A caueat for Archippus A sermon preached at a visitation at White-Chappel Church in London, Septemb. 23. 1618. By Ier. Dyke minister of Gods word at Epping in Essex.

COL. 4. 17. And say to Archippus , Take heede to the Ministerie which thou hast receiued of the Lord , that thou fulfill it .

I Will not stand to dispute what might be the occasion of this errand to be done , and this Caueat to be giuen to Archippus . The common conceit is , that it was Archippus his remissenesse , and coldnesse in his ministeriall labours . Happly a more fauourable and charitable construction may be this , that it was Paules feare , and holy ielousie , as knowing that the best haue their corruptions , and discouragements ; and therefore stand in neede of quickening , awakening , and heartening admonition . Which feare of Pauls might be the greater by reason of the greatnesse of the burden which lay vpon Archippus his shoulders For that burden which ere-whiles was diuided betweene him and Epaphras , and so the easier , was now become the heauier , by reason of Epaphras his absence , if not imprisonment with Paul at Rome . Lest therefore this doubled burden should discourage and dishearten , ●hilem . 23. and make him faint vnder the weight thereof , therefore would Paul haue him be thus called vpon . And so this aduice might be occasioned rather by the Carefulnesse of Paul , then the Carelesnesse of Archippus . It being none other counsell then what before he gaue to the Ephesian Elders , Acts 20. 18 ; which yet was not caused by their guiltinesse , but by his feare . But I wil not swimme against the streame of Interpreters , I am content that the receiued coniecture should obtaine .

Well , whatsoeuer the occasion was , surely the words suite well with this present occasion : So many Archippusses being heere assembled , that is , called together , it cannot be vnseasonable to call for the heedfull fulfilling of that Ministration which wee haue receiued from the Lord . Onely , if I might haue bene mine owne chooser , I could haue wished the performance of this exercise to som one whose grauer yeres , grayer haires , and greater gifts might haue so vshered and attended his good counsell , as that it might haue had roome and respect in your hearts , without all contradiction .

Yet notwithstanding , I haue where withall to hearten my selfe , not onely from this , that I speake not in mine owne name , or vpon mine owne head , but also from my present Scripture . For if so be the Colossians might say thus much to Archippus , then how much more may one Archippus be bold to say so much to another , one Minister to his fellow brethren in the same ministery ? Well would Archippus haue borne with this saying from Epaphras , or from Paul , that in all likelihood barewell with it from his Colossians .

The words then briefly containe an Apostolicall Iniunction : In the which I consider three things .

1. The persons that are enioyned to say this . 2. The person to whom they are enioyned to say it . 3. The matter of the Iniunction , which is a Caueat , Take heede , &c.

Which Caueat is ,

First , illustrated from the Obiect , what it is that he must take heede vnto . It is his Ministerie , and the fulfilling of it . Secondly , Inforced by a reason , Which thou hast receiued from the Lord .

For the first . The persons enioyned to say this ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Say ye , ye men of Colossus , say ye this , do ye this errand to Archippus .

But why must they say this ? Had it not beene fitter for Paul himselfe to haue said it ? Why sayes not he , And I say vnto thee Archippus ? Doth not the inspection and correction of ministeriall aberrations better suite with an Apostles office and authoritie , then with the Colossians ? And would not an admonition from an Apostle be with farre lesse prouocation , and farre more profit ? Would not that take a deeper impression which came from a graue Apostle , then that which should be spoken by a company of Colossians ? Hardly sometimes will a Colossian brook an admonition from Archippus , how then will Archippus from a Colossian ? Well , but for all this , Say ye to Archippus .

Hereby our Apostleteaching ,

1. People to warne their Pastor of his duty . Many an Archippus is sluggish , because the Colossians are silent . Therfore is it that Archippus sayes so litle , because they say nothing . Nay many are so farre from saying ought to Archippus if he be wanting , that they are readier to soothe him vp in his negligence . At least their silence , and not saying to him , is construed as an approouement of , and a contentment with his idlenesse . Should Archippus but wrong his people in taking but a little more then his due in temporals , how soone would people not onely be saying but be doing to Archippus ? But let Archippus wrong , and wring them neuer so much , in the iniurious detention of their spirituall dues , a little saying serues the turne . People ( commonly ) hauing Schoole-boyes consciences , they care not how little they haue for their money .

2. Ministers not to despise good counsell from their people . Good newes are good newes , though a Leper bring them to a King , 2. Kings 7. So is good counsell neuer the worse for the giuers meannesse . Much loy may a Minister haue that he hath so inriched his flocke , that hee may be releeued out of their abundance .

If a Lay person coming with a Scripture be to be beleeued before a whole Councel , ( as Whitakers quotes it out of Panormitan ) then surely are not priuate men to be neglected , much lesse despised , speaking nothing but reason and religion to their Ministers .

3. Say ye to Archippus , that he may haue nothing to say , of or against you . The common apology of many vrged to fidelitie in their places , is : Their people are wondrous well contented with their short demensum : or their people are awke , vntoward , alike respecting paines and negligence ; should they be neuer so painefull , yet would it not by them one whit be respected , &c. And therefore they haue no heart to greater diligence . And surely true it is , that nothing more discourageth ministeriall fidelitie then peoples irrespectiue regardlesnesse to a mans pains . Therefore will Paul haue the Colossians themselues say this to Archippus , that their desires of his paines , might put the more heart and life into Archippus to take paines . If Dauid doe but thirst after the waters of Bethlehem , how will it make his Worthies aduenture their dearest bloud and life ? They wil hazard all to quench his thirst But alas , what heart hath a man to aduenture , and take paines for that water , which no man thirsts to drink ? nay , for that water which it may be shall be spilt on the ground before his face ?

