What makes a worthy minister of the Gospel? We know that only God can make a minister, but what characteristics should a minister and his ministry demonstrate in the eyes of the church? Jackson's work focuses on his exposition of the stones in the High Priest’s breastplate, as it is set down by Moses in Exodus 28:17-20, and the overlapping passage of Revelation 21:19-20 which concerns the stones seen in the walls of the New Jerusalem written by the Apostle John. Both the ministry of God’s servants in the Old Testament and New Testament have certain qualities represented in these stones. Jackson keenly explains these passages to demonstrate that ministers labor after the rich endowments and virtuous habits of grace, which they receive by co-working with God, and they do this by frequent repeated acts of prayer and preaching, to introduce such grace into their own soul and the souls of others by the power of God. The stones (sardius, topaz, emerald, carbuncle, sapphire, diamond, ligure, achate, amethyst, beryll, onyx, and jasper) show in each of their distinct respects, how a minister is to be worthy of the office of a servant, a comfort to the people, a light or fire in preaching the word, a chaste and holy man, one with a mind set on heaven, and the ability to bring the people "up to God" in preaching and prayer, and much more. In Jackson's explanation of each stone, he demonstrates the office and disposition of every true minister of the Gospel, as well as the description of their work, in "the virtue" of the stones and the meaning behind "the color" of each stone. This work is not a scan or facsimile, has been carefully transcribed by hand being made easy to read in modern English, and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

John Jackson (1600-1648) was a Westminster Puritan divine with a hearty theological intellect, and tender pastoral understanding. What makes a worthy minister of the Gospel? We know that only God can make a minister, but what characteristics should a minister and his ministry demonstrate in the eyes of the church? Jackson's work focuses on his exposition of the stones in the High Priest's breastplate, as it is set down by Moses in Exodus 28:17-20, and the overlapping passage of Revelation 21:19-20 which concerns the stones seen in the walls of the New Jerusalem written by the Apostle John. Both the ministry of God's servants in the Old Testament and New Testament have certain qualities represented in these stones. Jackson keenly explains these passages to demonstrate that ministers labor after the rich endowments and virtuous habits of grace, which they receive by coworking with God, and they do this by frequent repeated acts of prayer and preaching, to introduce such grace into their own soul and the souls of others by the power of God.The stones (sardius, topaz, emerald, carbuncle, sapphire, diamond, ligure, achate, amethyst, beryll, onyx, and jasper) show in each of their distinct respects, how a minister is to be worthy of the office of a servant, a comfort to the people, a light or fire in preaching the word, a chaste and holy man, one with a mind set on heaven, and the ability to bring the people "up to God" in preaching and prayer, and much more. In Jackson's explanation of each stone, he demonstrates the office and disposition of every true minister of the Gospel, as well as the description of their work, in "the virtue" of the stones and the meaning behind "the color" of each stone.

Christ is such an inexhaustible fountain that sinners cannot ever out desire His mercies. He is an overflowing fountain of infinite mercy and comfort. All other temporal mercies find their eternal significance in him. Nothing will delight the sincere believer, or be enjoyed, if such believers do not in some way partake of His comfort, and His tenderness. They must tap into Christ’s virtue. How will they do this? Durant’s discourse explores the sweetness of Christ's relationship with weak believers, addressing various aspects of this theme. He shows the fallacy of Satan to keep souls from Christ; and the sweetness of Christ to those in His service. His work is taken from Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” The structure of the discourse includes the dependence of the words, their division, and the doctrines derived from them. His main doctrine, is that central teaching presented, emphasizes Christ's sweetness in His dealings with weak members. Most Christians will not admit they are weak. And the idea of the word “weak” seems to be negative. But Durant’s work reaches to all Christians. He shows that Christ's carriage, and the sweetness of that carriage, is demonstrated in not casting off weak believers, but that He preserves their weak graces, strengthens them, bears with their infirmities, not burdening them with tasks they can't handle, and accepts their efforts despite failings. These reasons are drawn from God the Father's commission to Christ, the truth of the inherent weakness in believers, and Christ's intention to build them up as his lambs. The discourse concludes with applications for information, lamentation, reproof, comfort, encouragement, imitation, and exhortation.

This treatise on 2 Peter 1:11 is a puritan gem. Drawing from the rich well of Scripture, Janeway emphasizes the vital role of God's Word in providing comfort, conviction, and guidance for those engaged in the earnest service of Christ. He directs readers to deepen their relationship with the Lord, relying on His promises and grace as a source of encouragement. Janeway rightly explains the nature of Christian service as a joyful privilege and presents practical ways to find encouragement amidst the challenges and trials that believers face. Recognizing the inevitable trials and obstacles encountered in Christian service, Janeway teaches readers to embrace a biblical perspective on suffering, seek solace through prayer and dependence on God, and find comfort in the fellowship and support of fellow believers. In all this Janeway points believers to the enduring hope found in Christ. He reminds us that our service is not in vain and that our present struggles are temporary compared to the eternal rewards and glory that await us. By anchoring our hearts in this eternal hope, we as believers can persevere and thrive in our commitment to Christ's service. Discover the power of encouragement and embark on a transformative journey in the service of Christ through this work.

