A01956:1975
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.
2. Of Reprehension to others, that say they are sure of the purchase, before they ever gave earnest of the bargain. Presumption is to be avoided so well as despair. For as none more complain that they want this assurance, then they that have it: so none more boast of it then they that have it not. The fond hypocrite takes his own presumption for this assurance: he lives after the flesh, yet brags of the Spirit. This false opinion ariseth partly from his own conceit, partly from Satan's deceit.
2. Of Reprehension to others, that say they are sure of the purchase, before they euer gaue earnest of the bargaine. Presumption is to be auoided so well as despaire. For as none more complaine that they want this assurance, then they that haue it: so none more boast of it then they that haue it not. The fond hypocrite takes his owne presumption for this assurance: he liues after the flesh, yet brags of the Spirit. This false opinion ariseth partly from his owne conceite, partly from Satans deceite.
1. From his own Conceit: he dreams of the Spirit, and takes it granted that it ever rests within him: but when his soul awakes, he finds there no such manner of guest; the holy Spirit never lodged there. aThere is a generation that are pure in their own eyes: yet are not washed from their filthiness. These pure people so vaunt the• assurance of salvation; that they will scarce change places in heaven with St. Peter, or St. Paul without boot. The infallible mark of distinction which the Apostle sets on the Sons of God, is this: they are led by the Spirit. Rom. 8. bSo many as are led by the Spirit of God, […] sons of God. The holy Ghost is their God, and their guide• and this Spirit