A01956:1969
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.
And yet after this full assurance there may be some fear: it is not the commendation of this certainty to be void of doubting. The wealthiest Saints have suspected their poverty: and the richest in grace are yet poorest in spirit. As it is seen in rich misers; they possess much, yet esteem it little in respect of what they desire: for Plenitudo opum non implet hiatum mentis: the fullness of riches cannot answer the insatiable affection. Whence it comes to pass, that they have restless thoughts, and vexing cares for that they have not, not caring for that they have. So many good men, rich in the graces of Gods spirit, are so desirous of more, that they regard not what they enjoy, but what they desire: complaining often that they have no grace, no love, no life. God doth sometimes from the best mens eyes hide that saving goodness, that is in their hearts.
And yet after this full assurance there may bee some feare: it is not the commendation of this certainty to bee void of doubting. The wealthiest Saints haue suspected their pouertie: and the richest in grace are yet poorest in spirit. As it is seene in rich misers; they possesse much, yet esteeme it little in respect of what they desire: for Plenitudo opum non implet hiatum mentis: the fulnesse of riches cannot answere the insatiable affection. Whence it comes to passe, that they haue restlesse thoughts, and vexing cares for that they haue not, not caring for that they haue. So many good men, rich in the graces of Gods spirit, are so desirous of more, that they regard not what they enioy, but what they desire: complaining often that they haue no grace, no loue, no life. God doth sometimes from the best mens eyes hide that sauing goodnesse, that is in their hearts.
1. To extend their desires, and sharpen their affection. By this means he puts a hunger into their hearts after righteousness; whereas a sensible fullness might take away their stomachs. Deferred comforts quicken the appetite.
1. To extend their desires, and sharpen their affection. By this meanes he puts a hunger into their hearts after righteousnes; whereas a sensible fulnes might take away their stomaches. Deferred comforts quicken the appetite.