A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.

§. Sect. 3 Of the du∣ties of Gods Ministers.

And so much of the duties respecting prayer. Those that respect the ministery of the Word, are of two sorts; the first respect Gods Ministers that preach it. The second, the people that heare it. In respect of the Minister, it is required first, that his person be qualified and fitted for this high function, in which regard hee ought to be once lawfully called to this office inwardly by God, and outwardly by the Church. Secondly, he is to haue his calling approued and sealed vnto him by his sufficiency of gifts, both in knowledge and vtterance; and willingnesse of minde to imploy them to Gods glory, and good of his people. Secondly, for the matter which he preacheth, it is required, that he deliuer nothing but that which is grounded vpon the pure Word of God, and that he rightly ex∣pound the Scriptures by the Scriptures; and diuide the Word of God aright, both in obseruing profitable doctrines out of the Text, and in applying them to his hearers, for instruction in the truth, confutation of errours, exhortations to duties, reproofe of offenders, and consolation of the weake and afflicted. Thirdly, for the manner, there is required that he speake in the euidence of the Spirit, as if God by him did speake vnto the people. Secondly, in simplicity without any impiety of humane inuēti∣ons, or affectation to shew his owne learning & gifts. 3. in integrity and vp∣rightnes as in Gods sight and presence, chiefly ayming to please God and men. 4. In fidelity, hauing in his ministery no respect of persons; but deliue∣ring Gods message impartially to the noble and base, rich & poore, friēds and strangers all alike. Fifthly, with authority & power, according to the example of our Sauiour, not fearing the face of any gainsayer or opposer. Sixthly, with al grauity, as becommeth the waightinesse of his Ambassage. Seuenthly, with all liberty and freedome of speech and spirit, taxing and reprouing sinne wheresoeuer he findes it. And finally, with feruent zeale of Gods glory, and the saluation of the people.

Notes

• Rom. 10. 15. 2. Cor. 5. 18, 19.
• 1. Tim. 3. 2. Esa. 6. 8.
• 1. Thes. 2. 13. 2. Cor. 2. 17.
• 1. Tim. 3. 16.
• 1. Cor. 2 4.
• 1. Cor. 2. 4, 5. 2. Cor. 4. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 15. 1. Thes. 2. 4. 1. Cor. 4. 2. Mat. 7. 29. Tit. 2. 15. & 2. 7. Ezech. 3. 8, 9. Ephes. 6. 19. John 7. 18. 2. Cor. 11. 2.