N01667:200
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.
Although' a Church choose a Man to be their Pastor, Except he does also choose them to be his Flock, or accept of their Election, he does not become their Pastor. Notwithstanding every Church has power to choose their own Pastor, our United Brethren declare, That in so weighty a Matter as choosing a Pastor, we judge it ordinarily necessary, that every such Church consul: and advise with the Pastors of Neighbouring Congregations.
Altho' a Church choose a Man to be their Pastor, Except he does also choose them to be his Flock, or accept of their Election, he does not become their Pastor. Notwithstanding every Church has power to chuse their own Pastor, our United Brethred declare, That in so weighty a Matter as chusing a Pastor, we judge it ordinarily necessary, that every such Church consul: and advise with the Pastors of Neighbouring Congregations.
4. There ought to be a solemn Separation of those who are Called to the Work of the Ministry. This useth to be called Ordination. Thus in the Scripture afore-mentioned: Act. 13.2. Separate me Barnabas and Paul for the work whereunto I have called them This Separation should be attended with Fasting and Prayer, also with the Imposition of hands. We find in the Old Testament that rite of imposing hands was used in setting apart to a solemn Office. So was Joshua Ordained Moses's Successor. Numb. 27.18, 19. The Lord said to Moses, Take Joshua and lay thine hand upon him set him before Eleazar and before all the Congregation, and give him a charge in their fight. And thus have Ministers of the New Testament been set apart for the work of the Gospel. The first Laying on of hands that ever was practised out of the Land of Israel, was that in the Church at Antioch, but now mentioned, which may therefore be looked upon as Presidential to the Gentile Churches. Some have esteemed that Ceremony so Essential to the Call of a Minister as to judge those that have it not to be no true Ministers of the Gospel. I dare not say so. For I know full well that not only those of the Congregational Persuasion, but the Presbyterian Brethren do many of them say otherwise. When that Question was proposed by K.