A09445:105
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.
If this be so then for the use, first Ministers must learn here,1 that if they will have the honour of Redeemers, then must they do the duty of redeemers, they must pray earnestly for the people, for that is one means whereby they redeem men. They must say with Samuel, God forbid that I should cease to pray for you:2 They must mourn for the impenitent, when they will not turn to God. So did David his eyes gushed out with rivers of waters, 3because men kept not Gods law. And Jeremiah, who w•shed a fountain of water in his eyes▪ that he might weep for the sins of the people ▪ They must privately confer, ••site, admonish, and rebuke ▪ and principally they must preach, and that in such good manner, and in so diligent measure, as that they may redeem and win souls, and the end that they must aim at, must be ⟨p. 49⟩to win souls. Some preach for fear of the law, to avoid censure or punishment, some for fashion sake, that they may be like to others, some for ostentation sake, to win credit and praise, some for ambition, to rise in the world: all these forget their con mission, which is, Deliver him from hell.
If this be so then for the vse, first Ministers must learne heere,1 that if they will haue the honour of Redeemers, then must they doe the dutie of redeemers, they must pray earnestly for the people, for that is one meanes whereby they redeeme men. They must say with Samuel, God forbidde that I should cease to pray for you:2 They must mourne for the impenitent, vvhen they will not turne to God. So did Dauid his eyes gushed out with riuers of waters,