A30241:266
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.
3. Nor to dwell at this time long on this Subject which is but obliquely touched on, Gods giving of some only to Christ, is so to be preached, that it doth not discourage any humble Penitent, or troubled man for sin, that seeks and thirsteth after the grace of God; The weakness of this Doctrine lieth here as it is thought; Therefore the adversaries thereof do continually batter at this place; As if like Pharaoh we demanded bricks, and gave no straw, commanded duty, when at the same time they are excluded by God, Therefore say they, this casteth into the bottom of despair, for the troubled heart may think I am none of those that are given to Christ, though I pray and seek for pardon, yet I may be a dog and not a child, and so none of the Children's bread belongs to me; To this we easily answer, that all those who thus repent of sin and seek after Gods favour, they are to be ashamed that this is an effect of their being given to Christ, as you heard, Joh. 18.6. To be given unto Christ is indeed a secret Mystery transacted in heaven, but to come unto Christ, that is the sure effect of those that are given to him, and those that come to Christ he will in no wise cast out; So that the grieved contrite spirit ought to be so far from having any trouble herein, that he ought exceedingly to rejoice at it, for the efficacy of all the promises will be to such, They are blessed that hunger and thirst after Righteousness, Mat. 5.
3. Nor to dwell at this time long on this Subject which is but obliquely touched on, Gods giving of some only to Christ, is so to be preached, that it doth not discourage any humble Penitent, or troubled man for sinne, that seeks and thirsteth after the grace of God; The weaknesse of this Doctrine lieth here as it is thought; Therefore the adversaries thereof do continually batter at this place; As if like Pharaoh we demanded bricks, and gave no straw, commanded duty, when at the same time they are excluded by God, Therefore say they, this casteth into the bottom of despair, for the troubled heart may think I am none of those that are given to Christ, though I pray and seek for pardon, yet I may be a dog and not a childe, and so none of the Childrens bread belongs to me; To this we easily answer, that all those who thus repent of sinne and seek after Gods favour, they are to be ashamed that this is an effect of their being given to Christ, as you heard,