A09997:305
Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in…Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in…
Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inn Containing three excellent treatises, namely, Judas's repentance. The saints spiritual strength. Pauls conversion.Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes-Inne Containing three excellent treatises, namely, Iudas's repentance. The saints spirituall strength. Pauls conversion.
London: printed by John Beale for Andrew Crooke, 1634
THE SAINTS SPIRITUAL STRENGTH.THE SAINTS SPIRITVALL STRENGTH.
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.
as for example, the fire and water are excellent creatures if they keep to their rule, but if they exceed their rule, then they become hurtful: So the rule of the soul is the inward man, that he grow in grace and holiness, and the closer you keep to this, the more excellent you are: therefore that you may keep your excellency, which you cannot do, except you strengthen the inward man, let this move you to do it.
as for example, the fire and water are excellent creatures if they keepe to their rule, but if they exceed their rule, then they become hurtfull: So the rule of the soule is the inward man, that he grow in grace and holinesse, and the closer you keepe to this, the more excellent you are: therefore that you may keepe your excellency, which you cannot doe, except you strengthen the inward man, let this moove you to doe it.
In the third place, this may serve for direction 1for you may say unto me you have showed us what this inward man is, and the differences betwixt the inward strength, and the outward strength and you have also laid down motives to move us to strengthen the inward man, but alas, how shall we strengthen the inward man: ⟨p. 106⟩what means shall we use to do so? To help you in this work I will lay down some means by the use of which you may be strengthened: but before I come unto the particulars, it will not be amiss to stand upon the general, and a little to persuade you, but to desire to be strong; for if you could but bring your hearts unto this, but to desire to be strengthened, it will be a great means to move you to prevail against whatsoever may seem to hinder you from it; I say, if you did but desire it: if you did but know the excellency of the inward man, it would work a holy desire in you, and a true desire will let no means escape, that may further it. This is the same means that Christ uses unto his Disciples, when he would have them in love with Faith, if you had Faith, yea, but as much Faith as this grain of Mustard seed, you should be able to remove mountains: if you did but know the excellency of this Grace of Faith, you would desire it, and if you did but desire it, you would never rest till you get it: so if you did but prize grace, and the inward man at a high rate you should be sure to have him: you know the promise,