A01956:1737
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.
The subtle foxes, Jesuits and Fryers dissuade kings from coveting wealth, because of their power to command ⟨p. 254⟩all: and Great men, because it will make them envied and hunted after for their trappings. Country men it will not become they say: and all the rest, that it will hinder their journey to heaven. So in conclusion they drive all away, and get the whole world for their master Pope, and themselves. But at last these foxes are caught in their own noose: for the devil finds them so wrapped & hampered in these ornaments, and their hearts so besotted on money and riches, that he carries them with as much ease to hell, as the chariot drew Pharaoh into the red sea.
The subtle foxes, Iesuites and Fryers diswade kings from coueting wealth, because of their power to command ⟨p. 254⟩all: and Great men, because it will make them enuied and hunted after for their trappings. Countrey men it will not become they say: and all the rest, that it will hinder their iourney to heauen. So in conclusion they driue all away, and get the whole world for their master Pope, and themselues. But at last these foxes are caught in their owne noose: for the deuill finds them so wrapp'd & hamperd in these ornaments, and their hearts so besotted on money and riches, that he carries them with as much ease to hell, as the charriot drew Pharaoh into the red sea.
For us beloved, we teach you not to cast away the bag, but covetousnesse. Non facultatem, sed cupiditatem reprehendimus. We bid you use the world, but enjoy the Lord. And if you have wealth imake you friends with your riches: that they (so made friends by your charity) may receive (and make way for) you into everlasting habitations. It is not your Riches of this world, but your riches of grace, that shall do your souls good. Not my wealth, nor my blood, but my Christianity makes me noble: quoth that noble Martyr Romanus. And though the Philosopher merrily, when he was asked whether were better, wisdom or Riches, answered, Riches: for I have often, said he seen poor wise men at rich fools doors; but never rich fools at poor wise mens doors. Yet wealth may be joined with wisdom, goodness with greatness. Mary and Martha may be sisters: righteousness and riches may dwell together.