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Practical truths, plainly deliveredIncrease Mather, 1718

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pp. 13860 passagespart 1 of 2

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The Work of the MINISTRY Described In an Ordination SERMON. Preached at Cambridge, October 9. 1717. WHEN Mr. Nathaniel Appleton Was Ordained Pastor of the Church there.

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By INCREASE MATHER, D.D.

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Acts vi. 4. We will give our selves continually to Prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word.

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Bene orasse est bene studuisse. Bern.

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BOSTON: Printed by B. Green, for Daniel Henchman, at his Shop. 1718.

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The Preface.

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THE Reason of my committing this Sermon (such as it is) to the Press, is, not only that I might gratify the desire of the worthy Person whose Ordination occasioned the Preaching of it (& of many others) but that besides what I have Written many Years ago in the Preface before blessed Mr. Mitchel's Life, I might leave my dying Advice to the Students in Cambridge, which I hope may be of some use also to those who are or shall belong to the Academical School which is now Erecting in a Neighbour Colony.

Practical truths, plainly deliveredIncrease Mather, 1718

Text

pp. 13860 passagespart 1 of 2

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.

:158unnumbered page

The Work of the MINISTRY Described In an Ordination SERMON. Preached at Cambridge, October 9. 1717. WHEN Mr. Nathaniel Appleton Was Ordained Pastor of the Church there.

:159unnumbered page

By INCREASE MATHER, D.D.

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Acts vi. 4. We will give our selves continually to Prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word.

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Bene orasse est bene studuisse. Bern.

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BOSTON: Printed by B. Green, for Daniel Henchman, at his Shop. 1718.

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The Preface.

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Such as these are the Universities which our Reformers have Condemned, in which there was no true Religion, nor solid Learning taught, but Heathenism & Idolatry, with the Rixations of those called Schoolmen who were much worse than their Master Peter Lombard. Calvin calls their Scholastical Divinity, Diabolicam artem rixandi. Another Reformer says, He that sees a Scholastical Theologue, sees the Seven deadly Sins. It is not to be wondered at if such Men as Weigelius, (whom the Excellently Learned Dr. Arrowsmith, Regius Professor in the University of Cambridge has taken to task) should declare against Colleges, but it is very strange, that any Master of a College should write against all Universities whatsoever, and then produce the Reformers mentioned to Patronize him. Yet this has been done by Mr. Dell the ⟨image ?⟩Quondam Master of Convil & Cajus College in Cambridge, not considering that the Reformation has like Moses's Rod turned those Serpents into a Pastoral Staff, and that Luther, and other Reformers have been strenuous asserters of the usefulness & necessity of such Societies, if duly regulated. It has been by the blessing of God on Protestant Universities that the true Religion has been Continued, and Propagated among the Nations: out of them have risen those who have been the glory of the Places & of the Age in which they lived. In our own Nation how great a blessing have the two Universities of Oxford and Cambridge been in the former Ages? It has been said of them as of Leah & Rachel, which two did build the house of Israel. And out of the three Universities in Scotland, many Men of Renown have issued forth, too many to be enumerated. Nor is the most famous Usher the only famous Man that has had his Education in the College at Dublin. There are five Universities in the Reformed Belgium. How many great Instruments of Good to the Church of God have they produced? So among the Reformed in France, and in Germany, and in Denmark? And some out of the University of Upsal in Sweedland.

Such as these are the Universities which our Reformers have Condemned, in which there was no true Religion, nor solid Learning taught, but Heathenism & Idolatry, with the Rixations of those called Schoolmen who were much worse than their Master Peter Lombard. Calvin calls their Scholastical Divinity, Diabolicam artem rixandi. Another Reformer says, He that sees a Scholastical Theologue, sees the Seven deadly Sins. It is not to be wondred at if such Men as Weigelius, (whom the Excellently Learned Dr. Arrowsmith, Regius Professor in the University of Cambridge has taken to task) should declare against Colleges, but it is very strange, that any Master of a College should write against all Universities whatsoever, and then produce the Reformers mention'd to Patronize him. Yet this has been done by Mr. Dell the ⟨image ?⟩Quondam Master of Convil & Cajus College in Cambridge, not considering that the Reformation has like Moses's Rod turned those Serpents into a Pastoral Staff, and that Luther, and other Reformers have been strenuous asserters of the usefulness & necessity of such Societies, if duly regulated. It has been by the blessing of God on Protestant Universities that the true Religion has been Continued, and Propagated among the Nations: out of them have risen those who have been the glory of the Places & of the Age in which they lived. In our own Nation how great a blessing have the two Universities of Oxford and Cambridge been in the former Ages? It has been said of them as of Leah & Rachel, which two did build the house of Israel. And out of the three Universities in Scotland, many Men of Renown have issued forth, too many to be enumerated. Nor is the most famous Usher the only famous Man that has had his Education in the College at Dublin. There are five Universities in the Reformed Belgium. How many great Instruments of Good to the Church of God have they produced? So among the Reformed in France, and in Germany, and in Denmark? And some out of the University of Upsal in Sweedland.

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When our Fathers on the account of Pure Religion and Undefiled, came into this American Desert, their care was that Religion might not die with them, or continue but for One Generation. To prevent that, they built a College, that a Learned Youth might be Educated under the Inspection of a President and Tutors; which ⟨image ?⟩owes its Foundation to a Godly Non-conformist Minister, viz. Mr. John Harvard, who by his Will bequeathed the one half of his Estate, for the Encouragement of that Public & Pious design; for which his Memory is and ever will be blessed: and it is perpetuated by the Name of Harvard College in Cambridge. GOD has made it a fruitful Mother, since not only the Churches in New-England have been supplied from thence with Excellent Preachers, diverse of them Eminent Men of God, but moreover, some who had their Education there, have Preached the Gospel in England, Scotland, Ireland, and in Holland. It would be sad, if ever that Society should degenerate from its Primitive Institution. Corruptio optimi pessima. The Lord forbid that they should ever so deviate from the Principles of their Pious Founder, as that the overthrow of the Churches shall proceed from thence, as has been related concerning the Churches in Bohemia, that the Corruption of their Schools proved fatal to them.

