A09970:481
The golden sceptre held forth to the humble With the Churches dignityThe golden scepter held forth to the humble VVith the Churches dignitie
The golden sceptre held forth to the humble With the Churches dignity by her marriage. And the Churches duty in her carriage. In three treatises. The former delivered in sundry sermons in Cambridge, for the weekly fasts, 1625. The two latter in Lincolns Inn. By the late learned and reverend divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to His Majesty, Mr. of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometime preacher at Lincolns Inn.The golden scepter held forth to the humble VVith the Churches dignitie by her marriage. And the Churches dutie in her carriage. In three treatises. The former delivered in sundry sermons in Cambridge, for the weekely fasts, 1625. The two latter in Lincolnes Inne. By the late learned and reverend divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to His Maiesty, Mr. of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and somtime preacher at Lincolnes Inne.
London: printed by R. Badger for N. Bourne, 1638
THE GOLDEN SCEPTRE. › Doctrine 7THE GOLDEN SCEPTER. › Doctrine 7
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.
If no promise belongs to any but to those that 1turn; then this follows, that if any have provoked the eyes of Gods glory by any sin, let him not think to take up the matter by offering sacrifice, that is, by prayers, and confessions; for God requires this absolutely, Except ye turn, I will not be merciful; do what you will, humble your selves, fast, pray, seek my face, &c. GOD will be satisfied ⟨p. 220⟩with nothing, unless there be a real turning. Therefore let no man say, I have sinned, and I am sorry, and confess it &c. but I am not able to leave it, and yet I hope GOD will pardon me. No, know that stoppage is no payment. God requires all this, humiliation, and these purposes, and an act of turning beside. All is lost labour, unless there be a divorce made from your sins. Well therefore might Daniel say to Nebuchadnezzar, Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquity by showing mercy to the poor Daniel 4. 27. Daniel doth not exhort Nebuchadnezzar, 2to prayer only, &c. (though this is likewise to be done) but to break off his sins by righteousness, that is, whereas he was an oppressor, now he must give alms and take off their burdens, that is, take the contrary course: This is the counsel GOD gives to Joshua, Joshua 7. 8. when he was humbling 3himself and praying, Get thee up, take away the accursed thing from among you, &c. that is, this is not the way to fast, (though this is to be done too) that which I most look after, is taking away the evil that hath provoked me. Though this be a truth acknowledged, yet look into mens hearts, there is a false conceit lurking there, that hearing the word, receiving the Sacrament, &c. is enough to save them. Men would think their estates absolutely bad, if they should perform none of these duties, and wholly neglect them: but if they come to Church, give some alms, &c. then they think that all is well. But know, that except you actually turn from all evil ways, all these performances are in vain.