A03603:149
The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam
The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam: and Gods covenant made with him. Whereunto is added an exhortation, to redeem the time for recovering our losses in the premisses. And also some miscellanies, viz. I. The prayer of faith. II. A preparative to the Lords Supper. III. The character of a sound Christian, in 17. marks. By T.H.The paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam: and Gods covenant made with him. Whereunto is added an exhortation, to redeem the time for recovering our losses in the premisses. And also some miscellanies, viz. I. The prayer of faith. II. A preparative to the Lords Supper. III. The character of a sound Christian, in 17. markes. By T.H.
London: printed by R. Young for R. Young, 1640
THE PATTERN of perfection. › Section 5: §. 5.THE PATERNE of perfection. › Section 5: §. 5.
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.
3. Adam loved himself purely, not with carnal nor sensual love. He loved only that which was good in himself: he loved his excellency, that so he might get more of it, and be fitted by it in the performance of his service. There are six good things belonging to a man; Honour, Life, Chastity, Goods, Good name, Prosperity: now Adam loved these, that he might get more of them, and be fitted the better for Gods service. These two things Adam got by obedience: 1. more ability: 2. more dexterity in the performance of Gods command. Adam loved his honour, that he might receive more honour from others, and be more enabled to perform his duty to them; ⟨p. 99⟩whereas we love good things for naughty ends. The covetous churl loveth his scraping humour, and grows more covetous: we love sin, which we ought to abhor, and we do good oftentimes for bad ends; but Adam loved that which was good in himself, for that good end, to get more of it. Gods people are followers after righteousness: 1More of that (Lord) more chastity and meekness. As the beast that hunts his prey, pursues it still with more and more eagerness, so doth the gracious man follow after righteousness. Adam was patient, &c. but yet he desired more: we love good things well, but many times use them ill when we have them. A man perhaps craves honour ⟨p. 100⟩with moderation, but he lifts up his heart, when he hath gotten it.
3. Adam loved himselfe purely, not with carnall nor sensuall love. He loved onely that which was good in himselfe: he loved his excellency, that so he might get more of it, and be fitted by it in the performance of his service. There are sixe good things belonging to a man; Honour, Life, Chastity, Goods, Good name, Prosperity: now Adam loved these, that hee might get more of them, and be fitted the better for Gods service. These two things Adam got by obedience: 1. more ability: 2. more dexterity in the performance of Gods command. Adam loved his honour, that he might receive more honour from others, and be more enabled to performe his duty to them; ⟨p. 99⟩whereas we love good things for naughty ends. The covetous churle loveth his scraping humour, and growes more covetous: we love sin, which we ought to abhorre, and we doe good oftentimes for bad ends; but Adam loved that which was good in himselfe, for that good end, to get more of it. Gods people are followers after righteousnesse: