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

(§ 12.) THERE are yet remaining sundry things in the Passage of the Apostle, which we now insist on, that declare the Eminency of this Gift of Christ, which may yet be farther briefly considered. As, (6) The End why it is bestowed; and this is expressed, (1) Positively, as to the Good and Advantage of the Church thereby, ver. 12. (2) Negatively, as to it's Prohibition and Hinderance of Evil, ver. 14. In the end of it as positively expressed, three things may be considered. (1) That it is [Greek or Hebrew], that is, for the gathering of the Saints into complete Church-Order. The Subject-matter of this part of their Duty is the Saints, that is, by Calling and Profession; such as are all the Disciples of Christ. And that which is effected towards them is [Greek or Hebrew], their Coagmentation, jointing or compacting into Order. So the Word signifies Gal. 6. 1. And this Effect is here declared, ver. 16. It is true, the Saints mentioned may come together into some initial Church-Order, by their Consent and Agreement to walk together in all the ways of Christ, ⟨p. 237⟩and in Obedience unto all his Institutions, and so become a Church essentially before they have any ordinary Pastor or Teacher, either by the conduct of extraordinary Officers, as at first, or through Obedience unto their Word; whence Elders were ordained among those who were in Church-state, that is, thus far before, Acts 14. 23. but they cannot come to that Perfection and Completeness which is designed unto them. That which renders a Church completely Organical, the proper Seat and Subject of all Gospel-Worship and Ordinances, is this Gift of Christ in the Ministry.

(§ 12.) THERE are yet remaining sundry things in the Passage of the Apostle, which we now insist on, that declare the Eminency of this Gift of Christ, which may yet be farther briefly considered. As, (6) The End why it is bestowed; and this is expressed, (1) Positiveiy, as to the Good and Advantage of the Church thereby, ver. 12. (2) Negatively, as to it's Prohibition and Hinderance of Evil, ver. 14. In the end of it as positively expressed, three things may be considered. (1) That it is 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, that is, for the gathering of the Saints into compleat Church-Order. The Subject-matter of this part of their Duty is the Saints, that is, by Calling and Profession; such as are all the Disciples of Christ. And that which is effected towards them is , their Coagmentation, joynting or compacting into Order. So the Word signifies