N01667:190
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.
And a Pastor of a Church ought to Pray continually for his whole Flock. 'Tis his duty to bring them to God every Day, and every Night. How is it possible that that Minister should have Grace in his Soul that can, that dare live one Day or one Night without bringing his Flock to GOD for his blessing when Praying for his own Soul? The Prophet Samuel said, God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way, 1 Sam. 12.23. And truly faithful Ministers of God may be Encouraged to Pray, for that there is a great Efficacy in their Prayers, their Prayers have a greater power with God than the Prayers of other Men, since they Pray not only by virtue of the rule of Charity, but Ex Officio by virtue of an Office. We find in the Scripture that God has manifested a Special regard to the Prayers of such of his Servants. Psal. 99.6. Moses and Aaron among his Priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his Name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. Moses is mentioned among the Priests, because he did the work of a Priest before the Priesthood was settled and confined to Aaron's Family, and after that was a powerful Intercessor for the People. Samuel was a Prophet. We see that the Lord has a great regard to the Prayers of those that are his Priests and his Prophets. Wherefore ⟨p. 117⟩it was said to Abimeleck when he was Sick and in danger of death, the Prayer of a Prophet might save his Life. Gen. 2.7. He is a Prophet, he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live.
And a Pastor of a Church ought to Pray continually for his whole Flock. 'Tis his duty to bring them to God every Day, and every Night. How is it possible that that Minister should have Grace in his Soul that can, that dare live one Day or one Night without bringing his Flock to GOD for his blessing when Praying for his own Soul? The Prophet Samuel said, God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way, 1 Sam. 12.23. And truly faithful Ministers of God may be Encouraged to Pray, for that there is a great Efficacy in their Prayers, their Prayers have a greater power with God than the Prayers of other Men, since they Pray not only by vertue of the rule of Charity, but Ex Officio by vertue of an Office. We find in the Scripture that God has manifested a Special regard to the Prayers of such of his Servants.