When our Fathers on the account of Pure Religion and Undefiled, came into this American Desert, their care was that Religion might not die with them, or continue but for One Generation. To prevent that, they built a College, that a Learned Youth might be Educated under the Inspection of a President and Tutors; which ⟨image ?⟩owes its Foundation to a Godly Non-conformist Minister, viz. Mr. John Harvard, who by his Will bequeathed the one half of his Estate, for the Encouragement of that Publick & Pious design; for which his Memory is and ever will be blessed: and it is perpetuated by the Name of Harvard College in Cambridge. GOD has made it a fruitful Mother, since not only the Churches in New-England have been supplied from thence with Excellent Preachers, diverse of them Eminent Men of God, but moreover, some who had their Education there, have Preached the Gospel in England, Scotland, Ireland, and in Holland. It would be sad, if ever that Society should degenerate from its Primitive Institution. Corruptio optimi pessima. The Lord forbid that they should ever so diviate from the Principles of their Pious Founder, as that the overthrow of the Churches shall proceed from thence, as has been related concerning the Churches in Bohemia, that the Corruption of their Schools proved fatal to them.

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IN the Preceding Verse, the Apostle declares, that the Lord Jesus Christ has given to his Church a variety of Ministers and Officers. Some that were Extraordinary and Temporary, and are long since ceased, viz. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists. An Apostle was one that had seen Christ and received a Commission immediately from him. The Prophets here spoken of are not the Prophets of the Old, but of the New Testament; such as Agabus, and some others mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. An Evangelist was one that did accompany the Apostles, and Assist them in Preaching the Gospel. Such were Mark, Luke, Timothy, Titus, Silas, Apollos, &c. But besides these, Christ has given to his Church ⟨p. 104⟩a Ministry which is to be perpetual. A stated standing Office, Namely that of Pastors and Teachers. It is Observable, that it is not said some Pastors, and some Teachers, as it was said some Apostles, and some Prophets, which seems to intimate that the Pastoral and the Teaching Office are the same. Every Pastor is to be a Teacher, and every Teacher that is so in respect of Office is to feed his Flock, and is in that respect a Pastor. In this Verse the Work of the Ministry is described from that which is the principal end of it. Some suppose a Trajection in the words, and that the Verse runs thus. For the Work of the Ministry, for the perfecting the Saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ. That's the End for which Christ has instituted the Ordinance of the Ministry. In the next Verse, The Ministry is described from the duration of it. It shall continue until we all come into the unity of the Faith. The Elect of God are dispersed throughout the World in Places very distant from one another; but the day will come when they shall all come together, and then they shall be of One Faith, not only as to the Fundamental Articles of Religion, but in lesser points also. In a future World it will be so, where there will be no need of a Ministry, and until then, it shall continue. From the Words in Consideration with the Context, the Doctrinal Truth before us, is, ⟨p. 105⟩DOCT. That there are some, whom the Lord Jesus Christ gives to his Church, for the Work of the Ministry; and there shall be such to the End of this World.

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The Scripture gives it that Name. When Paul and Barnabas were to be Ordained Preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the holy Ghost said, Separate them for the Work whereunto I have called them. And a divine Work it is. Paul said of Timothy, He worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do, 1 Cor. 16.10. On which account it is that a singular respect is due to those that are so employed. 1 Thes. 5.13. Esteem them very highly in Love for their works sake. A work which cannot be done without Labour. 1 Tim. 5.17. Let Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who Labour in the Word and Doctrine. That double honour intends, an honourable Maintenance; therefore in the next Verse it is said, The Labourer is worthy of his reward. Indeed the Labour of the Body is not so much in this as in some other Callings; but the Labour of the Mind is that which is the most Consuming; the Labour of the head and heart is most tiresome. Therefore Solomon ⟨p. 106⟩says, Much study is a weariness of the flesh, Eccl. 12.12.

The Scripture gives it that Name. When Paul and Barnabas were to be Ordained Preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles, the holy Ghost said, Separate them for the Work whereunto I have called them. And a divine Work it is. Paul said of Timothy, He worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do, 1 Cor. 16.10. On which account it is that a singular respect is due to those that are so employed. 1 Thes. 5.13. Esteem them very highly in Love for their works sake. A work which cannot be done without Labour. 1 Tim. 5.17. Let Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who Labour in the Word and Doctrine. That double honour intends, an honourable Maintenance; therefore in the next Verse it is said, The Labourer is worthy of his reward. Indeed the Labour of the Body is not so much in this as in some other Callings; but the Labour of the Mind is that which is the most Consuming; the Labour of the head and heart is most tiresome. Therefore Solomon ⟨p. 106⟩sayes, Much study is a weariness of the flesh, Eccl. 12.12.