How hard is it to encourage the people of God toward biblical Reformation and actually see it occur? Is there room for a new Reformation today? What should Christians think concerning revival today and reforming in the power of the Gospel? Could there actually be a present day “biblical reformation”? In the first part of the work, beginning with Leviticus 26:23-24, McMahon demonstrates that Reformation ought not to be gradual, but immediate. Gospel truth dictates spiritual action and God requires his church to be reformed by him through the power of the transforming word of God. In the second part, Anthony Burgess explains Judges 6. From this text he demonstrates both individual devotion and meaningful reform within the church. Set in an era marked by deep religious and societal shifts, Burgess's work stands out as a powerful request for spiritual reformation. He pushes believers to move beyond mere routine practices and emphasizes a genuine holiness that combines belief with action. He draws attention to the current importance of a swift reform, highlighting the risks of inaction and secular distractions. Reformation in this way, he says, should be immediate. He meticulously details the qualities vital for real reformation, acting both as a tender minister and a biblical critic against those who reject reform in the church. He spotlights the importance of understanding, passion, authenticity, humility, courage, and wisdom while also warning against the pitfalls of shallow faith. This work isn't just a historical or theological study; it serves as a biblical guide for those yearning for spiritual growth and reform before the eyes of King Jesus.

How hard is it to Reform people? This is obviously the work of God. But how hard is it to take the people of God toward biblical Reformation? The answer is that there are many difficulties to hurdle, but there are encouragements to doing this for the glory of God. Burgess, a master exegete, teaches from Mark 1:2-3, “As it is written in the Prophets, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make thy paths straight.” He answers questions like, Are we reformed enough? Is God content for us to be sanctified just enough? What can church members and pastors do to promote true biblical reform in their congregations? This second edition is not a scan or facsimile, has been updated in modern English for easy reading and has an active table of contents for electronic versions.

This volume is a compilation of six of Preston’s smaller treatises and sermons. His first treatise concerns the doctrine of irresistible grace as a cornerstone to Christian assurance. All the letters of TULIP stand or fall together, regardless of how inconsistent some might be in understanding those five points of the doctrines of grace. In this treatise, John Preston takes to task the false teachings of the heretic James Arminius, and demonstrates the error that people can hold themselves in God’s grace, or they can work to an end of salvation in their own strength. Biblical grace is irresistible. In his sermon on The Pillar and Ground of the Truth, from 1 Timothy 3:15, he shows the role of the church as the truth, and its stance as a pillar by the grace of God. The Church is described as God’s flock and the pillar of truth, requiring diligent care by ministers and adherence to God’s laws and His prescriptions by members. In his sermon on Isaiah 64:4, A Sensible Demonstration of the Deity, he tackles the wonderful doctrine of God’s existence, coupled with eyeing creation and providence correctly. Preston emphasizes the importance of relying on the Creator, and having foresight and discernment in recognizing and addressing impending dangers surrounding life’s circumstances, knowing full well that God governs all things. In his sermon on Ephesians 5:15, Exact Walking, “Take heed that you walk therefore circumspectly (or exactly) not as fools, but as wise,” Preston emphasizes the importance of walking with God with exactness as a manifestation of true biblical wisdom. In Preston’s sermon on 1 Sam. 12:20-22, Samuel’s Support for Sorrowful Sinners, he emphasizes the importance of immediate repentance and returning to God after committing sin. He argues that delaying repentance allows sin to harden the heart further and exposes individuals to more sins. In his sermon on The New Life, Preston explains 1 John 5:12, where the essence of life in Jesus Christ is explored in contrast to spiritual death. He emphasizes that the quality of one’s life is determined by their desires and actions in Christ, drawing parallels between a life of sin and one of grace; those in Christ, and those outside of Christ.

This book assesses the effectiveness of the sermon as a key means of transmitting religious ideas.

Nalton takes his text from Jer. 13:27, “I have seen your adulteries and your neighings, the lewdness of your whoredom, and your abominations on the hills in the fields: Woe unto you, O Jerusalem, will you not be made clean? When shall it once be?” This exhortation was written and preached to urge and promote the work of reformation for those who profess to be covenanters and need God’s help in making the work of Christ in biblical reform a reality. He covers three important doctrines: Doctrine 1: God pays precise and special attention to all the sins and abominations of a people in covenant with Him. Doctrine 2: These sins and abominations provoke Him to express His anger in terrifying threats. Doctrine 3: Those terrifying threats pronounced against a people call for immediate repentance and reformation. After covering these main parts to the treatise, he asks, but how, or by what means may the work of reformation be carried on, both in public and private, in Church and State, in our hearts and houses? He answers this with various motives and helps in the means which God has blessed his people. To be humbled for previous failures, to reflect on our vows to God, to be more involved in reformation in our church and family, to focus on unity for the cause of God and the Gospel, and to cultivate a heart ignited with a burning love for Christ and a passionate zeal for His honor and the advancement of the work of Reformation. Annexed to this work is a sermon by Richard Greenham (1531-1594) called Sweet Comfort for an Afflicted Conscience on Proverbs 18:14.