A09445:318
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.
By which doctrine, as those are justly condemned of foul presumption, who dare run upon private motions, and carnal respects, and are justly left without blessing or protection: so they on the other side, do offer great wrong to God and to his Church, who when they cannot deny, but they affect the Ministry above any calling, and have approbation of their gifts from the good Church, yet will not believe the Testimony of the Church herein, but their own private Judgements, which in this case is no way a competent Judge, either for, or against. Let such men know, that they oppose themselves even against God himself: it being certain, that where the inward calling of the conscience, and the outward ⟨p. 126⟩calling of the Church do concur, there God himself calleth and biddeth that man, Go, and speak.
By which doctrine, as those are iustly condemned of foule presumption, who dare runne vpon priuate motions, and carnall respects, and are iustly left without blessing or protection: so they on the other side, doe offer great wrong to God and to his Church, who when they cannot deny, but they affect the Ministerie aboue any calling, and haue approbation of their giftes from the good Church, yet will not beleeue the Testimonie of the Church herein, but their owne priuate Iudgements, which in this case is no way a competent Iudge, either for, or against. Let such men knowe, that they oppose themselues euen against God himselfe: it being certaine, that where the inward calling of the conscience, and the outwarde ⟨p. 126⟩calling of the Church doe concurre, there God himselfe calleth and biddeth that man, Goe, and speake.
Now then (to draw to an end) let us observe in the last place, with what authority a Minister of God comes unto us, and executes his Function: even with an immediate authority & Commission from God: whereby he is bid, Go, and speak. If it be so, let it persuade the world, to fear to do any wrong, either to that calling, as to those persons who come with so fair a commission from God himself. But if it do not persuade the profane world, at least let this be a comfort & encouragement to all true Ministers, for if God bid them go he will go with them himself: If he send them, he will not forsake them, but assist them, and bless them, and open their mouths, and enlarge their hearts, and harden their foreheads, and give power unto their words to convert his children, & to confound and astonish the hearts of his enemies. If he send them, he will defend and protect