N01667:204
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. › USE.
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.
USE.
Many profitable Instructions, both for Ministers and People do naturally follow from this Doctrine, but I shall not insist on them, having exceeded the hour already.
I shall only conclude with a Word of Exhortation and Advice to such as are designed for the Work of the Ministry. I suppose there are some Scores of such here before the Lord, whose Parents have sent them to the College, in order to their being prepared and qualified for the Service of Christ in his Churches. It becomes me in respect of my Age, (as well as on the account of my having many Years formerly, sustained the Presidentship over this Academy) to give you Advice.
1. My first Word of Advice to you, is, Do not Enter on the Work, especially engage not in a Pastoral Charge before you have attained such a Measure of Knowledge as may render you able Ministers of the New Testament. First fill and then empty. It is reported concerning Basil, and Gregory, that they spent thirteen Years in preparing for the Work of the Ministry, ⟨p. 129⟩before they would undertake it. I advise not to so long a delay, for a Young Man may be called to be a Prophet,