A09981:314
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.
And why so?1 First, because the Lord knows §1this is the best way to draw forth the practice of ⟨p. 14⟩many graces, and good duties, which otherwise would be without use: As for example; When Jacob had made his brother Esau his enemy by his hasty getting of the blessing, whereas if he had staid the Lords time, he might have had it without any sorrows with it; but because he will have it a wrong way, it is accompanied with many sorrows both in him and Rebecca likewise: Now if the Lord had presently made reconciliation betwixt him and his brother, as he could have done, though he did not, but made it long first, that made Jacob exceeding fruitful; for he being caused to to fly, as his mother counselled him to do, in his necessity became acquainted with the Lord, and knew him better than ever otherwise he should have known him; yea, he knew himself better too, and therefore vowed to give the Lord the tenth of all that he had, and that the Lord should be his God for ever if he would give him food and Clothing, of which he felt the want at that time; and this brought his heart to the Lord: So likewise when Esau came against him at his returning home again; if it at the first it had been told Jacob that his brother had been friends with him, he had never wrestled with the Lord as he did; and so should he have missed of that great blessing which he received in being called Israel. And therefore we se• the Lord by this doth draw many great fruits from them, of which otherwise the Lord should lose the glory, and we the benefit, if it were not so with us. So likewise the ⟨p. 15⟩Angel was sent to Daniel when he began to pray; I but if the message had then been delivered to him, his heart had not been so well moulded in the frame of grace, therefore the Lord lets him alone; though he had given the Angel charge to deliver the message to him, yet till he had done his work, and was made fit for it, the message of their full deliverance was not made known unto him.
And why so?1 First, because the Lord knowes