A20536:760
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.
Is it so, Use. 1 that Religion and true piety, is the ready way to the highest advancement: then hence let us learn to set our hearts chiefly thereupon, and above all the treasures in the world, principally to affect that. We count it good husbandry in the first place to seek after those things that will do us most good: if silver be offered, we will prefer it before brass, & if gold be offered, we will take it rather than silver. 1Now concerning this heavenly wisdom it is said: Receive mine instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather then fine gold: For wisdom is better then precious stones, and all treasures are not to be compared unto her. And this should encourage us rather to use all industry for the obtaining of this blessed estate, because it is a thing haveable. It were in vain for a base person to sue to be a King, a Duke, or a Lord: none almost is so foolish, as to seek for such preferments, because they know it would be but lost labour. But there is not the meanest servant, slave, or bondman, but may attain to this spiritual dignity, which is far beyond all the advancement that the kingdoms of this world can possibly yield. ⟨p. 9⟩He that can pray, hear, meditate, confer, & judge himself in secret before he cometh to the Sacrament, and with all good care and conscionable respect, use all Gods ordinances, for the obtaining of faith and other graces which do ever accompany the same, shall be sure of good and happy success: for the Lord will be found of those that seek him with a true heart; therefore let us not so east our eyes on earthly commodities, as that in the mean time we neglect this pearl of price, and this inestimable Jewell, that will so exceedingly enrich us. The Apostle telleth us, 2that those that run in a race for a prize, though it be but a garland that is set up, so that they can gain only some small credit of their agility and nimbleness in out running one another, yet they will put off all that might clog and hinder them in their race; but especially if they should run for a crown of gold: neither will they be so foolish as to stoop down to take up every pin or point that lieth in the way; and yet they run but at an uncertainty: when they have done their best, another may carry away both the honour and commodity from them: and certain it is, that but one alone can win the prize: