A94156:536
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…
The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature and necessity of it is discovered. : As also the Christian directed how he may perform it in [brace] religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations. / By George Swinnock ...
London: printed for T.P., 1662
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.
3. Let the Word come with Authority and Power to thy Conscience: This is one of the chiefest ingredients that goeth to the composition of a Preacher, that he speak as Paul did, in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, 1 Cor. 2.4. By this force wherewith he spake, and execution which he did, that incomparable pattern of Preachers, the Captain of our Salvation, was distinguished from the Pharisees, who in discharge of this holy Ordinance, only made false fire: He taught as one having Authority, and not as the Scribes: And the people were astonished at his Doctrine, Matth. 7.2, ult. ver. He is the best Soldier, who in this Warfare makes bloodiest work amongst our spiritual Enemies. This is preaching to purpose.
3. Let the Word come with Authority and Power to thy Conscience: This is one of the chiefest ingredients that goeth to the composition of a Preacher, that he speak as Paul did, in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, 1 Cor. 2.4. By this force wherewith he spake, and execution which he did, that incomparable pattern of Preachers, the Captain of our Salvation, was distinguished from the Pharisees, who in discharge of this holy Ordinance, onely made false fire: He taught as one having Authority, and not as the Scribes: And the people were astonished at his Doctrine, Matth. 7.2, ult. ver. He is the best Souldier, who in this Warfare makes bloodiest work amongst our spiritual Enemies. This is preaching to purpose.
This is also the best disposition requisite in a Religious hearer; For our Gospel came not to you in word only, but in power, 2 Thess. 1.15. When the Word of God cometh like a mighty rushing wind, rooting up the tall Trees of thy sins, bringing down high thoughts, overturning all before it; when as fire, it burneth within thee, consuming thy lusts, and turning thee into its own likeness, making thee holy, spiritual and heavenly: O this is excellent hearing, this is hearing to purpose.