A09981:54
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.
First, We should not overvalue them. For their beauty, they have none that is true beauty: what beauty have dead men in them? they are dead, let us not regard their seeming beauty. Esteem the poor Saints; for they, though never so mean, are better then those, though never so brave. Grant your civill men be as Lions, (then which no irrational creature is better,) and that your Saints are but as dogs (then which no creature is worser,) yet a living dog is better than a dead Lion. It's a sign of a new life to esteem no carnal excellency: so saith Paul, 2 Cor. 5. 16, 17. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold all things are become new: he, that is, a new creature, will not regard these things, but they will be dead in his account. They account us but dead men, therefore let us account them so also.
First, We should not overvalue them. For their beauty, they have none that is true beauty: what beauty have dead men in them? they are dead, let us not regard their seeming beauty. Esteeme the poore Saints; for they, though never so meane, are better then those, though never so brave. Grant your civill men bee as Lions, (then which no irrationall creature is better,) and that your Saints are but as dogges (then which no creature is worser,) yet a living dogge is better than a dead Lion. It's a signe of a new life to esteeme no carnall excellencie: so saith Paul, 2 Cor. 5. 16, 17. Wherefore henceforth know wee no man after the flesh; yea, though wee have knowne Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know wee him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold all things are become new: hee, that is, a new creature, will not regard these things, but they will bee dead in his account. They account us but dead men, therefore let us account them so also.
Secondly, Make them not your companions.