AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS. NH- ed, and attendance unto those concomitant duties and graces, must be content to go without it. This is the first instance given by our apostle of the spiritual gifts of the primitive times; to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom. 10. To another the word of knowledge by the sameSpi- rit. Aayn yYdatee, I shewed before, aayas may denote the thing itself; the. word of knowledge. But if any shall suppose, that because this knowledge was to be expressed unto the church forits edification, it is there- fore called a word of knowledge, as a word of exhorta- tion, or a word ofconsolation, that is, exhortation and consolation, administeredby words, I shall not contend to the contrary. It is knowledge that is the gift pecu- liarly intended in this second place. And we must in- quire, both how it is an especial gift, and of what sort it is. And it should seem that it cannot have the nature of an especial gift, seeing it is that which was common to all. For so saith the apostle, speaking unto thewhole church of the Corinthians: We know that we all have knowledge, 1 Cor. viii. I. And not only so, but also adds, that this knowledge is a thing, which either in its own nature tends unto an ill issue, or is very apt to be abused thereunto: for, saith he, Knowledgepseeth up, for which cause he frequently reflects upon it in other places. But yet we shall find that it is a peculiar gift, and in itself singularly useful; however it may be abus- ed, as the bestthings may be, yea, aremost liable there- unto. The knowledge mentioned in that place by the apostle, which he ascribes in common unto all the church, was only that which concerned things sacrificed unto idols; and if we should extend it farther, unto an understanding of the mystery of the gospel which was in the community of believers; yet is there place re- maining for an eminence therein, by virtue of an espe- cial spiritual gift. And as to what he adds about know- ledge puffing up, he expounds in the next words: 1f any man thinketh that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know, ver. 2. It is not men's knowledge, but the vain and proud conceit of ignorant men, supposing themselves knowing and wise, that so puffeth up and hinderer: edification. 11. Wherefore, (1.) By this word of knowledge, not that degree of it which is required in all Christians, in all the members of the church is intended. Such a measure of knowledge there is necessary both unto faith 68 and confession. Men can believenothingof that where- of they know nothing, nor can they confess with their mouths what they apprehend not in their minds. But it is somewhat singular, eminent, and'not common to all. Neither, (2.) Doth that eminency or singularity consist in this, that it is saving and sanctifying knowledge which is intended. That there is such a peculiar knowledge whereby God shines into the hearts of believers, with a spiritual saving insight into spiritual things, transform- ing the mind into the likeness of them, I haveat large elsewhere declared. For it is reckoned among gifts; whereas that other is a saving grace, whose difference bath been declared before. It is expressed by the apos- tle, 1 Cor. xiii. 2. by understandingall mysteries and all knowledge, that is, having an understanding in, and the knowledge of all mysteries. This knowledge he calleth a gift, which shall vanish away, ver, 8. and so not be- longing absolutely unto that grace, which being a part ofthe image of God in us, shall go over into eternity. And knowledge, in ver. 2. is taken for the thing known; ifI understandall knowledge, which is the some with all mysteries. Wherefore the knowledge here'intended, is such a peculiar and especial insight into the mysteries of the gospel, as whereby those in whom it was, were enabled to teach and instruct others. Thus the apostle,. Paul, who had received all these gifts in the highest de- gree and measure, affirms, that, by his writing, those to whom he wrote, might perceivehis skill andunderstand., ing in themystery ofChrist. 12. And this was in an especial manner necessary un- to those first dispensers of the gospel ; for how else should the church have been instructed in the know: ledge of it I This they prayed for them, namely, that they might be filled with the knowledge of the will of' God, in all wisdom and understanding, Col. i. 9. Eph. i. 18, 19, 20, chap. iii. 18, 19, Col ii. 2. The means whereby they might come hereunto, was by their in- struction, who therefore were to be skilled in a peculiar manner in the knowledge of those mysteries, which they were to impart unto others, and to do it accordingly} and no it was with them, Acts xx. 27. Eph. iii. 8, 9, Col. iv. 2. Now, although this gift, as to that excellent degree wherein it was in the apostles, and thosewho re- ceived the knowledge of Christand thegospel by imme- diate revelation, be witheld, yet it is still communicat- ed in such a measure unto the ministers of he church,
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