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2. A principal Work belonging to a Minister of God, is, to Endeavour the Conversion of Sinners. They are called the Bridegrooms friends, ⟨p. 107⟩Joh. 3.29. Christ is the Bridegroom, his Ministers are said to be his Friends; for it is their work to woo, and if possible to win Souls for Christ. King David was not an ordinary Minister, nevertheless a Minister of God he was; he was a Prophet, and he says, I will teach Transgressors thy ways, and Sinners shall be converted to thee, Psal. 51.13. Levi did as became his relation, when the law of Truth was in his Mouth, and he did turn many from iniquity, Mal. 2.6. As for the Primitive Preachers of the Gospel, this was their main design, and God made their Labours wonderfully Successful. Acts 11.21. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord, Peter had the Jews for his more peculiar Province, the Apostleship of the Circumcision was committed to him, and the Lord taught Effectually by him. We read of near upon three thousand Jews Converted by one Sermon which he Preached at Jerusalem, Act. 2 41. Paul endeavoured the Conversion of the Gentiles; Christ from Heaven having given him a Commission to that work, saying, I send thee to the Gentiles to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, Act. 26.18. And he was an happy Instrument of Converting we know not how many thousands. The Miraculous Success of the Apostles and their Successors in Converting the Gentile World was Prophesied of by Ezekiel, who says, ⟨p. 108⟩That Fishers shall stand from Engedi even unto Eneglaim, and spread forth nets, and the fish taken in the net, would be exceeding many, Ezek. 47.10. Engedi was at the South-west end of the dead Sea, Eneglaim was at the Noreast end of it; there were to be fishers from one end of the dead Sea to the other. The dead Sea (the Lake of Sodom) was an emblem of the Gentile World, who were all dead in Trespasses and Sins. Ministers are Fishers. Christ said to his Disciples, I will make you Fishers of Men. They must fish for Souls, and spread the Net of the Gospel that they may take Souls for Christ. In all Ages of the World there will be some to be Converted, which is one reason why there must be Ministers of the Gospel to the End of the World, because in every Age there will be some to be Converted;

2. A principal Work belonging to a Minister of God, is, to Endeavour the Conversion of Sinners. They are called the Bridegrooms friends, ⟨p. 107⟩Joh. 3.29. Christ is the Bridegroom, his Ministers are said to be his Friends; for it is their work to woo, and if possible to win Souls for Christ. King David was not an ordinary Minister, nevertheless a Minister of God he was; he was a Prophet, and he sayes, I will teach Transgressors thy ways, and Sinners shall be converted to thee, Psal. 51.13. Levi did as became his relation, when the law of Truth was in his Mouth, and he did turn many from iniquity, Mal. 2.6. As for the Primitive Preachers of the Gospel, this was their main design, and God made their Labours wonderfully Successful. Acts 11.21. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord, Peter had the Jews for his more peculiar Province, the Apostleship of the Circumcision was committed to him, and the Lord taught Effectually by him. We read of near upon three thousand Jews Converted by one Sermon which he Preached at Jerusalem, Act. 2 41. Paul endeavoured the Conversion of the Gentiles; Christ from Heaven having given him a Commission to that work, saying, I send thee to the Gentiles to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God, Act. 26.18. And he was an happy Instrument of Converting we know not how many thousands. The Miraculous Success of the Apostles and their Successors in Converting the Gentile World was Prophesied of by Ezekiel, who sayes, ⟨p. 108⟩That Fishers shall stand from Engedi even unto Eneglaim, and spread forth nets, and the fish taken in the net, would be exceeding many, Ezek. 47.10. Engedi was at the South-west end of the dead Sea, Eneglaim was at the Noreast end of it; there were to be fishers from one end of the dead Sea to the other. The dead Sea (the Lake of Sodom) was an emblem of the Gentile World, who were all dead in Trespasses and Sins. Ministers are Fishers. Christ said to his Disciples, I will make you Fishers of Men. They must fish for Souls, and spread the Net of the Gospel that they may take Souls for Christ. In all Ages of the World there will be some to be Converted, which is one reason why there must be Ministers of the Gospel to the End of the World, because in every Age there will be some to be Converted;

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and the Ministry of the Word is the ordinary Means of Conversion. Rom. 10.7. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God: And it is said, How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a Preacher? and how shall there be a Preacher except there is one sent? When there are Believers, the Ministers of Christ are usually the Instruments by whom they are made such. 1 Cor. 3.5. Who is Paul, & who is Apollos, but Ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every one. There are few Congregations but there are some Unconverted ones therein. It is the ⟨p. 109⟩Ministers duty to apply himself accordingly. It is a vain Opinion which some have, that the Pastor of a Church is only to Endeavour the Edification of Saints, but not the Conversion of Sinners; he ought to do both, as the next words to my Text intimate, For the Edifying the Body of Christ. When a Sinner is Converted, the Body of Christ is Edified, there is a New Member added to his Church which is his Body; another living Stone is laid in that Sacred building. And truly what greater Service can any Minister, or any Man in the World do for Christ, than to make those that have been slaves to Sin and Satan, to become faithful Subjects in Christs holy Kingdom, to the Eternal Salvation of their Souls. He that Converts a Sinner shall save a Soul from death. Jam. 5.20. And what can any Man do that will be more for his own Joy & Comfort? I have often thought of a Passage which a renowned Historian relates concerning Dr. Williams the Arch-Bishop of York, who had been before that the Bishop of Lincoln, and Lord Keeper, and sustained other Places of Honour and Dignity; when a Minister came to him for Ordination, he said to him, I have passed thorough many Places of honour in Church and State, more than any of my Order in England; could I be assured that by my Preaching I had Converted one Soul, I should have more comfort in that than in all the Honours and Offices that have been bestowed on me. Without doubt there are some who ⟨p. 110⟩will have a greater degree of Glory conferred on them at the last day, than others shall. Among these faithful Ministers of Christ will be found, who have been the happy Instruments of Converting many Souls to God. Witness that blessed Scripture: Dan. 12.3. They that be Teachers (so the Hebrew word.

