A20540:96
Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John DodThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod
Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John Dod: the last by Master Robert Cleaver. Whereunto are annexed, five propositions, or points of doctrine, comprehended in three other sermons, by the same authorThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod: the last by Maister Robert Cleauer. Whereunto are annexed, fiue propositions, or points of doctrine, comprehended in three other sermons, by the same author
London: printed by N. Okes and F. Kingston for William Welby, 1610
THE FIRST SERMON, UPON the twelfth of Zechariah.THE FIRST SERMON, VPON the twelfth of Zechariah.
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.
First, because sin is the matter of all our woe and smart: it is that which doth us most hurt, and that which keepeth from us all manner of good:1 and have we not just cause then to grieve that we should lodge such a guest in our souls? especially if we consider how beneficial this holy grief will be unto us? for
First, because sinne is the matter of all our woe and smart: it is that which doth vs most hurt, and that which keepeth from vs all manner of good:1 and haue we not iust cause then to grieue that we should lodge such a guest in our soules? especially if we consider how beneficiall this holy griefe will be vnto vs? for
First, it will be a means to make up pure in Gods account, and so to free us from the guilt thereof, ⟨p. 44⟩2. Cor. 11. and also to purge our hearts and hands from the corruption thereof, so that we shall not be in bondage thereunto any longer. Jam. 4. 8. And hence it will come to pass, that either crosses shall not at all light upon us, or at least they shall not be burdensome unto us. If we keep an Assizes at home in our own souls, and find our selves guilty, and condemn our selves, then shall not we be judged1 of the Lord▪ but because we deal very partially in our own matters, therefore is the Lord driven to help us, by laying his, correcting hand some way or other upon us: or if crosses do not fall upon us in that regard, but our hearts tell us that we deal faithfully in this behalf, then will our troubles be more easily borne: for when sin lies heavy, afflictions lye light. And therefore when men are so vexed and disquieted at injuries and indignities, or any outward distresses, that they cannot eat, nor drink, nor sleep, it is sure that they have little godly sorrow, and store of worldly sorrow: for if that holy grief did possess their hearts, it would eat up and consume carnal vexation, even as Moses serpent did the serpents of the Egyptian sorcerers. And this every godly man shall find in his own experience, that look what day, or hour soever he hath wept most bitterly for his offences against God, then he esteemeth crosses to be most light and easy, and finds matter of thankfulness in whatsoever grievances befall him, as knowing it to be Gods goodness that it is not worse with him.