2. But how must they say this ?

1. To him , not behinde him . Too many complaine of their Ministers faults , but did they euer admonish him ? Did they euer say ought to him , that say thus much against him ? Complaine to him that can and should amend it ; other complaints are waste : Say to Archippus .

2. But yet , with all reuerence and respect to his office and person : Paul therefore leaueth it not to their discretion , but prescribes a reuerent forme of exhortation . He giues no allowance here for foule mouthes to say what they list . They must say to , not raile vppon Archippus . An Elder must be exhorted as a father , 1. Tim. 5. 1. A father is to be honored by the commandement .

The person to whom they are enioyned Point 2 to say this , To Archippus : Say to Archippus

Archippus it seemes then was affable , of a courteous sweete nature , of an ingenuous and Christian candour , free from a sowre sterne and stately carriage . How were the Colossians blest that they were thus happily prouided for ? Many there are that indeed haue better nurture , but yet but alitle better nature then Nabal had ( for pride and churlishnesse are alike enemies to societie , and communion . ) He was so churlish , many are so proud , that they may not be spoken to . Should a man in the meekest & moderatest manner but say thus to some , as they must here say to Archippus ; should not that round and rough answer be returned them , Who made you a monitour ? a teacher of your teacher ? You teach me what I haue to do ? Had Archippus beene of this spirit , Paul had done enough to set all Colossus on fire . Well fare his heart yet , that the meanest of his poore Colossians may not onelie speake , but say to him . And as for this affected state and sternnesse , how euer it may gaine alitle cap and knee-seruice , yet it loses the inward respect of the heart , if at least it breed not a secret scorne and disdaine both of person and doctrine . Learne of me ( saith our Sauiour ) for I am meeke and lowely . Si Deus benignus , vt Chrysostome . quid sacerdos eius austerus ? Indeed it holdes no good proportion : A lowely Maister and a proud seruant .

The Matter of the Iniunction ; A Caueat that Point 3 must be giuen to Archippus , which is first illustrated from the Obiect : Take heed to thy Ministerie that thou fulfill it .

A point indeed that deserues our greatest heodfulnesse and care . The Ministerie is Gods worke , he loues not to haue his worke done by halfes : God loues no halfe Ministers , hee would haue all his full Ministers , that is , hee would haue them fulfill their Ministerie . Paul wishes Archippus to be none other , then what himselfe was , Coloss. 1. 25. Iam a Minister of the Gospell , to fulfill the word of God . And Acts 20. 24 , he preferres this one thing aboue his life : My life is not deare vnto me , so I may fulfill my course with ioy , and my ministration . Indeed it is not possible that hee should fulfill his course with ioy , that fulfills not his ministration . And therefore fitly ioyned together by the Apostle . How shall God brooke that in vs his seruants , which we will not brooke in our owne ? which of vs can endure our worke to be done by halfes ?

But what is to be done then , and how may Quest. a man so demeane himselfe in his Ministerie as that he may fulfill it ?

The calling of the Ministery is not of that Answ. narrow latitude , as that a full Treatie of the particulars therein should come within the narrow compasse of one houres discourse . I will therefore point at some maine particulars which are more specially requisite . The fulfilling of the Ministerie then consists : first , in fidelitie of Dispensation secondly , in sincerity of Conuersation : these two make a full and compleate Minister . When a man is furnished , as was Aaron , in whose Pectorall were the Vrim and Thummim , the skirt of whose Roabe was hanged about with Bells and Pomegranates ; when with the Vrim , the light of our doctrine , we ioyne the Thummim , the perfection of our liues ; when with the sound of doctrine , wee ioyne the Pomegranates and fruit of an holie life , we then may be said to fulfill our Ministerie . Of Ezra it is said , Ezra 7. 6. that hee was a ready scribe . I may say o● him , that he was a perfect , a compleate scribe ; for verse 10. He set his heart to seeke the law of the Lord , to do it , and ●o ●each Iudgements and Statutes in Israel . To speake of these in seuerall , which yet neuer must be seuered .

1. For fidelitie in dispensation of doctrine it is not possible without this to fulfill the Ministerie .

Acts 20. 2● . That I may fulfill my ministration ; but how ? To testifie the Gospel of the grace of God . Hee that will fulfill his Ministerie , must labour to do that which Paul praied for in the behalfe of the Colossians , Coloss. 1. 9. that their People may be fulfilled with knowledge , when doctrine droppes not as the raine , nor speech stilles not as the dew ? Deut. 32. 2. Christ indeed was dumbe as a sheep before the shearer , Esay 53 , but neuer as a shepheard among his sheepe ; for it was his custome euerie Sabbath to preach the word in the Synagogues , Luke 4. 16.

But yet a man may preach , and dispense the word , and yet in that part not fulfill his Ministerie . How then may a man so preach and take heed therein , as that hee may fulfill his Ministerie ?

A Minister in dispensation of doctrine fulfills his Ministerie , when hee dispenseth the Truth 1 Onely and wholly . 2 Painfully and diligently . 3 Plainly . 4 Profitably . 5 Constantly .

When the word is thus dispensed , there is the Ministerie fulfilled in dispensation .

