A03603:412
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.
1. Faith puts wings to a mans desires; or if you will, Faith closing with the Spirit, that puts fire to our petitions, lifts up our prayers, and causeth them to come in unto the Lord, and lay hold upon him▪ hope expects, and desire longs, and the will rests, and makes choice of God, and then holds there, and so all lie at God daily: that is the first.
1. Faith puts wings to a mans desires; or if you will, Faith closing with the Spirit, that puts fire to our petitions, lifts up our prayers, and causeth them to come in unto the Lord, and lay hold upon him▪ hope expects, and desire longs, and the will rests, and makes choyce of God, and then holds there, and so all lie at God dayly: that is the first.
2. It will not leave God until it see his power and wisdom, faithfulness and mercy go forth, to the accomplishment of that that ⟨p. 330⟩hath been desired; faith follows the blow home, and rests not until it see the wisdom of God contriving, and his faithfulness and power effecting the thing craved; jogs the everlasting arm of Gods power, and providence, and mercy to work forth good of such whose necessities are pitied; jogs the everlasting displeasure, and just indignation of the Lord, and follows it home to the heads and hearts of the enemies of Christ, whose ruin is desired. Faith goes not to means first, but goes to God, that he may work with means, without means, above means, against means. Faith will not neglect means, but faith goes to God to provide means, and to go out with them, and to give a ⟨p. 331⟩blessing to them. It befalleth a faithful man in this case, as it doth sometimes a poor tenant oppressed by the injury and cruelty of the steward; he repairs to the Nobleman himself, entreats so much favour from him, that he would enjoin his steward to deal equally and justly with him: the honourable personage easily grants so equal a request, and therefore bids him tell his steward, It is his mind, that he should deal favourably with him: the poor man replies, Alas Sir, he will not pass for my speech, nor respect my words; I beseech you let me have but two words in writing, or a token from you, and then I am persuaded he will not dare but do your command; and when