A20536:509
Ten sermons tending chiefly to the fitting of men for the worthy receiving of…Ten sermons tending chiefely to the fitting of men for the worthy receiuing of…
Ten sermons tending chiefly to the fitting of men for the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper Wherein amongst many other holy instructions: the doctrines of sound repentance and humiliation, and of Gods special favours unto penitent sinners, and worthy communicants are largely and effectually handled. The six first, by I. Dod. The four last, by R. Cleaver. Whereunto is annexed, a plain and learned metaphrase on the epistle to the Colossians, written by a godly and judicious preacher. There is also set before the sermons, a short dialogue of preparation: containing the chief points that concern the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper, taken for the most part, out of the sermons following: and collected into a method for the benefit and ease of those that desire direction in this matter.Ten sermons tending chiefely to the fitting of men for the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper VVherein amongst many other holy instructions: the doctrines of sound repentance and humiliation, and of Gods speciall fauours vnto penitent sinners, and worthy communicants are largely and effectually handled. The six first, by I. Dod. The foure last, by R. Cleauer. Whereunto is annexed, a plaine and learned metaphrase on the epistle to the Collossians, written by a godly and iudicious preacher. There is also set before the sermons, a short dialogue of preparation: containing the chiefe points that concerne the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper, taken for the most part, out of the sermons following: and collected into a method for the benefit and ease of those that desire direction in this matter.
London: printed by William Hall for Roger Jackson, 1610London: printed by William Hall for Roger Iackson, 1610
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.
What of that? If we aim at perfection, Answ. and have respect to every commandment of God, and come as near the mark as we can, the Lord will accept us according to that we have, and not reject us for that we have not. If we could obey perfectly, to what end were Christ his obedience? and if God should look after none, but those that can fully please him in all things, he should be a Lord and a master, without subjects and servants. 1If thou O Lord (saith David) shouldest mark what is done amiss, who should stand?
What of that? If we aime at perfection, Answ. and haue respect to euery commandement of God, and come as neere the marke as we can, the Lord will accept vs according to that wee haue, and not reiect vs for that we haue not. If wee could obey perfectly, to what end were Christ his obedience? and if God should looke after none, but those that can fully please him in all things, hee should bee a Lord and a master, without subiects and seruants. 1If thou O Lord (saith Dauid) shouldest marke what is done amisse, who should stand?
Therefore though we cannot pray with that feeling, hear and read with that profit, sing Psalms with that joyfulness and cheerfulness of heart, as we should: though we cannot forgive our enemies, long for Christ his coming, have such a tender feeling of the afflictions of the Saints, nor attain to such heavenly meditations, night, or day, as we do desire, and as God doth command; yet let us not be discouraged: if we strive to bring our wicked flesh to the performance of these duties, and though we have much ado with it, yet if we draw it as a Bear to the stake, unto Gods worship, and to the performance of Gods duties in public and private: and when we feel most backwardness and untowardness in our nature, yet we consent in our very souls, that the Law of God is holy, and good, and just: and that our wills and affections, are indeed very corrupt, and rebellious, but we would rather then all the world that things went otherwise with us: