A11850:13
Christs counsel to his languishing church of SardisChrists counsell to his languishing church of Sardis
Christs counsel to his languishing church of Sardis. Or, The dying or decaying Christian, with the means and helps of his recovery and strengthening. By Obadiah Sedgwick, B. of D. late preacher to the inhabitants of S. Mildreds Bread Street, LondonChrists counsell to his languishing church of Sardis. Or, The dying or decaying Christian, with the meanes and helpes of his recovery and strengthening. By Obadiah Sedgwicke, B. of D. late preacher to the inhabitants of S. Mildreds Bredstreet, London
London: printed by Thomas for L. Fawne, 1640
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.
To the Reader.
IF thou expectest in this Treatise what is curious and branched over with art, spare thine eye any further travel, it is not here▪ divine doctrines serve rather for the stomach then the palate. In preaching these Sermons, I followed Saint Cyprian's directions to Donatus, to make choice not of Diserta, but Fortia, I looked very little at harmony which might take the ear, but most of all at energy, which might reach the conscience.
IF thou expectest in this Treatise what is curious and branched over with art, spare thine eye any further travell, it is not here▪ divine doctrines serve rather for the stomacke then the palate. In preaching these Sermons, I followed Saint Cyprians directions to Donatus, to make choise not of Diserta, but Fortia, I looked very little at harmony which might take the eare, but most of all at energy, which might reach the conscience.
I know well that there is a lawful and seasonable use of learning, I am not of his mind who would have Preachers study no book but the Bible; only this, Ministers (if I mistake not) must consider their auditors, and then and there, use their choicer learning, when and where it may not amaze, but profit; when all is summed up, this will be found the most comfortable truth, no Preacher is so learned, as he who can save souls.
I know well that there is a lawfull and seasonable use of learning, I am not of his minde who would have Preachers study no booke but the Bible; onely this, Ministers (if I mistake not) must consider their auditors, and then and there, use their choiser learning, when and where it may not amaze, but profit; when all is summed up, this will be found the most comfortable truth, no Preacher is so learned, as he who can saue soules.