A30241:1968
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.
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.
Again fourthly, The preaching of the Word must be opposed, because the powerful obedience thereunto brings all calamity and persecution. They shall be hated, as well as the word is hated. Now to be troubled, reproached and despised is contrary to mens temper, who loveth applause and glory. Hence some, though they are said to believe, John 2. yet would not confess Christ, because they loved the praise of men more then of God: And our Saviour saith, How can ye believe who seek glory one of another? Pride and love to be esteemed of in the world, doth disdain all good preaching.
Again fourthly, The preaching of the Word must be opposed, because the powerfull obedience thereunto brings all calamity and persecution. They shall be hated, as well as the word is hated. Now to be troubled, reproached and despised is contrary to mens temper, who loveth applause and glory. Hence some, though they are said to believe, John 2. yet would not confesse Christ, because they loved the praise of men more then of God: And our Saviour saith, How can ye beleeve who seek glory one of another? Pride and love to be esteemed of in the world, doth disdain all good preaching.
5. The Word preached meeteth with opposition, because the instruments are men subject to infirmities, especially if faithful. So that though they do not hate them for their infirmities, yea the more profane and dissolute the Minister is, they like it the better; yet because the Apostle saith, We have this treasure in earthen vessels, they are men and not Angels, therefore they quarrel and oppose Paul himself, though an Apostle, and giving mighty demonstrations of Gods Spirit in him, yet he was despised, and slandered, though not so guilty of humane infirmities, and that because he was faithful, Am I become an enemy, because I tell you the truth? Gal. 3. Oh this is it, because we preach the truth, because we meet with mens corruptions, and cannot bear sin: This is that which raiseth up malice.