A03603:396
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
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 holy Apostle hath pressed the distressed & scattered Jews to the practice of a marvellous heavenly and holy duty, but a marvellous hard one, and that ⟨p. 314⟩indeed which might seem most unseasonable, considering the extreme pursuers that then pursued them beyond strength almost. The duty was this (as it is expressed in the words of the text) Ver. 2. Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into many temptations. Each word carries a weight, and a kind of impossibility to a distressed spirit, and a perplexed heart. He says not, they should find this by proof, and that it would appear in issue, that temptations would bring them forth pleasant fruits of righteousness through the blessing of the Lord; but he bids them account it so before hand, when they felt nothing but vexation. Now this was not to be done alone when they were ⟨p. 315⟩assaulted by troubles, but when they were oppressed with them too; not when they met with miseries, but when they fell into them: now, when he falls into a pit that he is over head and ears in it; he falls into the snare, so that he is entangled in it; and yet then he must count it joy: and further, not when they fall into some temptations, out of wch there were some hope to get out with some speed: but when they fall into many, and yet more, to make the matter wonderful, he wills them not alone to count it some joy, but all joy. When their miseries were so great that more could not be endured, yet there their joy must be so great, that more could not be expressed. A duty wonderful hard, and ⟨p. 316⟩wonderful heavenly! and therefore in verse 4. he adds marvellous sweet and pithy reasons to persuade to so heavenly a task; and they be taken from the incomparable profit that would come thereby: a man should be a gainer by all his losses, and a getter by all his extremities: The trial of their faith would bring forth patience, and let patience have her perfect work, and then they shall be perfect, and entire, and want nothing. For they that have no want may have all joy, if any in the world may.
THE holy Apostle hath pressed the distressed & scattered Jewes to the practice of a marvellous heavenly and holy duty, but a marvellous hard one, and that ⟨p. 314⟩