A09403:128
Hepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equity and moderation. Delivered publicly in lecturesHepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equitie and moderation. Deliuered publikely in lectures
Hepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equity and moderation. Delivered publicly in lectures by M. W. Perkins, and now published by the consent of his assigns in Cambridge by a preacher of the wordHepieíkeia: or, a treatise of Christian equitie and moderation. Deliuered publikely in lectures by M. W. Perkins, and now published by the consent of his assignes in Cambridge by a preacher of the word
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1604Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1604
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.
Thus then we see the marvellous mercy of God: wicked men are his sworn enemies, for sin is that which offends him above all things in the world, yet so great is his mercy, and so large is his moderation, that even his enemies taste of it every day and hour.
Thus then we see the marueilous mercy of God: wicked men are his sworne enemies, for sinne is that which offends him aboue all things in the world, yet so great is his mercy, and so large is his moderation, that euen his enemies tast of it euery day and houre.
Thus much of Gods Equity and moderation to all men.
Thus much of Gods Equitie and moderation to all men.
Now secondly, this moderate & mild dealing of the Lord, is more special to his Church and children: and that also shows it ⟨p. 77⟩self in two actions. First of all, Justice requireth that every man should pay his debt: & common reason tells us, that words & promises cannot pass for payment, but due debt must be satisfied. Now every Christian man is in a great debt to God: that debt is obedience to his law, for Christ came to save us from the rigour of the law, not to free us from obedience to it: but how do we pay that debt? even as he doth, who oweth ten thousand pounds, and craveth to pay it by a penny a year, for so we owing perfect obedience in thought, word, and deed, and also purity of nature, the root of all: we (I mean the best & holiest men of all) have nothing to tender to God, but a few good desires and groans of the heart, and a silly poor endeavour: all which is unto that which the law requireth, like unto one penny to ten thousand pound. Yet behold the mercy of God and his compassion to his children: these our desires, and that our endeavour coming from the truth of our hearts, doth he accept for perfect payment, and that man who hath an heart fearing God, and a care and desire to please god