A09445:227
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.
First, every one to labour to be a good Minister, for then are they sure of the love of angels, and then most willingly do the angels any service to them. Again, let it teach them to fly as fast to the discharge of their duties to Gods Church, as the angel• fly to do them service, so shall Gods angels think their diligence and careful service, well bestowed upon them.
First, euery one to labour to bee a good Minister, for then are they sure of the loue of angels, and then most willingly doe the angels any seruice to them. Againe, let it teach them to flye as fast to the discharge of their duties to Gods Church, as the angel• flye to doe them seruice, so shall Gods angels thinke their diligence and carefull seruice, well bestowed vpon them.
Lastly, this diligence of the angels, and their willingness, proceeding from love, must stir up all Christians, to perform all duties of godliness to God, and of love unto his Church, with alacrity and cheerfulness. So do Gods angels; we look to be like the angels in glory in the world to come: then be like the angels in diligence, love & faithfulness in this world. The Wiseman saith, He that is slothful in his business is good for nothing: 1but the diligent man shall stand before the King. And surely, he that is willing and diligent in the duties of Christianity, shall stand before the King of kings in ⟨p. 81⟩heaven. And let this suffice for the Angels service, and his diligence in his service. Now let us see what instrument the Angel used.
Lastly, this diligence of the angels, and their willingnesse, proceeding frō loue, must stirre vp al Christians, to performe all duties of godlinesse to God, and of loue vnto his Church, with alacritie and cheerfulnesse. So doe Gods angels; we looke to be like the angels in glory in the world to come: then be like the angels in diligence, loue & faithfulnesse in this world. The Wiseman saith, He that is slouthfull in his businesse is good for nothing: