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

Wherefore these Gifts in the first place may be esteemed the Powers of the World to come, in as much as by them those unto whom the work of Preaching the Gospel, propagating the Mystery of it, the Conversion of Nations, the planting of Churches, and in all the Erection of the Kingdom of Christ was committed, were enabled by them unto the utmost Capacity of Humane Nature to discharge, effect and accomplish the work committed unto them. By virtue and in the strength of these Spiritual Abilities, did they set upon the whole Kingdom of Satan and Darkness in the World, contending with the Gates of Hell, and all the Powers of the Earth, attempting the Wisdom of the Greeks and the Religion of the Jews, with success against both. They went not forth with Force and Arms, or Carnal Power, they threatened no Man, menaced no Man with the Carnal Weapons of Force or Penalties, they had no Baits or Allurements of Wealth, Power or Honour to inveigle the Minds of Corrupt and Sensual Men, but as was said in the Warranty and Power of these Spiritual Gifts they both attempted and accomplished this work. And thing continue still in the same condition according unto their proportion. Such as is the Furniture of Men with Spiritual Abilities and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, such is their fitness for the work of the Ministry, and no other. And if any shall undertake this work without this Provision of Abilities for it, they will neither ever be owned by Christ, nor be of the least use in the Employment they take upon them. A Ministry devoid of Spiritual Gifts is a sufficient evidence of a Church under a degenerating Apostasy. But ⟨p. 213⟩these things will be farther spoken unto afterwards.

Wherefore these Gifts in the first place may be esteemed the Powers of the World to come, in as much as by them those unto whom the work of Preaching the Gospel, propagating the Mystery of it, the Conversion of Nations, the planting of Churches, and in all the Erection of the Kingdom of Christ was committed, were enabled by them unto the utmost Capacity of Humane Nature to discharge, effect and accomplish the work committed unto them. By vertue and in the strength of these Spiritual Abilities, did they set upon the whole Kingdom of Sathan and Darkness in the World, contending with the Gates of Hell, and all the Powers of the Earth, attempting the Wisdom of the Greeks and the Religion of the Jews, with success against both. They went not forth with Force and Arms, or Carnal Power, they threatned no Man, menaced no Man with the Carnal Weapons of Force or Penalties, they had no Baits or Allurements of Wealth, Power or Honour to enveagle the Minds of Corrupt and Sensual Men, but as was said in the Warranty and Power of these Spiritual Gifts they both attempted and accomplished this work. And thing continue still in the same condition according unto their proportion. Such as is the Furniture of Men with Spiritual Abilities and Gifts of the Holy Ghost, such is their fitness for the work of the Ministry, and no other. And if any shall undertake this work without this Provision of Abilities for it, they will neither ever be owned by Christ, nor be of the least use in the Employment they take upon them. A Ministry devoid of Spiritual Gifts is a sufficient evidence of a Church under a degenerating Apostasie. But