A09445:203
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.
Fourthly, here it is apparent, that as the Angels are sent out for the help and service of the elect: so specially of Gods ministers, as is plain in this place, where the Prophet being affrighted, a holy Angel is ready to give him comfort: and so over the whole course of the Prophets: and at this day, their protection, and comfortable assistance, is no less present to the godly Ministers of the new Testament, though not in such sensible signs, and such visible manner, as in the old: for if they be ministering spirits, sent out for the good of them which shall be saved, how much more for their good, which shall both be saved themselves, and save others also.
Fourthly, here it is apparāt, that as the Angels are sent out for the help and seruice of the elect: so specially of Gods ministers, as is plaine in this place, where the Prophet being afrighted, a holy Angel is ready to giue him comfort: and so ouer the whole course of the Prophets: and at this day, their protection, and comfortable assistance, is no lesse present to the godly Ministers of the newe Testament, though not in such sencible signes, and such visible manner, as in the olde: for if they bee ministring spirits, sent out for the good of them which shal bee saued, howe much more for their good, which shall both bee saued themselues, and saue others also.
A doctrine of great comfort, and much good use to all Ministers: who first of all may here learn contentment in their calling: for howsoever no calling hath more crosses, so none again hath more comforts: and howsoever none be more disgraced by evil men, yet none is more honoured by the holy Angels: and howsoever in this world they above any calling, are servants to all men, yet none hath the service & attendance of Angels so much as they: for though we have them not to help us to do the outward actions of our ministry with us, or for us, (as some Popish Doctors teach, that in their Mass, Amen is not said to one collect, because the Angels say Amen to it) yet doubtless they are present always, as at all holy exercises and lawful actions, so especially at the public service of God, performed by the Ministers: and beside that, they are witnesses thereto, and of the pains, and diligence, and faithfulness of a good Minister, they also do Minister unto them oftentimes bodily strength, and assistance, & many