A26804:119
Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions
Sermons preached on several occasions by William Bates.Sermons preach'd on several occasions by William Bates.
London: printed by J.D. for Jonathan Robinson, 1693
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.
2. 'Tis pure; the attractive Cause of it is the Image of God appearing in them. Our Saviour assures us, that Love shall be gloriously rewarded, that respects a Disciple upon that account as a Disciple, and a righteous Man as a righteous ⟨p. 107⟩Man. The holy Love commanded in the Gospel, is to Christians for their Divine Relation, as the Children of God, as the Members of Christ, and Temples of the Holy Ghost.
3. From hence it is universal, extended to all the Saints. The Church is composed of Christians that are different in their Gifts and Graces, and in their external Order; some excel in Knowledge, and Zeal, and Love, in active Graces; others in Humility, Meekness and Patience, that sustain and adorn them in Sufferings; some are in a higher Rank, others are in humble Circumstances: as in the visible World things are placed suitably to their Natures, the Stars in the Heavens, Flowers in the Earth: and our special Respects are due to those whom the Favour of God has dignified above others, and in whom the Brightness and Power of Grace ⟨p. 108⟩shines more clearly: for according as there are more Reasons that make a Person deserving Love, the degrees of Love should rise in proportion. But a dear Affection is due even to the lowest Saints; for all have Communion in the same holy Nature, and are equally instated in the same blessed Alliance.
3. From hence it is universal, extended to all the Saints. The Church is composed of Christians that are different in their Gifts and Graces, and in their external Order; some excel in Knowledg, and Zeal, and Love, in active Graces; others in Humility, Meekness and Patience, that sustain and adorn them in Sufferings; some are in a higher Rank, others are in humble Circumstances: as in the visible World things are placed sutably to their Natures, the Stars in the Heavens, Flowers in the Earth: and our special Respects are due to those whom the Favour of God has dignified above others, and in whom the Brightness and Power of Grace