and the Ministry of the Word is the ordinary Means of Conversion. Rom. 10.7. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God: And it is said, How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a Preacher? and how shall there be a Preacher except there is one sent? When there are Believers, the Ministers of Christ are usually the Instruments by whom they are made such. 1 Cor. 3.5. Who is Paul, & who is Apollos, but Ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every one. There are few Congregations but there are some Unconverted ones therein. It is the ⟨p. 109⟩Ministers duty to apply himself accordingly. It is a vain Opinion which some have, that the Pastor of a Church is only to Endeavour the Edification of Saints, but not the Conversion of Sinners; he ought to do both, as the next words to my Text intimate, For the Edifying the Body of Christ. When a Sinner is Converted, the Body of Christ is Edifyed, there is a New Member added to his Church which is his Body; another living Stone is layed in that Sacred building. And truly what greater Service can any Minister, or any Man in the World do for Christ, than to make those that have been slaves to Sin and Satan, to become faithful Subjects in Christs holy Kingdom, to the Eternal Salvation of their Souls. He that Converts a Sinner shall save a Soul from death. Jam. 5.20. And what can any Man do that will be more for his own Joy & Comfort? I have often thought of a Passage which a renowned Historian relates concerning Dr. Williams the Arch-Bishop of York, who had been before that the Bishop of Lincoln, and Lord Keeper, and sustained other Places of Honour and Dignity; when a Minister came to him for Ordination, he said to him, I have passed thorough many Places of honour in Church and State, more than any of my Order in England; could I be assured that by my Preaching I had Convered one Soul, I should have more comfort in that than in all the Honours and Offices that have been bestowed on me. Without doubt there are some who ⟨p. 110⟩will have a greater degree of Glory conferred on them at the last day, than others shall. Among these faithful Ministers of Christ will be found, who have been the happy Instruments of Converting many Souls to God. Witness that blessed Scripture: Dan. 12.3. They that be Teachers (so the Hebrew word.

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3. It belongs to a Minister of the Gospel to Endeavour the Spiritual Edification of those that are Converted, that they may be built up in their most holy Faith. It is not enough to Sow the Seed of the Word, but it must be watered, then it may be hoped that God will make it fruitful. 1 Cor. 3.6. I have planted, Apollos watered, God gave the increase. Paul was the Planter of a Church in Corinth. They were his Converts. He was Instrumental in Planting the Seed of Grace in their Souls. He left Apollos with them, who continued Preaching to them and by those waterings built them up in further degrees of Faith and Holiness. A Pastor of a Church must endeavour the Edification of his People, by building them up in Knowledge. It is a singular blessing when they have a Pastor furnished with such gifts as enable him to do it. Jer. 3.15. I will give them Pastors according to my own ⟨p. 111⟩heart, which shall feed them with Knowledge and Understanding. The Ministry of the Word is appointed, not only that so Grace may be begun where it is not, but that they who have Grace, may grow in Grace. 1 Pet. 2.2. Desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow thereby. Ministers must Endeavour the Confirmation and Establishment of their Hearers in the truth and holy ways of the Lord. This also did the Primitive Preachers of the Gospel. Act. 14.22. They Preached the Gospel, and taught many, Confirming the Souls of the Disciples, Exhorting them to continue in the Faith. No Man was more Laborious herein than the Apostle Paul: He went through Syria and Cilicia, in which Places he had Converted many, and gathered Churches, Confirming the Churches, Act. 15.41. Sometimes the Flocks are in danger by Wolves. False Teachers who bring in damnable Heresies, are such. It is incumbent on their Pastors to defend them against the cunning Craftiness of these Men who lie in wait to deceive; and to confirm them, that they may not be carried about with every wind of doctrine. Sometimes Believers meet with sore temptation, by which they are apt to be discouraged: Then a word of comfort may be much to their Edification. Comfort ye, Comfort ye my People, speak comfortably to Jerusalem.

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4. In order here-unto Ministers ought to be Diligent and Laborious in Preaching the word of God. They should come to their People with well studied Sermons. 2 Tim. 2.15. Study to show thy self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. As the Priests were to divide the Sacrifice that every one might have their share, so the Minister must apply Comfort to whom that does belong, and Terror to whom that does belong. He that will show himself a Workman that needs not be ashamed, must study for it. There is more than a little contained in that Apostolical Injunction: 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. Preach. The Greek Word [Greek or Hebrew], signifies to Proclaim like an Herald, publicly and with a loud Voice. Ministers of the Gospel are Christs Heralds, they must Publicly and Earnestly declare what is the Command of their Lord and Master, and be instant, be in good Earnest. The Lord said to his Prophet, Cry aloud, do as becomes an Herald, Spare not, lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet; it condemns a cold, dull, lifeless way of Preaching. In season. If a Minister is on a subject which People are willing to hear of, that's in season; ⟨p. 113⟩if on a subject which they have no Mind to hear, that's out of the Season to them: but whether they will hear or forbear, the Preacher must faithfully declare the Messages which the Lord has sent him with. What is Preaching? It is an Opening, and Applying of the Scriptures. To search the Scriptures is every Mans duty, but the Ministers duty more than any Mans in the World. Search them. [Greek or Hebrew], as Miners do. There are rich Mines, in the Scripture, there is Gold and Pearls in those Mines, but we must dig and dive that so we may come at them. No Man can be better Employed. Ministers should be Elaborate in their Sermons. Solomon says, The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, Eccl. 12.10. Men that come into the Pulpits, and utter whatever comes next, without any Premeditation or Dijudication, do not seek to find out acceptable words. There was a Man of some Name and Fame, who had an unhappy design of introducing Ex tempore Preaching as well as Ex tempore Praying; And being a Learned Man he would make the attempt in the University Church in Cambridge, but the Lord rebuked him.

