A treatise of original sin ... proving that it is

God hath appointed other things, the Word, and Ministry, and Sacraments for our memory (as is to be showed,) and therefore this is a devotion which God will reject, because not having his superscription upon it.

God hath appointed other things, the Word, and Ministery, and Sacraments for our memory (as is to be shewed,) and therefore this is a devotion which God will reject, because not having his superscription upon it.

Fourthly, That the memory of man is naturally polluted is plain, By the §IVMinistry appointed in the Church of God by Christ himself, for one end of that is, to bring us to remembrance. Thus you heard the Apostle Peter speaking, he thought it meet [Greek or Hebrew], just and righteous while he was in the flesh, to put them always in remembrance of these things: so Jude also: Thus Paul enjoineth Timothy, 2 Tim. 2. 14. Of these things put them in remembrance: so 1 Tim. 4. 6. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ. He is not a good or faithful Minister of Christ, that is not diligent to put you in mind of Scripture-things: The Ministry is not only to instruct the ignorant, to convert the profane, but also to put into mind those that do know, and are converted. They are like Peter's Cock, upon his crowing, Peter was brought to remembrance, and he went out, and wept bitterly. Every Sermon we preach should bring thy sins and thy duties to remembrance. The Spirit of God (you heard) had this office to bring things to your remembrance, and the Ministry is the instrument by which he doth it. Alexander would have a monitor to be always prompting this mementote esse hominem; And the Romans, when riding in glorious triumph, would have some to remember them of their mortality. But Christ hath provided a more constant help for thee, to have spiritual watchmen and remembrancers, who are never to cease minding of thee; Say not then, what should I go to hear a Sermon for, I know already as much as can be said? For though that be false, yet if it were granted, you must know, the Ministry is for your memory as well as judgement, and who needeth not to have that often quickened to its duty?