(§ 4.) NOW although this be an especial kind of Wisdom, an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost, wherein the Glory of Christ and Honour of the Gospel in greatly concerned; namely an Ability to manage and defend the Truth in times of Trial and Danger, to the Confusion of its Adversaries; yet I suppose the Wisdom here intended, is not absolutely confined thereunto, though it be principally intended. Peter speaking of Paul's Epistles, affirms that they were written according to the Wisdom given into him, 2 Pet. 3. 15. That is, that especial Gift of Spiritual Wisdom, for the management of Gospel Truths unto the Edification of the Church of Christ, which he had received. And he that would understand what this Wisdom is, must be throughly conversant in the Writings of that Apostle. For indeed the Wisdom that he useth in the management of the Doctrine of the Gospel, in the due consideration of all Persons, Occasions, Circumstances, Temptations of Men and Churches, of their State, Condition, Strength or Weakness, Growth or Decays, Obedience or Failings, their Capacities and Progresses, with the Holy Accommodation of himself in what he teacheth or delivereth, in Meekness, in Vehemency, in Tenderness, in Sharpness, in severe Arguings and pathetical Expostulations, with all other ways and means suited unto his Holy Ends, in the propagation of the Gospel, and Edification of the Church, are inexpressibly Glorious and Excellent. All this did he do according to the singular Gift of Wisdom that was bestowed on ⟨p. 167⟩him. Wherefore I take the Word of Wisdom here mentioned, to be a peculiar Spiritual Skill and Ability, wisely to manage the Gospel in it's Administration unto the Advantage and Furtherance of the Truth, especially in the Defence of it when called unto the Trial with it's Adversaries. This was an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost; which considering the Persons employed by him in the Ministry for the most part, being known to be unlearned and ignorant, filled the World with Amazement, and was an effectual Means for the subduing of Multitudes unto the Obedience of Faith. And so eminent was the Apostle Paul in this Gift, and so successful in the Management of it, that his Adversaries had nothing to say, but that he was subtle, and took Men by Craft and Guile, 2 Cor. 12. 16.
(§ 4.) NOW although this be an especial kind of Wisdom, an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost, wherein the Glory of Christ and Honour of the Gospel in greatly concerned; namely an Ability to manage and defend the Truth in times of Trial and Danger, to the Confusion of its Adversaries; yet I suppose the Wisdom here intended, is not absolutely consined thereunto, though it be principally intended. Peter speaking of Paul's Epistles, affirms that they were written according to the Wisdom given into him, 2 Pet. 3. 15. That is, that especial Gift of Spiritual Wisdom, for the management of Gospel Truths unto the Edification of the Church of Christ, which he had received. And he that would understand what this Wisdom is, must be throughly conversant in the Writings of that Apostle. For indeed the Wisdom that he useth in the management of the Doctrine of the Gospel, in the due consideration of all Persons, Occasions, Circumstances, Temptations of Men and Churches, of their State, Condition, Strength or Weakness, Growth or Decays, Obedience or Failings, their Capacities and Progresses, with the Holy Accommodation of himself in what he teacheth or delivereth, in Meekness, in Vehemency, in Tenderness, in Sharpness, in severe Arguings and pathetical Expostulations, with all other ways and means suited unto his Holy Ends, in the propagation of the Gospel, and Edification of the Church, are inexpressibly Glorious and Excellent. All this did he do according to the singular Gift of Wisdom that was bestowed on ⟨p. 167⟩him. Wherefore I take the Word of Wisdom here mentioned, to be a peculiar Spiritual Skill and Ability, wisely to manage the Gospel in it's Administration unto the Advantage and Furtherance of the Truth, especially in the Defence of it when called unto the Trial with it's Adversaries. This was an Eminent Gift of the Holy Ghost; which considering the Persons employed by him in the Ministry for the most part, being known to be unlearned and ignorant, fill'd the World with Amazement, and was an effectual Means for the subduing of Multitudes unto the Obedience of Faith. And so eminent was the Apostle Paul in this Gift, and so successful in the Management of it, that his Adversaries had nothing to say, but that he was subtle, and took Men by Craft and Guile, 2 Cor. 12. 16.
