Apology for the Ministry and its Maintenance, Chapter 2
CHAP. II. The titles of Dignity, Vtility, Necessity, and Efficacy▪ which are gi…n to the Mi…sters of Christ.
THe Holy Ghost hath set upon the heads of the Ministers of Christ many glorious inscriptions, and given them the attributes of many worthy names, and hath thought good to call them, The salt of the earth, the sun and light of the world, Men of God, prophets of God &c. as may appear in the following discovery.
1. They are called the salt of the earth; which expression we have already insisted upon.
2. They are called the light of the world, Mat. 5. 14. Now what is either more profitable or more pleasant than light? Without it we cannot discern between things that dif…er, goe about our employments, or decline pits and precipices.
This calls for clearnesse of doctrine, & cleannesse of life, & exactly expresseth the soveraigne excellency of the Gospel-Ministry, & this light of the world far excells the light of this world. For the sun only profits them that see, but this light of the Gospel-Ministry enlightens them that see not, 2. The sun is oft obscured & curtain'd under clouds; But in the very midst of night, and amidst the thickest clowds and afflictions, there is clear day-light in the Church. 3. The sun of this world oft sets and leaves us in the dark, but this light of a Gospell-Minist…y shall never cease, till that sun shall cease to be light, and that world cease to be. It is such a light, that if it were taken away, the whole world would be wholy over-spread with the grossnesse of darknesse, the darknesse of sin, and sinfull errors. Hence it is that God himself opposes darknesse to divination. Mic. 3. 6. It's true, Christ Iesus the light of the world, and the sun of righteousnesse, properly, essentially, originally, perfectly, intensively, and extensively: But his Ministers are imperfect lights, as they partake and communicate of him and depend upon him. They are the lights enlightned, and enlightning the world with the light of the Gospell, Ioh. 5. 35. Act. 26. 18. Rom. 2. 19. Although indeed all Christians are also lights in their measure, and ought to shine as lights in the world, as Children of the light, Phil, 2. 15. Yet this title is by way of Eminence due to the Ministers of Christ, because they ought in an especiall manner to shine in life and doctrine; and also because God doth by their Ministry kindle the … d…light, and illuminate the soul. How great then is the … of and how great a contradiction is it in the libertines of our age, who labour to ex…inguish the Ministry of the word, and in the mean time p…e…end and a…ow a new light.
3. They are called, Men of God, (i. e.) Men of God's own, and especiall sending, This title is frequently given to the prophets, as to Moses, Deut. 33. 1. to Samuell 1. Sam 9. 6. as also to others. 1. Sam. 2. 27. 1. King. 13 1. and indeed to all others, 2. Pet. 1. 21. Afterwards to the Ministers of the Gospell. 1. Tim. 6. 11. 2. Tim. 3. 17. Neither doth Paul call Ti…othy only a man of God, but also every Minister of Christ, by way of Eminence. For it is an Hebraisme, and signifyes holy men, or men familiar with God▪ And it is an emphaticall paraphrase. For as a man of Belial signifyes a very wicked man, and a man of blood, a very cruell and bloody man, So a man of God signifyes a Godly, and a godlike man.
4. They are called Prophets of God. which title is not only attributed to them t…at can …oretell things to come, but also to any that are any way interpreters of the will of God. Mat. 10. 41. Where to receive a prophet, is to receive a Minister or preacher of the Gospell. For these discharge that sacred employment, which the prophets under the old Testament discharged, and do also interpret the writings of those prophets, 1. Cor. 14. 3. 1. Thes. 5. 20.
5. They are called priests of God, Which name although it properly belong to the Levites▪ yet is improperly applyed to spirituall priests, offering up spi…ituall sacrifices to God. In which sense all the faithfull are said to be pre…sts to God. Rev. 1. 6. and a royall priesthood 1. Pet. 2. 9. And the Ministers of the Gospell are priests, in that by the preaching of the word they subject men to God. Paul was such a priest offering up the Gentiles. Rom. 15. 16. and such are all other preachers of the Gospell, in praying for the people, and consecrating themselves to God in a more peculiar manner.
6. They are called bearers of the vessels of the Lord, Is. 52. 11. in whose presence they stand Deut. 10. 8. and whose substitutes they are▪ being appointed to preach, administer Sacraments, and to other sacred employments. Let these bearers of the uessels of the Lord, have their own vessels holy to the Lord, and handle holy things in a holy manner. For if the Ministers of the tabernacle must be clean in heart and hands, how much more cleannesse is required at our hands both towards God and men, who carry not the vessels, but the word of the Lord.
