AND SPIRIT longs the measure and extent of its power objectively, and the power itself intensively or subjectively. For the first, the object of apostolical power was twofold: (1.) The world to be converted. (2.) The churches gather- ed of those that were converted, whether Jews or Gen- tiles. For thefirst; their commission extended to all the world; and every apostle had right, power, and autho- rity to preach the gospel to every creature under hea- ven, ashe had opportunity so to do, Matth. xxviii. 18, 19, 20. Mark xvi. 15. Rom. x. 15, 16, 17, 18. Now, whereas is was impossible that any one person should pass through the world in the pursuit of this right and power; 'and whereas for that cause our Lord bath ordain- ed twelve to that purpose, that the work, might the more effectually be carried on by their endeavours, it is high- ly probable, that they did by agreement distribute the nations into certain lots and portions, which they singly took upon them to instruct. So there was an agreement between Paul, on the one hand, with,Barnabas, and Peter, James, and John, on the other, that they should go to the Gentiles, and the other take more especial care of the Jews, Gal. ii. 7, 8, 9. And the same apos- tle afterwards designed to avoid the line or allotment of others to preach the gospel where the people were not allotted unto the especial charge of any other, 2 Cor. x. 16. But yet 'this was not so appointed, as if their power was limited thereby, or that-any of them came short in his apostolical power in any other place in the world, as well as that wherein, for conveniency, he particularly exercised his ministry. For the power of every one still equally extended unto all nations, although they could not always exercise it in all places alike. Nor did that express agreement that was between Peter and Paul, a- bout the Gentiles, and the circumcision, either discharge them of their duty, that the one should have more re- gard unto the circumcision, or the other unto the Gen- tiles; nor did it limit their power, or bound their epos- tolical authority; but only directed the exercise of it, as unto the principal intention and design. Wherefore, as to the right and authority of preaching the gospel, and converting persons unto the faith, the whole world . fell equally under the care, and was in the commission of every apostle, although they applied themselves unto the discharge ofthis work in particular, according to their own wisdom and choice under the guidance and dispo- sal ofthe providence of God. And as 1 will not deny, O UAL GIFTS. 53 but that it is the duty of every Christian, and much more of every minister of the gospel, to promote the knowledge of Christ unto all mankind, as theyhave op- portunities and advantages so todo; yet, I must say, if there be any who pretend to be successors of the apos- tles as to the extent of their office-power unto all na- tions; notwithstanding whatever they may pretend of such an agreement to take up with a portion accommoda- ted unto their ease and interest, whilst so many nations s of the earth lie unattempted as to the preaching of the gospel, they will one day be found transgressors of their own profession, and will be dealt withal ae- cordingly. 9. Out of the world by the preaching of the gospel persons were called, converted, and thereon gathered into holy societies or churches for the celebration of gospel- worship, and their own mutual edification. All these churches, wherever they were called and planted in the whole world, were equally under the authority of every apostle. Where any church was calledand plant- ed by any particular apostle, there was-a peculiar rela- tion between him and them, and so a peculiar mutual care and love: nor could it otherwise be. So the apos- tle Paul pleads an especial interest in the Corinthians and ethers, unto whom be had been a spiritual Father in theirconversion, and the instrument of formingChrist in them. Such churches, therefore, as were of their own peculiar calling and planting, it is probable they did every one take care of in a peculiar manner. Bat yet no limitation of the apostolical power ensued hereon. Every apostle had still the care of all the churches on him, and apostolical authority of every church in the world equally, which he might exercise as occasion did require. Thus Paul afñrtneth, that the care of all the churches was ort hive daily, 2 Cor. xi. 28. And it was the crime of Diotrephes, for which he is branded, that he opposed the apostolical power of John in that church where probably he wasthe teacher, gJohn ix. 10. But what power now over all churches, or authority in all churches, some may fancy or claim to themselves, I know not; but it were to be wished that men would reckon that care and labour are as extensive in this case as power and authority. 10. Again, the power of this extraordinary ollice may be considered intensivelyor formally what it was. And this, in one word, was, all thepo*ter that the LardChrist 38
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