A30241:2303
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.
One main effect is Conversion and Regeneration; to make men reform their lives upon just and holy Grounds. This can never be without Truth, James cap. 1. He hath begotten us by the Word of Truth; Lies and false Doctrines can no more ⟨p. 484⟩convert then dirt can make clean, then darkness can give Light: An erroneous or heretical Minister may pervert many but not convert, he may subvert the Souls of thousands, he may glory in this, and rejoice in the multitude of Disciples, but all this while they are sent of the devil, and they do his work, destroy souls; The Ministers of God are like public Springs if they be performed, instead of refreshing, they kill, instead of giving the bread of life, they give stones and serpents.
One main effect is Conversion and Regeneration; to make men reform their lives upon just and holy Grounds. This can never be without Truth, James cap. 1. He hath begotten us by the Word of Truth; Lyes and false Doctrines can no more ⟨p. 484⟩convert then dirt can make clean, then darknesse can give Light: An erroneous or heretical Minister may pervert many but not convert, he may subvert the Souls of thousands, he may glory in this, and rejoyce in the multitude of Disciples, but all this while they are sent of the devil, and they do his work, destroy souls; The Ministers of God are like publique Springs if they be performed, instead of refreshing, they kill, instead of giving the bread of life, they give stones and serpents.
2. Another Effect of the Ministry is to promote the work of grace begun; It's to water where any Seed is sown, as Ephes. 4.11. to bring us to a full stature in Christ; Now a Minister without Truth can no more help forward the growth of the Godly then a dead Mother can nurse her Child; We increase in grace, by the same way we are converted, and therefore they who think by an erroneous Ministry to advance their Heavenly Life, do as if an hungry man should get up to an high Hill, and think by swallowing down the wind to live and grow stronger.