4. In order here-unto Ministers ought to be Diligent and Labourious in Preaching the word of God. They should come to their People with well studied Sermons. 2 Tim. 2.15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. As the Priests were to divide the Sacrifice that every one might have their share, so the Minister must apply Comfort to whom that does belong, and Terror to whom that does belong. He that will show himself a Workman that needs not be ashamed, must study for it. There is more than a little contained in that Apostolical Injunction: 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season. Preach. The Greek Word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, signifies to Proclaim like an Herald, publickly and with a loud Voice. Ministers of the Gospel are Christs Heralds, they must Publickly and Earnestly declare what is the Command of their Lord and Master, and be instant, be in good Earnest. The Lord said to his Prophet, Cry aloud, do as becomes an Herald, Spare not, lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet; it condemns a cold, dull, lifeless way of Preaching. In season. If a Minister is on a subject which People are willing to hear of, that's in season; ⟨p. 113⟩if on a subject which they have no Mind to hear, that's out of the Season to them: but whether they will hear or forbear, the Preacher must faithfully declare the Messages which the Lord has sent him with. What is Preaching? It is an Opening, and Applying of the Scriptures. To search the Scriptures is every Mans duty, but the Ministers duty more than any Mans in the World. Search them. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, as Miners do. There are rich Mines, in the Scripture, there is Gold and Pearls in those Mines, but we must dig and dive that so we may come at them. No Man can be better Employed. Ministers should be Elaborate in their Sermons. Solomon sayes, The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, Eccl. 12.10. Men that come into the Pulpits, and utter whatever comes next, without any Premeditation or Dijudication, do not seek to find out acceptable words. There was a Man of some Name and Fame, who had an unhappy design of introducing Ex tempore Preaching as well as Ex tempore Praying; And being a Learned Man he would make the attempt in the University Church in Cambridge, but the Lord rebuked him.

:186p. 114–116¶5

5. To be much in Prayer is the Work and Duty of the Ministers of God in a special manner. They are to be as Gods Mouth to his People, so his Peoples Mouth to him. The Priest was to bless in the Name of the Lord, and to be offering Incense daily. The Apostles said, We will give our selves continually to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word, Act. 6.4. They that are called to the Ministry of the Word, are to give themselves to Prayer, which implies frequency as well as constancy therein. Before they Compose their Sermons, they should Pray over them. Let them Pray Sermons down from Heaven. It is reported of Martyr Bradford that he Studied Kneeling. And when they have Composed their Sermons they should Pray over them again, that a blessing from God may make them Successful and Effectual for the good ⟨p. 115⟩of Souls. And they have cause to be much in Prayer for their own Souls, that they may obtain Mercy to be faithful in the discharge of their Ministry. It is a dreadful charge which is imposed on them. One of the Ancients saith of the Ministry, That it is Onus humeris Angelicis formidandum, a charge and burden which the Shoulders of Angels might tremble to come under it. Another Ancient says, It is a wonder that a Minister should get to Heaven. Such Mortification to the World, such Self-denial, such Impartiality, such Faithfulness, such Exemplary Holiness is required and expected of them, as that it is a wonder that any of that Order should be Saved. A small error in such an one, is great by reason of the Sacredness of his Office. Under the Law there was as great a Sacrifice to be offered for the Priest as for the whole Congregation. Are they not then concerned to be always Praying? It was Austins desire, that when the Messenger of Death should be sent for him, it might find him either Preaching or Praying. Ministers are to Pray as for themselves, so for and with particular Persons in their Flock, if they need Prayer and desire it. Jam. 5.15. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him. Austin (whom I mentioned but now) would not refuse to go to the meanest Sick Person in his Congregation, if they desired it, but otherwise he would seldom go to any, because he would not ⟨p. 116⟩prevent them from doing that which is their duty, to Call for their Elders, to Pray over them.

5. To be much in Prayer is the Work and Duty of the Ministers of God in a special manner. They are to be as Gods Mouth to his People, so his Peoples Mouth to him. The Priest was to bless in the Name of the Lord, and to be offering Incense daily. The Apostles said, We will give our selves continually to Prayer and to the Ministry of the Word, Act. 6.4. They that are called to the Ministry of the Word, are to give themselves to Prayer, which implies frequency as well as constancy therein. Before they Compose their Sermons, they should Pray over them. Let them Pray Sermons down from Heaven. It is reported of Martyr Bradford that he Studyed Kneeling. And when they have Composed their Sermons they should Pray over them again, that a blessing from God may make them Successful and Effectual for the good ⟨p. 115⟩of Souls. And they have cause to be much in Prayer for their own Souls, that they may obtain Mercy to be faithful in the discharge of their Ministry. It is a dreadful charge which is imposed on them. One of the Ancients saith of the Ministry, That it is Onus humeris Angelicis formidandum, a charge and burden which the Shoulders of Angels might tremble to come under it. Another Ancient sayes, It is a wonder that a Minister should get to Heaven. Such Mortification to the World, such Self-denial, such Impartiality, such Faithfulness, such Exemplary Holiness is required and expected of them, as that it is a wonder that any of that Order should be Saved. A small error in such an one, is great by reason of the Sacredness of his Office. Under the Law there was as great a Sacrifice to be offered for the Priest as for the whole Congregation. Are they not then concerned to be alwayes Praying? It was Austins desire, that when the Messenger of Death should be sent for him, it might find him either Preaching or Praying. Ministers are to Pray as for themselves, so for and with particular Persons in their Flock, if they need Prayer and desire it. Jam. 5.15. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him. Austin (whom I mentioned but now) would not refuse to go to the meanest Sick Person in his Congregation, if they desired it, but otherwise he would seldom go to any, because he would not ⟨p. 116⟩prevent them from doing that which is their duty, to Call for their Elders, to Pray over them.

