53. Chapter V.

Chapter V. The origin, duration, use, and end, of extraordinary spiritual gifts. The apostle gives a summary account in 1 Corinthians 14:1-27, of those extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost which then flourished in the church, and were the life of its extraordinary ministry. Mention may be made of such gifts under other names, but they may be reduced to one of those expressed here. Therefore, this may be admitted as a perfect catalogue of them, and comprehensive of that power from above which the Lord Christ promised to his apostles and disciples upon his ascension into heaven, Acts 1:8. For he "ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things," Ephesians 4:10, that is, fill the church with officers and gifts, for the perfection of the saints, by the work of the ministry, and the edification of his body, verse 12. For being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he shed forth, or abundantly poured out, those things of which we speak, Acts 2:33. And as they were the great evidences of his acceptance with God, and of his exaltation, seeing the Spirit in them "convinced the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment," so that they were the great means by which He carried on his work among men, as it will be declared afterward.

There was no certain limited time for the cessation of these gifts. Those which were unique to the apostles, were commensurate754 with their lives. None after their decease had either apostolic office, power, or gifts. The same may be said of the evangelists. Nor do we have any undoubted testimony that any of those gifts which were truly miraculous, and in every way above the faculties of men, were communicated to any believer after the expiration of the generation of those who conversed with Christ in the flesh, or those who received the Holy Ghost by their ministry. It is not unlikely that God might on some occasions, for a longer season, pour out his power in some miraculous operations; and he may still do so, and perhaps does sometimes. But the superstition and folly of some ensuing ages, inventing and divulging countless false and foolish miracles, proved a most disadvantageous prejudice to the gospel, and a means to open a way for Satan to impose endless delusions upon Christians. For true and real miracles, with their becoming circumstances,755 were the great means that won and reconciled a regard and honor for Christian religion in the world. And thus the pretense of those "miracles" which were either absolutely false, or whose occasions, ends, matter, or manner, were unbecoming to the greatness and holiness of Him who is the true author of all miraculous operations, is the greatest dishonor to religion that anyone can invent. But although all these gifts and operations ceased in some respect — some of them absolutely, and some as to the immediate manner of communication and degree of excellence — yet so far as the edification of the church was concerned in them, something analogous to those gifts was and is continued. The one who gave "some to be apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists," also gave "some to be pastors and teachers." And just as he furnished the former with extraordinary gifts, so far as anything of a similar kind is needful for the continual edification of the church, he bestows it on the latter also, as will be declared. And these gifts of the Spirit, added to his grace in real holiness, were the glory, honor, and beauty of the church of old. Men have only deceived themselves and others when they have feigned a glory and beauty of the church in other things. And whatever any may think or say, where these gifts of the Holy Ghost are neglected and lost, which are the ornaments of the church, her "clothing of wrought gold," and her "raiment of needlework" 756 — and they think to adorn her instead with the meretricious 757 paint of pompous ceremonies, with outward grandeur, wealth, and power — she has utterly fallen from her chastity, purity, and integrity. But it is evident that this is the state of many churches in the world; they are therefore worldly and carnal, not spiritual or evangelical. Power, force, and wealth, under various pretenses and names — the gifts, in this case, of another spirit — are their life and glory; but indeed, they are their death and shame. I do not deny that it is lawful for ministers of the gospel to enjoy earthly possessions which they attain by any commendable way among other men. Nor are they required (except in extraordinary cases) to part with the right and use of their temporal goods just because they are ministers of Christ. Though those who are ministers, will not indeed deny that they ought to use them in a special manner, beyond other men, to the glory of Christ and the honor of the gospel. Nor will I ever question what the Scripture is so express about — namely, that those who "labor in the word and doctrine" should have a convenient, and indeed, an honorable subsistence provided for them for their work’s sake, according to the best ability of the church. In like manner, it is also granted that the Lord Christ has committed all that power which he exercises in this world, with respect to the edification of the church, to the church itself. It cannot be supposed that this power is any other than spiritual, over the souls and consciences of men — not without a virtual renunciation of the gospel and faith in Christ Jesus as the head and king of the church. And therefore this power be cannot exercised, or in any way be made effectual, except by virtue of the spiritual gifts we address. And thus it disorders the church for men to turn this spiritual power, which is to be exercised only by virtue of spiritual gifts, into an external coercive power over the persons, bodies, liberties, and lives of men — to be exercised by law-courts, in ways, forms, and manners, that are utterly foreign to the gospel and to all evangelical administrations, without the least pretense or appearance of the exercise of the gifts of the Holy Ghost in this. Indeed, this is done by persons by whom these gifts are hated and derided, acting with pride, scorn, and contempt for the disciples of Christ; and beyond this, being utterly ignorant of the true nature and use of all gospel administrations. And so, instead of a house of spiritual worship, in some instances the church is turned into "a den of thieves." Matthew 21:13