1. Onely and wholly .

False prophets fulfill none of Gods work , he sets none on worke to tell , and teach lies . Aarons Bells must be golden Bells , not copper ones , nor any other brasen mettall , but pure gold ; Gods pure truth must be dispensed . And as the truth , so the whole truth . Paul testifies his desire to fulfill his Ministery , Acts 20. 14. and therefore in verse 27. he tells them , that he Kept backe nothing , but had shewed them all the counsell of God . And so he fulfilled his Ministerie by making his Ministerie fully knowne , as he speaks to Timothy , 2. Tim. 4. 5. Then doth a man make his Ministerie fully knowne , when in the course of his Ministerie he makes the whole truth of God fully knowne .

2. Painfully and diligently .

The Ministerie is the worke of the Lord , and Cursed is euery one that doth the worke of the Lord negligently . Ierem. 48. 10. A necessitie is laid vpon me , and woe vnto me if I preach not the Gospell , 1. Cor. 9. 16. Be diligent therefore to know the estate of thy flocke , and take heed to the heards , Pro. 27. 23. Take heed to the heards , that is , take heed to the fulfilling of thy Ministerie . But how may that be done ? Be diligent to know the estate of thy flockes , and to let thy flocke know the state of the truth .

This is that which euidences our loue both to the shepheard , and the sheep . To the shepheard . Therefore doth our Sauiour so vrge that vpon Peter , Iohn 21. Peter , louest thou me ? feede my sheepe : Louest thou me , &c. Not onely that his threefold confession , might be equiualent to his threefold deniall , but that his threefold loue might appeare by his threefold diligence in his Ministery , and to require diligence in feeding , as the most sure euidence of louing . Who professes not with Peter , Lord I loue thee ? Make we good then our loue by our labour , Hebr. 6. the labour of your loue . Euerie mans loue is as his labour , litle and no labour argues the same measure of loue . Therefore Loue and Diligence are of one roote in Latin , because loue is diligent .

Surely me thinks we haue cause to blush , and to hang downe our heads for shame in the conscience of our negligence , when we shall consider , not onely Paules prayer , and teares night and day , Acts 20 , but when we shall consider Iaakobs diligence and pains in the attendance of Labans flockes : Genesis 31. 40. In the day time I was consumed with heate , in the night with frost , and my sleepe departed from mine mine eies . Alas , what comparison betweene Christ and Laban ? betweene a churlish maister and a mercifull redeemer ? What comparison betweene the sheepe of Christ and Laban ? Ah vile shame then that Laban should be better serued then Christ , and his sheep better attended then Christs . Is Iaakob thus painefull and carefull in looking to Labans sheepe ? How can wee then excuse our 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Chrysost ad Roman. 15. hom. 29 supine negligence and grosse sluggishnesse , to whom the care and cure of reasonable soules is committed ? If what Iaakob hath done for Labans sheepe moue vs not , please we turne our eies vpon the Great shepheard himselfe Christ Iesus , and see what he hath done for his sheep ? Behold him not onely in the Temple daily , and in the Synagogues teaching euery Sabbath ; but behold him in the Garden , sweating droppes of bloud , and on the Crosse shedding his heart bloud for these sheepe . Ah insufferable sloath , and ingratitude both , that we should make so dainty to shed alittle sweate in loue to him , who in loue to vs shed not sweat , but sweat groanes of bloud . Had he beene so dainty of his bloud , as a number are of their sweat , poore sheepe , poore flockes , what had become of them ?

As to the Shepheard , so it no lesse euidenceth our loue to the Sheep . They may plead , Peter , louest thou vs ? feede vs thy sheepe . But vnto many a Pastour may the flocke speake as Dalilah to Sampson ; How canst thou say thou louest me , when thy heart is not with me ? How is thy heart with me , when neither thy paines nor thy person is with me , but yee your selues set others to take the charge of my Sanctuarie , Ezek. 44. 8. May not that be spoken innocently to many which Eliab spake churlishly to Dauid ? 1. Sam. 17. 28. With whom hast thou left these few sheepe in the wildernesse ? I know thy pride , and the naughtinesse of thine heart , that thou art come downe to seethe battaile . So to many Ministers , Where be those Sheepe ? &c. It may be they are wandering , if not staruing in the wildernesse , while the Shepheard in the naughtinesse of his heart is gone vp to see , and to liue in the City , and vnder the colour of a City Lecture , neglects his countrey pastorall charge . A righteous man is mercifull to his beast . I will not say , what a beast then , but what an vnrighteous man is hee that is not mercifull to his poore flocke , to those poor soules committed to his charge ? Mee thinkes it was an heauy case , and well worth the lamenting which we find , Lament. 4. 4. The little ones asked bread , and no man brake it to them : Indeede it is not lawfull to cast the childrens bread vnto dogges : but what do they better , who though they giue it not to dogges , yet giue it not to the children , are they better then dogges in the maunger ?

Were those compassionate bowells in vs , and that loue to our flocks , which should make vs , with the Apostle , to deale our owne soules to them , would we then hunch at a litle bodily paines ? What dreame we of ease , pleasure , delicacie ? Are these the things we propound to our selues in this holie seruice ? Thou that art thus sparing of thy sweat , what wouldst thou do if Christ should call for thy bloud for his flocks sake ? for so hath Augusline well noted , that immediatly vpon the Tractat. in Ioha● 10. threefold iniunction of feeding , our Sauiour tells him of his martyrdome ; thereby teaching Peter , that he must feede his people , not onelie by preaching of the Gospell , but by the shedding of his bloud . Now wee that dreame of ease and delicacie , &c. what if Christ should call vs to fulfill our testimonie by the sheding of our bloud ? surely , ill would he shedde his bloud for him , that is so loath to shedde alittle sweat for him . How would he go cheerfully to a stake for him , that goes so like a Beare to the stake when he goes to the Pulpit for him ? He would ill abide frying , that so ill abides sweating . He would ill abide the pains of burning , that so ill abides the paines of preaching .

