A01956:470
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 other have a little desire to serve GOD, but they would have no witnesses at all. They depend upon some great man, that will be angry with it. And these would fain have God take notice of their devotion, and no body else. So Nicodemus stole to Christ by night: and many a Papists servant would come to Church, if he were sure his Master might not know of it. For he fears more to be turned out of his service, then out of Gods service. To these Christ, Luke 12. Be not afraid of them that can kill 1the body, and no more; but fear him that hath power to cast into hell; yea I say unto you, fear him. A man may better lose his Landlords favour, then the Lords favour: his Farm on earth, then his manor or mansion in heaven.
The other haue a little desire to serue GOD, but they would haue no witnesses at all. They depend vpon some great man, that will be angry with it. And these would faine haue God take notice of their deuotion, and no body else. So Nichodemus stole to Christ by night: and many a Papists seruant would come to Church, if hee were sure his Master might not know of it. For hee feares more to be turned out of his seruice, then out of Gods seruice. To these Christ, Luke 12. Be not afraid of them that can kill 1the body, and no more; but feare him that hath power to cast into hell; yea I say vnto you, feare him. A man may better lose his Landlords fauour, then the Lords fauour: his Farme on earth, then his manor or mansion in heauen.
David was neither of these. His thankfulness shall not be hidden timore minantium; nor yet will he manifest it amore laudantium. Neither for fear of Commanders, nor for love of commenders. He is neither Timidus, nor Tumidus: not fearful of frowns, nor luxurious of praises: but only desires to manifest the integrity of his conscience in the sight of God. It is the manner of the godly, not only to ruminate in their minds Gods mercies, but to divulge them to the bettering of others. When we yield thus to the world a testimony of our faith, & thankfulness in Gods public honour; we provoke others to hearken to religion, and inflame their hearts with a fervent desire to partake the like mercies. The fame of Alexander gave heart to Julius Caesar, to be the more noble warrior. The freedom of our devotion gives an edge to others.