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

(§ 2.) THERE is no other place of Scripture wherein at one view the Grant, Institution, Use, Benefit, End and Continuance of the Ministry is so clearly and fully represented. And the End of this whole Discourse is to declare that the Gift and Grant of the Ministry and Ministers, of the Office, and the Persons to discharge it, is an Eminent, most useful Fruit and Effect of the Mediatory Power of Christ, with his Love and Care towards his Church. And those of whom the Apostle speaks (unto every one of us) are the Officers or Ministers whom he doth afterwards enumerate, although the words may in some sense be extended unto all Believers. But principally the Ministry and Ministers of the Church are intended. And it is said, unto them is Grace given. It is evident that by Grace here, not Sanctifying, Saving Grace is intended, but a participation of a gracious Favour with respect to an especial End: So the word is frequently used in this case by our Apostle, Rom. 15. 15. Gal. 2. 9. Ephes. 3. 8. This Gracious Favour we are made partakers of; this Trust is freely, in a way of Grace committed unto us. And that according to the measure of the Gift of Christ, unto every one according as the Lord Christ doth measure the Gift of it freely out unto them. Thus in general was the Ministry granted unto the Church, the particular account whereof is given in the ensuing Verses. And,

(§ 3.) FIRST, it is declared to be a Gift of Christ. [Greek or Hebrew], And he himself gave, ver. 11. It is the great Fundamental of all Church-Order, Power and Worship, that the Gift and Grant of Christ is the Original of the Ministry. If it had not been so given of Christ, it had not been lawful for any ⟨p. 222⟩of the Sons of Men to institute such an Office, or appoint such Officers. If any had attempted so to do, as there would have been a Nullity in what they did, so their Attempt would have been expressly against the Headship of Christ, or his Supreme Authority over the Church. Wherefore, that he would thus give Ministers of the Church was promised of old,