:187p. 116–117¶5

And a Pastor of a Church ought to Pray continually for his whole Flock. 'Tis his duty to bring them to God every Day, and every Night. How is it possible that that Minister should have Grace in his Soul that can, that dare live one Day or one Night without bringing his Flock to GOD for his blessing when Praying for his own Soul? The Prophet Samuel said, God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way, 1 Sam. 12.23. And truly faithful Ministers of God may be Encouraged to Pray, for that there is a great Efficacy in their Prayers, their Prayers have a greater power with God than the Prayers of other Men, since they Pray not only by virtue of the rule of Charity, but Ex Officio by virtue of an Office. We find in the Scripture that God has manifested a Special regard to the Prayers of such of his Servants. Psal. 99.6. Moses and Aaron among his Priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his Name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. Moses is mentioned among the Priests, because he did the work of a Priest before the Priesthood was settled and confined to Aaron's Family, and after that was a powerful Intercessor for the People. Samuel was a Prophet. We see that the Lord has a great regard to the Prayers of those that are his Priests and his Prophets. Wherefore ⟨p. 117⟩it was said to Abimeleck when he was Sick and in danger of death, the Prayer of a Prophet might save his Life. Gen. 2.7. He is a Prophet, he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live.

And a Pastor of a Church ought to Pray continually for his whole Flock. 'Tis his duty to bring them to God every Day, and every Night. How is it possible that that Minister should have Grace in his Soul that can, that dare live one Day or one Night without bringing his Flock to GOD for his blessing when Praying for his own Soul? The Prophet Samuel said, God forbid that I should sin in ceasing to pray for you, but I will teach you the good and the right way, 1 Sam. 12.23. And truly faithful Ministers of God may be Encouraged to Pray, for that there is a great Efficacy in their Prayers, their Prayers have a greater power with God than the Prayers of other Men, since they Pray not only by vertue of the rule of Charity, but Ex Officio by vertue of an Office. We find in the Scripture that God has manifested a Special regard to the Prayers of such of his Servants. Psal. 99.6. Moses and Aaron among his Priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his Name; they called upon the Lord, and he answered them. Moses is mentioned among the Priests, because he did the work of a Priest before the Priesthood was settled and confined to Aarons Family, and after that was a powerful Intercessor for the People. Samuel was a Prophet. We see that the Lord has a great regard to the Prayers of those that are his Priests and his Prophets. Wherefore ⟨p. 117⟩it was said to Abimeleck when he was Sick and in danger of death, the Prayer of a Prophet might save his Life. Gen. 2.7. He is a Prophet, he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live.

:190p. 117–119

When it is said, That Christ has given such to his Church, it implies that they have a Call from him to accept of that Office, and to undertake the work of it. It is true, that there are some who undertake the Work without a Call. Such were the false Prophets in the Church of Israel, of whom the Lord says, I have not sent these Prophets, yet they ran, I have not spoken to them, yet they Prophesied, Jer. 23.21. But this ought not to be. The Apostle says, No man takes this honour to himself; that is to say, No Man that does as he ought to do, but he that is called of God as ⟨p. 118⟩was Aaron, Heb. 5.4. It is not good to Usurp the Ministerial Office. All that are Called there-unto have their Call from God and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 1 1. Paul an Apostle not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father. The Apostles, (excepting Matthias and Barnabas) had their Call immediately from Christ without any Man being concerned in their Call; Paul peculiarly had his Call to the Apostleship from Christ since his Ascension to the Right hand of God in Heaven. Pastors and Teachers are not thus Called. But notwithstanding they are Called by Men, their Office and Ministerial Authority is not of Men. No Man, nor all the Men in the World, have power to make any Officer in the Church besides what Christ himself has Instituted. Men commonly say, Such an One is our Minister, but it would be more proper to say, He is Gods Minister, and Christs Minister. 1 Thes. 3.2. Timotheus our Brother and Minister of God. 1 Tim. 4.6. A good Minister of Jesus Christ. Your Pastor has his Call by you, but not of you as the Institutor of it. Archippus was a Teacher in the Church of Colossians. To him it was said, Take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it. Fulfilling the Ministry implies doing whatever belongs to that Ministry, Praying, Preaching, Governing, Exercising the discipline of Christ, administering the Sacraments of the New Testament. ⟨p. 119⟩The Minister that neglects any part of his Ministerial Work does not fulfil it. Archippas received this Ministry in the Lord, i. e. by and from the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in the Lords Name and by virtue of his Authority, that he was called unto and entrusted with a Sacred Ministry, which he was under the Solemnest Obligation Conscientiously to fulfil it.

