A09950:184
The Breastplate of Faith and Love
The breast-plate of faith and love. A treatise, wherein the ground and exercise of faith and love, as they are set upon Christ their object, and as they are expressed in good works, is explained. / Delivered in 18 sermons upon three several texts, by the late faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, Master of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns Inn.The breast-plate of faith and love. A treatise, wherein the ground and exercise of faith and love, as they are set upon Christ their object, and as they are expressed in good workes, is explained. / Delivered in 18 sermons upon three severall texts, by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Iesus Christ, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiesty, Master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne.
London: printed by W. Jones for Nicolas Bourne, 1630London: printed by W. Iones for Nicolas Bourne, 1630
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.
One is, when a man looks upon these things, as upon things that make him fit, which if he have, he thinks GOD will respect him; and if he have not, he thinks that GOD will not look after him. If thy complaint be thus, it is sinful; for in this thou seekest something in thy self.
One is, when a man lookes vpon these things, as vpon things that make him fit, which if he haue, he thinkes GOD will respect him; and if he haue not, he thinkes that GOD will not looke after him. If thy complaint be thus, it is sinfull; for in this thou seekest something in thy selfe.
But if a mans complaint be this, that he is not yet awaked enough, that he is not yet sensible enough of his sins, the doctrine of the remission of his sins, and free Justification doth not affect him as it should. Indeed, here is just cause of complaint; for these things are necessary before you can come to take CHRIST. Therefore that place in Mat. 10.11. will explain this, and answer an objection that may be made against it, when the Apostles were sent out to preach the Gospel, when they came to any house, they were bidden to Enquire who were worthy; If any man be worthy (saith CHRIST) your peace shall come upon him: but if he be not worthy, shake off the dust, &c. A man would think by this that there were some worthiness required in the party that comes to CHRIST, and that before he can apply the first promise of Justification.
But if a mans complaint be this, that he is not yet awaked enough, that he is not yet sensible enough of his sinnes, the doctrine of the remission of his sinnes, and free Justification doth not affect him as it should. Indeed, here is iust cause of complaint; for these things are necessary before you can come to take CHRIST. Therefore that place in Mat. 10.11. will explaine this, and answer an objection that may be made against it, when the Apostles were sent out to preach the Gospell, when they came to any house, they were bidden to Enquire who were worthy; If any man be worthy (saith CHRIST) your peace shall come vpon him: but if he be not worthy, shake off the dust, &c. A man would thinke by this that there were some worthinesse required in the partie that comes to CHRIST, and that before hee can apply the first promise of Justification.