A30241:2577
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 104: That in some particulars the poor weak Christian hath more respect from Christ then the…
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.
3. He doth commonly vouchsafe more inward comforts and evidences of his love to such, giveth them more cheerfulness and joy; Even as you see in nature, a Child is not exercised with those cares and troubles that do molest when they come to years, but mind their sport and play; Thus to new Converts God many times, revealeth much comfort and joy; They may have more then than ever afterwards in their life time; Then is the time of the Souls marriage to Christ, and no wonder if a Feast be provided for them, and their water be turned into wine.
3. He doth commonly vouchsafe more inward comforts and evidences of his love to such, giveth them more chearfulnesse and joy; Even as you see in nature, a Childe is not exercised with those cares and troubles that do molest when they come to years, but minde their sport and play; Thus to new Converts God many times, revealeth much comfort and joy; They may have more then than ever afterwards in their life time; Then is the time of the Souls marriage to Christ, and no wonder if a Feast be provided for them, and their water be turned into wine.
4. God doth in a singular manner keep them from those exercises and temptations which many times he lets fall on those that are more eminent, Joh. 26. when Peter was young he went whither he would, but when he was old then he should be bound, Where there is spiritual strength God puts a proportionable burden; So that Christ in the dispensing of his exercises hath a respect always to the measure of their graces, he will not lay a Giants burden upon a Child's back, yea, such is the wisdom of Christ herein, that he doth prepare and fit his people by degrees for afflictions, as the timber lieth in water to he seasoned by degrees for service; There is a great difference in Gods providence to his own people, some are more tempted then others inwardly in their souls, Some again have far more outward troubles then others, and in all these still regard is had to the strength of his people; Christ being the head hath a respect to every member, and so knoweth what is the fittest exercise for it; Be not then inordinately cast down with fears, fears about thy infirmities and weaknesses, for if thou art weaker then others, thy burden shall be lighter, and the less thou hast of thy self, the more of Christs power will be in thee.