A30241:2382
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, or, Christs prayer before his passion explicated, and both practically and polemically improved by Anthony Burgess ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1656
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
JOHN 17.18. Even so have I sent them into the World.
There remain some further Distinctions to be propounded before we proceed to the proof of the Doctrine. And
THere remain some further Distinctions to be propounded before we proceed to the proof of the Doctrine. And
First, The word Preaching may be taken either largely or strictly; largely, for any declaration of the truths of God, as occasion and opportunity shall serve; or strictly, for a Ministerial Preaching, by way of Office. The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew], though it be most commonly used of such who preach by way of Office, and among the Heathens [Greek or Hebrew] is an Officer, yet in the Scripture it is sometimes taken more largely, as Revel. 5.2. An Angel is there described [Greek or Hebrew], crying with a great voice; but more particularly, I observe it once, and but once used of a private Christian, manifesting Christ and his actions, Luk. 8.39. The man out of whom Christ had cast devils, is said [Greek or Hebrew] to publish throughout the whole City,1 what Christ had done for him. It was a great controversy not long since, Whether reading was preaching? Many to excuse their ignorance and laziness did maintain reading of the Scripture was preaching. Now to this it is answered, That if Preaching be taken largely for any declaration, or publishing of the Word of God, no doubt but it is preaching, but yet it is not that ministerial preaching which is enjoined the Officers of the Church, To preach in season and out of season, to divide the word of God, and that with such faithfulness and ability, that the Apostle crieth out, Who is sufficient for these things? This was more then to read the Scripture. If therefore preaching be taken largely for a publishing of Christ occasionally to others, no doubt many ought to preach in that sense. Thus the woman of Samaria, published Christ to her neighbours, and Andrew called his brother Philip before they were put into the Apostolical Office.