A20536:721
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.
This is for our imitation, that if we would have any party set down and humbled for his sin; we should endeavour in ⟨p. 167⟩the quietest and best manner to convince him of his fault. Use as hard arguments as we will (for so the Lord doth) but withal look that we use soft speeches: for that is the way to make men think hardly of themselves; whereas the contrary will cause them to think hardly of us. And here are such to be blamed as when any thing is distrustful unto them, are presently hot and boisterous, and loud, and crying: and so rather hurt the ear by the loudness of their voice, then help the heart by the force of their reproof: whence arise these two inconveniences. First, that the party looks not so much to his own failing, as to their passion: and secondly, as he is unconvinced, so they are not esteemed: but though they have the right on their side, yet they loose the due regard of their cause & reverence of their persons. And therefore the Apostle telleth Timothy that the servant of God must not [strive] but must be gentle towards all men: he must not be clamorous and violent, 1but suffer evil men patiently, instructing them with meekness that are contrary minded, &c. for this is the way, if there be any, to bring them to sound repentance that they may come out of the snares of the devil. This (I say) is the way, to let them see good reasons against their sins, and a good affection towards their persons: these are the best helps, and hereby we shall be sure to please God; and if the party will ever be broken, it must be by the weight of good arguments, pressed in meekness of wisdom, and proceeding from a merciful heart.
This is for our imitation, that if wee would haue any partie set downe and humbled for his sinne; we should endeauour in ⟨p. 167⟩the quietest and best maner to conuince him of his fault. Vse as hard arguments as we will (for so the Lord doth) but withal look that we vse soft speeches: for that is the way to make men thinke hardly of themselues; whereas the contrary will cause them to thinke hardly of vs. And heere are such to be blamed as when any thing is distrustfull vnto them, are presently hot and boisterous, and loud, and crying: and so rather hurt the eare by the loudnesse of their voice, then helpe the heart by the force of their reproofe: whence arise these two inconueniences. First, that the partie lookes not so much to his owne failing, as to their passion: and secondly, as hee is vnconuinced, so they are not esteemed: but though they haue the right on their side, yet they loose the due regard of their cause & reuerence of their persons. And therefore the Apostle telleth Timothy that the seruant of God must not [striue] but must be gentle towards all men: hee must not be clamorous and violent,