518 OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS. [BOOK IX.
Head, as that through and by not only the "supply of every joint," (which may express either the officers or more eminent members of it,) but the " effectual working of every part," in the exercise of the graces and gifts which the Spirit doth impart to the whole, the body may "edify itself" and be increased. Wherefore, — 5. The Scripture is ex- press that the Holy Ghost doth communicate of those gifts unto pri- vate believers, and directs them in that duty wherein they are to be exercised, 1 Pet. iv. 10. "Every man," that is, every believer, walking in the order and fellowship of the gospel, is to attend unto the dis- charge of his duty, according as he hath received spiritual ability- So was it in the church of Corinth, 1 Cor. i. 5-7, and in that of the Romans, chap. xv. 1 4, as they all of them knew that it was their duty to "covet the best gifts;" which they did with success, 1 Cor. xii. 31. And hereon depend the commands for the exercise of those duties which, in the ability of these gifts received, they were to per- form. So were they all to " admonish one another," to " exhort one another," to " build up one another in their most holy faith." And it is the loss of those spiritual gifts which hath introduced amongst many an utter neglect of these duties, so as that they are scarce heard of among the generality of them that are called Christians. But, blessed be God, we have large and full experience of the continuance of this dispensation of the Spirit, in the eminent abilities of a multitude of private Christians, however they may be despised by them who know them not ! By some, I confess, they have been abused : some have presumed on them beyond the line and measure which they have re- ceived ; some have been puffed up with them ; some have used them disorderly in churches and to their hurt; some have boasted of what they have not received; — all which miscarriages also befell the primi- tive churches. And I had rather have the order, rule, spirit, and practice of those churches that were planted by the apostles, with all their troubles and disadvantages, than the carnal peace of others in their open degeneracy from all those things.
II. It remains only that we inquire how men may come unto or attain a participation of these gifts, whether ministerial or more private. And unto this end we may observe, — 1. That they are not communicated unto any by a sudden afflatus or extraordinary in- fusion, as were the gifts of miracles and tongues, which were bestowed on the apostles and many of the first converts. That dispensation of the Spirit is long since ceased, and where it is now pretended unto by any, it may justly be suspected as an enthusiastic delusion ; for as the end of those gifts, which in their own nature exceed the whole power of all our faculties, is ceased, so is their communication, and the manner of it also. Yet this I must say, that the infusion of spiritual light into the mind, which is the foundation of all gifts, as
CHAP. VIII.] GIFTS OF DOCTRINE, WORSHIP, AND RULE. 519
hath been proved, being wrought sometimes suddenly or in a short season, the concomitancy of gifts in some good measure is oftentimes sudden, with an appearance of something extraordinary, as might be manifested in instances of several sorts. 2. These gifts are not abso- lutely attainable by our own diligence and endeavours in the use of means, without respect unto the sovereign will and pleasure of the Holy Ghost. Suppose there are such means of the attainment and improvement of them, and that several persons do, with the same measures of natural abilities and diligence, use those means for that end, yet it will not follow that all must be equally partakers of them. They are not the immediate product of our own endeavours, no, not as under an ordinary blessing upon them; for they are yapia^ara, arbitrary largesses or gifts, which the Holy Spirit worketh in all persons severally as he will Hence we see the different events that are among them who are exercised in the same studies and endea- vours; some are endued with eminent gifts, some scarce attain unto any that are useful, and some despise them, name and thing. There is, therefore, an immediate operation of the Spirit of God in the collation of these spiritual abilities, which is unaccountable by the measures of natural parts and industry. Yet I say, 3. That ordi- narily they are both attained and increased by the due use of means suited thereunto, as grace is also, which none but Pelagians affirm to be absolutely in the power of our own wills; and the naming of these means shall put an issue unto this discourse.
Among them, in the first place, is required a due preparation of soul, by humility, meekness, and teachableness. The Holy Spirit taketh no delight to impart of his especial gifts unto proud, self-con- ceited men, to men vainly puffed up in their own fleshly minds. The same must be said concerning other vicious and depraved habits of mind, by which, moreover, they are ofttimes expelled and cast out after they have been in some measure received. And in this case I need not mention those by whom all these gifts are despised; it would be a wonder indeed if they should be made partakers of them, or at least if they should abide with them.