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

(§ 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 ⟨p. 146⟩World, were equally under the Authority of every Apostle. Where any Church was called and planted by any particular Apostle, there was a peculiar Relation between him and them, and so a peculiar mutual Care and Love: Nor could it otherwise be. So the Apostle Paul pleads an especial Interest in the Corinthians and others, unto whom he had been a Spiritual Father in their Conversion, and the Instrument of forming Christ in them. Such Churches therefore as were of their own peculiar calling and planting, it is probable they did every one take Care of in a peculiar manner. But yet no Limitation of the Apostolical Power ensued hereon. Every Apostle had still the Care of all the Churches on him, and Apostolical Authority in every Church in the World equally, which he might exercise as occasion did require. Thus Paul affirmeth that the Care of all the Churches was upon him daily, 2 Cor. 11. 28. And it was the Crime of Diotrephes, for which he is branded, that he opposed the Apostolical Power of John in that Church, where probably he was the Teacher, 3 John 9, 10. But what Power now over all Churches, or Authority in all Churches, some may fancy or claim to themselves, I know not; but it were to be wished that Men would reckon that Care and Labour are as extensive in this Case as Power and Authority.

(§ 10.) AGAIN, the Power of this extraordinary Office may be considered intensively or formally what it was. And this in one Word was, All the Power that the Lord Christ hath given or thought meet to make use of for the Edification of the Church. I shall give a brief Description of it in some few general Instances. (1) It was a Power of administering all the Ordinances of Christ in the way and manner of