A01956:966
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.
Joseph had a coat reaching down to his feet: our religion must be such a garment, neither too scant to cover, nor too short to continue ad ultimum, to the last day of our temporary breath. eBe thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life: this crown is promised to a good beginning, but performed to a good ending. Strive to fcomprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height. If we can comprehend with the Saints, not only the height of hope, ⟨p. 424⟩the depth of faith, the breadth of charity, but also the length of continuance, we are blessed for ever. Even the tired horse, when he comes near home, mends his pace: be good always, without weariness; but best at last: that the nearer thou comest to the end of thy days, the nearer thou mayest be to the end of thy hopes, the salvation of thy soule. Omnis coelestis Curia nos expectat, desideremus eam quanto possumus desiderio. The whole Court of 3heaven waits for us, let us long for that blessed society with a hearty affection. The Saints look for our coming, desiring to have the number of the elect fulfilled: the Angels blush when they see us stumble, grieve when we fall, clap their wings with joy when we go cheerfully forward: our Saviour Christ stands on the battlements of heaven, and with the hand of help and comfort wafteth us to him. When a noble Soldier in a foreign Land hath achieved brave designs, won honourable victories, subdued dangerous adversaries; and with worthy Chivalry hath renowned his King and Country: home he comes, the King sends for him to Court, and there in open audience of his Noble Courtiers, gives him words of grace, commendeth and (which is rarely more) rewardeth his Valour, heaps dignities, preferments, and places of honour on him. So shall Christ at the last day, to all those Soldiers that have valiantly combated and conquered his enemies; in the sight of heaven and earth, audience of men and Angels, give victorious wreathes, crowns and garlands, glong white robes, to witness their innocency, and Palms in their hands, to express their victory: and finally he shall give them a glorious kingdom to enjoy for ever and ever.