Moreover, where earthly revenues are annexed to this, containing all food and fuel for corrupt lusts, with all those things that satisfy the minds of worldly, sensual men, as a fit reward for these carnal administrations — as it is at this day in the church of Rome — all use of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is excluded; and the church is brought into extreme desolation. Although these things are as contrary to the gospel as darkness is to light, yet the world (for many reasons not now to be insisted on), is willing to be deceived in this matter. Thus it is generally apprehended that there is nothing so pernicious to the church, so justly to be watched against and rooted out, so disliked, as Rome’s horrible apostasies in the corrupt depravation of all evangelical administrations. This was not the state, this was not the condition, of the primitive churches. Their life consisted in the grace of the Spirit, and their glory in his gifts.

None of their leaders ever once dreamed of that new kind of beauty, glory, and power, consisting in countless superstitious ceremonies, instead of religious worship; worldly grandeur, instead of humility and self-denial; and open tyranny over the consciences and persons of men, in place of spiritual authority made effectual in the power of Christ, by virtue of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. At this day, there are many sore divisions in the world, among and between the professors of Christian religion — about the doctrine and worship of the gospel, and also about the discipline of the gospel. It is acknowledged by all, that these divisions are evil in themselves, and they are the cause of great evils, hindrances to the gospel, and to all its effects in the world. Doubtless it is a thing to be greatly lamented, that most of those who are called Christians, have departed from the great rule of "keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3 The one who does not pray always, who is not ready with his utmost endeavor to remedy this evil, to remove this great obstruction of the benefit of the gospel, is scarcely worthy of the name Christian. The common way insisted on to this end, is that those who have the most force and power should set up standards and measures of agreement, compelling others to comply with them by all means of severity and violence. And because determining and settling this matter is committed to them, they judge the highest offenders to be those who refuse to do so. This is the way of Antichrist and those who follow him in this.

Others, with more moderation and wisdom (but little success), endeavor to reconcile the parties at variance — some, more, or all of them — by certain middle ways of mutual condescension which they have discovered. Some things they blame in all, and some things they commend in all; some things they would have them do, and some things omit: all for the sake of peace and love. And this design carries with it so fair and pleadable a pretense, that those who have once engaged in it, are apt to think they alone are the true lovers of Christianity in general, the only sober and indifferent persons — that they are fit to umpire all the differences in the world, in a few propositions which they have framed. And so wedded are some wise and holy men to these apprehensions of reconciling Christians by their conceived methods, that nothing will discourage them in their design — no experience of endless disappointments, of new and increasing differences and digladiations,758 of forming new parties, of reviving old animosities — all of which roll in upon them continually. "What then?" some will say; "would you have these divisions and differences among us continued and perpetuated, when you acknowledge they are so evil and pernicious?" I say, God forbid. Yes, we pray for, and will always endeavor for their removal and taking away. Yet on the other hand I say this, whether men will hear it or whether they will forbear it: there is but one way to effect so blessed and desirable a work; and until it is engaged in, let men say what they please about reconciliation, the worst of men will revile and persecute those who are better than themselves, to the end of the world. And this way is that all churches should endeavor to reduce themselves to the primitive pattern. Let us all but consider what the life and spirit of those churches was, what their honor, glory, and order consisted in, making it our joint design to walk in the principle of that grace of the Spirit in which they walked, in the exercise and use of those gifts of the Spirit which were the spring and virtue of all their administrations — renouncing whatever is foreign to and inconsistent with these things. Then that grace and unity which Christ has purchased for professors, will quickly enter into them. But these things are only mentioned here in passing, and are not to be further pursued.

