A09445:216
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.
And if beside this honour, we would rejoice Gods angels, and minister matter of joy unto them, then in the fourth place, let all Ministers propound to themselves above all things, the conversion of souls, rather then their own praise, or living, or pleasing of men, and so endeavour it both in teaching, and all their other courses, that the angels may see it, and ⟨p. 76⟩be witness of it: for if they rejoice at the conversion of a sinner, (as Christ saith they do) then those men make them oftest rejoice, which do most seriously aim at the conversion of sinners.
And if beside this honour, wee would reioyce Gods angels, and minister matter of ioy vnto them, then in the fourth place, let all Ministers propounde to themselues aboue all things, the conuersion of soules, rather then their own praise, or liuing, or pleasing of men, and so endeuour it both in teaching, and all their other courses, that the angels may see it, and ⟨p. 76⟩be witnesse of it: for if they reioyce at the conuersion of a sinner, (as Christ saith they doe) then those men make them oftest reioyce, which doe most seriously aime at the conuersion of sinners.
And thus we see, both the service of Angels to Gods Ministers, and the duties they are to perform to them in that regard. The due consideration of this point, may raise the world to a better conceit of this Calling, and persuade fathers to dedicate their sons to it, and stir up young Students to consecrate themselves thereto, & turn their studies to that end: for no man in no calling hath so special attendance, and assistance of Gods Angels, as godly Ministers have: At least, if it work not this in the world, yet it may yield comfort and contentment to all faith Ministers in their painful calling.
And thus we see, both the seruice of Angels to Gods Ministers, and the duties they are to performe to them in that regard. The due consideration of this point, may raise the world to a better conceit of this Calling, and perswade fathers to dedicate their sonnes to it, and stirre vp yong Students to consecrate themselues thereto, & turne their studies to that end: for no man in no calling hath so speciall attendance, and assistance of Gods Angels, as godly Ministers haue: At least, if it worke not this in the world, yet it may yeeld comfort and contentment to all faith Ministers in their painfull calling.