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

Wherefore as to the Right and Authority of Preaching the Gospel and Converting Persons unto the Faith, the whole World sell equally under the Ca•e, and was in the Commission of every Apostle, although they applied themselves unto the discharge of this Work in particular, according to their own Wisdom and Choice under the guidance and disposal of the Providence of God. And as I will not deny but that it is the Duty of every Christian, and much more of every Minister of the Gospel, to promote the Knowledge of Christ unto all Mankind, as they have opportunities and advantages so to do; yet I must say, if there be any who pretend to be Successors of the Apostles as to the extent of their Office-Power unto all Nations; notwithstanding whatever they may pretend of such an Agreement to take up with a Portion accommodated unto their Ease and Interest, whilst so many Nations of the Earth lye unattempted as to the Preaching of the Gospel, they will one Day be found Transgressors of their own Profession, and will be dealt withal accordingly.

Wherefore as to the Right and Authority of Preaching the Gospel and Converting Persons unto the Faith, the whole World sell equally under the Ca•e, and was in the Commission of every Apostle, although they applyed themselves unto the discharge of this Work in particular, according to their own Wisdom and Choice under the guidance and disposal of the Providence of God. And as I will not deny but that it is the Duty of every Christian, and much more of every Minister of the Gospel, to promote the Knowledge of Christ unto all Mankind, as they have opportunities and advantages so to do; yet I must say, if there be any who pretend to be Successors of the Apostles as to the extent of their Office-Power unto all Nations; notwithstanding whatever they may pretend of such an Agreement to take up with a Portion accommodated unto their Ease and Interest, whilst so many Nations of the Earth lye unattempted as to the Preaching of the Gospel, they will one Day be found Transgressors of their own Profession, and will be dealt withal accordingly.

(§ 9.) OUT of the World by the Preaching of the Gospel Persons were called, converted, and thereon gathered into Holy Societies or Churches for the Celebration of Gospel worship, and their own mutual Edification. All these Churches whenever they were called and planted in the whole