Christ hath promised,1 that where two or three are gathered together in his name, he will be in the midst of them, Mat. 18. 20. It is now supposed, with some hope to have it granted, that the Scripture being the power of God to Salvation, hath (Rom. 1. 16.) a sufficient efficacy and energy in it self, as to its own kind, for the conversion of Souls; yea let us, till opposition be made to it, take it for granted, that by that force and efficacy it doth mainly and principally evince its own Divinity, or divine Original. Those, who are contented for the honour of that word, which God delighteth to magnify, to grant this Supposition, will not I hope, think it impossible, that though all Church state should cease in any place, and yet the Scripture by the providence of God be there in the hand of individuals preserved, two or three should be called, converted, and regenerated by it. For my part, I think, he ⟨p. 213⟩that questions it, must do it on some corrupt principle of a secondary dependent Authority in the word of God as to us; with which sort of men I do not now deal. I ask whether these converted persons may nor possibly come together, or assemble themselves in the name of Jesus? may they not upon his command, and in Expectation of the accomplishment of his promise, so come together, with Resolution to do his will, and to exhort one another thereto, Zech. 3. 10. Mal. 3. 10. Truly I believe they may, in what part of the world soever their lot is fallen. Here lye all the difficulties, whether being come together in the name of Christ they may do, what he hath commanded them, or no? whether they may exhort, and stir up one another to do the will of Christ. Most certain it is, that Christ will give them his presence, & therewithal his Authority, for the performance of any duty, that he requireth at their hands. Were not men angry, troubled, and disappointed, there would be little difficulty in this business. But of this elsewhere.
Christ hath promised,1 that where two or three are gathered together in his name, he will be in the midst of them, Mat. 18. 20. It is now supposed, with some hope to have it granted, that the Scripture being the power of God to Salvation, hath (Rom. 1. 16.) a sufficient efficacy and energie in it selfe, as to its own kind, for the conversion of Soules; yea let us, till opposition be made to it, take it for granted, that by that force and efficacy it doth mainly and principally evince its own Divinity, or divine Originall. Those, who are contented for the honour of that word, which God delighteth to magnify, to grant this Supposition, will not I hope, think it impossible, that though all Church state should cease in any place, and yet the Scripture by the providence of God be there in the hand of individualls preserved, two or three should be called, converted, and regenerated by it. For my part, I think, he ⟨p. 213⟩that questions it, must doe it on some corrupt principle of a secondary dependent Authority in the word of God as to us; with which sort of men I doe not now deale. I aske whether these converted persons may nor possibly come together, or assemble themselves in the name of Jesus? may they not upon his command, and in Expectation of the accomplishment of his promise, so come together, with Resolution to doe his will, and to exhort one another thereto, Zech. 3. 10. Mal. 3. 10. Truly I believe they may, in what part of the world soever their lot is fallen. Here lye all the difficulties, whether being come together in the name of Christ they may doe, what he hath commanded them, or no? whether they may exhort, and stirre up one another to doe the will of Christ. Most certain it is, that Christ will give them his presence, & therewithall his Authority, for the performance of any duty, that he requireth at their hands. Were not men angry, troubled, and disappointed, there would be little difficulty in this businesse. But of this elsewhere.
- 1§. 19.