These spiritual gifts the apostle calls the "powers of the world to come," Hebrews 6:4-5; that is, those effectual powerful principles and operations which uniquely belong to the kingdom of Christ and the administration of the gospel, those things by which they were to be set up, planted, advanced, and propagated in the world. The Lord Christ came and wrought the mighty work of our salvation in his own person. And thus he laid the foundation of his church on himself, by the confession of him as the Son of God. Concerning himself and his work, he preached and caused to be preached, a doctrine that was opposed by all the world, because of its truth, mystery, and holiness. Yet it was the design of God to break through all those oppositions, to cause this doctrine to be received and submitted to, and Jesus Christ to be believed in, to the ruin and destruction of the kingdom of Satan in the world. Now, this was a work that could not be wrought without putting forth and exercising mighty power. Nothing concerning this remains to be inquired into, except what sort of power this should be. Now,

the conquest that the Lord Christ aimed at was spiritual, over the souls and consciences of men; the enemies he had to conflict with were spiritual: principalities and powers, and spiritual wickednesses in high places; the god of this world, the prince of this world, who ruled in the children of disobedience; the kingdom which he had to erect was spiritual, and not of this world; all its laws and rules, with their administrations and ends, were spiritual and heavenly. The gospel that was to be propagated was a doctrine not concerning this world, nor the things of this world, nor of anything natural or political, except as they were merely subordinate to other ends. Rather, it was heavenly and mysterious, directing men only in a tendency according to the mind of God, to the eternal enjoyment of him. On this it will easily appear what kind of power is necessary to this work, and for attaining these ends. The One who, upon speaking one word, could have engaged in his work and for his assistance "more than twelve legions of angels," Matthew 26:53 by outward force and arms, could easily have subdued the whole world into an external observance of him and his commands, and ruled men at his pleasure. He could have done all this, and may do whenever he pleases. And yet, if he had done it, that would have tended nothing towards the ends he designed. He might, indeed, have had a glorious empire in the world, comprehending all the dominions that ever were or can be on the earth. Yet it would have been of the same kind and nature as that which Nero had — the greatest monster of villainy in nature. Nor would it have been any great matter for the Son of God to have out-done the Romans or the Turks, or similar conspiracies of wicked oppressors. All those who yet think it is fitting to use external force over the persons, lives, and bodies of men, in order to reduce them to the obedience of Christ and the gospel, put the greatest dishonor on him imaginable, and change the whole nature of his design and kingdom. Christ will neither own nor accept any subject whose obedience is not a free act of his own will, and who is made willing by himself in the day of his power. His design, and his only design in this world, to the glory of God, is to erect a kingdom, throne, and rule in the souls and consciences of men; to have obedience from them in faith, love, and spiritual delight, proceeding from their own choice, understandings, wills, and affections; an obedience that should be internal, spiritual, mystical, and heavenly, with respect solely to things that are unseen and eternal; in which he and his laws would be infinitely preferred before all earthly things and considerations.

Now, this is a matter that all earthly powers and empires could never desire, design, or put a hand to. It is what renders the kingdom of Christ, of another nature: as much more excellent and better than all earthly kingdoms, as liberty is better than bondage; as the mind is more excellent than the outward carcass; as spiritual and eternal things are better than carnal and temporary things; as the wisdom and holiness of God are more excellent than the folly and lusts of men.

Therefore, this was the design of Christ; this was the nature and work of the gospel which was to be propagated, in which carnal power and outward force could be of no use. Indeed, its exercise was inconsistent with, dishonorable to, and destructive of the whole design. In his design, the work to be accomplished on the minds and souls of men, is incomparably greater than conquering worlds with force and arms. And thus it is inquired what power the Lord Christ employed in this, what means and instruments he used to accomplish his design, and to erect that kingdom or church-state which, being promised of old, was called "the world to come," Hebrews 2:5 or the "new world," Matthew 19:28 "a new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13 And I say, it was those gifts of the Holy Ghost which we have treated; these were those "powers" of this "world to come." It was by them, or in their exercise, that the Lord Christ erected his empire over the souls and consciences of men, destroying both the work and kingdom of the devil. It is true, it is the word of the gospel itself that is the rod of his strength, which is sent out from Zion to erect and dispense his rule Psalms 110:2 — but that hidden power which made the word effectual in its dispensation, consisted in those gifts of the Holy Ghost. Men may despise them or think lightly of them while they please; they are those powers which the Lord Christ in his wisdom thought fit alone, to engage in propagating the gospel, and setting up his kingdom in the world. The recovery and return of the people from the captivity of Babylon was a type of the spiritual redemption of the church by Jesus Christ. And God declares how he effected that as a type of this, Zechariah 4:6 : "Not by army,759 nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." Much more was this work to be effected by his Spirit. So, after his resurrection, the Lord Christ tells his apostles that they were to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth;" that is, all the world over, Acts 1:8. But how will they be able to bear testimony to the world, so that their witness will be received and become effectual? He says, "You will receive power" for this end. I have given you authority to preach the word before; and now I will give you such an ability for it, that none will be able to withstand or resist it; and this is after the Holy Ghost has come upon you — that is, in the communication of those gifts by which you may be enabled for your work. The gifts consisted in that "mouth and wisdom" which he promised he would give them, "which all their adversaries were not able to refute or resist," Luke 21:15.

