Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 23. Obj. 2. But at least in the extent of their charge the Apostles were extraordinary, in that they were to preach the Gospel to all Nations. I answer; in point of exercise, being furnished with tongues and Miracles for the work, they were obliged to go further, or to more Nations then most particular Ministers are now obliged to go: but that is not because we want Authority, if we had ability and opportunity, but because we want ability and opportunity to exercise our Office. The Apostles were not bound to go into every Nation of the world, inclusively; but to avoid none, but go to all, that is, to as many as they could. Otherwise they had sinned in not going to Mexico, Peru, Brazil, the Philippine or Molucc• Islands, to Japan, China, &c. And it is our duty to extend our Ministry for the Conversion of as many as we have Ability and opportunity to do. That which was common to the planting and watering Ministry in the Apostles days, was not proper to the Apostles: but to go up and down the world to Convert, and Baptize, and plant, and water ⟨p. 282⟩Churches was then common to such (as Apollo, Silas, &c.) therefore, &c.

§. 23. Obj. 2. But at least in the extent of their charge the Apostles were extraordinary, in that they were to preach the Gospel to all Nations. I answer; in point of exercise, being furnished with tongues and Miracles for the work, they were obliged to go further, or to more Nations then most particular Ministers are now obliged to go: but that is not because we want Authority, if we had ability and opportunity, but because we want ability and opportunity to exercise our Office. The Apostles were not bound to go into every Nation of the world, inclusively; but to avoid none, but go to all, that is, to as many as they could. Otherwise they had sinned in not going to Mexico, Peru, Brasile, the Philippine or Molucc• Islands, to Iapon, China, &c. And it is our duty to extend our Ministry for the Conversion of as many as we have Ability and opportunity to do. That which was common to the planting and waetering Ministry in the Apostles dayes, was not proper to the Apostles: but to go up and down the world to Convert, and Baptize, and plant, and water ⟨p. 282⟩Churches was then common to such (as Apollo, Silas, &c.) therefore, &c.