A09981:104
A lifeless lifeA liveles life
A lifeless life: or, Mans spiritual death in sin Wherein is both learnedly and profitably handled these four doctrines the spiritual death in sin. The doctrine of humiliation. Mercy to be found in Christ. Continuance in sin, dangerous. Being the substance of several sermons upon Ephes. 2. 1,2,3. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, &c. Whereunto is annexed a profitable sermon at Lincolns Inn, on Gen. XXII. XIV. Delivered by that late faithful preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inn.A liveles life: or, Mans spirituall death in sinne Wherein is both learnedly and profitably handled these foure doctrines the spirituall death in sinne. The doctrine of humiliation. Mercy to be found in Christ. Continuance in sinne, dangerous. Being the substance of severall sermons upon Ephes. 2. 1,2,3. And you hath he quickned, who were dead in trespasses and sins, &c. Whereunto is annexed a profitable sermon at Lincolnes Inne, on Gen. XXII. XIV. Delivered by that late faithful preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes-Inne.
London: printed by I. Beale for Andrew Crooke, 1633
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.
5 The fifth means to do good to the Church,1 is this, Let us do it with continuance: It may be while the news is fresh we will be fervent in prayer; but often the news altereth, and sometimes it happens to be good, and then we leave off: But this must not be; we must be constant in this duty, to the very uttermost end of all; there may be ebbs and flowings, but it is the last issue which brings all: therefore let us continue in this duty of fasting and praying, that we may try that last issue of all. It is the common fashion to make the afflictions of the Church only a wonder of nine days. This was the Jews fault, Jer. 34. 10, 11. When they heard of their enemies, for a while they would pray. But although the news be good, yet still continue as the importunate widow did to the Judge, and your importunity will move God. Set therefore to it, and continue in it; Pray for Jerusalem, let those prosper that love her peace, Psalm. 122. 6. Mourn apart, every family apart: It is not enough to hear this, and to let the ⟨p. 37⟩Ministers voice be to you as one that singeth with a pleasant voice: Thus were the Prophets to the Jews, Ezek. 33. 32. Who heard his words, but did not do them: and therefore God tells them that they shall be destroyed in the judgment. The devil will suffer you to purpose and purpose to do this duty,2 but keeps you from the execution of it, and present practice, which is that only which may do the deed. Consider it therefore, and defer not the present doing of this duty: what can you do better than to deliver Gods Church, and you may do it, although you be poor and despised, yet being Gods Saints, your prayers are in force with God; as in Eccles. 9. 14, 15. the poor man delivered the city by his wisdom; he was poor and despised, yet it was he that delivered it. Others may seem to do much, and stand vaunting on the hatches, but it is the Saints that do it. If there be any consideration of Christ in you, if any love, any grace, any well-wishing to the Church, pray for it: this is that I fear, you will purpose to do it, but will defer it; but, beloved, the doing only God regards. We, when we read how much Alexander, Caesar, and the like, did, we admire them; why we may do more by our prayers, performed in a right manner: if you do it, either the Church shall be delivered, and you shall have comfort;