A15859:80
Speculum Christianum
Speculum Christianum or, A Christian survey for the conscience Containing, three tractates of that eminent, grave, and learned divine, master Hierome Zanchius. 1. Of the end of the world. 2. Of the perseverance of the saints. 3. A summary abridgement of his protections. Englished for the good of Gods church, and for a warning to wicked and impenitent men. By H.N.Speculum Christianum or, A Christian suruey for the conscience Containing, three tractates of that eminent, graue, and learned diuine, maister Hierome Zanchius. 1. Of the end of the world. 2. Of the perseuerance of the saints. 3. A summarie abridgement of his protections. Englished for the good of Gods church, and for a warning to wicked and impenitent men. By H.N.
London: printed by George Eld, 1614
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
If Question be propounded, whether the Lord will sooner or later come? let us follow the doctrine of CHRIST, and return our answer, We cannot tell: for this is the safer tract. For if thou shalt say, the Lord will not come quickly, he will yet defer, this is the property of the evil servant. Luke, 12. Matthew. 24. and it begetteth either security to carnal, or despair to godly men, who desire the coming of Christ: if thou say he will come quickly, this indeed is the part of the good servant, to think that the Lord will come quickly, and daily to expect him. And this cogitation will quicken thee to study for composing thy self, and for to meet the Lord: but it is a rash affirmation of that thou ⟨p. 76⟩knowest not. But if thou doest answer thou canst not tell; and therefore because thou knowest not, that we must watch and pray; thou shalt do the office both of a good and humble servant, and so shalt pass the more safe way. For this is the third, according to Christs Gospel, Watch ye therefore, for ye kn•• not. &c. Augustine also saith in the Epistle to Hesychius, and putteth down three orders or servants: One saith; Let us watch and pray, for that the Lord will come quickly: another saith, Let us watch and pray, for that the Lord will come indeed slowly; but our life is but short the third saith, Let us watch and pray, for we know not when the Lord will come.
If Question be propounded, whether the Lord will sooner or later come? let vs follow the doctrine of CHRIST, and returne our answere, We cannot tell: for this is the safer tract. For if thou shalt say, the Lord will not come quickly, hee will yet deferre, this is the property of the euill seruant. Luke, 12. Matthew. 24. and it begetteth either security to •arnall, or despaite to godly men, who desire the comming of Christ: if thou say he will come quickly, this indeed is the part of the good seruant, to thinke that the Lord will come quickly, and daily to expect him. And this cogitation will quicken thee to study for composing thy selfe, and for to meet the Lord: but it is a rash affirmation of that thou