N01667:177
Practical truths, plainly delivered
Practical truths, plainly delivered: wherein is showed, I. That true believers on Jesus Christ, shall as certainly enjoy everlasting life in heaven, as if they were there already. II. That there is a blessed marriage between Jesus Christ the son of God, & the true believer. III. That men are infinitely concerned, not only to hear the voice of Christ, but that they do it, to day. IV. The work of the ministry, described, in an ordination sermon. / By Increase Mather, D.D. ; [Seven lines of Scripture texts]Practical truths, plainly delivered: wherein is shewed, I. That true believers on Jesus Christ, shall as certainly enjoy everlasting life in heaven, as if they were there already. II. That there is a blessed marriage between Jesus Christ the son of God, & the true believer. III. That men are infinitely concerned, not only to hear the voice of Christ, but that they do it, to day. IV. The work of the ministry, described, in an ordination sermon. / By Increase Mather, D.D. ; [Seven lines of Scripture texts]
printed by B. Green for Daniel Henchman, 1718
The Work of the Ministry described, in an Ordination Sermon.
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.
The Doctrine contains Three Propositions.
PROP. I. The Ministry is a Work.
The Scripture gives it that Name. When Paul and Barnabas were to be Ordained Preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the holy Ghost said, Separate them for the Work whereunto I have called them. And a divine Work it is. Paul said of Timothy, He worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do, 1 Cor. 16.10. On which account it is that a singular respect is due to those that are so employed. 1 Thes. 5.13. Esteem them very highly in Love for their works sake. A work which cannot be done without Labour. 1 Tim. 5.17. Let Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who Labour in the Word and Doctrine. That double honour intends, an honourable Maintenance; therefore in the next Verse it is said, The Labourer is worthy of his reward. Indeed the Labour of the Body is not so much in this as in some other Callings; but the Labour of the Mind is that which is the most Consuming; the Labour of the head and heart is most tiresome. Therefore Solomon ⟨p. 106⟩says, Much study is a weariness of the flesh, Eccl. 12.12.
The Scripture gives it that Name. When Paul and Barnabas were to be Ordained Preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the holy Ghost said, Separate them for the Work whereunto I have called them. And a divine Work it is. Paul said of Timothy, He worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do,