The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

Other (who it may be) will be thankful for such public blessings as are bestowed on that Church and Common-wealth,¹ whereof they themselves are members, never hearken after, nor care to hear of such as a• bestowed on the Churches of God in other Countries or if they do hear of them, very little (if at all) are they affected therewith. Much less are they affected with an• ⟨p. 417⟩blessings bestowed on private Christians, who are not of their kindred, alliance, acquaintance, with the like. This also showeth that they have no fellow-feeling of the good of the mystical body of Christ, or of the several members thereof; which might make them fear that they themselves are scarce sound members of that body: if they were, there would assuredly be some sympathy betwixt themselves and other members, some mutual compassion, and fellow-feeling: they would rejoice with them that rejoice. Nay further, these show (which is worse) what little zeal they have of Gods glory: for to take notice of Gods mercies on others, as well as on our selves, to talk of them, to be thankful for them, doth much amplify the glory of Gods works: it maketh them to be more famous. How many more the persons be that praise God for any blessings, so much greater glory redoundeth to Gods name: therefore^a David oft stirs up others besides himself to praise God for favours bestowed on himself.

Other (who it may be) will be thankefull for such publike blessings as are bestowed on that Church and Common-wealth,¹ whereof they themselues are members, neuer hearken after, nor care to heare of such as a• bestowed on the Churches of God in other Countries or if they doe heare of them, very little (if at all) are they affected therewith. Much lesse are they affected with an• ⟨p. 417⟩blessings bestowed on priuate Christians, who are not of their kindred, alliance, acquaintance, with the like. This also sheweth that they haue no fellow-feeling of the good of the mysticall body of Christ, or of the seuerall members thereof; which might make them feare that they themselues are scarce sound members of that body: if they were, there would assuredly be some sympathy betwixt themselues and other members, some mutual compassion, and fellow-feeling: they would reioyce with them that reioice. Nay further, these shew (which is worse) what little zeale they haue of Gods glory: for to take notice of Gods mercies on others, as well as on our selues, to talke of them, to be thankefull for them, doth much amplifie the glory of Gods workes: it maketh them to be more famous. How many more the persons bee that praise God for any blessings, so much greater glory redoundeth to Gods name: therefore