Use 1. If Paul and Apollo are yours, 1Every Minister of Christ is given for the edifying of the Church; take heed that you despise not the least of these; for all are for your profit. The least star gives light, the least drop moistens. There is some use to be made even of the lowest parts of men: There are gifts differing*, but all are yours. The weakest Minister may help to strengthen your faith. In the law, all the Levites did not sacrifice, only the Priests, as Aaron, and his sons; but all were serviceable in the worship of God; those that did not sacrifice, yet helped to bear the Ark. As in a building, some ⟨p. 16⟩bring stones, some timber, some perhaps bring only nails; yet these are useful, these serve to fasten the work in the building: The Church of God is a spiritual building*, some Ministers bring stones, are more eminent and useful; others timber, others less, they have but a nail in the work, yet all serve for the good of this building. The least nail in the Ministry serves for the fastening of souls to Christ, therefore let none be contemned. Though all are not Apostles, all are not Evangelists, all have not the same dexterous abilities in their work; yet remember, all are yours, all edify. Oftentimes God crowns his labours, and sends most fish into his net, who though he may be less skilful, is more faithful; and though he hath less of the brain, yet more of the heart. An Ambassador may deliver his Embassy with a trembling lip, and a stammering ⟨p. 17⟩tongue, but he is honourable for his works sake, he represents the Kings person.
Use 1. If Paul and Apollo are yours, 1Every Minister of Christ is given for the edifying of the Church; take heed that you despise not the least of these; for all are for your profit. The least star gives light, the least drop moistens. There is some use to be made even of the lowest parts of men: There are gifts differing*, but all are yours. The weakest Minister may help to strengthen your faith. In the law, all the Levites did not sacrifice, onely the Priests, as Aaron, and his sons; but all were serviceable in the worship of God; those that did not sacrifice, yet helped to bear the Arke. As in a building, some ⟨p. 16⟩bring stones, some timber, some perhaps bring only nailes; yet these are usefull, these serve to fasten the work in the building: The Church of God is a spiritual building*, some Ministers bring stones, are more eminent and useful; others timber, others lesse, they have but a nail in the work, yet all serve for the good of this building. The least nail in the Ministry serves for the fastning of souls to Christ, therefore let none be contemned. Though all are not Apostles, all are not Evangelists, all have not the same dexterous abilities in their work; yet remember, all are yours, all edifie. Oftentimes God crowns his labours, and sends most fish into his net, who though he may be lesse skilful, is more faithful; and though he hath lesse of the brain, yet more of the heart. An Ambassador may deliver his Ambassage with a trembling lip, and a stammering ⟨p. 17⟩tongue, but he is honourable for his works sake, he represents the Kings person.
- 1Use 1.Vse 1.
- *Rom. 12.6.
- *1 Cor. 3.9
