A09445:295
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, 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.
Secondly, many Students in Divinity, would gladly be Ministers, and do much honour the Calling: but they find a fear and shrinking in themselves, and thereby an unwillingness to venture upon it. If they ask, how they amend this: I answer, (or rather the example of his Prophet answereth for me); Let that man set himself in Gods presence, enter into himself, search his conscience, f•nde out his sins, confess and bewail them to God, crave pardon in Christs blood, and grace to leave them, and cease not till he hear the voice of Gods spirit sounding in his conscience: Thy sins are forgiven thee.
Secondly, many Students in Diuinitie, would gladly be Ministers, and doe much honour the Calling: but they finde a feare and shrinking in themselues, and thereby an vnwillingnesse to venter vpon it. If they aske, how they amend this: I answere, (or rather the example of his Prophet answereth for me); Let that man set himselfe in Gods presence, enter into himselfe, search his conscience, fnde out his sinnes, confesse and bewayle them to God, craue pardon in Christes blood, and grace to leaue them, and cease not till hee heare the voyce of Gods spirit sounding in his conscience: Thy sinnes are forgiuen thee.