A Complete collection of farewell sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…A Compleat collection of farewel sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…

it pleaseth God that Epaphroditus should be sick even to death, to endear the Philippians more to him, chap. 2.25, 28. that their love and tenderness may be drawn forth the more by discovery of his frailty. Let us improve this. Use 1. First, as to Ministers, see how the condition is with us in our Calling; We are Earthen Vessels, taken out of dust; We should often consider our frailty, to make us more humble, more meek, and more compassionate to others, more diligent in doing good, that we may make amends for our frailty and natural weaknesses that are upon us: We must not think much of it, it being no more than in former times: it was the condition of the Apostles themselves, they were Earthen Vessels, they had such weaknesses, men subject to the like passions as we. Use 2. Secondly, As for the people, this may improve in all the notions and considerations of an Earthen Vessel.

it pleaseth God that Epaphroditus should be sick even to death, to endear the Philippians more to him, chap. 2.25, 28. that their love and tenderness may be drawn forth the more by discovery of his frailty. Let us improve this. Ʋse 1. First, as to Ministers, see how the condition is with us in our Calling; We are Earthen Vessels, taken out of dust; We should often consider our frailty, to make us more humble, more meek, and more compassionate to others, more diligent in doing good, that we may make amends for our frailty and natural weaknesses that are upon us: We must not think much of it, it being no more than in former times: it was the condition of the Apostles themselves, they were Earthen Vessels, they had such weaknesses, men subject to the like passions as we. Ʋse 2. Secondly, As for the people, this may improve in all the notions and considerations of an Earthen Vessel.

First, In regard of the meanness; you must not esteem the Gospel according to the Vessel, according to the disparagement of the Vessel; ⟨image 150⟩a Vessel of dishonour, in respect of its matter, may be a Vessel of honour, in regard of the Gold that is in it; those members of the body that are weak, and in themselves less honourable, we afford a great deal of honour upon them, in decking and clothing them: So the Ministers work and employment, and the Doctrines they bring, are excellent, and of great use; when all is done, we have that we serve for: according to the employment we are put to, we are honourable, though outwardly mean. Wicked and base men are called Filii Terrae, they are Sons of the Earth,