Use 2 Secondly, this is for comfort to those on whom the Lord hath bestowed his good Spirit: for if it be the greatest fall to fall from religion, then it is the greatest rising to rise unto grace: and if they be cursed that fall away, then blessed are those that draw near unto God, and with full purpose of heart cleave unto him, growing daily in humility, and in contempt of the world, in conscience towards God, and in care to lead a good and holy life before men. This is indeed the greatest promotion: and therefore James saith, Let the 1brother that is of low degree, rejoice in that he is exalted. Exalted (might some say:) what exaltation is that, when they are as poor as ever they were? A marvellous great exaltation it is; for they are made Christians, and so consequently kings, both in ⟨p. 80⟩respect of grace and glory. Cain and Nimrod, 2and many other reprobates, went beyond▪ ten thousand of us for outward things: but all that advancement was to their greater shame and confusion. For earthly promotion is nothing else but an high stage, and if one be an idiot, it were better for him to play his part on the ground: if those that are in eminent places have not power to master their own lusts and carnal affections, they are but great fools upon an high stage. Therefore let us seek for spiritual things more then for earthly, and be more thankful and joyful when we find grace in our hearts, then if we should find many mines of gold, which none could lay claim unto but our selves.
Vse 2 Secondly, this is for comfort to those on whom the Lord hath bestowed his good Spirit: for if it be the greatest fall to fall from religion, then it is the greatest rising to rise vnto grace: and if they be cursed that fall away, then blessed are those that draw neare vnto God, and with full purpose of heart cleaue vnto him, growing daily in humility, and in contempt of the world, in conscience towards God, and in care to leade a good and holy life before men. This is indeed the greatest promotion: and therefore Iames saith, Let the 1brother that is of low degree, reioyce in that he is exalted. Exalted (might some say:) what exaltation is that, when they are as poore as euer they were? A marueilous great exaltation it is; for they are made Christians, and so consequently kings, both in ⟨p. 80⟩respect of grace and glory. Caine and Nimrod, 2and many other reprobates, went beyond▪ ten thousand of vs for outward things: but all that aduancement was to their greater shame and confusion. For earthly promotion is nothing else but an high stage, and if one be an idiote, it were better for him to play his part on the ground: if those that are in eminent places haue not power to maister their owne lusts and carnall affections, they are but great fooles vpon an high stage. Therefore let vs seeke for spirituall things more then for earthly, and be more thankfull and ioyfull when we finde grace in our hearts, then if we should find many mines of gold, which none could lay claime vnto but our selues.
- 1James 1. 9.Iames 1. 9.
- 2Revel. 1. 6.Reuel. 1. 6.
