A Christian Plea, Treatise 3 · Chapter 8
CHAPTER VIII. Touching the exerciſe of Prophecy.
VVHether in the churches (vvhere there are men indued vvith fitte gifts) there should not be had the exerciſe of Prophecy, for interpreting of the Scriptures, diſputing of points of religion, propounding of objections, anſvvering of queſtions fitly and needfully made, and ſuch other good uſes profitable for the church, and the edification thereof in the truth, vvhichwhich is according to godlines. And this exerciſe alſo to be done, not onelyonly by the Miniſters of the vvord,Specially, ſuch as employ themſelues in the ſtudy of the Scriptures. but by others alſo having gifts, that are fit and able thereunto. Yet alvvaies ſo, as al things be done decently and in order. Rom. 12.6. and 1 Theſ. 5, 20. compared vvith 1 Cor. 12, 7. and 14 chap. Luke. 2, 46, 47. with Ioh. 7, 14, 15. 1 Pet. 4, 10, 11. 2 Tim. 2, 2, 15, 16, 23. vvith Act. 15, 1, 2, 6, 7 — 22.32. and 17, 2, 3. and 18, 4, 26. and 19, 8, 9, 10. Mat. 13, 52. Alſo 1 Sam. 10, 5, 10, 12. and 19, 20, 21, 23. 2 King. 2, 3, 5, 7. and 4, 38. and 5, 22. and 6, 1. Amos 7, 14. with 1 Cor. 14, 1 — 40.
1. Becauſe this order and exerciſe vvas in Iſraell, and in the primitiue churches. Luke 2, 46, 47. Act. 17, 1, 2, 3. and 18, 1, 4, 24, 26. and 19, 1, 8, 9, 10. vvith Rom. 12, 6. 1 Cor. 12, 7. and 14 ch. 1 Theſ. 5, 19, 20. 1 Tim. 1, 3, 4. and 2 Tim. 2, 16, 23. Tit. 3, 9. 1 Pet. 4, 10, 11.
2. The Apoſtles do often in their Epiſtles require of the churches the carefull uſing hereof. As vvhen Paul ſaith to the Romanes. Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is giuen us, vvhether Prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith: Or miniſterie, let us be in our miniſtration, &c. Rom. 12.6.7.8. Where the Apoſtle teaching the divers uſe of mens gifts, shevveth that they may be uſed eyther out of office, in prophecy, ſo as we prophecy according to proportion of faith; or in office and miniſterie, eyther in teaching, or in exhorting, diſtributing, ruling, & shewing mercy. Likewiſe in the Epiſtle to the Corinthians, 1 Cor. 14 chap. where though the Apoſtle ſpeak of extraordinarie gifts, as he doth alſo before, in 1 Cor. 13.2. yet notvvithſtanding from thence by due proportion and conſequence, may the uſe alſo of ordinarie gifts well be gathered: and many things in that chapter lead thereunto. As vvhen the Apoſtle ſaith: Follow after louelove, and deſire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophecy. He that prophecyeth, ſpeaketh unto men, to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. &c. 1 Cor. 14.1.3. &c. And in the Epiſtle to the Theſſalonians: Quench not the spirit: deſpiſe not propheſyings: Proue all things: hold that which is good. 1 Theſ. 5.19.20.21. The Apoſtle Peter alſo in his Epiſtle ſaith: As every man hath received the gift, euen ſo miniſter the ſame one to another, as good ſtevvards of the manifold grace of God. If any ſpeak, in him ſpeak as the oracles of God: if any man miniſter, let him doe it as of the abilitie which God giueth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jeſus Chriſt: to whē be praiſe and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet. 4, 10, 11.
3. Els the diverſities of gifts in men, are not knowen, nor uſed, as they might be: and other mens gifts are quenched, ſaue the miniſters onelyonly; or at leaſt they are not ſo uſed for the profit of others, as vvell they might. Which is againſt the uſe and end, for which they are giuen: which is, for to profit withall: as the Apoſtle teacheth. 1 Cor. 12.4.7. and to find out & hold that which is good. 1 Theſ. 5, 19, 20, 21. For which cauſe alſo the Apoſtle required both of Timothee & Titus, to repreſſe ſuch as should teach corrupt doctrine, and to reſtraine foolish queſtions, and genealogies, and contentions, and ſtrivings about the Law, and vvhatſoever tended not to edifying, but was unprofitable and vaine. 1 Tim. 1, 3 — 7. and 6, 20. 2 Tim. 2, 16, 23. Tit. 3.9. Which should alwaies carefully be looked unto, by the Miniſters and Overſeers of the church.