How are the Fathers magnified among vs , and iustly , and yet in the meane time this their practise of frequent , and diligent preaching vilified by vs ? Had they held their people to a monthly stint , & the poore pittance of a quarterly allowance , neuer had their works growne to so faire volumes , nor their names to so great renowne . Chrysostomes * * Yesterday . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . and Bernards * * 〈…〉 Cras , which they haue in so many of their Sermons , argue , if not a daily , yet a diligent , & a frequent preaching ; Why should not this worke of the Fathers be in equall grace with the rest of their workes with vs ? How is it that we grace them , and disgrace their practise ? It is true , it is laborious and painfull thus to attend the Ministerie : But , the labour of your loue , saith the Apostle , Hebr. 6. Where there is this labour of loue , it will make vs loue the labour : loue will make the burden light . Nullo enim modo onerosi August . de ●on● vid●it . sunt labores amantium , sed etiam ipsi delectant , sicut venantium , piscantium , &c. Nam in eo quod amatur , aut non laboratur , aut & labor amatur ; & vide quàm pudendum & dolendum sit , fi delectat labor vt fera capiatur ; I will make bold a little to alter his words : Et non delectat labor vt anima capiatur .

Doth not the Scripture make the Ministerie a calling of that paines , weight , and importance , as that Saint Pauls 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 would make a man dread the entrance ? Now if so slighty & easie a performance will discharge it , as many put it off withall , who then may not easily be sufficient for these things : who may not soone be sufficient to reade prayers , and the Church-seruice , and once in a Moone to bestow a mornings blessing vpon his people ? If this be all , how easily may the Ministerie be fulfilled ? what need such a solemne charge to be giuen to Archippus ?

If then we would fulfill our Ministerie , we should labour to haue that fulfilled of our Sabbaths which Origen speakes of the Sabbaths of his times : In nostro die dominico semper pluit Deus Manna de coelo . Indeed the lewes Manna neuer fell on their Sabbath . What Manna soeuer fall on the weeke day , neuer should the Sabbath passe without these Manna-shoures ; euery Sabbath should haue the first and the latter raine . Giue a portion of this Manna to seuen and to eight . And in the morning sowe thy seed , and in the euening , let not thy hand rest , Eccl. 11. 6.

Why stand ye heere idle all the day long ? Matth. 20. 6. Heere , and all the day long . Heere , where ? In the market place , where they could pleade , Nemo nos conduxit . Is it blame-worthie to be idle in the market place , were none had hired them ? What is it then to be idle in the Vineyard , where both hired , and paied wages ? If a sin to be idle in the market place all the day long , how much more to be idle all the day long , all the Sabbath day long in the Vineyard ?

Farre be it from vs aboue all others , to eate the bread of Idlenesse ; Vpon none more then Ministers must that be verified , In the sweate of thy browes shalt thou eate thy bread . In the sweate of their browes , and their braines too must they eate their bread . But certainely many do so idlely and negligently liue in the ministery , that they may very wel do as that priest did of whom the Waldenses make mention Ex Vssier . de Chr. eccles. stat. in an Apologie of theirs , Qui ex sacerdote factus est agricola ; and his reason was , because he found it written , In the sweate of thy browes shalt thou eate thy bread . Had he so diligently discharged his calling as he ought , hee neuer should haue needed to haue turned husbandman , to haue found sweat , and sawce to his bread . But as happely he , so a number there are , that liue with such drie browes in the Ministery , that drie bread in another calling would yeelde them more comfort and content , then all their fulnesse in the Ministerie , because they make no conscience to fulfill their Ministery .

3. Plainely .

As the word must be dispensed frequently and diligently with respect vnto Peoples Necessities , so also Plainely with respect vnto peoples Capacities ; so as our plaine people may be able to vnderstand vs for matter , and maner of deliuerie . Thus did our Sauiour teach the people , not as he was able to speake , but as they were able to heare , Marke 4. 33. and Iohn 16. 12. as they could heare . So the Pastours after Gods owne heart should feede with knowledge and vnderstanding , Ier. 3. How with knowledge vnlesse with vnderstanding ? & how with vnderstanding vnles they could be vnderstood ? Heere commonly a double errour is committed .

1. Some affect such craggie scholasticall disquisitions , as are fitter for the Chaire then for the Pulpit , as not coming within the short and shallow reach of a popular capacitie .

2. Others , though their matter be lowe enough , yet affect such a soaring sublimitie of phrase , & such a Roman-English , as plaine English men cannot vnderstand . Except yee vtter words which haue signification , how shall it be vnderstood what is spoken ? for ye shall speake in the ayre , 1. Cor. 14. 9. And 19 , I had rather in the Church to speake fiue words with mine vnderstanding , that I might also instruct others , then tenne thousand words in a strange tongue . Our language is now growne so learned , that a man may Clerum in English , and may so speake his owne language , that he may be a barbarian to the men of his own language . It were good therefore that Ministers would all follow that good counsel that Austin took from some learned men in his time , who hauing read ouer his Bookes against the Manichees , Beneuolentissime me monuerunt , vt communem loquendi sermonem non des●●●●e● . H●nc enim sermon●m vsitatum & simplicem etiam d 〈…〉 in●e●ligunt , illum autem ind●cti non in●●lligunt . De G●n 〈◊〉 . Manich. and perceiuing them to be written in so learned a phrase , as the common people could not vnderstand ; They kindly ( saith he ) admonished me , that I would not forsake the common and ordinarie kinde of speech . And he giues a reason why he likes their counsel well . For the common and vsuall phrase of speech learned men vnderstand , but the other vnlearned men vnderstand not . And yet a man may take farre more libertie in writing then in preaching .

