A47561:131
The gospel minister's maintenance vindicated Wherein, a regular ministry in the churches, is first…
The gospel minister's maintenance vindicated Wherein, a regular ministry in the churches, is first asserted, and the objections against a Gospel maintenance for ministers, answered. Also, the dignity, necessity, difficulty, use and excellency of the ministry of Christ is opened. Likewise, the nature and weightiness of that sacred work and office clearly evinced. Recommended to the baptized congregations, by several elders in and about the City of London.The gospel minister's maintenance vindicated Wherein, a regular ministry in the churches, is first asserted, and the objections against a Gospel maintenance for ministers, answered. Also, the dignity, necessity, difficulty, use and excellency of the ministry of Christ is opened. Likewise, the nature and vveghtiness of that sacred vvork and office clearly evinc'd. Recommended to the baptized congregations, by several elders in and about the City of London.
London : printed, and are to be sold by John Harris at the Harrow, in the Poultry, 1689London : printed, and are to be sold by John Harris at the Harrow, in the Poultrey, 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
The Great and Weighty Work of a True Gospel Minister opened.
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.
First, 'Tis a Holy and a sublime Office; he is placed in a very high ⟨p. 114⟩Sphere and Station, hence called the Ambassador of Christ; What higher Dignity can be conferred on Man? The greatness of the Prince whose Messengers they are, sets forth their Dignity; they are in Christ's stead Employed in the great Affairs of His Spiritual Kingdom; and have received Authority from Him, and are also prepared and qualified for this Sacred Work by Him, and indeed therefore ought to be blameless, as the Stewards of God: And hence it is that those who are said to receive them, receive Him; and those who despise them, despise Him. O! with what Holy Fear, Dread, and Reverence ought they to enter upon this Work and Office, least they should dishonour their great and glorious Prince and Heavenly Sovereign, whom they represent! Is it not a weighty thing to be made the Mouth of Christ?
First, 'Tis a Holy and a sublime Office; he is placed in a very high Sphere⟨p. 114⟩and Station, hence called the Ambassador of Christ; What higher Dignity can be conferred on Man? The greatness of the Prince whose Messengers they are, sets forth their Dignity; they are in Christ's stead Imployed in the great Affairs of His Spiritual Kingdom; and have received Authority from Him, and are also prepared and qualified for this Sacred Work by Him, and indeed therefore ought to be blameless, as the Stewards of God: And hence it is that those who are said to receive them, receive Him; and those who despise them, despise Him. O! with what Holy Fear, Dread, and Reverence ought they to enter upon this Work and Office, least they should dishonour their great and glorious Prince and Heavenly Soveraign, whom they represent! Is it not a weighty thing to be made the Mouth of Christ?
2. Nay, and this is not all, they are entrusted with matters of the highest moment in the World, Christ having ⟨p. 115⟩