7. They are called Stewards, or Dispensers of the Mysteries of God. 1. Cor. 4. 1. 2. Tit. 1. 7. that is, of Grace, Iustification, Sanctification, and Salvation. Neither are they the stewards of Emperors, or Kings▪ but of the heavenly householder. Now the great commendation of a steward is his faithfullnesse. Luk. 12. 42. And the best expression of faithfullnesse is to design his Masters profit and credit, and not his own; and also to serve his Masters will, and not his own, in administring the affayres of the family. He accomodates his distributions to the capacity of the subject; gives milke to the babes, and strong meat to strong men; and also purgeth the family of all corrupt members. Hence it is that they have received the Keys from God, with which they open the gates of heaven to believers, and lock them against the unbelievers. Mat. 16. 19. Now the Lord who hath in effect call'd us stewards, effectually call us to be faithfull.
8. They are called VVorkmen, or Reapers in the Lords harvest, and Vine dressers, whom he sends into his vineyard Mat, 9. 37. 20. 1. 1. Thes. 3. 2. 2. Tim. 2. 15. This phrase denotes not only the necessity of a Gospell-Ministry, but the diligent laboriousnesse of the Ministers. Those that assert the easinesse of a Ministers employment, will not (I believe) speak so much in favor of a Reapers work, and yet their employments run parallell in the Scripture dialect. Ministers are called Reapers; Now Reapers you know, are exposed to the heat of the Sunne, the violence of winds, showrs and storms, which hardships do require a strong and hardy nature, not a man accustomed to idlenesse and pleasure. Ministers break themselves with labours, wear and wast themselves with watchings, and are therefore called labourers 1. Tim. 5. 17. such labourers as husbandmen, reapers, Souldyers, who weary themselves with working. For such is the force of the Greek phrase.
The employment of the Ministers of Christ is so laborious, that it attenuates and consumes the body, impaires the strength, hastens old hairs to young heads to the grave. Our Saviour Christ at three and thirty years of age by his great paines in preaching the Gospell,Cura facit canos. incessant watchings and prayings, had brought upon himself the suspicion of fifty years of age, as many rationally conclude from the Iews words, Ioh. 8. 57. Thou art not yet fifty y…ares old. And the Prophet Isaiah mourning under the treachery and perfidiousnesse of his Countreymen, being zealous for his Gods glory and their souls good, cryes out as a man consumptive with cares and sorrowes, My le…nnesse, My leannesse, If. 24. 16.
9. They are labourers together, (not with Paul or with Peter but) with God, 1 Cor. 3. 9. So called, b…cause God useth them for the begetting of faith, their paines and the promulgation of the Gospell tending to one and the same end, even the Salvation of souls: An honourable Character. And great is the dignity that God hath con…er…ed on them, to adopt and adapt them to be helpers, without whose help he could as easily do his own work, if he pleased. God calls us to those pains, which he doth not need, and then honours us with those honours, and honourable titles which we do not de…erve. This is a great Angelic…ll, nay divine dignity, in which we may find a consolation almost as great as the dignity, inferring, that if we miscarry not in our duty, God will be also our fellow-labourer, and help us by his labour. For what man will forsake, the plowmen, the Shepheards, the Stewards, which himself sets a work? And what good commander is thers, but will encourage, vindicate, embolden, and reward his faithfull Souldiers in and for their faithfull service? And although Christ primarily and by way of Eminence be called Gods fellow, Zach. 13. 7. Yet se…un darily the Ministers of the Gospell upon this account are so too.
10. They are called Gods. Moses that faithfull servant of God, and steward of his house, is called a God, even by God himself, Exod. 4. 16. Thou shalt be to Aaron instead of God, and again, Exod. 7. 1. See I have …ade thee a God to Pharoab. He was indeed a man still by nature, but a God by office, and delegation from God, and also by the communication of divine power and wisdom to him. And if they be called Gods unto whom the word of God came, Ioh. 10. 35 Surely then the title is as due to the prophets of God, as any other, concerning whom it is so oft recorded, that the word of the Lord came unto them. All the Ministers of the Gospell are as much Gods, as it is possible for one to be that stands only in Gods stead, for of them it is that God saith, He that heareth you, heareth me, and he that despiseth you despiseth me, Luk, 20. 16.
