A25247:132
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things
Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things: or, the doctrine of regeneration, the new birth, the very beginning of a godly life. Delivered by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amounderness in Lancashire.
London: printed by J.F. for I.A., 1650
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.
and this ⟨p. 47⟩is the head, the height, the top, the highest step in this kingdom of grace, the kingdom of God.
Or secondly, if by the kingdom of God is meant the kingdom of glory, see then what a privilege waits on the new man; no sooner shall his breath and body be divorced, but his soul mounted on the wings of Angels, shall straight be carried above the starry firmament, there shall it inherit the kingdom, Luke 12.32. 1an heavenly kingdom, Matth. 7.21. the kingdom of God, Act. 14.22. and truly called so, for 'tis a kingdom of Gods own making, beautifying and blessing; a kingdom beseeming the glorious residence of the King of kings; a kingdom creating all Kings that but inhabit in it. But here my discourse must give way to your meditations: I cannot speak this privilege, therefore conclude with Austin, 2Anima quae amat ascendat frequenter, & currat per plateas caelestis Jerusalem, visitando Patriarchas, salutando Prophetas, admirando exercitus. Mount your meditations on the wings of faith, and behold in Heaven those states of wonder, Patriarchs shining, Prophets praising, Saints admiring, hands clapping, harps warbling, hearts dancing, the exercise a song, the ditty Alleluia, the quiristers Saints, the consorts Angels, &c. 3In this fountain of pleasure let the new-born Christian bathe his soul, for his it is, and he it is only that shall see it, enjoy it; Except the man born again, no man shall ever see the kingdom of God.