A30241:1644
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…
CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, or, Christs prayer before his passion explicated, and both practically and polemically improved by Anthony Burgess ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1656
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Sermon 64: Of the Manner of Christs keeping those that are His. Of a four-fold Principle that is o…
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.
1In the next place, Let us take notice of the blessed effects, which a lively meditation on this preservation will produce; It's worth the time to be improving this truth. For
- 1The effects which a lively meditation of this preservation will produce.
First, Hereby an holy boldness and confidence will keep up our hearts against all dangers and discouragements. The people of God are subject to fainting and swooning fits; Their fears and cares make them feeble. Oh then what a cordial and reviver will this truth be to us?1 Though I am weak and cannot preserve my self, yet I am in the arms of him that both can and will; a Child in a Giants arms is safe enough from falling: We see David in many Psalms acknowledging his confidence and boldness, even challenging all the world, Though the earth be removed into the sea, and though an army of men should encamp him round about, yet he would not be afraid, because he trusted in God; and he often speaks of Gods right-hand holding him up; Oh what a support is that, Gods right-hand! There is more strength in that, then in all the creatures combined together: So that if not only Devils, but all creatures else, good and bad, should combine against thee, yet to Gods right-hand, they are but as tow to the fire. Thou canst no more fall then God himself can be weary and faint. The Heathens said of their feigned Atlas, whom they made to bear up the Heavens, that he must not so much as stoop, if he did, the Heavens would fall down immediately. To be sure, if God for a moment only should with-draw his arm, not only believers, but even the Angels in Heaven would fall into hell; if therefore thou didst by faith rest thy self on this Protection, thy life would be a sweet, gracious and composed life.
First, Hereby an holy boldnesse and confidence will keep up our hearts against all dangers and discouragements. The people of God are subject to fainting and swouning fits; Their fears and cares make them feeble. Oh then what a cordiall and reviver will this truth be to us?