11. They are called VVatchmen. If. 62. 6. Ier. 6. 17. Ezech. 3. 17. and 33. 7. Hos. 9. 8. Heb. 13. 17. So called, because they foresee the future dangers, and warn the people of them; as a watchman seeth the enemy comming afarr off,) and by the giving of a sign warneth the inhabitants. The Ministers of the Gospell watch over the souls of the people, that they be not led aside by errors, nor perish in their sins. And this they doe by preaching, praying, reproving, and other exercises of their calling.
12. They are called Pastors, or Shepheards. If. 63. 11. Ier. 3. 15. Ioh. 10. 2, 12. Now in a Shepheard there is required 1. Diligence and industry, to feed the flock, to reduce the straying, to heal the sick, to preserve the whole. 2. Courage to defend the sheep, and resist the wolve…. 3. Faithfullnes…e, to restore the sheep to their Master, confessing himself a servant, and not the Master of the flock. 4. Wi…dome and discretion to know whether to use his voyce or his sta…e. 5. Patience and ha…dinesse, to endure the winds, the storms, and tempests which he is expos'd to, as Iacob complains of himself. Gen. 31. 38, 39, 40. Thus the Ministers of Christ, do feed the Church, that flock of Christ, with the food of heavenly doctrine, keep them from the poysonous and rotting pastures of hereticks, and the wolves from them, and do also govern the sheep committed to them with the rod of discipline.
13. They are called builders of the Church. Eph. 4. 11, 12, 1. Cor. 3. 10. For by their doctrine the people of God are built up and do grow in faith and mutuall charity. The Church of God is a building, the Master builder or Architect is God, the inferiour workmen are his Ministers, whereof some …ay the foundation, others build upon it, that so we may become as a temple fit for God to dwell in. The prophets of old were Gods masons, Hos. 6. 5. I have hewed them by the prophets. For as the Mason cutts, hews, and squares the stones, so by the means of the law do the Ministers of Christ, hew us, square, & prepare us, that we may be fit materialls for the building up of a spirituall house. Thus ought the Ministers of Christ like wise builders prepare every particular house committed to their charge to be some part in this building, wherein let them use discretion according to the nature of their materialls, breaking some stones in pieces before they can make good work of them, squaring and smooting others by gentler instruments, cu…tting and hewing all by the law, and plaining and placing and compacting and building up by the Gospell, all that are so cut.
14. They are called Christs witnesses. Ioh. 15. 27. Act. 1. 8. Rev. 2. 13. 11. 3. 22. 16. Now they witnesse to Christ, both by their preaching, as by a verball, and their conversations, as by a practicall and reall testimony. For it every ordinary judge will look for faithfullnesse and veracity, exact and personall knowledg of the thing, and honesty and integrity of conversation, in every one of his currant witnesses, much more doth Christ require at the hands of his Ministers those extraordinary witnesses, that by life as well as language they do truly, freely, explicitely, ingenuously and constantly, own and witnesse to him and his truth; And that those qualifications of every su…icient witnesse, be by no meanes wanting in his witnesses to make them sufficient.
15. They are called Servants of Iesus Christ, Rom. 1. 1. Phil. 1. 1. sam. 1. 1. Not servants of men, of pri…ces, but of that God, who is above all men, of that Monarch, who is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Neither are they of Gods ordinary sort of servants, as all creatures are his servants by the right of creation. Ps. 119. 91. Or as all the Elect are his servants by the right of redemption, but his servants by vertue of their mission, commission and ambassage, after a more peculiar manner. They are the servants of Christ by way of Eminence, in that they doe him more Eminent service then others, and in so serving him doe govern his, which title yet doth enforce pains, as well as conferr honour, for a servant is all his Masters. For him he works, for him he wins, to him he lives and dyes: He doth all things for his Masters profit, and according to his Masters pleasure. So they owe to Christ what ever they have, or are, and therefore ought to lay out and expend whatever they have, or are, life, liberty, wit, wealth for this honour and glory, and esteem themselves great gainers, in being profitable …o him:
16. They are called fathers. 2. Kin. 2…: 12▪ 1: Cor 4… 15. 1. Thes. 2… 11. and frequently elsewhere, because they are serviceable in the hand of God by means of the word of God, to beget spirituall Children unto God. For although God be our father principally and properly, yet this hinders not, but that his Ministers may be out spirituall fathers, organically and analogically, which title bespeaks love and …everence; which tributes God is pleased to allow parents. Ex…d: 20. 12. And if they have been fruitfull in this relation, it will be their joy and Crown of rejoycing at the comming of Iesus Christ. 1. Thes. 2. 19. Let us pray therefore, and let all that are already begotten by any of us to Christ Iesus pray, that since God hath honoured us with the title of fathers, he would also honour us with the relation of sons, that so we may not be fathers, without Children, And let us all desire to encrease the family of Christ with Rachels importunity, (leaving out her impatience) Lord give us Children before we dye?
