Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit, and His work the one, Of the Spirit…

(§ 8.) Furthermore, unto the Office described there belongs the measure and extent of its Power ⟨p. 144⟩Objectively, and the Power it self Intensively or Subjectively. For the first, the Object of Apostolical Power was Twofold, (1.) The World to be Converted. (2.) The Churches gathered of those that were Converted, whether Jews or Gentiles. For the first; their Commission extended to all the World; and every Apostle had Right, Power and Authority to Preach the Gospel to every Creature under Heaven, as he had opportunity so to do, Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Mark 16. 15. Rom. 10. 15, 16, 17, 18. Now whereas it was impossible that any one Person should pass through the whole World in the pursuit of this Right and Power; and whereas for that cause our Lord had ordained Twelve to that purpose, that the Work might the more effectually be carried on by their Endeavours, it is highly probable that they did by Agreement distribute the Nations into certain Lots and Portions which they singly took upon them to instruct. So there was an Agreement between Paul on the one Hand with Barnabas, and Peter, James and John on the other, that they should go to the Gentiles, and the other take more especial Care of the Jews, Gal. 2. 7, 8, 9. And the same Apostle afterwards designed to avoid the Line or Allotment of others to Preach the Gospel where the People were not allotted unto the especial Charge of any other, 2 Cor. 10. 16. But yet this was not so appointed as if their Power was limited thereby, or that any of them came short in his Apostolical Power in any other place in the World, as well as that wherein for conveniency he particularly exercised his Ministry. For the Power of every one still equally extended unto all Nations, although they could not always Exercise it in all places alike. Nor did that express Agreement that ⟨p. 145⟩was between Peter and Paul about the Gentiles and the Circumcision, either discharge them of their Duty, that the one should have more regard unto the Circumcision, or the other unto the Gentiles; nor did it limit their Power, or bound their Apostolical Authority; but only directed the Exercise of it as unto the principal Intention and Design.