N01667:189
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.
5. To be much in Prayer is the Work and Duty of the Ministers of God in a special manner. They are to be as Gods Mouth to his People, so his Peoples Mouth to him. The Priest was to bless in the Name of the Lord, and to be offering Incense daily. The Apostles said, We will give our selves continually to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word, Act. 6.4. They that are called to the Ministry of the Word, are to give themselves to Prayer, which implies frequency as well as constancy therein. Before they Compose their Sermons, they should Pray over them. Let them Pray Sermons down from Heaven. It is reported of Martyr Bradford that he Studied Kneeling. And when they have Composed their Sermons they should Pray over them again, that a blessing from God may make them Successful and Effectual for the good ⟨p. 115⟩of Souls. And they have cause to be much in Prayer for their own Souls, that they may obtain Mercy to be faithful in the discharge of their Ministry. It is a dreadful charge which is imposed on them. One of the Ancients saith of the Ministry, That it is Onus humeris Angelicis formidandum, a charge and burden which the Shoulders of Angels might tremble to come under it. Another Ancient says, It is a wonder that a Minister should get to Heaven. Such Mortification to the World, such Self-denial, such Impartiality, such Faithfulness, such Exemplary Holiness is required and expected of them, as that it is a wonder that any of that Order should be Saved. A small error in such an one, is great by reason of the Sacredness of his Office. Under the Law there was as great a Sacrifice to be offered for the Priest as for the whole Congregation. Are they not then concerned to be always Praying? It was Austins desire, that when the Messenger of Death should be sent for him, it might find him either Preaching or Praying. Ministers are to Pray as for themselves, so for and with particular Persons in their Flock, if they need Prayer and desire it. Jam. 5.15. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him. Austin (whom I mentioned but now) would not refuse to go to the meanest Sick Person in his Congregation, if they desired it, but otherwise he would seldom go to any, because he would not ⟨p. 116⟩