17. They are called Seers and the eyes of the body: 1. Sam. 9… 9. I… ▪ 30, 10, Cor, 12. 17. They used to say in Israel, Come let us go the seer, for men prophesyed by visions and revelations. Ezechiel saw visions of God. Ezech. 1. 1. being enlightned by the spirit of God they saw things at a distance. Hab, 1, 2. 1, And hence they are called seers, for the prophets and pastors are that to the Church which the eyes are to the body: Let us pray therefore that God would enlighten our minds wich the Psalmist, Ps. 119. 18. Open thou our eyes that we may behold the wondrous things out of thy Law, that so we may not be blind guides, and seers that see nothing.
18. They are called Christs Souldyers. 2, Tim, 2, 3. 4. Now a souldier has much to doe, and more to suffer; their action is fighting, 1. Tim, 1. 18. Their suffering is, not only the violence of their adversaries, which they must sustain, but they are exposed to hunger, and thirst, the heat of the day and the cold of the night, and many wearisome watchings. Hence the Apostle calls his fellow-Ministers, fellow-Souldiers. Phil 2. 25. Philem▪ 1. 2… For although every believer be a Souldier. Eph, 6, 12▪ 13▪ Yet amongst those, the Ministers obtain the first place, as they that lead the troops, and receive the first impressions of the enemyes fury. There are Souldiers that are no Ministers (and could happily with there were none) and there are Ministers that do not act like souldyers, But let them all know that they are called to a warfare, that there is a combat prepared for them, and that therefore they must either fight for Gods cause, or dye for the cause of not fighting.
19. They are called Guides of the Church. Act. 8. 31. Rom. 2. 19. Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. because they lead others in the ways of Salvation. They are the examples of believers, whom all behold for imitation, and do conform themselves to, as to a living law. 1. Tim. 4. 12. Some sone has alluded to the Apostles words in verse,
Past…rs are the glasse, the schoole, the book,
VVhere peoples eyes do learn, do read, do look.
It is with an Emphasis, that the Apostle calls them so oft the guides or the leaders, in that 13. Chap. to the Hebrews: Because they either lead or ought to lead the people of God in the ways of God. For although it be proper to God onelyonly to lead men, yet because he leads them by his word, he is pleased to communicate this honourable title to the preachers of this word.
20. They are called the Charriot of Israel and the horsemen thereof, as it is in an expresse aknowledgment, 2. Kin. 2. 12. and 13. 14. and by a faire consequence from 1. Sam. 7, 13. …4. As long as Samuel lived, the Philistines were subdued before Israel. And if Moses let God alone, the people will be consumed with his wrath, Exod. 32. 10▪ Gods Ministers are not only Souldiers and Captains, but they are all the army, they are the horsemen and the Charriots of the Church, they are for defence unto it. And if one Elijah carryed and protected the people, and defended them more by his zeal, and prayers, then thousands of Charriots and horsemen; what strength and might shall there be found in many Elijahs? These are the Churches walls, the bullwarks of the land, and the best fortifications for any City, They kill the enemyes of God with the sword of Gods word, whereby they sharply wound in reproving; and kill in threatning death: If furious Iehu should chance to let any escape, the sword of Elisha shall be sure to slay him. 1. Kin▪ 19. 17. And you may see Elija sitting upon a hill, and s…aying an hundred of Ahaziahs Souldyers to death, and burning them up with the words of his mouth 2. Kin. 1, The same is the power of Gods witnesses, out of whose mouths fire doth proceed & devour their enemyes. Rev. 11. 5. Let England then take heed of pulling down, nay so much as loosening these pillars, lest the whole structure of Church and state fall together with them.
