A09445:238
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 shows apparently that those Ministers never had their lips touched with a coal from Gods altar: that is, their consciences never touched, nor their souls seasoned with the sanctifying grace of Gods spirit, which sit still and •ee great and grievous stains in a Church, and corruptions in a state, and can be content never to reprove •hem, as though Ministers were persuaders ⟨p. 86⟩only, and not reprovers.
This shewes apparantly that those Ministers neuer had their lips touched with a coale from Gods altar: that is, their consciences neuer touched, nor their soules seasoned with the sanctifying grace of Gods spirit, which sit still and •ee great and greuous staines in a Church, and corruptions in a state, and can bee content neuer to reproue •hem, as though Ministers were perswaders ⟨p. 86⟩onely, and not reprouers.
But when this comes to be weighed in the balance of a good conscience, it will be found, that not the pleasing tongue, but the fiery tongue, is the principal grace of a good Minister.
But when this comes to bee wayed in the ballance of a good conscience, it will bee found, that not the pleasing tongue, but the fierie tongue, is the principall grace of a good Minister.
But to go further: whence came this Coal?