N01685:34
The presence of Christ with the ministers of the Gospel, opened & applied in…The presence of Christ with the ministers of the Gospel, opened & applyed in…
The presence of Christ with the ministers of the Gospel, opened & applied in a sermon preached at Swampfield, January 1st. 1717[/]18. Being the day of the gathering of the church, and the ordination of the Reverend Joseph Willard their pastor. / By Solomon Stoddard, A.M. & Pastor of Northampton.The presence of Christ with the ministers of the Gospel, opened & applyed in a sermon preached at Swampfield, January 1st. 1717[/]18. Being the day of the gathering of the church, and the ordination of the Reverend Joseph Willard their pastor. / By Solomon Stoddard, A.M. & Pastor of Northampton.
printed by B. Green, 1718
Title page typeset from the transcription.
The Presence of CHRIST WITH THE Ministers of the GOSPEL. › DOCTRINE.
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.
1. Be of an unblameable Conversation. The holy carriages of Ministers have a natural tendency to beget a regard in the hearts of hearers; holy carriages do command respect, and prepare Men to receive advice. They are more ready to believe Men of good than men of bad Conversation. Holy carriages in Preachers take off prejudices from the Spirits of hearers: It seems to Men that such Ministers urge rules from Conscience and Compassion. But an unholy Conversation diminishes Mens authority, their Words don't sink into the hearts of their hearers, they don't look upon their advice as flowing from a gracious Spirit, but from some lower principles. But Men of a holy Conversation have a room in the hearts of others. Besides, this is a way to engage the Presence of Christ. Evil carriages are abominable to Christ, but holy carriages are acceptable to Christ. Men that walk holily put honour upon him; and He will honour them that honour him, 1 Sam. 2.30. When Men carry holily, God delights to succeed their labours. Mal. 2.6. He walked with me in Peace and Equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. But when Men carry corruptly, He many times casts contempt on them, and their ⟨p. 26⟩Ministry is not blessed. Mal. 2.8, 9. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi, faith the Lord of hosts: Therefore have. I also made you contemptible and base before all the People; according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the Law. An unholy Conversation brings a blast upon their labours. The prosperity of Religion don't depend on the labours of Men that do not honour it: their words will not prevail without their practice: they must Preach in their Conversation on Week days, as well as in the Pulpit on the Sabbath.
1. Be of an unblameable Conversation. The holy carriages of Ministers have a natural tendency to beget aregard in the hearts of hearers; holy carriages do command respect, and prepare Men to receive advice. They are more ready to believe Men of good than men of bad Conversation. Holy carriages in Preachers take off prejudices from the Spirits of hearers: It seems to Men that such Ministers urge rules from Conscience and Compassion. But an unholy Conversation diminishes Mens authority, their Words don't sink into the hearts of their hearers, they don't look upon their advice as flowing from a gracious Spirit, but from some lower principles. But Men of a holy Conversation have a room in the hearts of others. Besides, this is a way to engage the Presence of Christ. Evil carriages are abominable to Christ, but holy carriages are acceptable to Christ. Men that walk holily put honour upon him; and He will honour them that honour him,