Therefore, what I will close this discourse with, will be a brief endeavor to declare how those gifts were the spiritual powers of the gospel for all the ends we mentioned before, as designed by Jesus Christ. From this it will appear how little there was of the wisdom, skill, power, or authority of men, in the whole work of propagating the gospel and planting the church of Christ. Afterward we will manifest how, by the dispensation of the other more ordinary gifts of the Spirit, both the gospel and the church are continued and preserved in the world.

First. The persons whom the Lord Christ chose, called, and designed for this work, were enabled to it by those gifts. Just as no mortal men have of themselves, any sufficiency for such a work, so the persons particularly called to it by Jesus Christ lay under all the disadvantages that any persons could possibly be liable to in such an undertaking: for —

1. All of them were unlearned and ignorant; which the Jews took notice of, Acts 4:13, and which the Gentiles despised them for.

2. They were poor, and of no reputation in the world; this made them contemned by all sorts of persons. And,

3. In many instances, they seem to have been cowardly760 and fearful; which they all manifested when they so shamefully fled and left their Master in his distresses;Matthew 26:56 the chief of them also swore that he did not know him.Matthew 26:72

Now, it is easily understood what great disadvantages these were to undertaking so great a work as they were called to — indeed, how impossible it was for them, under these qualifications, to do anything in pursuit of it. Therefore, by the communication of these gifts to them, all these impediments arising from themselves were removed. They were furnished with endowments of quite another nature, by which they were eminently filled with that spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, which surpassed all the wisdom that was of the world or in the world, by whatever ways or means it could be attained.

(1.) They had and declared a wisdom which none of the princes of this world were acquainted with, 1 Corinthians 2:1-8; 1 Corinthians 2:13. During Christ’s abiding in the flesh with them, they could not understand a plain parable, and were ever and at times at no small loss about the sense and meaning of their Master. They had very low and carnal apprehensions about his person, work, and office. And yet, they were now filled with a knowledge of all heavenly mysteries, and with wisdom to declare, manage, and maintain them against all opposers. Kings, princes, rulers of synagogues, were now all the same to them. They had a mouth and wisdom given to them which none of their adversaries could resist. Wherever they came, in all nations, to all sorts of people, of all languages, they were now enabled, in that nation’s own tongue and speech, to declare and preach the gospel to them, always being filled with a treasure of wisdom and spiritual mysteries which they could draw from as every occasion required.

(2.) Because they were poor, the difficulties with which such a condition is attended were also utterly taken away by this means. For although they had neither silver nor gold from their work or employment, and their outward wants and distresses were rather increased by this, yet their minds and souls were so raised above the world by this communication of the Spirit, and filled with such a contempt for all the desirable things in the world, and of all the pride of men on their account, that their lack of possessions and outward enjoyments made them only more ready and expedited for their work. This is also why those who had possessions, sold them, and gave their price to the poor, so that they might not be a hindrance to them in their design. And hence it also was that, even after the resurrection of Christ, some were inquiring about a temporal kingdom in which, no doubt, a good part of the kingdom’s glory, power, and advantages would fall to their share 761 — as most inquire about who still continue to dream of such a kingdom in this world. But immediately upon the communication of these gifts, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy of shame for the name of Christ, when they were imprisoned, whipped, and despitefully used, Acts 5:40-41.

