N01667:187
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.
4. In order here-unto Ministers ought to be Diligent and Laborious in Preaching the word of God. They should come to their People with well studied Sermons. 2 Tim. 2.15. Study to show thy self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. As the Priests were to divide the Sacrifice that every one might have their share, so the Minister must apply Comfort to whom that does belong, and Terror to whom that does belong. He that will show himself a Workman that needs not be ashamed, must study for it. There is more than a little contained in that Apostolical Injunction: 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. Preach. The Greek Word [Greek or Hebrew], signifies to Proclaim like an Herald, publicly and with a loud Voice. Ministers of the Gospel are Christs Heralds, they must Publicly and Earnestly declare what is the Command of their Lord and Master, and be instant, be in good Earnest. The Lord said to his Prophet, Cry aloud, do as becomes an Herald, Spare not, lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet; it condemns a cold, dull, lifeless way of Preaching. In season. If a Minister is on a subject which People are willing to hear of, that's in season; ⟨p. 113⟩if on a subject which they have no Mind to hear, that's out of the Season to them: but whether they will hear or forbear, the Preacher must faithfully declare the Messages which the Lord has sent him with. What is Preaching? It is an Opening, and Applying of the Scriptures. To search the Scriptures is every Mans duty, but the Ministers duty more than any Mans in the World. Search them. [Greek or Hebrew], as Miners do. There are rich Mines, in the Scripture, there is Gold and Pearls in those Mines, but we must dig and dive that so we may come at them. No Man can be better Employed. Ministers should be Elaborate in their Sermons. Solomon says, The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, Eccl. 12.10. Men that come into the Pulpits, and utter whatever comes next, without any Premeditation or Dijudication, do not seek to find out acceptable words. There was a Man of some Name and Fame, who had an unhappy design of introducing Ex tempore Preaching as well as Ex tempore Praying; And being a Learned Man he would make the attempt in the University Church in Cambridge, but the Lord rebuked him.