A09445:78
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.
2 And further, as they are to intend this calling as the most rare and excellent, so this must teach them likewise, to hasten ⟨image 22⟩to furnish themselves with all good helps and means, that they may become true Ministers, and able Interpreters, & not too long to stick in those studies, which keep a man from the practise of this high function: for it is not to live in the University, or in the College, & to study, though a man never so fast devour up learning, but to be a good Minister, is that that makes a man one of a thousand.
2 And further, as they are to intende this calling as the most rare and excellent, so this must teach them likewise, to hasten ⟨image 22⟩to furnish themselues with all good helps and meanes, that they may become true Ministers, and able Jnterpreters, & not too long to stick in those studies, which keep a man from the practise of this high function: for it is not to liue in the Vniuersity, or in the Colledge, & to study, though a man neuer so fast deuoure vp learning, but to be a good Minister, is that that makes a man one of a thousand.
In the last place, Hearers are here taught their duty, first,1 to respect with reverence the person, and to receive with reverence the Message of every true Messenger, seeing it is so rare a thing to find a true Minister, for as nothing is more vile or base then an evil and lewd Minister, (whom Christ compares to salt which hath lost his savour, which is good for nothing, 2but to be cast out, & trodden down of men:) so is there none worthy of more love, and reverence than a holy Minister: for as Isaiah saith: their very feet are beautiful which bring glad tidings ▪ and we should kiss their feet which bring news of peace: therefore all good Christians are to receive and use a good Minister, as Saint Paul saith the Galatians