A01956:1294
The happiness of the church, or, A description of those spiritual prerogatives wherewith Christ…The happines of the church, or, A description of those spirituall prerogatiues vvherewith Christ…
The happiness of the church, or, A description of those spiritual prerogatives wherewith Christ hath endowed her considered in some contemplations upon part of the 12. chapter of the Hebrews : together with certain other meditations and discourses upon other portions of Holy Scriptures, the titles whereof immediately precede the book : being the sum of diverse sermons preached in S. Gregory's London / by Thomas Adams ...The happines of the church, or, A description of those spirituall prerogatiues vvherewith Christ hath endowed her considered in some contemplations vpon part of the 12. chapter of the Hebrewes : together with certain other meditations and discourses vpon other portions of Holy Scriptures, the titles wherof immediately precede the booke : being the summe of diuerse sermons preached in S. Gregories London / by Thomas Adams ...
London: printed by G.P. for John Grismand, 1619London: printed by G.P. for Iohn Grismand, 1619
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. That we think not much of the troublous fires, that are thus sent to wait upon the Gospel. He that gave us that blessed Covenant, meant not that we should stick at these conditions. It is enough to have this Passover though we eat it with sower herbs: to enjoy the Lillie, though among thorns. Let the Jews fret and Devils run mad; and many give ground to these persecutions: yet say we with Peter. nMaster, whether shall we go from thee? thou hast the words of eternal life. He is unworthy of Gods favour, that cannot go away contented with it, unless he may also enjoy the favour of the world. It is enough to have the promise of a Crown, albeit we climb to it by the Cross. The ancient Christians used to have Crucem Coronatam pictured, a Cross with a Crown on the top of it. Tolle crucem, si vis et babere coronam. Their Hieroglyphic taught men to attain the Crown; by bearing the Cross. Though the friends and factors of hell compass us round, yet we have heaven within us, would we have it within us, and without us too? that is only the privilege of glory. Cannot Paul endure the othorns and buffets of Satan? Let him quiet his heart with Gods encouragement. My grace is sufficient for thee. It is enough to have the ppeace of God, which passeth all understanding, though we lack the (ill conditioned) peace of the world. Murmur not that the world denies her wanton solace•, to tickle thee with vain pleasures: thou hast the qjoy of the holy Ghost. God is thy ⟨p. 107⟩portion. Though the lot fall short in earthly means, wealth and worship: yet he is well for a part, that hath God for his portion. Content thy self; this fire must go with the Gospel; and thou art unworthy of the immortal gold of grace, if thou wilt not endure it to be tried in the Fire rYour faith is much more precious then gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire: and shall be found at last to praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.