A09445:170
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.
Besides these, there is another way, whereby God showeth his presence: and that is, by extraordinary revelation of his glory immediately: which was usual in the old Testament, as here to the Prophet, but now is not to be expected. But how terrible that is to the sinful nature of man, appears in this place: for if the Prophet a most holy man, whose conscience accused him, but of a few and small sins, yet thus cries out, amazed & affrighted, at the revelation of some part of Gods glory: alas, how would they be terrified with it, whose consciences are burdened with great and grievous sins, & that without repentance? Thus we see the ground of his reason, how true it is, that a man in his sin, cannot cheerfully come, nor boldly stand in Gods presence. The use of this Doctrine: First of all, let us see the monstrous presumption of such ministers as dare venture rashly into the ministry,1 to tread upon the holy ground ⟨p. 48⟩of God, with unclean f•ete; to handle the holy things of God with unwashen hands: For what is it to enter into the Ministry, but to enter into the chamber of presence of the great King? and should not a man look about him, afore he come there? Therefore if God rebuked Moses, for stepping too hastily towards the Bus•e, where his presence is,2 and said; Come not too near, for the place where thou standest i• holy ground: then how will God rebuke and check the consciences of such carnal men, as carelessly & carnally rush into the Pulpit, and to Gods holy Table, where God is present, in a far more excellent manner then he was in the Bush? And if they be so to be blamed, who enter into this calling without fear and reverence, then how much more faulty are they, who being Ministers, dare venture to preach, or minister the holy Sacraments, without holy and private preparation, and sanctification of themselves: but rush upon them, as upon common & profane actions? Whereas ⟨p. 49⟩God is present there, in a most holy and glorious manner: these men sure will say, the Prophet here was of too nice a conscience: but fearfully and terribly shall God appear at last unto such men,