21. They are called Bishops, A generall title, and given to all the Ministers of the Gospell, all whose it is to oversee the flock committed to their trust, and to have a diligent care of it. Act. 20. 28. And therefore, whom the Apostle calls Elders. Tit, 1. 5, these he calls also Bishops V. 7. Neither doth this title conferre dignity only, it inferrs duty also. The office of a Bishop has employment as well as preferment in it. It is a work in the Apostles judgment. 1. Tim. 3. 1. He that desireth the office of a Bishop, desireth a good work.
22. They are called Teachers▪ this being the great businesse of Ministers to preach and teach the word of God. This title primarily belongs to Christ, who is the teacher of his people, But it is applyed secundarily to his Ministers, who are ush…rs to him the Head … master. Eph. 4. 11. 1. Tim. 2. 17.
23. They are called Clouds, spirituall Clouds, watering, refreshing, fructifying the vineyard of the Lord with the former and the latter rain of ordinances. I…. 5. 6. Hence they are sayd to drop their doctrine upon men by a word fetcht from the Clouds. Deut. 32. 2. Ezech. 21. 2. Am 7. 16. But Heretiques and deceivers, are emp…y bottles, waterlesse Clouds, …ossed to and fro with the winds, Iude. 12. They make an ostentation and specious pretence of knowledg, when as indeed their sounds are but the sounds of empty bottles, and they are specious white Clouds, that seem to promise the earth a belly full of water, but when they should come to distill it, they are gone with a blast of wind, and so gull the thirsty expectation▪ of the silly spectators.
24. They are called Nurses 1. Th…s. 2. 7. For as a Nurse, dandles and husheth, and suckleth, and …lattereth the little infant, so the Ministers of the Gospel should even hugg in their bosomes, speak pleasantly unto & feed with the sincere milk of the word, Christs new born-babes, accommodating their language, behaviour, and way of feeding to their infant state. And as a nurse with admirable patience doth digest the wranglings, endure the frowardnesses of her nu…seling, not grudging it her own blood to feed upon; So a faithfull Minister should be patient in his pains, indefatigable in his diligence, and not count his life dear unto him, if by it the Church of Christ may be advantaged, nor think much at his own destruction, if by it his people may be edisyed.
25. They are called the Ministers of Christ. 1. Cor. 4. 1. Which word in the Greek bespeaks sorrow,foreign and calls for …ains, as the office of a rower doth require. They sit at the oares, where if the wind of Gods spirit do not exceedingly help, they will find intolerable pains, and if it do help, yet they must use an indefatigable diligence. And if they be the Ministers of God (administring faithfully the word and …ments) they must be approved in much patience, in afflictions, in necessi…yes, in distresses, &c. 2. Cor 6 4. They are not prese…'d to … and imperiall dignity, but an Ecclesiasticall Ministry, in which they may promise themselves whatever pains, the meanest of servants, in rowing, running or what else, do find, and more.
26. They are called Starrs, and that not wandring, but fixed. For Christ, who sits at the right hand of God holds them in his right hand, Rev. 1. 20 (1.) Starrs shine; so ought they by clearnesse of doctrine, and integrity of life to shine before others. (2) Starrs shine in the night; so let a Minister of the Gospell shine more glorio…sly, and illustriously when the Church of Christ is be…louded with heresyes, and benighted in persecutions. (3.) Starrs shine with a borrowed light; so the Ministers of Christ, receive their calling, gifts and doctrine from him the Sun of righteousnesse. Nay they excell either fun or starrs, for these shall be turned into darknesse, the sun shall be totally eclipsed, the starrs sink down into their sockets, and be put out at the dissolution of the world, but they shall shine for ever and ever. Dan. 12. 3. Oh that they were also as the starrs of heaven for number, the Lord of the harvest sending out plenty of labourers to reap his yet plentifull ha…vest; and more fixed in the firmament of our Church, then the stars in heaven, that sometimes tumble head-long?
