A09445:276
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.
In the next place. By this inquiry, and question made by God, Whom shall I send, and who shall go for us? The Lord would teach us, that no man is to undertake this function, unless God call and send him: therefore here are condemned, the profane fancies of the Anabaptists, and all like them, who think that any man upon a private motion, may steppe forth and undertake the duties of a Prophet, to preach and expound, &c. Oh, but say they, these motions are from Gods spirit: surely they can say little for themselves, who cannot say so much: but that cannot serve their turn: for if we say contrariwise nay, but they are from the devil, or at the least from your own vanity and pride, how can they disprove it! Again, might not the Prophet have alleged that with a better pretence and colour then they? yet he stayeth till God here call him: even so all good ⟨p. 105⟩Ministers are to stay Gods calling.
In the next place. By this inquirie, and question made by God, Whom shal I send, and who shall goe for vs? The Lord would teach vs, that no man is to vndertake this function, vnlesse God call and send him: therefore here are condemned, the prophaine fancies of the Anabaptists, and all like them, who thinke that any man vpon a priuate motion, may steppe foorth and vndertake the duties of a Prophet, to preach and expound, &c. Oh, but say they, these motions are from Gods spirit: surely they can say litle for themselues, who cannot say so much: but that cannot serue their turne: for if we say contrariwise nay, but they are from the diuell, or at the least from your owne vanitie and pride, how can they disproue it! Againe, might not the Prophet haue alledged that with a better pretence and colour then they? yet he stayeth till God here call him: euen so all good ⟨p. 105⟩Ministers are to stay Gods calling.
If any ask, how he shall know when God calls him? I answer, God calleth ordinarily by his Church, her voice is his: therefore whensoever the Church of God, saith unto thee, thou shalt be sent, and thou shalt go for us, even then doth the Lord call us out to this holy function.