When it is said, That Christ has given such to his Church, it implies that they have a Call from him to accept of that Office, and to undertake the work of it. It is true, that there are some who undertake the Work without a Call. Such were the false Prophets in the Church of Israel, of whom the Lord sayes, I have not sent these Prophets, yet they ran, I have not spoken to them, yet they Prophesied, Jer. 23.21. But this ought not to be. The Apostle sayes, No man takes this honour to himself; that is to say, No Man that does as he ought to do, but he that is called of God as ⟨p. 118⟩was Aaron, Heb. 5.4. It is not good to Usurp the Ministerial Office. All that are Called there-unto have their Call from God and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 1 1. Paul an Apostle not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father. The Apostles, (excepting Matthias and Barnabas) had their Call immediately from Christ without any Man being concerned in their Call; Paul peculiarly had his Call to the Apostleship from Christ since his Ascention to the Right hand of God in Heaven. Pastors and Teachers are not thus Called. But notwithstanding they are Called by Men, their Office and Ministerial Authority is not of Men. No Man, nor all the Men in the World, have power to make any Officer in the Church besides what Christ himself has Instituted. Men commonly say, Such an One is our Minister, but it would be more proper to say, He is Gods Minister, and Christs Minister. 1 Thes. 3.2. Timotheus our Brother and Minister of God. 1 Tim. 4.6. A good Minister of Jesus Christ. Your Pastor has his Call by you, but not of you as the Institutor of it. Archippus was a Teacher in the Church of Colossians. To him it was said, Take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it. Fulfilling the Ministry implies doing whatever belongs to that Ministry, Praying, Preaching, Governing, Exercising the discipline of Christ, administring the Sacraments of the New Testament. ⟨p. 119⟩The Minister that neglects any part of his Ministerial Work does not fulfil it. Archippas received this Ministry in the Lord, i. e. by and from the Lord Jesus Christ. It was in the Lords Name and by vertue of his Authority, that he was called unto and intrusted with a Sacred Ministry, which he was under the Solemnest Obligation Conscientiously to fulfil it.

:194p. 119–120¶1

1. Ministerial Gifts and Qualifications are necessary. He must be [Greek or Hebrew], One that shall have an Ability and Promptitude to Teach. One called to that work should have more Wisdom and Knowledge than what the generality of Believers have attained unto. Eccl. 12.9. Because the Preacher was wise he taught the people Knowledge. Christ speaking of those whom he would send to Preach the Gospel, says, I will send you wise men, Matth. 23.34. And Ezra sent some to Iddo at Casiphia where there was a College, or Company of Levites over whom it seems Iddo Presided, that they should bring Ministers for the House of God, and 'tis said that by the good hand of God upon them, they brought a Man of Understanding, ⟨p. 120⟩Ezra. 8.17, 18. A Minister should be such an One. He should have in his head and heart a Treasure of Scripture Knowledge. Matth. 13.52 Every Scribe which is instructed to the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a Man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old. That Man who Preacheth Salvation by the alone Righteousness of a Crucified Christ, and withal Teacheth Obedience to the Moral Law, brings forth things new and old. 'Tis said, The Priests lips shall preserve knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his Mouth, Mal. 2.7. And in another Scripture it is said, Ask the Priest concerning the Law, Hag. 2.11. It is necessary then that he should have a greater Understanding in the Law of God than others have. Every Man is not qualified to be a Public Interpreter of the Divine Law. An Interpreter is one of a thousand, Job 33.23.

1. Ministerial Gifts and Qualifications are necessary. He must be 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, One that shall have an Ability and Promptitude to Teach. One called to that work should have more Wisdom and Knowledge than what the generality of Believers have attained unto. Eccl. 12.9. Because the Preacher was wise he taught the people Knowledge. Christ speaking of those whom he would send to Preach the Gospel, says, I will send you wise men, Matth. 23.34. And Ezra sent some to Iddo at Casiphia where there was a College, or Company of Levites over whom it seems Iddo Presided, that they should bring Ministers for the House of God, and 'tis said that by the good hand of God upon them, they brought a Man of Understanding, ⟨p. 120⟩Ezra. 8.17, 18. A Minister should be such an One. He should have in his head and heart a Treasure of Scripture Knowledge. Matth. 13.52 Every Scribe which is instructed to the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a Man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old. That Man who Preacheth Salvation by the alone Righteousness of a Crucified Christ, and withal Teacheth Obedience to the Moral Law, brings forth things new and old. 'Tis said, The Priests lips shall preserve knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his Mouth, Mal. 2.7. And in another Scripture it is said, Ask the Priest concerning the Law, Hag. 2.11. It is necessary then that he should have a greater Understanding in the Law of God than others have. Every Man is not qualified to be a Publick Interpreter of the Divine Law. An Interpreter is one of a thousand, Job 33.23.

:195p. 120–121¶2

2. Where there is a Call to the Ministry there is an Inclination to Serve God in that Work. There have been those who have been adorned with admirable Knowledge and other Ministerial qualifications, but no inclination to improve their Talents in that Work, they choose rather to Serve God and Christ in some other Calling. A sign that the Lord does not Call them to the Work of the Ministry. Not but that a Man who has a Call thereunto, may from a sense of the awfulness of the Work, and his own insufficiency be ⟨p. 121⟩for some time very unwilling to engage in it, as we see in the Prophet Jeremiah, God said to him, I have Ordained thee to be a Prophet to the Nations; What me! (says he) I am a Child I cannot speak. I am a Young Man, and not fit to undertake so great an Office; but God by his power over-came the unwillingness of the Prophet, Wherefore he says, Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed, Jer. 20.7. Thus if God calls a Man to the Ministry, he will over power him, and make him buckle to the work, yea, to desire it. 1 Tim. 3.1. If a man desire the Office of a Bishop, has desireth a good work; That is to say, an excellent and an honourable work. But this desire ought to proceed not from Carnal but Spiritual Motives. Not because he would have the honour of such an Office; not for a Benefice, as too many take up the Ministry only to make a Livelihood of it. Which does not agree with the Apostles Exhortation, 1 Pet. 5.2. Feed the flock of God, taking the over-sight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. He does not do his work of a ready mind, who is driven to it by necessity, or drawn to it by Covetousness. When an earnest desire to glorify God, and to promote the Interest of Christs Kingdom, and the Salvation of Souls shall incline a Man to desire the work of the Ministry, it is a sign that Christ has called him to it.