(3.) They had boldness, courage, and constancy given to them in place of that cowardice and fear which they revealed before. The Jews took notice of this, and were astonished at it, Acts 4.13.762 And they had reason to be, if we consider the power and authority of that work for which they were then assaulted, with Peter’s speech to them, verses 8-12, which he spoke as filled with the Holy Ghost. See also Acts 5.28-32.763 And during the whole course of their ministry throughout the world, the same undaunted courage, resolution, and constancy, always and in all things accompanied them.

Therefore, in the first place, these gifts may be esteemed the "powers of the world to come." This is because those to whom the work was committed — of preaching the gospel, propagating its mystery, converting the nations, planting churches, and in all, erecting the kingdom of Christ — were enabled by these gifts, to the utmost capacity of human nature, to discharge, effect, and accomplish the work committed to them. By virtue and in the strength of these spiritual abilities, they set upon the whole kingdom of Satan and darkness in the world, contending with the gates of hell and all the powers of the earth, contending with the wisdom of the Greeks and the religion of the Jews, with success against both. They did not go out with force and arms, or carnal power; they threatened no man, menaced no man, with the carnal weapons of force or penalties. They had no baits or allurements of wealth, power, or honor, to inveigle764 the minds of corrupt and sensual men. But, as it was said, in the warranty and power of these spiritual gifts, they both attempted and accomplished this work. And things still continue in the same condition, according to their proportion. As men are furnished with spiritual abilities and gifts from the Holy Ghost, so comes their fitness for the work of the ministry, and no other. If any would undertake this work without this provision of abilities for it, they will never be owned by Christ, nor be of the least use in the employment they assume. A ministry devoid of spiritual gifts is sufficient evidence of a church under a degenerating apostasy. But these things will be further spoken to afterward.

Secondly. By these gifts, all their administrations, especially the preaching of the gospel, were rendered effectual for their proper end. The preaching of the word, which is the "sword of the Spirit," was the great instrument by which they wrought and accomplished their designed work in the conviction and conversion of the souls of men. It may therefore be inquired what it was that gave efficacy and success to the word as preached or dispensed by them. Now, it would seem it must either be that its subject-matter was so suited to the reasons and understandings of men, that they could not help but accept it upon its proposal; or else the manner by which they declared it was with such persuasive artifices, that they were fit to prevail with the minds of men to give their assent, or to impose upon them against the best of their defenses. But the apostle declares that it was utterly otherwise in both regards: for the matter of the doctrine of the gospel is folly to the minds of carnal men, and it is in every way fit to be despised, 1 Corinthians 1:18 — all men are this way, until renewed by the gospel itself. As for the manner of its declaration, they did not use enticing words of human wisdom, nor any arts of oratory, nor dresses of rhetoric or eloquence in this — nor would they, lest the effects worked by the word, would seem to proceed from them in any measure, 1Cor 2.4-5.765 Therefore, not to mention the internal efficacious power of grace which God secretly exerts for the conversion of his elect (the consideration of which does not belong to our present design), I say it was by virtue of those gifts, that the administration of the gospel was so efficacious and successful; for —

1. From those gifts proceeded that authority over the minds of men which the word was accompanied with. When the Lord Christ was anointed by the Spirit to preach the gospel, it is said, "He taught as one having authority, and not as the scribes," Matthew 7:29. Whatever his outward appearance was in the flesh, the word — as administered by him — was attended with such an authority over the minds and consciences of men, that they could not help but sense it. And so it was with the primitive dispensers of the gospel. By virtue of these spiritual gifts, they preached the word "in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power," 1 Corinthians 2:4. Accompanying their preaching, was an evidence or demonstration of a power and authority that was from God and his Spirit. Men could not help but conclude that there was something in it which was over them or above them, which they must yield or submit to, and not contend with. It is true, the power of the gospel was hidden from those who were perishing, whose minds the god of this world had effectively blinded, "lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine on them," 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. This is why it came to pass that the word was rejected by many.

Yet, wherever God was pleased to make it effectual, it was by a sense of a divine authority accompanying its administration, by virtue of those spiritual gifts. And therefore our apostle shows that when men prophesied, or declared the mind of God from the word by the gift of prophecy, unbelievers "fell down and, worshipping God, reported that God was truly in them," 1 Corinthians 14:24-25. They were aware of a divine authority which they could not stand before, nor withstand.

