and their Councils Abridged. 461 14, 15. There is a clearer word in the Gofpel for the Miniftry then the Magidracy , though enough for both. Our own call I (hall fp-ak of anon. 2. There Malignants Cet themfelves againft the Principal members of the body of Chrift, that are in it as the eyes and hands to the natural body, z CO. 12. 16, I, 27, 29. Epbef. 4. i s, 15. The Minifters of Chrift, and Stewards of the Myfteries of God, 1 Cor. 4. 1. The Over-fers . of the flock that is pùrchafed with Chrifts blood , AEtr. 20.28. They are the chief members,. I. in office, 2. ordinarily in gifts for edification ofthe body : 3. and in grace. Now a wound in the fiotnack or liver is more mortal to the body, then in the hand: and the lofs of an eye or hand is worfe then the lofs ofan ear. 3. There Malignants are therefore principally enemies to theChurch it fel£ They take on them to be only againtt the Minihers, but it will prove molt againft the people and whole Church. If they fmite the Shepherds, the (beep will be fcattered.. How can they more Purely ruine Chrills family, then by cafling out the Stewards, that mutt rule, and give the children their meat in due feafon, even milk to the babes, and fironger meat to themof full age, Heb. 5. 12, 13, 14 Luk. 12. 42. Mat. 24.45. What readyer way to ruine the Schools of Chrift, then by call- ing out the Teachers that he hath appointed under him? Or to ruine his . Kingdome, then torejef his officers ? Or to wrong the body, then to cut- off the hand, and pull out the,.eyes, or to defttoy the principal parts ? Was itnot Miniftersthat planted the Churches, and converted the wòrld and have ever born off the affaults of enemies ? Where was there ever Church on earth that continued without a Miniftry ? The great Kingdom of Nubia fell from Chriftianity for want of Preacher. The Nations that have the weaken and feweft Minifters, have the leafiof Chriftianity ; and thofe that have the molt and ableft Minifters, have the molt ftouri(h< ing,-Rate of Religion. All over the world the Church Both rife or fall with the Miniftry: Cut down the Pilfers, and the building. falle. He is blind that fees not what would become of the Church, were it not for" the Miniftry ? who fhould teach the ignorant , or rebuke the obiiinate, explain the word of truth, and flop, the mouths of proud gain fayers ?' What work would herches, and divifion,. and prophanenefs make, if thefe banks were cut down ; when all that can be done is hill too little. It mud needs therefore be meer enmity againft the Church , that makes menmalignant againft the Miniftry. 4. The defign of the maligners of the Miniffry is plainly againft the Gofpel and Chriftianity it (elf. They, take the readyeft way inthe world to bring in Heatienifm, Infidelity and Atheifm, which Chriftianity bath fo far banithed, For it is the Miniftry that Chrift ufeth to bring in light, anddrive and keepout this damnable darknefs, Alls 26e 17, a 8. [ Ifend thee to open their eyes, and turn them from darknefr to light, &c.] Why are fo many Nations Infidels, Mahonetans, and Idolaters, bat for want of Minitiers
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