27. They are called Angells of the Church. Rev. 1. 20. 14. 6. For 1. like Angells they are messengers sent by God to declare his will to men. 2. They ought to imitate an Angelicall, purity, chastity, zeal and celerity, that they may be as Angells amongst men, Masters amongst boyes, and shepheards amongst sheep. So that this name also brings duty with it, as well as dignity. Many would be content to be Angells to dwell in heaven, but loath to be Angells to doe Gods errands upon earth; but he that would enjoy the honour, must first be imployed in the office, and execute that office too with carefullnesse, cherefullnesse and speedinesse, as the Angells doe. Now if Timothy as being a man of God, must flee covetousnesse; how much rather ought he to doe it as being an Angell of God. And if the Angels of God by pride fell from the presence and glory of God, it concerns these Angels that yet they be humble as men. What matters now though the world call us blind guides; God counts us starrs, and will set us in heaven, when the starrs themselves shall be misplaced. What though they call us devills; it is honour enough that God counts us Angels. Let us doe the work of Angels, and God will not stick to own us and honour us as such, before all men and Angels.
28. They are called Presbiters and Elders, a name implying, not their age, but office and dignity, common to all the Ministers of Christ, so that it is no solescime to say, the yongest of Christs faithfull Ministers is an Elder. For the name is indifferently given to them all. Act. 14. 23. 20. 17. 1. Tim. 5. 17. Tit. 1. 5. 1. Pet. 5. 1. So called, because they ought to excell others in an elderly wisdome and discretion, shunning all youthfull vanityes and levityes, and behaving themselves with such a gravity and piety, as may beget a reverence for them amongst the people.
29. They are called Paranymphs or friends of the bride-groom. Ioh. 3. 29. 2. Cor. 11. 2. Because they bring the bride and espouse her to Christ: They invite men to the marriage of the Kings son. Mat. 22. 3. and to the great feast, Luk. 14. 17. Oh singular dignity, and sweet imployments. As the bridegroome makes use of his most faithfull and approved friends for Paranymphs, to make up the match between him, and his beloved: So Christ Iesus makes use of the paines of his Ministers, to perswade poor sinners into a marriage with their maker. Now the work of these friends of the bridegroom is manifold. For first they make up the match, secondly, after marriage they instruct them in their conjugall du…yes, and teach them faithfullnesse, love, and loy … in that relation? And …, in case they b…k…lide and forsake their Lord and Husband, they cause them to return again, and re…ew, their conjugall vows. And they that do these things are su…e the confidents and approved friends of the bride-groom. Let us take heed therefore, that we play not the part of those unfaithfull …ustees, who having been put into this office, and employed for the bridegroome, in the consummation of marriages, speak one word for him, and two for themselves; Let us wooe for Christ and not for our selves; his profit and credit, and not our own, for we are but the paranymphs, he is the bride-groom, we are but the ambassadors, he the King.
30. They are called Legates, messengers, ambassadors for Christ, Hag. 1. 13. 2. Cor. 5. 20. Eph. 6. 20. to be Ambassador from any prince is an honour, from a renowned Monarch is more, but to be employed an Ambassador for Christ Iesus is of all other honours most honourable. And such ambassadors are Christs Ministers. And therefore ▪1. as an Ambassador keeps himself within the limits of his commission, and observes how he is bounded by his Princes commands, so let the Ministers of Christ deliver their Masters mind freely, and yet truly, without detracting from, or adding any thing …o the same. 2. As no Ambassadour assumes that province to himself, nor puts himself into commission. So let them expect their Masters mission before they fall a running: and 3. As Ambassadors are safe from any violence; so let these promise themselves the protection of their Master, and well they may, for they serve the best Master in the world, who not only sends them of his ambassage, but goes along with them also. And let England take heed of doing violence or offering abuse to these Ambassadors, for if David did revenge upon Hanun the base usage of his servants, and the Romans sackt Carthage, for offering violence to their Ambassadors, surely Christ, that interprets despites done to his Ministers, to be done to himself, will sharply and surely revenge the quarrell of his Ambassadors, and the dishonour done unto them.
31. They are called fishers of men. Mat. 4. 19. Mar. 1. 17. Luk. 5. 10. Because they do, as it were by the preaching of the word catch men, that wander up and down the wide world, as it were in a deep and vast Ocean. And under this Metaphor, a diligent and unwearyed care and endeavour to gain many souls is enjoyned to them. For fishers many times catch at what they catch not, it may be, toyle all the night and catch nothing, therefore they had need of patience and constancy: they are exposed to tempests & ill weather, nay, have their lives allwayes in jeopardy by reason of the raging waves and unmercifull deeps, therefore had need of a great share of courage & hardinesse, to adventure upon the one, and endure the other. Oh that we had Peter's successe to catch many fishes, or at least Peter's indefatigablenesse, patiently to endure toyling all the night.
