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

(§ 7.) 6thly, THE Communication of such Gifts unto the ordinary Ministry of the Church in all Ages, is plainly asserted in sundry places of the Scripture; some whereof may be briefly considered. The whole Nature of this Work is declared in the Parable of the Talents, Matth. 25. from ver. 13. to 31. The state of the Church from the Ascension of Christ unto his coming again unto Judgment, that is, in its whole course on the Earth, is represented in this Parable. In this season he hath Servants whom he entrusteth in the Affairs of his Kingdom, in the care of his Church, and the propagation of the Gospel. That they may in their several Generations, Places and Circumstances be enabled hereunto, he giving them in various Distributions Talents to Trade withal, the least whereof was sufficient to encourage them who received them unto their Use and Exercise. The Trade they had to drive, was that of the Administration of the Gospel, its Doctrine, Worship and Ordinances to others. Talents are Abilities to Trade, which may also comprise Opportunities and other Advantages; but Abilities are chiefly intended. These were the Gifts where of we speak. Nor did it ever enter into the Minds of any to apprehend otherwise ⟨p. 251⟩of them. And they are Abilities which Christ as the King and Head of his Church, giveth unto Men in an especial manner, as they are employed under him in the service of his House and Work of the Gospel. The Servants mentioned are such as are called, appointed and employed in the service of the House of Christ, that is, all Ministers of the Gospel from first to last. And their Talents are the Gifts which he endows them withal by his own immediate Power and Authority for their Work. And hence these three things follow, (1) That where-ever there is a Ministry that the Lord Christ setteth up, appointeth or owneth, he furnisheth all those whom he employs therein with Gifts and Abilities suitable to their Work, which he doth by the Holy Spirit. He will never fail to own his Institutions with gracious supplies to render them Effectual. (2) That where any have not received Talents to Trade withal, it is the highest presumption in them, and casts the greatest Dishonour on the Lord Christ, as though he requires Work where he gave no Strength, or Trade where he gave no Stock, for any one to undertake the Work of the Ministry.

(§ 7.) 6thly, THE Communication of such Gifts unto the ordinary Ministry of the Church in all Ages, is plainly asserted in sundry places of the Scripture; some whereof may be briefly considered. The whole Nature of this Work is declared in the Parable of the Talents,