←158
←158
Matthew 13.52. ‘The cursory perusal of a few books,’ (as Dr. Owen well observes) ‘is thought sufficient to make any man wise enough to be a Minister. And not a few undertake ordinarily to be teachers of others, who would scarcely be admitted as tolerable disciples in a well-ordered church. But more belongs to this wisdom, knowledge, and understanding than most men are aware of. If the nature of it were duly considered, and along with that, the necessity of it to the Ministry of the Gospel, probably some would not so rush upon the work as they do, which they have not been provided the ability to perform. It is, in brief, such a comprehension of the scope and end of the Scripture, of the revelation of God in it; such an acquaintance with the system of particular doctrinal truths in their rise, tendency, and use; such a habit of mind in judging spiritual things, and comparing them one with another; such a distinct insight into the springs and course of the mystery of the love, grace, and will of God in Christ, that it enables those in whom it is found, to declare the counsel of God, to make known to others the way of life, of faith and obedience, and to instruct them in their whole duty to God and man in these things. The Apostle calls this his “knowledge in the mystery of Christ,” which he manifested in his writings. For as the Gospel, the dispensation and declaration of which is committed to the Ministers of the Church, is “the wisdom of God in a mystery;” so their principal duty is to become so wise and understanding in that mystery, that they may be able to declare it to others; and without which they have no Ministry committed to them by Jesus Christ.’ Owen’s Pneumatologia.