Therefore it was that else-where he chose rather to speake barbarously then finely , and to vse the barbarous word ossum , rather then Habeo in abscondito quo ●●●m oss●m . Sic ●ni● . p●t●us loquantur . Mel●us est vt●re p●●●●●dant nos G●●mma●ici , 〈…〉 i●tel●●●ant populi . in p●●l 138. 〈…〉 . Sect. 12. the word Os , because he desired his peoples profit aboue his owne credite . He allowes Os in the Text , and so reades it ; but in his Exposition vseth ossum , as the more intelligible word . His intention was not Rhemish , and Iesuiticall to darken the Text with absolute barbarismes , but to helpe their vnderstandings with a familiar and plain , though not so grammaticall a word .

Ministers must be Nurces , 1. Thess. 2. Nurces are not ashamed , nay they delight in it , to condescend to the balbutient infancie of their nurcelings . Euen in this fence should we become all vnto all , Barbarians vnto Barbarians . Indeed when a man is not to speake to Barbarians , but to learned and intelligent Auditors , I would not then debarre him the libertie of his liberall education . But certainly , when the Iewes shall heare Paul , Acts 22. 2 , to speake in the Hebrew tongue , they will both keepe the more silence , and giue the better audience . It was in iudgement that Christ taught the Pharises in Parables . What difference betweene a darke conueyance , and a darke phrase ? So then preach as that wee may rather make our people schollers , then shew our selues schollers to our people .

4. Profitably .

Paul , in the same place where he testifies his desire to fulfill his Ministerie , instanceth at the first in this particular , Acts 20. 20. I haue kept backe nothing that was profitable . Therefore the Pastours after Gods owne heart , feede not onlie with vnderstanding , but with knowledge . Ierem 3 15. Many may be vnderstood , but what knowledge or profit can be gathered from them ? To feed with vnderstanding onelie , without knowledge , is to feed with an emptie spoone . So Luke 4. 22. They wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of Christs mouth ; not at his eloquent , witty , conceited , picked & affected quaint termes , but at his gracious , sanctified , sauoury , substantiall soliditie . As for that other froath , neyther did our Sauiour affect it , neyther would it haue so affected the people as to haue made them astonied .

The Conuiction of the Conscience , the information of the Vnderstanding , the resolution of the Iudgement , the gaining of the Affections , the redresse of the Life ; these should be our aymes in dispensing of the Word . Now for these trickes and cranckes , this Grammaticall and Rhetoricall descant , these ends of gold and siluer , what help they to this businesse ? See what it is that a Minister should aime at , 1. Corint. 14. 24. 25. If all prophesie , and one comes in that beleeues not , the secrets of his heart are made manifest : Hee will fall downe and say plainly , that God is in you indeed . At this should Ministers aime , to dispense the word in that power , and euidence of Gods Spirit , that mens consciences may ( at least ) be conuinced , that our Ministery is of God . But few aime at this . At this they aime rather , that it may be said ; A fine wit is in them , an eloquent tongue is in them ( things indeed not to be dispised ; ) but in the meane time regard not that it may be said of them , God is in them ; substance , and sauourie soliditie is in them , 1. Corint. 4. 19. I will come to you shortly , and will know , not the speech of them which are puffed vp , but their power ; For the Kingdome of God is not in word , ( no nor in words ) but in power . Now alas , what power haue such Corinthian flashes ? What power haue such Corinthian florishes ? what power hath such paper-shot to beate downe the strong holdes of Sathan ? They were not Trumpets of gold or siluer , but of plaine Rammes hornes that layd flat the high walls of Hierico . Labor so to blow the trumpet of the Ministerie , that we may haue the spirit blow with it . The spirit bloweth where it listeth . It seldom or not at all lists to blow in a painted pipe . Farre be from vs that humour of Cookes , who seeke more for credit in making of puffe-paste , and kicke-shawes , then from dressing wholsome sauourie food . When a man hath bestowed his best paines in that kinde , that may be said of him , which Austin Confess. 1. 14. saith of Homer , that he was dulcissime vanus . Though it be sweet and pleasing to the eare , yet it is but sweet vanitie . What is the life or conscience ere the holier for these knackes ? Giue me leaue to close this point with the two former , with that sauory counsel of that reuerend father B. Babington in Leu. 7. Are you a Minister , called of God to leauen his people with good leauen ? Looke how ye do it , and be painfull ; faithfulnesse will be crowned , when slothfulnesse wil be condemned , and will condemne you ; And submit your selfe to the profit of your people , not hunting after your owne glorie , that you are thus and thus , and so learned , eloquent , profound and so foorth . If your people profit not , because you flie too high a pitch for them , and scorne to lay a foundation of the Catechisme amongst them , you will be found an vnprofitable seruant at the Reckoning day ; one that hath gained nothing to his Lord , but hath hid his talent in the fowle napkin of fruitlesse matter , and idle figures of affected speech . Spoken like a Bishop , spoken like a Father .

