A09445:103
Of the calling of the ministry two treatises, describing the duties and dignities of…Of the calling of the ministerie two treatises, discribing the duties and dignities of…
Of the calling of the ministry two treatises, describing the duties and dignities of that calling. Delivered publicly in the University of Cambridge, by Master Perkins. Taken then from his mouth, and now diligently perused and published, by a preacher of the word with a preface prefixed touching the publishing of Master Perkins his works, & a catalogue of all such particulars thereof, as are to be expected.Of the calling of the ministerie two treatises, discribing the duties and dignities of that calling. Delivered publickly in the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, by Maister Perkins. Taken then from his mouth, and now dilligently perused and published, by a preacher of the word with a preface prefixed touching the publishing of Maister Perkins his workes, & a catalogue of all such particulars thereof, as are to bee expected.
London: printed by I. Roberts for William Welby, 1605
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The fifth and last part of this description is,1 the Commission and authority given unto him, which is so great, as never was given to any creature, and is thus, when a Minister of GOD hath declared unto man his righteousness, hath brought him to the state of grace, and God in his favour hath had mercy on him; then God saith to the Minister, Deliver that soul from hell, for I have pardoned him in Christ, I am reconciled ⟨image 32⟩to him.
The fift and last part of this description is,1 the Commission and authority giuen vnto him, which is so great, as neuer was giuen to any creature, and is thus, when a Minister of GOD hath declared vnto man his righteousnes, hath brought him to the state of grace, and God in his fauour hath had mercy on him; then God saith to the Minister, Deliuer that soule from hell, for I haue pardoned him in Christ, I am reconciled ⟨image 32⟩to him.
- 15 Part the Commission.5 Part the Cōmission.
In which words, authority is given to a Minister of God to redeem a man penitent, from hell & damnation: not that he is the means of working out this redemption, for that wholly and only is Christ himself; but he is Gods instrument, and Christs instrument, first, to apply those means unto him: secondly, to pronounce his safety and deliverance when these means are used. Here is the principal honour of all belonging to that calling: and it is the greatest that ever was vouchsafed to any creature. Man […] Angel: for it is a plain Commission to go and deliver such a man from the power of hell, & to redeem him into the state of Gods children, and to make him heir of heaven: Angels neer had this Commission they are Messengers sent out for the good of those whom Ministers have redeemed,