A30241:2727
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.
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? 2 Cor. 2. who performed the Office of a Gospel Minister more faithfully then Christ himself? And who might expect greater success in his Ministry then he? Yet we hear him complaining, Who hath believed ⟨p. 560⟩our report? Oh then, let that people, that Congregation tremble, which hath long enjoyed the Ministry, yet as ignorant and profane as ever! Oh consider with thy self and say, O Lord, thy arm is not shortened, thou art as able to break and humble the hearts of sinners, as ever, therefore some heavy spiritual judgement is upon me, I may fear, I am like that cursed fig-tree, upon which (Christ said) Never fruit grow more!
Therefore fourthly, when we say, God hath appointed a Ministry thus for spiritual ends, this implyeth, God will blesse and go along with it, unlesse mens sins do hinder it. We may not think God hath appointed these things in vain, or for a meer form; Doth not the Apostle say, That if the Gospel be not the word of life, it is to them that perish? 2 Cor. 2. who performed the Office of a Gospel Minister more faithfully then Christ himself? And who might expect greater successe in his Ministry then he? Yet we hear him complaining, Who hath believed ⟨p. 560⟩our report? Oh then, let that people, that Congregation tremble, which hath long enjoyed the Ministry, yet as ignorant and prophane as ever! Oh consider with thy self and say, O Lord, thy arm is not shortned, thou art as able to break and humble the hearts of sinners, as ever, therefore some heavy spiritual judgement is upon me, I may fear, I am like that cursed fig-tree, upon which (Christ said) Never fruit grow more!