A12430:206
Two sermons, of Jonahs punishmentTwo sermons, of Ionahs punishment
Two sermons, of Jonahs punishment ; Four sermons preached by Master Henry Smith ; and published by a more perfect copy then heretofore.Two sermons, of Ionahs punishment ; Foure sermons preached by Maister Henry Smith ; and published by a more perfect copie then heretofore.
London: printed by T.D. for Cuthbert Burby, 1607
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.
The third thing contained in our duty is, what effect this seeking and praying ought to work in us, comprehended in these words: If thou be pure and upright: if the clouds be full, they will pour forth rain upon the earth: and unpossible it is, that a man that seeketh after God, and prayeth unto the Almighty, should not bring forth the fruits of a good life, for if the tree be good, the fruits cannot be bad: and if the head of the water be pure, it will send forth pure waters into the cisterns, Wherefore as good motions are stirred up by prayer, so must they be fostered by practise of life, according to that of the Apostle: Quench not the Spirit, nor grieve the holy one of God, by whom ye are sealed to the day of redemption.1
The third thing contained in our dutie is, what effect this seeking and praying ought to worke in vs, comprehended in these words: If thou bee pure and vpright: if the cloudes be full, they will powre forth raine vpon the earth: and vnpossible it is, that a man that seeketh after God, and prayeth vnto the Almightie, should not bring foorth the fruites of a good life, for if the tree bee good, the fruites cannot bee bad: and if the head of the water be pure, it will send foorth pure waters into the cesternes, Wherefore as good motions are stirred vp by prayer, so must they bee fostered by practise of life, according to that of the Apostle: Quench not the Spirite, nor greiue the holy one of God, by whome yee are sealed to the day of redemption.1
He quencheth, dearly beloved, the spirit, which being once lightened with the sparkles of faith, and felt Gods 1motions in his heart, doth neglect to increase the one to a flame, and the other to good works in his life but with the dog turneth to his vomits and with the Sow that was washed, to her wallowing again in the mire. Therefore (beloved) love and seek the Lord, pray to the Almighty, be pure and upright in conversation, fly from sin as from a Serpent, for if thou come near, it will bite thee. The teeth thereof are as the teeth of a Lyon, to slay the souls of men, and all iniquity is as a two edged sword, the wounds that it gives cannot be healed. I dare not stand as I would upon these points, fearing tediousness: wherefore let this suffice for the former general part, concerning the duty we owe unto God.