N01685:84
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.
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.
2. If the Rulers & Teachers of a People grow corrupt, […] of Brethren will be a poor defence against ⟨p. 16⟩Corruptions. If Magistrates & Ministers grow corrupt, the People are not like to hold their Integrity long. If the best sort of Men grow corrupt, they that are wont to be inferior to them in Piety, will join in the Corruption. Jer. 5.31. The Prophets prophesy falsely, and the Priests bear rule by their means, and my People love to have it so.
2. If the Rulers & Teachers of a People grow corrupt, 〈…〉 of Brethren will be a poor defence against ⟨p. 16⟩Corruptions. If Magistrates & Ministers grow corrupt, the People are not like to hold their Integrity long. If the best sort of Men grow corrupt, they that are wont to be inferiour to them in Piety, will joyn in the Corruption. Jer. 5.31. The Prophets prophesy falsely, and the Priests bear rule by their means, and my People love to have it so.
3. Humane inventions are not like to keep the Church pure. In Old England many Ceremonies are attended under an apprehension that they are for decency and to increase Devotion. And in New-England some methods are taken to prevent Corruption & promote Edification. But it don't become Men to reflect upon the wisdom of God, as if they had understanding to mend His Institutions.