A09445:294
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.
The Prophet after he was comforted by God, and had his sins forgiven, then answereth; Here am I, send me. First mark here, what a great change is wrought on the sudden: he who a little afore, feared and shrunk at the least appearance of Gods glory: Now stands forth boldly, as soon as he is called, and answereth; Here am I, send me: So great a matter is it for a minister to have his sins forgiven, and to feel the favour of God to his soul and conscience. Here therefore we have an answer• to two great Questions, often moved in the world.
The Prophet after hee was comforted by God, and had his sinnes forgiuen, then answereth; Here am I, send me. First marke heere, what a great change is wrought on the suddaine: he who a little afore, feared and shrunke at the least appearance of Gods glorie: Now stands forth boldly, as soone as he is called, and answereth; Heere am I, send me: So great a matter is it for a minister to haue his sinnes forgiuen, and to feele the fauour of God to his soule and conscience. Here therefore wee haue an answer• to two great Questions, often moued in the world.
First, many would have quietness of mind, and peace of conscience, and cannot attain unto it; If they ask how they might, to them I answer; Here is ⟨p. 114⟩the way, seek it not in worldly wealth, carnal pleasures, nor humane learning, in company nor recreations: but seek it in the favour of God, and pardon of thy sins, and thou shalt not miss of it. Thus shalt thou have comfort in thy own conscience, courage before men, and boldness toward God.
First, many would haue quietnesse of minde, and peace of conscience, and cannot attaine vnto it; If they aske how they might, to them I answere; Here is ⟨p. 114⟩the way, seeke it not in worldly wealth, carnall pleasures, nor humane learning, in companie nor recreations: but seeke it in the fauour of God, and pardon of thy sinnes, and thou shalt not misse of it. Thus shalt thou haue comfort in thy owne conscience, courage before men, and boldnesse toward God.