A29709:144
A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse…
A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse about the favourable, signal and eminent presence of the Lord with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers : with the resolution of several questions, concerning the divine presence, as also the reasons and improvements of this great and glorious truth ... / by Thomas Brooks ...A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse about the favorable, signal and eminent presence of the Lord with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers : with the resolution of several questions, concerning the divine presence, as also the reasons and improvements of this great and glorious truth ... / by Thomas Brooks ...
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
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.
It is a question which implieth a strong negation. O, no, there is nothing more uncertain than Earthly Crowns. Henry the Sixth was honoured with the Crowns of two Kingdoms, France and England: The first was lost by the faction of his Nobles; the other was twice pulled from his head. Princes Crowns are withering things; Earthly Crowns may be soon put on, and as soon be pulled off: Most Princes Crowns do but hang on one side of their heads. All the Powers on Earth, and all the Devils in Hell, can never reach this Crown of righteousness, though wicked men have long reaches, yet they can never reach a Believers Crown, which is his joy and 1and comfort in the midst of all his sorrows and sufferings. Thus Basil speaketh of some Martyrs, that were cast out all night naked in a bitter cold frosty season, and were to be burned the next day, how they comforted themselves in this manner; The winter is sharp but Paradise is sweet; here we shiver for cold, but the bosom of Abraham will make amends for all. The Philosopher could say to the Tyrants face: You may kill me, ⟨p. 98⟩but you cannot hurt me; you may take away my head, but you cannot take away my Crown. O Christians, let this be your joy and triumph, that the Crown of righteousness is laid up safe for you; no Tyrants arm is long enough to reach that Crown. But
- 1Basi•. ad 40. Martyr, &c.
Secondly, There is no power nor policy on Earth or in Hell, that can deprive a Christian of his Crown of life, James 1. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive the Crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (The Crown of life) that is Eternal life whereby after