A03599:360
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of adoption and trial thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. John 1.12,13. By T.H.The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.
London: printed by T. Badger for P. Stephens and C. Meredith, 1640
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
By Faith synecdochically we are to understand all the graces or virtues which are mainly necessary to set a man in the state of grace; one for all, and this carries the bell away from all the rest; all other graces springing from this as from a fountain. To be in the faith then is to be effectually called to be partaker of the graces and virtues of Jesus Christ. To prove this is by an experimental trial to make enquiry; To examine is a word borrowed from Gold-smiths manner of trial which they use, which is of all other the most accurate, by the touch and test. To prove and examine our selves is a work of the spirit, whereby the soul reflecting and turning into it self, doth exactly ⟨p. 203⟩weigh and consider in what estate it stands. The Commandment is doubled, to betoken the important necessity of the duty enjoined, as which doth most nearly concern a Christian.
By Faith synecdochically we are to understand all the graces or vertues which are mainly necessary to set a man in the state of grace; one for all, and this carries the bell away from all the rest; all other graces springing from this as from a fountaine. To be in the faith then is to bee effectually called to be partaker of the graces and vertues of Iesus Christ. To prove this is by an experimentall tryall to make enquiry; To examine is a word borrowed from Gold-smiths manner of tryall which they use, which is of all other the most accurate, by the touch and test. To prove and examine our selves is a worke of the spirit, whereby the soule reflecting and turning into it selfe, doth exactly ⟨p. 203⟩weigh and consider in what estate it stands. The Commandement is doubled, to betoken the important necessity of the duty injoyned, as which doth most neerely concerne a Christian.
The meaning of the words, if you take them together, may be thus: O ye Corinthians, since you make a question whether Jesus Christ spake in and by me, yea or not, do but (for your conviction in this behalf) take a survey of your own estate, diligently examine your selves, whether ye be truly and effectually come out of the state of nature into the state of grace, yea or no; by this you may come to some certainty touching the undoubted truth of my Ministry.