An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every textAmes, William
Religion
An analyticall exposition of both the Epistles of the Apostle Peter : $b Illustrated by doctrines out of every text
Ames, William
Bible. Peter -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800
2. The people, not to expect from their Ministers vain and light things
which might tickle their eares, but to come to a Sermon as to the Lords
Table, and seeke for spirituall food to feed their soules unto
everlasting life.
Doctrine 5. _Pastors should performe their duties willingly, not by
constraint._
This is gathered from the same verse. Now by constraint is meant that
forcing which proceeds from outward things, whereby a man performes the
part of a Minister in some sort, either to avoid poverty, or disgrace
and infamy, or the censure of others.
_Reason_ 1. Because that which is done by constraint, comes not from
the heart as from an inward principle, nor from the Spirit sanctifying;
and therefore it is not a duty pleasing and acceptable unto God.
2. Because that which comes not from the heart, and is not done
willingly, is done only perfunctorily and for fashion sake, not with
that diligence and care which God requires.
3. Because that which proceeds not from the heart and the deerest
affection of the soule, doth not usually worke upon other mens mindes,
and therefore is not effectuall to the edification of the Church, which
is the end of the Ministery.
_Use._ This should admonish us, to look not only to the understanding,
but also to the disposition of the will and heart in the Ministers of
the Church.
Doctrine 6. _They should do the same of a ready minde, not for lucre._
Now by _lucre_ is meant all kinde of worldly profit, which men acquire
unto themselves, either in doing the thing, or in getting fame, or in
gaining friends, and the like.
_Reason_ 1. Because that which depends upon lucre or some such like end,
must necessarily be applyed thereunto, and this is to corrupt the word
of God, _2 Corinthians 2.17._
2. Because that which depends upon mutable things, that also it selfe
is mutable and inconstant.
3. Because he which seeketh after lucre, is not a Minister of God, but
of Mammon.
_Use._ This may serve to admonish, 1. The Ministers, not to follow
after lucre. 2. The people not to suffer their Ministers to be tempted
by poverty, and so to be the lesse cheerefull and ready in performing
their duty, _Hebrews 13.17._
Doctrine 7. _The affectation of Lordlinesse should be far from Christs
Ministers._
This is gathered from verse 3.
_Reason_ 1. Because they are called to meere service, not to
Lordlinesse.
2. Because Christ himselfe, whose Ministers they are, did purposely
live amongst men as one that serveth, that he might leave an example
unto those that should minister unto others in his name, _Luke 22.27._
3. Because the worke wherein they are imployed, is not subject to the
command and authority of men. For men cannot command religion, but only
perswade unto it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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