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Sermons on several subjects and occasions [ed. by E. Browne].
Sermons on several subjects and occasions - ed. by E. Browne Author:John Browne Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: DISCOURSE III. THE DUTY OF PEOPLE TO THEIR MINISTER. Ist Thessalonians, v. 12, 13. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you, and ... more »are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. We stated to you on a former occasion, the duties of the ministerial or pastoral office, together with the encouragements to the faithful discharge of them. A minister or pastor, is called to preach fully and fairly, the whole will of God for the instruction and salvation of men—regularly to administer the ordinances of religion, in order that they may be reverently observed by the people—to maintain the discipline of thechurch with prudent and equitable regard to persons and circumstances, and with the view of preserving order, peace, and purity—to promote concord and kind affection among his flock—(o administer the counsels and consolations of religion to the sick and suffering, to the perplexed mind and disquieted conscience—to exemplify in his person and conduct every virtue which he recommends to others; and, if need be, to honour the Christian cause by an heroic death. He becomes by these offices, the teacher, the shepherd, the overseer, the guide, the physician, the helper, and the comforter of the people committed to his charge—no light business for any man, whatever vain pretenders may sa5r, but an awful and solemn concern, requiring grace, wisdom, prudence, learning, faith, courage, and patience, in the; person who exr ercises it. , . We stated also the high encouragements to the faithful discharge of the duties of the ministerial or pastoral office. A good pastor " saves himself and those who hear him." He enjoys even a present reward in the conscious delight of contributing tpthe best and dearest inte...« less