That there are Spiritual Powers, Gifts and Abilities required unto the Gospel Ministry, I have at large declared in another Treatise, as also what they are. And where there are none of these Spiritual Abilities which are necessary unto the Edification of the Church in the Administration of Gospel Ordinances, as in Prayer, Preaching, and the like, no outward Call or Order can constitute any Man an Evangelical Pastor. As unto particular Persons I will not contend, as unto an absolute nullity in the Office by reason of their deficiency in Spiritual Gifts, unless it be gross, and such as renders them utterly useless unto the Edification of the Church. I only say, that no Man can in an orderly way and manner be called or set apart unto this Office, in whom there are not some Indications of Gods designation of him thereunto by his furniture with Spiritual Gifts, of Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding and utterance for Prayer and Preaching, with other Ministerial Duties, in some competent measure.