32. They are called Husbandmen. 1 Cor. 3. 9. & therefore are called planters and waterers of God vineyard. 1. Cor. 3. 6. The primary and chief Husbandman is God, Ioh. 15. 1. The secundary or subordinate Husbandman is the Minister of God. God tills inw…rdly by his spirit, the Minister outwardly by his word & doctrine. And as the field is plowed and sowed to bring forth fruit to its owner, so is the Church plowed and sowed to bring forth fruit to God, whose it is, and whose they are that till it. See here the necessity of a Ministry, without bread no life, without corn no bread, without Husbandry no corn, without Husbandmen no Husbandry, why so without faith no Salvation, without hearing no faith, without preaching no hearing, and how can there be preaching without preachers?
33. They are compar'd to Oxen, 1, Cor. 9. 9. 1. Tim. 5. 18. under the name of an Oxe, the indefatigable labour of a Minister is typically and allegorically set forth. For the Oxe is a very laborious Creature, and very profitable by its labour, (Prov. 14. 4. Much encrease is by the strength of the Oxe) and that not to it self but to its Master. So let the Ministers of Christ be laborious and industrious, and that for Christ, not for themselves. The Oxe is slow in work but sure: If a Minister be cast upon hard ground, amongst a dull and slow people of understanding, it matters not for much hast or acutenesse, Let him accommodate himself to their capacityes, rather study to doe his work firmly then finely; Let him not think much to explain, presse and inculcate the same things again and again. And as the Oxe content with grasse, hay or straw is an Hieroglyphick of frugality, So let a Minister of Christ be sober and frugall, minding more his work then his meat. As an Oxe is a harmlesse and innocuous creature, by the verdict of the poet,
VVhat d…th the Oxe deserve that hath … guile,
But harmlesse born alone to suffer …oyl…?
So let a preacher be a single and …i…ere…man, without fraud or malice, plain and upright, like …acob, helpfull to all, hurtfull to none. As the Oxe is hardy and strong to work … 144, 14. So let a pr…acher of Gods word be valiant, learing the face of no man, nor the …rowns of no face. Doth any one curse him? Let him contemne the curse. For he cannot answer reproaches and raylings better, then by not answering them at all. And as the Oxe labours hardest in hardest weather, more in Winter then in Summer. So let Ministers approve themselves in a…f…ictions, in necessityes, in distresses. 2. Cor 6. 4. and stirre up themselves to the greatest diligence, when there is the worst weather in the Church. As the Oxe is profitable both in his life and death, so let every faithfull and able Minister of Christ, be serviceable to the Church of Christ, not only by his preachings but also writings. Again as the ground which the Oxe plows not, brings forth briers and thorns, but that which is by him broken up and prepared, presents the Husbandman with a wellcome harvest: So the souls to whom the sound of the Gospell preached doth not come, that have no teaching priest, no ministeriall Oxe to break up the fallow ground, are overgrown with the weeds and rubbish of vices, but those over whose souls the plow of Gods word, held by the Ministers of Christ, doth passe, are fruitfull in graces and vertues. And lastly, as it is sit that the Oxe should feed of the harvest which he gets in, and eat of the corn which he treads forth; So is it fit that he that serveth at the Altar should live of the Altar, that he that preaches spirituall things should receive of their temporalls to whom he preaches; which piece of equity the Apostle proves by many arguments. 1. Cor. 9.
34. They are called God's Trumpetters. Hos. 5. 8 and 8. 1. Because they must cry with a loud, shrill, and trumpet-like voyce to awaken the sleepy sinners. (1.) They blow the trumpet of the law against sinners, Zeph. 1. 14, 15, 16. Then the trumpet of the Gospell to the penitent ones, Is. 27. 13. (2.) As the trumpets of the Lovites were of solid and massy silver, Num…. 10, 2. So the Ministers of Christ ought to preach the substantiall and simple word of God without any mixture of their own inventions▪ without drosse or corruption (3.) They are Gods Trumpetters, in as much as they ought to proclaim an everlasting and irreconcilable combat against sin, and call out men to fight the devill and their own corruptions, therefore VVisdom's maydens do not whisper, the Ministers of Gods word do not speak coldly, but boldly. Prov. 9. 3. For a preacher is not made for a pipe to invite men to wantonnesse and feasting, but for a trumpet to call forth to warrs and fightings, to call men into the field against the black band of devills, and their own outragious lusts. And whilst one of these enemye… abide the field, the Minister must call on to fight, as the trumpe… …ounds, so long as the enemyes are in fight.
