A30241:2726
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.
Sermon 111: That a Gospel-Ministry is to continue to the end of the world. And for what ends▪
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.
Lastly, The Ministry is appointed for spiritual Government in the Church, to admonish those that are disorderly, to cast out profane and obstinate sinners. For this end they have the spiritual Keys of the kingdom of Heaven vouchsafed to them, and in the due administration thereof, God hath promised his gracious confirmation. Hence it is, that they are called Governors, Rulers, Pastors; all which demonstrate, that a Ministry is not only in doctrinal publication of the word of God, but in a spiritual governing and ordering of people to supernatural ends. Indeed the Apostle saith, This power is given us for edification, not destruction, 1 Cor. 10.8. all is for spiritual ends: It's to save the souls of those that are under us. This, though accounted austere, yet is profitable and necessary, even as Government in the Commonwealth. Thus you see the ends of a Ministry.
Lastly, The Ministry is appointed for spiritual Government in the Church, to admonish those that are disorderly, to cast out prophane and obstinate sinners. For this end they have the spiritual Keyes of the kingdom of Heaven vouchsafed to them, and in the due administration thereof, God hath promised his gracious confirmation. Hence it is, that they are called Governours, Rulers, Pastours; all which demonstrate, that a Ministry is not only in doctrinal publication of the word of God, but in a spiritual governing and ordering of people to supernatural ends. Indeed the Apostle saith, This power is given us for edification, not destruction, 1 Cor. 10.8. all is for spiritual ends: It's to save the souls of those that are under us. This, though accounted austere, yet is profitable and necessary, even as Government in the Commonwealth. Thus you see the ends of a Ministry.
Therefore fourthly, when we say, God hath appointed a Ministry thus for spiritual ends, this implieth, God will bless and go along with it, unless mens sins do hinder it. We may not think God hath appointed these things in vain, or for a mere form; Doth not the Apostle say, That if the Gospel be not the word of life, it is to them that perish?