A12184:163
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the…
An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulness. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philip. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Gray's-Inn.An exposition of the third chapter of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians also two sermons of Christian watchfulnesse. The first upon Luke 12 37. The second upon Revel. 16.15. An exposition of part of the second chapter of the Epistle to the Philipp. A sermon upon Mal. 4. 2.3. By the late reverend divine Richard Sibbes, D.D. master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher at Grayes-Inne.
London: printed by T. Cotes and John Dawson for Peter Cole, 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.
VERS. 6. Concerning zeal, persecuting the Church.
VERS. 6. Concerning zeale, persecuting the Church.
Where zeal is, if it be meant in the largest sense, it is very hot against all opposites, it hath the name from fire, separating Heterogenies, and gathering things Homogeneall: our Apostle was none of those drowsy professors, that would be content to mingle Religions: so as, where there is no opposition there is no zeal: and therefore those that would reconcile religions, false and true, they have not a spark of zeal, but are key-cold. Again, Paul well joins persecution and a Pharisee together ▪ for there was never hypocrite but he was a persecutor. For ⟨p. 67⟩he, making and grounding his profession on pride, and a desire to be counted holy, when a down right person esteems him not, but by his integrity puts the others outward profession out of countenance, presently he falleth a persecuting; especially if his hypocrisy brings any profit, or gain. As it was with Demetrius in the Acts. And as it is now with the Romish Church, whose chief end is profit, as appears by their Purgatory, Indulgences, Pardons, Dispensations, and the like: you shall have as much Mass as you will, and as little preaching. We may observe further, That carnal zeal is persecuting zeal, and the persecuting Church is the false Church. Christs flock never persecutes wolves, it will not indeed endure to be near them; but its not cruel against them. The Papists indeed they speak much of their mildness and meekness, but what is the reason? their hands are bound, Solve leonem, & senties leonem, loose the Lion, and then shall you find he is a Lion.