A29372:99
Seasonable truths in evil-times in several sermons / lately preached in and about London
Seasonable truths in evil-times in several sermons / lately preached in and about London by William Bridge, late preacher of the word of God at Yarmouth.Seasonable truths in evil-times in several sermons / lately preached in and about London by Willam Bridge, late preacher of the word of God at Yarmouth.
London: printed for Nath. Crouch, 1668
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Others think •herefore the meaning is this, and the words are to be understood in reference to mens conceit and opinion: as if he should say, Be not conceited; for though ye suffer much, and ⟨p. 34⟩forsake a great deal for me, and for my Namesake, yet many that are first in their own conceit, shall be last; and many that are last in their own opinion and conceit, shall be first. This is true; but this is not all the meaning.
Therefore we must know, that a person or thing is said to be first or last, in regard of time, or in regard of dignity or chiefdom.
In regard of time: so we say the last day is the first day of the week; first, in regard of time.
2. Secondly, in regard of chiefdom; and so Paul saith, Whereof I am chief. In the Original it is, This is a true saying, that Christ came into the world to save sinners, whereof I am the FIRST; but we read it chief, because the chief is the first. First is put for chief in Scripture-language: and so 'tis true, many, many that are first in religion, ancient professors, shall be last at suffering for the Name of Christ, when it comes to 't; and many that are last in religion, novices in religion, lately brought in, shall be the first in suffering for the Cause, and for the Name of Jesus Christ. And so, many that are chief, and of great esteem in the world, that are first in esteem, shall be last at suffering-work; and many that are last in esteem, and of no account, shall be first to suffer for the Name of Jesus Christ.