A01956:263
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. The Commendation follows the calling, Mat. 25. 35. For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink, &c. Christ witnesseth their faith from the effects: they brought forth fruits of mercy. Thus it is evident, that not according to the internal habit of faith and charity, but according to the external acts proceeding from them, is the reward bestowed. Christ before justified them by their faith, apprehending his merits: now he justifies them by testimony (of that faith) arising from their works. The point Christ insists in, is their works of mercy; which are six, visito, poto, cibo, redimo, tego, colligo fratres. Giving them meat, ⟨p. 127⟩drink, harbour, clothing, visitation in sickness, redemption from bondage.
2. The Commendation followes the calling, Mat. 25. 35. For I was hungry, and ye gaue me meate: I was thirsty, and ye gaue mee drinke, &c. Christ witnesseth their faith from the effects: they brought foorth fruits of mercy. Thus it is euident, that not according to the internall habite of faith and charity, but according to the externall acts proceeding from them, is the reward bestowed. Christ before iustified them by their faith, apprehending his merits: now hee iustifies them by testimony (of that faith) arising from their vvorkes. The point Christ insists in, is their workes of mercy; which are sixe, visito, poto, cibo, redimo, tego, colligo fratres. Giuing them meat, ⟨p. 127⟩drinke, harbour, clothing, visitation in sicknesse, redemption from bondage.
Where observe, that the main point Christ will scan at the last, is the point of mercy. Not how wise, nor how learned, nor how just, but how merciful. Ambr. Now if a Scholar standing for preferment, knew directly that one question wherein he should be opposed; he would study a full and ready answer to it. We all know that one and main question wherein Christ vvill examine us, what works of mercy have we done: if we have gotten no demonstration of mercy, we are worthily condemned. Now their mercy is commended, partly in respect of the object, and partly in respect of the act. For the object, it is done to Christ: happy mercy that is done to the Lord Jesus; it shall never pass unrewarded.