Owen - BX5085 O84x 1681

(49) whilft we do andobferve all that he hath commanded us, we need not fear that promifed Prefenceof his with us, which brings along with trail Church Power and Priviledges alto. Wherefore this State can have no Intercifon, but on a fup- pofition that there are none in the World who are willing to obey the commands of Chrift, which utterly over- throws thevery Being of the Church Cathollck. 4. It depends on the Communication of Spiritual Gifts, for the Work of the Minifiry, in this Church-State , as is ex prefly declared ; Ephef. 4.8. I I, 12, i 3, 14, 15. The continu- ation of the Church as unto the Efence of it , depends on the Communication of laving Grace. If Chrift íhould no more give of his Grace and Spirit unto men , there would be no more Church in the World, as unto its internal Form and EfFence. But the continuation of the Church as it is Organical, that is, a Society Incorporated according unto the mind of Chrift , with Rulers and Officers , for the Authoritative Adminiftration of all its concerns, efpecially for the Preaching of the Word and Adminifiration of the Sacraments, depends on the Communication or Spiritual Gifts and Abilities. And if the Lord Jefus Chrift should with-hold the Communication of Spiritual Gi(ts, thisChurch- State mutt ceafe. An Image of it may be Ereaed , but the true Church State will fail; for that will hold no longer, but whilft the whole Body, ñtlyjoyn'dtogether,andcompatfedby that which every joint fupplieth according to the efedual work- ing in the meafisreofeverypart makethencreafe of the Body, and the edzfying of it felfin Love. Ephef. 4. 10 whilft it holds the Head, f c. Col, 2, 19. fuch dead lifelefs Images are ma- ny Churches in the World. But this Communication of Spiritual Gifts unto the ufe of his Difciples , to the end of the World , the Lord Chrift hath taken the charge of on himfel f , as he is Faithful in the Adminiftration of his King- ly Power. Ephe f . 4. 8. 1 I, 1 2, 1 3 , 1 4 . H Whereas

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