A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

And so much of the duties respecting prayer. Those that respect the ministry of the Word, are of two sorts; the first respect Gods Ministers ¹that preach it. The second, the people that hear it. In respect of the Minister, it is required first, that his person be qualified and fitted for this high function, in which regard he ought to be once lawfully called to this office inwardly by God, and outwardly by the Church. Secondly, he is to have his calling approved and sealed unto him by his sufficiency ²of gifts, both in knowledge and utterance; and willingness of mind to employ them to Gods glory, and good of his people. Secondly, for the matter which he preacheth, it is required, that he deliver nothing but that which is grounded upon the pure Word of God, and that he rightly expound ³the Scriptures by the Scriptures; and divide the Word of God aright, both in observing profitable doctrines out of the Text, and in applying them to his hearers, for instruction in the truth, confutation of ⁴errors, exhortations to duties, reproof of offenders, and consolation of the weak and afflicted. Thirdly, for the manner, there is required that he speak in the evidence of the Spirit, as if God by him did speak unto ⁵the people. Secondly, in simplicity without any impiety of humane inventions, or affectation to show his own learning & gifts. 3. in integrity and uprightness