N01667:185
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.
3. It belongs to a Minister of the Gospel to Endeavour the Spiritual Edification of those that are Converted, that they may be built up in their most holy Faith. It is not enough to Sow the Seed of the Word, but it must be watered, then it may be hoped that God will make it fruitful. 1 Cor. 3.6. I have planted, Apollos watered, God gave the increase. Paul was the Planter of a Church in Corinth. They were his Converts. He was Instrumental in Planting the Seed of Grace in their Souls. He left Apollos with them, who continued Preaching to them and by those waterings built them up in further degrees of Faith and Holiness. A Pastor of a Church must endeavour the Edification of his People, by building them up in Knowledge. It is a singular blessing when they have a Pastor furnished with such gifts as enable him to do it. Jer. 3.15. I will give them Pastors according to my own ⟨p. 111⟩heart, which shall feed them with Knowledge and Understanding. The Ministry of the Word is appointed, not only that so Grace may be begun where it is not, but that they who have Grace, may grow in Grace. 1 Pet. 2.2. Desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Ministers must Endeavour the Confirmation and Establishment of their Hearers in the truth and holy ways of the Lord. This also did the Primitive Preachers of the Gospel. Act. 14.22. They Preached the Gospel, and taught many, Confirming the Souls of the Disciples, Exhorting them to continue in the Faith. No Man was more Laborious herein than the Apostle Paul: He went through Syria and Cilicia, in which Places he had Converted many, and gathered Churches, Confirming the Churches, Act. 15.41. Sometimes the Flocks are in danger by Wolves. False Teachers who bring in damnable Heresies, are such. It is incumbent on their Pastors to defend them against the cunning Craftiness of these Men who lie in wait to deceive; and to confirm them, that they may not be carried about with every wind of doctrine. Sometimes Believers meet with sore temptation, by which they are apt to be discouraged: Then a word of comfort may be much to their Edification. Comfort ye, Comfort ye my People, speak comfortably to Jerusalem.