A25247:63
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.
The third affection is Hope (this I rather name then desire, because whatsoever we Hope for, we cannot but desire it, and so it is implied in it) now this Hope in the unregenerate is fastened on this world, and the things of this world, he hopes for preferment, riches, or the like; as for his hope of Heaven, it is but a waking mans dream; a dream, said I? Yes, 1as dreams in the night fill us with illusions and vain forms (you know a Beggar may dream he is a King) so hope abusing the imagination of the unregenerate, fills their souls many a time with vain or empty contentments; but the hope of the regenerate both enjoys the right object, and right means; his eye is sixth on future good, and he endeavours to pursue it, till he get the possession; if in the pursuit he meet with crosses, losses, griefs, disgraces, sicknesses, or any other calamities, his hope is able to sweeten the bitterest misery that can possibly befall him; the afflictions of this life bid him look for a better, a cross here minds him of the glory above; and howsoever this Hope may have many difficulties and wrestlings in him (therefore it is compared to an anchor, which holds the ship in a storm, Heb. 6.19.) yet it holds and sticks so firm in God and his promises, that he is confident, that after this life an heavenly crown shall be set on his head, by the hands of God and his Angels.
The third affection is Hope (this I rather name then desire, because whatsoever we Hope for, we cannot but desire it, and so it is implyed in it) now this Hope in the unregenerate is fastened on this world, and the things of this world, he hopes for preferment, riches, or the like; as for his hope of Heaven, it is but a waking mans dream; a dream, said I? Yes, 1as dreams in the night fill us with illusions and vain forms (you know a Beggar may dream he is a King) so hope abusing the imagination of the unregenerate, fills their souls many a time with vain or empty contentments; but the hope of the regenerate both enjoys the right object, and right means; his eye is fixt on future good, and he endeavors to pursue it, till he get the possession; if in the pursuit he meet with crosses, losses, griefs, disgraces, sicknesses, or any other calamities, his hope is able to sweeten the bitterest misery that can possibly befal him; the afflictions of this life bid him look for a better, a cross here mindes him of the glory above; and howsoever this Hope may have many difficulties and wrastlings in him (therefore it is compared to an anchor, which holds the ship in a storm,