A09445:232
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.
This therefore commends unto all men, the use of such good means, as Gods providence hath ordained of any duties, or effecting of any thing, that doth belong unto us to do: and not to depend upon immediate helps from Heaven, as many fond and fantastical men do, who are therefore oftentimes justly forsaken of GOD, and left destitute of all help; and so exposed ⟨p. 83⟩to shame and reproach.
This therefore commends vnto all men, the vse of such good meanes, as Gods prouidence hath ordained of any duties, or effecting of any thing, that doth belong vnto vs to doe: and not to depend vppon immediate helpes from Heauen, as many fonde and fantasticall men doe, who are therefore oftentimes iustly forsaken of GOD, and left destitute of all helpe; and so exposed ⟨p. 83⟩to shame and reproach.
Secondly, see here the mighty power of Gods ordinance, how it appeareth in weakness: such are all his great works. In the Creation, he brought light out of darkness. In our Redemption, he brought us life out of death. In our Conversions, he works upon us by his Word, and by it he draws us to him, which in all reason would drive us from him: and by it confounds the wisdom of the world, which is stark foolishness to the wisdom of the Lord.
Secondly, see here the mightie power of Gods ordinance, how it appeareth in weakenesse: such are all his great workes. In the Creation, hee brought light out of darknesse. In our Redemption, hee brought vs life out of death. In our Conuersions, hee workes vpon vs by his Worde, and by it hee drawes vs to him, which in all reason would driue vs from him: and by it confounds the wisedome of the worlde, which is starke foolishnesse to the wisedome of the Lord.