The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Before I come to show wherein Christians should be serviceable each to other, I must a little explain my self, lest I should seem to allow that which the Word of God forbids, namely, that every private Christian ought to be a Preacher: Such a tenet would cut asunder the nerves and ligaments of this society, which is Order. Every star must give light in its own and proper sphere.

Before I come to shew wherein Christians should be serviceable each to other, I must a little explain my self, lest I should seem to allow that which the Word of God forbids, namely, that every private Christian ought to be a Preacher: Such a tenent would cut asunder the nerves and ligaments of this society, which is Order. Every star must give light in its own and proper sphere.

1. There is an authoritative, public counselling, admonishing, &c. which belongeth only to Pastors lawfully called. Observe what the holy Ghost saith, Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Pastors? Are all Teachers? No, all are not gifted for it. It would much reflect upon the King of Heaven to send servants upon such weighty errands, that were unfit for them, and did rather render their business ridiculous. Its no easy thing for a person to be qualified for a public preacher: The great Apostle crieth out, Who is sufficient for these things? though the voice of ignorant men is, Who is not sufficient for these things? Besides all are not called to it. It is not gifts and parts that will make a Subject an Officer at home, or an Ambassador abroad, but a Commission from his Prince; Let no man take this honour upon him, unless he be called of God, as was Aaron. There be many works which private Christians may not meddle with, as to consecrate things, to constitute Ecclesiastical laws, to excommunicate, to receive in those that are cast out, to administer the Sacraments, &c. But those works which they may and ought to do, as, to exhort, advise, admonish, comfort, &c. they must do them as private members, not as public Officers in the name or stead of ⟨p. 280⟩Christ, and to private members, not to the Church.