N05154:59
Christ the great example of Gospel ministers. A sermon preached at Portsmouth, at the…Christ the great example of Gospel ministers. A sermon preach'd at Portsmouth, at the…
Christ the great example of Gospel ministers. A sermon preached at Portsmouth, at the ordination of the Reverend Mr. Job Strong, to the pastoral office over the South Church in that place, June 28. 1749, / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton.Christ the great example of Gospel ministers. A sermon preach'd at Portsmouth, at the ordination of the Reverend Mr. Job Strong, to the pastoral office over the South Church in that place, June 28. 1749, / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton.
Boston: printed by T. Fleet, 1750
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 in order to our imitating Christ in the Work of the Ministry, in any tolerable Degree, we had need not to have our Hearts overcharged, and Time filled up with worldly Affections, Cares and Pursuits. The Duties of a Minister that have been recommended, are absolutely inconsistent with a Mind much taken up with worldly Profit, Glory, Amusements and Entertainments.
And another Thing that is of very great Importance, in order to our doing the Work that Christ did, is, that we take heed that the Religion we promote, be that same Religion that Christ taught and promoted, and not any of its Counterfeits and delusive Appearances, or any Thing substituted by the subtle Devices of Satan, or vain Imaginations of Men in Lieu of it. If we are zealous and very diligent to promote Religion, but don't take good Care to distinguish true from false Religion, we shall be in Danger of doing much more Hurt than Good, with all our Zeal and Activity.
And another Thing that is of very great Importance, in order to our doing the Work that Christ did, is, that we take heed that the Religion we promote, be that same Religion that Christ taught and promoted, and not any of its Counterfeits and delusive Appearances, or any Thing substituted by the subtil Devices of Satan, or vain Imaginations of Men in Lieu of it. If we are zealous and very diligent to promote Religion, but don't take good Care to distinguish true from false Religion, we shall be in Danger of doing much more Hurt than Good, with all our Zeal and Activity.
IV. I come now to the fourth and last Thing at first proposed, viz. to show what Improvement should be made of what has been said, by the People of this Church and Congregation, who are now about solemnly to commit their Souls to the Charge of him whom they have chosen to be their Pastor, and who is now about to be set apart to that Office.