He was never idle. When he sits down at Jacobs Well, to rest himself being weary, presently he falls into his work, Preaching the Gospel to the Samaritaness. In this must his Ministers resemble him. Striving according to his working, that worketh in them mightily, Col. 1.28, 29. An idle Minister seems to be a contradiction in adjecto, as who should say, a dark light.
Fourthly, Jesus Christ delighted in nothing more than the success of his Ministry. To see the work of the Lord prosper in his hand, this was meat and drink to him. When the seventy returned, and reported the success of their first Embassy; Lord, even the Devils are subject to us through thy name. Why, saith Christ; I behold Satan fall as lightning from heaven. As if he had said, you tell me no news, I saw it when I sent you out at first. I know the Gospel would make work where it came. And in that hour Jesus rejoiced in Spirit, Luk. 10.17, 18, 21. And is it not so with those sent by him? Don't they value the ⟨p. 110⟩success of their Ministry at an high rate? it is not (saith one) the expense, but the recoiling of our labours back again upon us, that kills us. Ministers would not die so fast, nor be grey-headed so soon, could they but see the travel of their Souls. My little Children (saith Paul) of whom I travel again in birth [Greek or Hebrew], till Christ be formed in you, Gal. 4.19. As for those that have the name of Shepherds only, who visit the flock only once a year, about shearing time: who have the instruments of a foolish Shepherd (•f•rcipes & mulctra) the shears and pail, Zech. 11.15. Woeful will be their condition, at the appearing of this great Shepherd.
Fifthly, Jesus Christ was a Minister that lived up to his Doctrine. His Life and Doctrine harmonized in all things. He pressed to holiness in his Doctrine, and was the great Pattern of holiness in his Life, Matth. 11.28. Learn of me, I am meek and lowly. And such his Ministers desire to approve themselves, Phil. 4.9. What ye have heard, and seen in me, that do. He Preached to their eyes, as well as ears. His Life was a Comment on his Doctrine. They might see holiness acted in his Life, as well as sounded by his lips. He Preached the Doctrine, and lived the Application.
Sixthly, Lastly; Jesus Christ was a Minister that minded and maintained sweet, secret communion with God, for all his constant public labours.
He was never idle. When he sits down at Iacobs Well, to rest himself being weary, presently he falls into his work, Preaching the Gospel to the Samaritaness. In this must his Ministers resemble him. Striving according to his working, that worketh in them mightily, Col. 1.28, 29. An idle Minister seems to be a contradiction in adjecto, as who should say, a dark light.
Fourthly, Iesus Christ delighted in nothing more than the success of his Ministry. To see the work of the Lord prosper in his hand, this was meat and drink to him. When the seventy returned, and reported the success of their first Embassie; Lord, even the Devils are subject to us through thy name. Why, saith Christ; I behold Satan fall as lightning from heaven. As if he had said, you tell me no news, I saw it when I sent you out at first. I know the Gospel would make work where it came. And in that hour Iesus rejoyced in Spirit, Luk. 10.17, 18, 21. And is it not so with those sent by him? Do'nt they value the ⟨p. 110⟩success of their Ministry at an high rate? it is not (saith one) the expence, but the recoyling of our labours back again upon us, that kills us. Ministers would not die so fast, nor be gray-headed so soon, could they but see the travel of their Souls. My littlle Children (saith Paul) of whom I travel again in birth 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, till Christ be formed in you, Gal. 4.19. As for those that have the name of Shepherds only, who visit the flock only once a year, about shearing time: who have the instruments of a foolish Shepherd (•f•rcipes & mulctra) the shears and pail, Zech. 11.15. Woful will be their condition, at the appearing of this great Shepherd.
Fifthly, Iesus Christ was a Minister that lived up to his Doctrine. His Life and Doctrine harmonized in all things. He pressed to holiness in his Doctrine, and was the great Pattern of holiness in his Life, Matth. 11.28. Learn of me, I am meek and lowly. And such his Ministers desire to approve themselves, Phil. 4.9. What ye have heard, and seen in me, that do. He Preacht to their eyes, as well as ears. His Life was a Comment on his Doctrine. They might see holiness acted in his Life, as well as sounded by his lips. He Preacht the Doctrine, and lived the Application.
Sixthly, Lastly; Iesus Christ was a Minister that minded and maintained sweet, secret communion with God, for all his constant publick labours.
