A12197:182
The saints safety in evil times Delivered at St Mary's in Cambridge the fifth…The saints safetie in evill times Delivered at St Maries in Cambridge the fift…
The saints safety in evil times Delivered at St Mary's in Cambridge the fifth of November, upon occasion of the Powder-Plot. Whereunto is annexed a passion-sermon, preached at Mercers Chapel London upon Good-Friday. As also the happiness of enjoying Christ laid open at the funeral of Mr Sherland late recorder of Northampton. Together with the most virtuous life and heavenly end of that religious gentleman. By R. Sibbes D.D. master of Katherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher at Gray's-Inn London.The saints safetie in evill times Delivered at St Maries in Cambridge the fift of November, upon occasion of the Povvder-Plot. Whereunto is annexed a passion-sermon, preached at Mercers Chappel London upon Good-Friday. As also the happinesse of enjoying Christ laid open at the funerall of Mr Sherland late recorder of Northampton. Together with the most vertuous life and heavenly end of that religious gentleman. By R. Sibbes D.D. master of Katherine-Hall in Cambridge, and preacher at Grayes-Inne London.
London: printed by M. Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1634
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.
Again, if we would be thankful (as Paul here) and begin Heaven upon Earth; Labour to be assured of salvation, and perseverance in thy Christian course. The Papists that speak against Assurance and Perseverance, kill prayer and praising of God. Shall a man praise God for that which he doubts of? I ⟨p. 157⟩cannot tell whether God will damn me or not, perhaps I am but fitted as a sheep to the slaughter, &c. how shall a man praise God for any blessing he enjoys, when these thoughts are still with him? how shall a man praise God for salvation, when perhaps he shall not come to it? how shall a man praise God for that which perhaps he may fall from, before he die? when perhaps he is Gods to day, and may be the Devils to morrow? How can there be a hearty thanks, but when a man can say, The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, that by mine own weakness, and Satan's malice, I may occasionally fall into, betwixt this and Heaven? Therefore if we would praise God as we should, let us work our hearts to labour after assurance of Gods favour, ⟨p. 158⟩let us redeem our precious time, and every day set some time apart to strengthen our evidences for heaven, which will set us in a continual frame to every good work.
Againe, if wee would bee thankfull (as Paul here) and beginne Heaven upon Earth; Labour to be assured of salvation, and perseverance in thy Christian course. The Papists that speake against Assurance and Perseverance, kill prayer and praising of God. Shall a man praise God for that which he doubts of? I ⟨p. 157⟩cannot tell whether God will damne me or not, perhaps I am but fitted as a sheepe to the slaughter, &c. how shall a man praise God for any blessing hee enjoyes, when these thoughts are still with him? how shall a man praise God for salvation, when perhaps he shall not come to it? how shall a man praise God for that which perhaps he may fall from, before hee die? when perhaps hee is Gods to day, and may be the Devills to morrow? How can there bee a hearty thankes, but when a man can say, The Lord will deliver me from every evill work, that by mine owne weaknesse, and Satans malice, I may occasionally fall into, betwixt this and Heaven? Therefore if we would praise God as we should, let us worke our hearts to labour after assurance of Gods favour,