2. From this also proceeded that life and power for conviction which the word was accompanied with in their dispensation of it. Shortly it became the arrows of Christ, which were sharp in the hearts of men. As men found an authority in the dispensation of the word, so they felt and experienced an efficacy in the truths that were dispensed. By it, their minds were enlightened, their consciences awakened, their minds convinced, their lives judged, and the secrets of their hearts made manifest (as described in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25), until they cried out in multitudes, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Hereby the Lord Christ in his kingdom and majesty rode prosperously, conquering and to conquer with the word of truth, meekness, and righteousness, subduing the souls of men to his obedience — making them free, ready, and willing, in the day of his power. These were the forces and weapons that he used in establishing his kingdom, which were "mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down of imaginations, and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. So the apostle describes the success of these administrations as an absolute conquest, in which all opposition is broken, all strongholds and fortifications are demolished, and the whole is reduced to due obedience; for by this means all things were effected. All the strongholds of sin in the minds of men, in their natural darkness, blindness, and obstinacy; all the high fortifications of prejudices and vain, proud, lofty imaginations raised in them by Satan — were all cast down by and before gospel administrations, managed by virtue and authority of these spiritual gifts which the Lord Christ ordained to be the powers of his kingdom.

Thirdly. Those which consisted in miraculous operations were suited to fill the world with an apprehension of a divine power accompanying the word, and accompanying those by whom it was administered. And various things to further the gospel depended on this; such as —

1. The world, which was stupid, asleep in sin and security, satisfied with their lusts and idolatries, heedless of anything but present enjoyments, was awakened by this to attend to and inquire into this new doctrine that was proposed to them.

They could not help but take notice that there was something more than ordinary in that sermon which they were summoned to by a miracle. And this was the first and principal use of these miraculous operations. They awakened the dull, stupid world to consider the doctrine of the gospel, which otherwise they would have securely neglected and despised.

2. These operations weakened and took away those mighty prejudices which their minds were possessed with by tradition and secular enjoyments What these prejudices were I will not declare here; I have done it elsewhere. It is enough to observe that they were as great, as many, and as effectual, as human nature is capable of in any case. Yet, even though they were sufficient proof against all other means of conviction, they could not help but sink and weaken before the manifest evidence of present divine power, such as these miraculous operations were accompanied with. For even though all the things they clung to, and did so inseparably, and they thought were to be preferred above anything that could be offered to them, when the divine power appeared against them, they were not able to give them any defense.

Hence, upon these operations one of these two effects ensued:

(1.) Those who were shut up under their obstinacy and unbelief were filled with tormenting convictions, and did not know what to do to relieve themselves They could not withstand the evidence of miracles, and yet they would not admit what they tendered and confirmed; which is why they were filled with uneasiness and bewilderment. So the rulers of the Jews revealed they were bewildered by the cure of the helpless person at the gate of the temple. They said, "What will we do to these men? For indeed we cannot deny that a notable miracle has been done by them," Acts 4:16.

(2.) The minds of others were exceedingly prepared for receiving the truth, the advantages to that purpose being too many to be insisted on here.

3. They were a great means of taking away the scandal of the cross. It is sufficiently known that this is what the world was principally offended at in the gospel. "Christ crucified was to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness." 1 Corinthians 1:23

Nothing could possibly have been a matter of so high an offense to the Jews, as to offer them a crucified Messiah, whom they expected as a glorious king to subdue all their enemies. Nor in their present mindset, will they ever receive him on any other terms. It seemed part of the most extreme folly to the Grecians, to propose such great and immortal things in the name of someone who was himself crucified as a malefactor. And it was thought a shame, on all hands, for any wise man to profess or own such a religion as came from the cross. Yet, after all this blustering of weakness and folly, when they saw this doctrine of the cross owned by God, and witnessed to by manifest effects of divine power, they could not help but begin to think that men need not be so ashamed of what God so openly avowed. And all these things made way to let the word into the minds and consciences of men where, by its own efficacy, it gave them a satisfying experience of its truth and power. From these few instances, to which many of a similar nature might be added, it is manifest how these spiritual gifts were the "powers of the world to come" — the means, weapons, and arms, that the Lord Christ made use of for subduing the world, destroying the kingdom of Satan and darkness, and for planting and establishing his own church on earth. And as these gifts alone were suited to his design, so his accomplishment of that design, by those gifts, is a glorious evidence of his divine power and wisdom, as might easily be demonstrated.