2. Where there is a Call to the Ministry there is an Inclination to Serve God in that Work. There have been those who have been adorned with admirable Knowledge and other Ministerial qualifications, but no inclination to improve their Talents in that Work, they chuse rather to Serve God and Christ in some other Calling. A sign that the Lord does not Call them to the Work of the Ministry. Not but that a Man who has a Call thereunto, may from a sense of the awfulness of the Work, and his own insufficiency be ⟨p. 121⟩for some time very unwilling to ingage in it, as we see in the Prophet Jeremiah, God said to him, I have Ordained thee to be a Prophet to the Nations; What me! (sayes he) I am a Child I cannot speak. I am a Young Man, and not fit to undertake so great an Office; but God by his power over-came the unwillingness of the Prophet, Wherefore he sayes, Thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed, Jer. 20.7. Thus if God calls a Man to the Ministry, he will over power him, and make him buckle to the work, yea, to desire it. 1 Tim. 3.1. If a man desire the Office of a Bishop, has desireth a good work; That is to say, an excellent and an honourable work. But this desire ought to proceed not from Carnal but Spiritual Motives. Not because he would have the honour of such an Office; not for a Benefice, as too many take up the Ministry only to make a Livelihood of it. Which does not agree with the Apostles Exhortation, 1 Pet. 5.2. Feed the flock of God, taking the over-sight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. He does not do his work of a ready mind, who is driven to it by necessity, or drawn to it by Covetousness. When an earnest desire to glorify God, and to promote the Interest of Christs Kingdom, and the Salvation of Souls shall incline a Man to desire the work of the Ministry, it is a sign that Christ has called him to it.

:196p. 122–123¶3

3. Mutual Election is that which does Essentiate the relation of a Pastor to this or that particular Church. No Church ought to have a […] imposed on them without their […] free choice. No Patron or Prelate may do it. The Apostles notwithstanding their having an Amplitude, and Plenitude of Church power, would not do it. They left it to the Multitude of the Disciples to choose their Deacons. The Electing of a Pastor is of far greater Moment, and therefore no Church should be deprived of that Privilege in which the welfare of their Souls is so much concerned. When an Apostle was to be chosen to join with those whom Christ himself had chosen, Peter and the other Apostles, Call-upon the Brethren in the Church at Jerusalem to choose One suitably qualified. Accordingly they Nominated two, and then cast Lots which should be the Person. And the Lot feel upon Matthias, Act. 1.26. Now the Argument is very strong, that if the Brethren in this Leading Example might choose an extraordinary Officer, they have power to Elect an ordinary Pastor. It is said in Act. 14.23. When they had ordained the Elders in every Church, and Prayed with Fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. That the Original Word [Greek or Hebrew] translated Ordained does not intend imposition of hands (which is the common Ecclesiastical sense of Ordination) but an Election of the ⟨p. 123⟩Church by lifting up of their hands. A learned Knight [Sir Norton Knatchbull] in his Critical Animadversions on the New Testament, has clearly demonstrated. Nothing can be more evident than that in the Primitive times, the Privilege of choosing their own Pastor did belong to the Church to which he was to Minister. Ignatius in his Epistle to the Church then in Philadelphia, says, it belonged to them to choose their Pastor. The Nicene Council in a Synodal Letter to the Churches in Africa, advised them to choose Orthodox Pastors instead of Arians; Cyprian says, Plebs maxim habet potestatem dignos sacerdotes Eligendi, &c. It was a long time before this Privilege was wrested out of the hands of particular Churches by Popish Antichristian Usurpation. Our United Brethren in London, concur in this Article, That ordinarily none shall be Ordained to the Work of the Ministry, but such as are Called and Chosen thereunto by a particular Church. But it is necessary that this Election should be Mutual.

3. Mutual Election is that which does Essentiate the relation of a Pastor to this or that particular Church. No Church ought to have a 〈…〉 imposed on them without their 〈…〉 free choice. No Patron or Prelate may do it. The Apostles notwithstanding their having an Amplitude, and Plenitude of Church power, would not do it. They left it to the Multitude of the Disciples to choose their Deacons. The Electing of a Pastor is of far greater Moment, and therefore no Church should be deprived of that Privilege in which the welfare of their Souls is so much concerned. When an Apostle was to be chosen to joyn with those whom Christ himself had chosen, Peter and the other Apostles, Call-upon the Brethren in the Church at Jerusalem to choose One suitably qualified. Accordingly they Nominated two, and then cast Lots which should be the Person. And the Lot feel upon Matthias, Act. 1.26. Now the Argument is very strong, that if the Brethren in this Leading Example might choose an extraordinary Officer, they have power to Elect an ordinary Pastor. It is said in Act. 14.23. When they had ordained the Elders in every Church, and Prayed with Fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. That the Original Word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 translated Ordained does not intend imposition of hands (which is the common Ecclesiastical sense of Ordination) but an Election of the ⟨p. 123⟩Church by lifting up of their hands. A learned Knight [Sir Norton Knatchbull] in his Critical Animadversions on the New Testament, has clearly demonstrated. Nothing can be more evident than that in the Primitive times, the Privilege of choosing their own Pastor did belong to the Church to which he was to Minister. Ignatius in his Epistle to the Church then in Philadelphia, sayes, it belonged to them to choose their Pastor. The Nicene Council in a Synodal Letter to the Churches in Africa, advised them to choose Orthodox Pastors instead of Arians; Cyprian sayes, Plebs maxime habet potestatem dignos sacerdotes Eligendi, &c. It was a long time before this Privilege was wrested out of the hands of particular Churches by Popish Antichristian Usurpation. Our United Brethren in London, concur in this Article, That ordinarily none shall be Ordained to the Work of the Ministry, but such as are Called and Chosen thereunto by a particular Church. But it is necessary that this Election should be Mutual.

The Preface.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

The Preface.

The Work of the Ministry described, in an Ordination Sermon.