35. They are called the mouth of the Lord. Ier. 15. 19. I…. 2. 3. Luk. 10. 16. Act. 10. 35. 1. Thes. 2. 13. Those that …eparate the pretious from the vile, discern between the good and the bad, and reprove sin freely, are as the Lords mouth, and those …hat preach the Gospell faithfully are as the lips of Christ, for he speaks in them. 2. Cor. 13. 3. These God ownes for his mouth, that is for his true and faithfull messengers, whilst they speak his words and not their own, in so much that he that heareth them, is interpreted as hearing God himself. And if they be the mouth of God, let their adversaryes desist their designes to silence them, for how is it possible that the mouth of God should be stopped?
36. They are called the Ministers of the New Covenant or T…stament. 2. Co…. 3. 6. Ministers, not of the law as Moses was, but of the Gospell, not of the old, but of the new Covenant, not of the letter▪ but of the spirit, not of death, but of life, not of …amnation, but of mercy, not in weaknesse, but power, and …ffica…ye; because by them Christ enlightens the mind, puri…yes the heart, and regenerates the whole man.
37. They are called a sweet savour. 2. Cor. 2. 15. By which Metaphor, the Apostle commends and glori…yes their sacred Ministry. For they are a sweet savour, in as much as they bring a sweet smell from Christ, and with it perfume the corrupt manners of the dunghill world. And this must needs be so, because on the contrary, false prophets are a noysome stink; but these preaching a holy doctrine, and proving it by an holy life, doe become a sweet smelling savour, and being so, their Mi…stry doth become an acceptable sacrifice to God, yea, even … them that perish. For although Israel be not gathered, yet … they that desire to gather them, be glorious in the ey… o… God. I…. 49. 5.
38. They are called the Churches Crown. Rev. 12. 1. The Church of Christ is to be seen there clothed with the su… that … with Christ the sun of righteousnesse, having the … her feet, that is, she tramples upon all worldly things as vain and worthlesse; For the moon signifyes things sublunarie. She has upon her head a Crown of twelve starrs, that is, she doth not tread under her feet the Apostolicall doctors, and doctrine, (as the manner of unmannerly England is at this day) but carryes them as her Crown and royall ornament upon her head. She is adorned with the doctrine of the twelve Apostles, upon which she is founded. Chap. 21. 14. with excellent Ministers, as with a diadem, Chap. 1. 20. For her glory is not a wordly Crown, but her Crown is the integrity of her …eachers.
39. They are called the glory of Christ, 2. Cor. 8. 23, that is by a Metonymye of the effect, such as promote and illustrate the glory of Christ. A title that comprehends all dignity in it. For how can a man be more glorious, then by being made the glory of Christ? Thus the grace and doctrine of the Gospell is called the glory of the Lord, Is. 60. 1. Thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. So let us therefore preach, so le…u…live, that we may be a glory to Christ our Lord and Master, and not a shame, for ornament not for ignominye.
40. They are called Saviours, Rom. 11. 14. Obad. 21. v. 1. Tim 4. 16. For so it seemeth good to the spirit of God, to honour them whose Ministry it makes use of, by ascribing its own work to their hands. And this lays a strong charge upon us, that we through ignorance or idleness suffer not those souls to perish, whose Salvation God hath as it were entrusted into our hands. Neither is that cavill worth any thing, that it is God alone that converts and regenerates: For we do not deny it. God saves, and so do we. He saves absolutely and principally, we only subserviently and instrumentally, we endeavour the salvation of souls, Gods gives efficacy and successe to our endeavours. God and man goe together, to bring God and man together. That which God could do without us, he is yet pleased to do by us; and we working in his hand, are said to do that work which the hand does that acts us: we save men; and yet it is God that saves both them and us: And this now argues the g…eatest necessity of a Gospel Ministry, that by it soules may be saved, and God glorified in their Salvation; which Argument might be of sufficient strength to establish such a Ministry, if those thousands, that might be called out for help, were all silenced.
Now to what end are all these Titles and Elogies, but to teach Ministers their Duty towards their people, and how to look upon themselves (as men created and devoted to labour and service) and to teach the people their debt of love, honour, a…d reverence to, and how to look (with an eye of esteem) upon their Ministers.