A26804:322
Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions
Sermons preached on several occasions by William Bates.Sermons preach'd on several occasions by William Bates.
London: printed by J.D. for Jonathan Robinson, 1693
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.
III. I Shall now prove 'tis the great Duty of the Ministers of Christ to apply themselves with a holy Zeal to bring Men to partake of the saving Mercies of the Gospel.
This will appear by considering,
1. The Command of God, from whom they are sent, lays the highest Obligation upon them to perform their Duty. The manner and degrees of Obedience, are measured by the greatness of the Authority that enjoins it. To Sovereign Authority, ⟨p. 328⟩immediate, absolute, and supreme Obedience is due. The Authority of God is more binding than the highest in Princes, or the dearest in Parents: What are all Kings of the Earth to him? less than nothing. Temporal Greatness consists only in Comparison. In the Scale of Magistracy, the Superiors to some are subordinate to others: But the Majesty of God is absolutely and truly Infinite. And as the immediate Servants of the King are under special Obligations to obey his Commands, besides the common Duty of his other Subjects; so the Ministers of the Gospel by their Consecration and immediate Relation to God, are bound with all zealous Diligence to do his Will.
1. The Command of God, from whom they are sent, lays the highest Obligation upon them to perform their Duty. The manner and degrees of Obedience, are measured by the greatness of the Authority that enjoins it. To Soveraign Authority, ⟨p. 328⟩immediate, absolute, and supream Obedience is due. The Authority of God is more binding than the highest in Princes, or the dearest in Parents: What are all Kings of the Earth to him? less than nothing. Temporal Greatness consists only in Comparison. In the Scale of Magistracy, the Superiors to some are subordinate to others: But the Majesty of God is absolutely and truly Infinite. And as the immediate Servants of the King are under special Obligations to obey his Commands, besides the common Duty of his other Subjects; so the Ministers of the Gospel by their Consecration and immediate Relation to God, are bound with all zealous Diligence to do his Will.