5. Constantly .

This crownes all the rest . He fulfilles not his race , who hauing an hundred miles to runne , sits downe at ninety nine : He fulfills not his Ministerie , that giueth it ouer before his daies are fulfilled . Though all the former be done , yet if in this we faile , our Ministerie is vnfulfilled . Therefore Paul ioynes the fulfilling of his Ministerie and his Course together , Acts 20. 24 : and Reu. 11. 7. the two witnesses finished their liues and their testimonies together . Herein many faile and come short of fulfilling their Ministerie , being too too like that Hetrurian Idoll , who whilest he was in the woods in a mean country fashion ,

Crebra dedit quondam populo responsa petenti ;

But when once the people , out of their loue and affection to their Idoll , built him a marble Temple and placed him there ,

Illico diuitijs obmutuit ille repertis . Vrbanus seruus seruorum Dei . Monacho fernent●ssimo , Abbati calido , episcopo lepido , Archiepiscopo remisso . Wrote Pope Vitam to Baldwine sometime Archbishop of Canterburie . ex Vs●ie . de Christ . eccles.

His preferments made him pursie , and he had now done giuing Oracles . How many in their first beginnings are wondrous painfull and industrious , and deserue wel & worthily of the Church of God ; but as yeares , and preferments come vpon them , slacke and abate their former diligence , and seem both to say as those , Zach. 11. 5. Blessed be God , for I am rich ; as if therefore they may be idle , because they are rich ; and that which is worse to do with them : And their owne shepheards pitie them not , and so cast a suspicion vpon themselues , that they made the staires into the Pulpit , to be but steps vnto preferment .

But what is the issue ? Let Experience be witnesse . How many whom God hath filled with the gifts of knowledge and vtterance are againe emptied and depriued of them , because they haue not made conscience in the vse of them , to fulfill their Ministerie ? Zach. 11. 17 , we shall finde a terrible threatning . His arme shall be cleane dryed vp , and his right eie vtterly darkned : Against whom may this threatning be ? O Idoll shepheard that leaueth his flocke ! whether it be in regard of presence , or paines . When men will be Idoll shepheards , hauing gifts and mouthes and speake not , God in his iustice will make them further Idoll like , they shall haue eyes and see not : God will dimme and darken their right eye , yea put it out , and depriue them of that excellent gift of Knowledge , which they haue not cared to imploy in the Churches seruice .

Psal. 137. 5. 6. If I forget Ierusalem , let my right band forget her cunning , yea let my tongue cleaue to the roofe of my mouth , if I preferre not thee to my chiefest ioy . What may be the reason that many a mans right hand hath forgot her cunning ? Because his arme is cleane dried vp : But why is his arme so dried vp , as that his hand hath forgot her cunning ? Surely the Idoll shepheard hath forgotten Ierusalem . Therefore it is that his tongue cleaues to the roofe of his mouth , because his heart cleaueth to this world : and the bent of it is so pitched vpon the prosecution of secular things , the preferments of the world , that Ierusalem is not preferred to his chiefest delight . Therefore cleaueth his tongue to the roofe of his mouth , not onely in regard of negligence , but of insufficiencie ; God hauing a plague no lesse for the Idoll shepheards tongue , then his arme and his eye .

I know indeed there may be a dispensation where age and painfulnesse haue disabled naturall faculties : and I know that the aged Leuite , whose hands begin now to tremble with the often and diligent lifting of the heauie Axe , hath a permission to discharge him the cleauing of the Sacrifices ; yet in the strength and vigour of a mans best gifts and yeares to giue out , this I know not how to excuse . I know some pleade bodily indisposition and weakenesse , but the question is , whether the body or the plea be weakest . Timothy was surely weake , and but a sickely , tuely man ; yet Paul that prescribes him to drinke a little wine , for his stomacks sake , and often infirmities , yet neuer prescribed him but a little preaching . Nay , though a weakely sickely man , yet he charges him before the Iudge of quicke and dead , to preach in season and out of season : strange counsell one would thinke for a weake body .

I deny not but God will haue mercie and not sacrifice , yet take we heed of pretended disabilities , and of making our selues weaker then God hath made vs . What our bodies will beare without a manifest and dangerous iniurie to them , let them beare it in the name of God for the good of many soules . These bodies of ours must perish and be consumed at last , when we haue made the most of them we can . In what more honourable seruice can we spend them then in the seruice of the Church ? For a man to spend his body in the worke of the Ministerie , I hold it the next degree of honour to the crowne of Martyrdome . Yea euen the aged Leuite , though his shaking hands be discharged the seruice of he Axe , yet must not be idle , Num. 8. 26. Attamen seruito fratribus Sic Iunius . suis ; to wit , though he cleaue not the sacrifices , yet let him counsell , aduise , direct and instruct the iunior Leuites in the seruice of the Tabernacle , and so still minister to his brethren . And thus is the Ministerie fulfilled in the fidelitie of dispensation .

The second point and part followes :

The fulfilling of the Ministerie in holy Conuersation . A mans Ministerie standeth not all in preaching , the life of his Ministerie is his life . Hee is but halfe a Minister that preacheth as hee should ; Hee is compleate , and fulfills his Ministerie , that preaches and liues as he should . Though a man should speake with the tongue of men and Angels , and yet in the meane time be an angel of darkenesse , he is but a tinckling Cimball , and a Bell without a Pomegranate . The Scripture complaines of Idoll shepheards . What may an Idoll shepheard be ? He that is like to Idols . How they are described , see Psal. 115. 5 7. Mouthes they haue and speake not , feete they haue and walke not . So then not onely he that hath a mouth and speakes not , but he also that hath a foote and walkes not , is an Idoll shepheard : not onely the dumbe , but also the lame shepheard is Idoll-like . Therefore Theophylacts note is witty , Mat. 5. 2 , Christ opened his mouth & taught the people . He makes a question , whether the first word be not superfluous , or no : for how could Christ teach , but he must open his mouth ? He answers , that these words were not idle , because Christ did sometimes teach and opened not his mouth , viz. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 by his life and miracles ; but now he opened his mouth , and taught them by doctrine .

