A12167:365
Bowels Opened
Bowels opened, or, A discovery of the near and deer love, union and communion betwixt Christ and the Church, and consequently betwixt Him and every believing soul Delivered in divers sermons on the fourth fifth and sixth chapters of the Canticles. By that reverend and faithful minister of the Word, Doctor Sibs, late preacher unto the honourable society of Gray's Inn, and Master of Katharine Hall in Cambridge. Being in part finished by his own pen in his life time, and the rest of them perused and corrected by those whom he entrusted with the publishing of his works.Bovvels opened, or, A discovery of the neere and deere love, union and communion betwixt Christ and the Church, and consequently betwixt Him and every beleeving soule Delivered in divers sermons on the fourth fifth and sixt chapters of the Canticles. By that reverend and faithfull minister of the Word, Doctor Sibs, late preacher unto the honourable societie of Grayes Inne, and Master of Katharine Hall in Cambridge. Being in part finished by his owne pen in his life time, and the rest of them perused and corrected by those whom he intrusted with the publishing of his works.
London: printed by George for George Edwards, 1639
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.
Therefore look for the cause of his strangeness at any time in thine own self;1 As, Whether we cast our selves imprudently into company, that are not fit to be consulted withal, in whom the Spirit is not, and who cannot do us any good, or they cast themselves to us. Evil company is a great damping, whereby a Christian looseth his comfort much, especially that intimate communion with God, whence we may fall into security.
Therefore looke for the cause of his strangenesse at any time in thine owne selfe;1 As, Whether we cast our selves imprudently into company, that are not fit to be consulted withall, in whom the Spirit is not, and who cannot doe us any good, or they cast themselves to us. Evill company is a great dampning, whereby a Christian looseth his comfort much, especially that intimate communion with God, whence wee may fall into security.
- 1That the cause of Christs strangeness to the Church is in our selves.That the cause of Christs strangenesse to the Church is in our selves.
Again, Discontinuing of Religious exercises doth wonderfully cause Christ to withdraw himself; He makes no more love to our souls, when we neglect the means, and discontinue holy exercises, and religious company, when we stir not up the graces of Gods Spirit; being this way negligent, it is no wonder that Christ makes no more love to our souls, when we prize and value not the communion that should be between the soul, and Christ, as we should. Whom have I in heaven, but thee?1 Thy loving kindness is better then life. (saith the Psalmist) when we prize not this, it is just with Christ to make himself strange.2