A20536:559
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.
Secondly, Use 2 let inferiors here be admonished, that, as governors are to sue unto the Lord in their behalf (the husband for the wife, 1parents for their children, masters, and mistresses for their servants:) so they on the other side, are to be gentle, and humble, and tractable, that their superiors may have good encouragement, and good success in the supplications that they make for them. We do not read that Hezekiah at any other time dealt so earnestly with God in the cause of the people, as at this time he did: and what moved ⟨p. 119⟩him to be so importunate now? even this, that he saw they had hearkened unto his persuasion, and taken great pains to come to Jerusalem from all quarters of the Land: and being there, he perceived that they had some sorrow and remorse for their former impiety, and some desire to become better for the time to come: now when he discerned that they came on so fast, and that they were half healed already, he bendeth all the force and strength of his prayers for the obtaining of mercy and favour for them, and so found that good effect that he desired and expected. And that was it, that made David so plentifully and feelingly to pour out his heart before the Lord in prayer, and in thanksgiving: for when the Princes and the people had offered very largely, and very willingly, David rejoiced with great joy, and blessed; 2and praised the Lord before all the congregation, saying, Blessed be thou, O Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever, &c. Who am I, and who are my people, that we should offer willingly? &c. O Lord God, keep this for ever in the purposes and thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their hearts unto thee. Thus may we observe now the good affections and desires of the people do stir up and strengthen the hearts of their Rulers to pray for them: whereas on the contrary, nothing doth so kill the hearts, and discourage the spirits of Gods servants from prayer, as when they see those that are under them, to be wilful, and heady, froward, and rebellious, and utterly void of any good disposition unto piety, and religious exercises. They scarce dare speak a good word for them, unless it be that God would humble them, and convert them: they cannot pray as Hezekiah here doth, The good Lord be merciful unto him, that prepareth his whole heart to seek the Lord, &c.