This , this is that that gaines credit and regard to our Ministerie and persons , euen from our very enemies . For Mar. 6. 20. Herod feared Iohn , knowing that be was an holy and a iust man : Not because he was a great man , or learned , or a powerfull preacher , though these also ; but because an holy and a iust man . Holinesse casts a more dreadfull dazling and sparkling lustre then any other accomplishment whatsoeuer . Herod was greater , but Iohn was holier ; therefore Herod feares Iohn .

The common complaint is that the Ministery is contemptible , & basely accounted of ; I would the complaint were not too true : but may a man be so bold as to inquire into the causes of it ? Among many other , questionlesse , this is none of the least , the vnholy & scandalous liues of some in the Ministerie , from whose personall scandalls the iniudicious multitude concludes the calling it selfe base . The Prophet Malachi points at this , Mal. 2. 8. 9. Therfore I haue made you base and contemptible before all the people . Wherefore ▪ see verse 8. Ye are gone out of the way , yee haue caused many to fall by the Law , yee haue broken the couenant of Leut : which conenant see what it was , ve. 5. 6. for this cause God made them base and contemptible . Let no man despise thy youth , 1. Tim. 4. 12. He sayes not only to the Corinthians of Timotheus , Let no man therefore despise him , 1. Cor. 16 11. but to Timotheus himselfe , Let no man despise thee . Why ? lies our credit in our owne keeping ? is it in our power to keep our selues from contempt ? From iust contempt it is , else should Paul haue said , Let none of the people despise Timothies youth , and not haue giuen this counsell to Timothie . But how must hee preserue him selfe from contempt , but be an example to all that beleeue , in word , in conuersation , in loue , in spirit , in faith , in purenesse ? Because these holy endowments are wanting , hence is it that the Ministery is so contemptible . The more shame for such , and the greater iudgement will it be to such , who by their vnholy liues bring this contempt vpon this calling , and cause the dirt and filth of their vicious courses to be cast in the faces of all . May I not taxe , and take vp a number of dissolute ones in the Ministerie , as Apollonius girds vp the false prophet of the Montanists , Propheta , Euseb. 5. eccl. his . dic quaeso , ludit tesseris , ac tabulis ? Propheta foeneratur ? I may adde many such interrogatories , as , Propheta saltat ? iurat ? bibit ? scortatur ?

I should almost shame to english these things , but that these fellowes are not ashamed of their courses . What ? Prophets , and gamesters ? Prophets , and dicers , dauncers , drunkards , swearers &c. Are these our Propheticall endowments ? Haue wee not the spawne of that cursed crue , Esay 56. 11. 12 , yet liuing amongst vs , who in stead of saying , Come let vs fulfill our Ministery , they say , Come , I will bring wine , and we will fill our selues with strong drinke . If filling of pots , filling of cups and Tabacco pipes , if filling their bellies ; if this were to fulfill the Ministerie , oh how iollily had these discharged their taskes ? These be those bruits that come within compasse of Nehemiah his Memento , Nehem. 13. 29 Remember them ( O Lord ) which defile the priesthood : Yes , yes , God will remember them , though they forget him , yet he will not forget them . God of all things will not brooke the defilement of the priesthood . Num. 12. 1 , we shall find Aaron and Miriam both in the same sin of murmuring against Moses , & yet in the processe of the story , verse 10 , only Miriam is smitten with the leprosy . Both were in the same sin : what was the reason onely Miriam is in the punishment ? Is God partiall ? God forbid . What then might be the reason ? Surely me thinks Chrysostome giues a passing 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hom. 3. ad Coloss . good one , That Aaron was not smitten with the leprosie for the dignity of the priesthood , lest the inflicting of such an vnclean disease on his person , should redound to the dishonor of his office , God did forbeare him . God had a respect to the holines & honor of the priesthood . God would not therefore haue his Priest infected with Leprosie . He that was to iudge of Leprosy in others , and to separate others for the Leprosie , he himselfe was not to be leprous ; and therefore though I find leprous Kings , yet I finde not a leprous priest in all the Scripture .

Now then , hath the Lord our God such a tender regard of the credite and honour of the Priesthood , that for it hee will forbeare the execution of his iustice ; and shall we be so regardlesse therof as to defile it with the filthier leprosie of a profane , vicious and scandalous life ? If Ambrose would not admit one into the Ministery , eò quòd gestus eum dedeceret , because he had but an vncomely gesture of his body ; I make no question , if these nasty Lepers had fallen into his hand , but he would haue put the discipline of the Leper vpon them in separating them from the Congregation . Lu. 14. 34. 3● . Salt is good , but if salt hath lost his sauour , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 if it be infatuated or growne foolish ( a word that suits wel with Zacharies phrase , of a foolish shepheard , Zac. 11. 15 : ) but if it haue lost his sauor , wherewithall shall it be salted ? It is neither meete for the land , nor yet for the dunghill , what then must become of it ? Men cast it out , saith our Sauior . How happy were it for the Church , if that salt which hath lost his sauour , might also lose his place . Men cast it out , that is , foolish & vnsauory Ministers are to be deposed : So Hierome expounds it ; and so was his exposition vrged in the councel of Basil against Pope Eugenius for his deposition from the Papacie .

It is neyther meete for the land , nor yet for the dunghill , what a sorrow then should it doe in the Church ? Is the Church worse then a dunghill ? Is that fit to be in the Church , which is not fit to be on the dunghill ? This is to make the Church worse then a dunghill . Well , howeuer such vnsauourie ones shuffle out in the world , and scape the punishment of vnsauourie salt , yet God will be sure to meete with them one day . Hee hath gall and wormewood for those prophets of Ierusalem , from whom iniquitie is gone forth into all the land , Ierem. 23. 15. It is but iustice , fit that they should be fed with gall and wormewood of Gods vengeance , that haue fedde Gods people with gall and wormwood of their scandalous liues . Be ye holy therefore that do beare the vessels of the Lord . The Lord will be sanctified in all them that draw neare vnto him . In no calling draw men so neare to God as in the Ministery ; let our liues haue proportion with our callings .

And thus we see how we must fulfill our Ministerie , and what we must ayme at therein . Not at the filling of our barnes , of our bellies , of our purses , but at the fulfilling the office of an Euangelist . For such then as walke after this rule , and are carefull to fulfill their Ministerie in the former particulars , go ye on in the name of God , and the blessing of God be vpon your heads ; and howsoeuer ye may haue but little thanke and incouragement from an ingratefull people , yet let the Prophet Esaies comfort be yours , My worke is with my God , Esay 49. 4. To you be it spoken , 1. Pet. 5. 3. 5 , Feed the flocke which depends vpon you . And when the chiefe shepheard shall come , ye shal receiue an incorruptible crowne of glory . What though ye haue many a frump and frowne for your fidelitie , and people be crosse ; yet comfort your selfe against all with the view of this crowne of glory , which the righteous Iudge shall giue you at that day . Happy , yea thrice happy then shall that seruant be , that hath so discharged his pastorall taske , as that he may heare from Christ that comfortable Euge , Well done , good and faithfull seruant ; though in the meane time , and till then , he , and his ouer-great officiousnesse , falsely so supposed , be disgraced with the worlds Apage .

And for such as make no conscience thus to fulfil their Ministery , to them I say , as once that good Father spake to the Councell of Rhemes , Fratres aliam vobis pronuncio synodum : So I to you , Fratres aliam vobis pronuncio visitationem ; I giue you warning of another , and of another gates Visitation , which the great Archbishop of our soules shal hold at the dreadfull day of his appearance . At the which , as Et sireddenda est 〈◊〉 de ●is quae ●●●que gessi 〈…〉 suo , ●e●●uid fi●t de 〈◊〉 quae q●●sque gessit in corpore 〈◊〉 quod est ecclesia ! the same good man speaks , if we must giue an account of those things which we haue done , euery man in his owne body , how much more of those things which we haue done in the body of Christ , which is his Church ! Rub vp therefore your secure and negligent consciences with Iobs meditation , Iob 31. 14. What then shall I doe when God riseth vp , and when he visites , what shall I answer him ? God himselfe will one day come a visiting ; Bethinke your selues what yee will then answer . Must not hee needes bee speechlesse there that hath beene dumbe heere ? Alas , how wilt thou bee able to stand before his dreadfull Tribunall , that shalt be found to stand idle in his Vineyard ? How wilt thou be able to appeare before that glorious and holie God , whose holie Priesthood thou hast defiled with thy vnholy life ? In the feare of God therefore , and in the conscience of that account which must be made , Take heede to the Ministerie which ye haue receiued of the Lord , that ye fulfill it : fulfill it in conscionable Dispensation , in holy Conuersation .

2. The Caueat is vrged by a reason .

Which thou hast receiued of the Lord . Areason indeed which may worke vpon any but such as are without all reason . We receiue our Ministerie by man , but not of man ▪ man admits , but God fits to the worke . It is Gods worke and not mans . And therefore as Iehoshaphat , 2. Chron. 19. 6 , speakes to the Iudges , Take heede what ye do , for ye execute the iudgement , not of man , but of the Lord : So may it be said to Ministers , Take heede what ye do , Take heede to your Ministerie to fulfill it ; for ye haue receiued it of God , and not of man . He of whom we haue receiued our Ministerie , will looke to receiue an account from vs for our Ministerie . Surely the Ministerie is an honorable calling , and so much this reason will imply : It is a calling receiued from God in a more peculiar manner then are others . But as there is a Dignitie , so there is a Duty in it , at which these words looke more then at the Dignitie . How many looke at the Dignitie , and forget the Duty , glorying that they haue receiued their Ministerie from God , but neglecting the fulfilling of it , and the returning of their glory to the glory of God ? To which of the Angells Chrysost. hath God said at any time , I will giue vnto you the Keyes of the kingdome of heauen ? This hee hath said vnto his Ministers , and with our Ministerie we receiue these Keyes from the Lord . Well then may Gods Ministers haue the name of Angells , that haue a prerogatiue aboue Angells . And shall we now that haue receiued such an honourable Ministerie from God , be idle , carelesse and negligent in the fulfilling thereof ? God forbid . If we had receiued our Ministerie but of man , that should betrust vs with such a businesse of weight , would we not be carefull to make good his confidence he had in our fidelitie ? God and not Man hath betrusted vs with this office , therefore for Gods sake be intreated to be faithful in the fulfilling of your Ministerie ; euen for the Lords sake , of whom you haue receiued your honour , your gifts , your calling ; take heed to your Ministery that ye fulfill it .

FINIS .