A30241:333
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.
In the first place, Exercise a firm and strong faith about it, that there is such a thing. This is a good and necessary foundation, for as long as Atheism or unbelief is in thee, and thou thinkest there is nothing after this life, thou doubtest whether there be any such eternity or no, as long as this wicked disposition is on thee there cannot be any good in thee. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, Heb. 11. so that this eternal life which is the great hope and expectation of the godly, by faith is made really to subsist in the heart, it doth as lively embrace it, as if it were already in eternity. Oh then let a firm and divine assent over-rule thy heart, say, I do believe it more then any thing of sense or of reason, more then that I breath or live▪ For the Word of God is so punctual and positive in affirming such a condition of eternity hereafter, that faith must needs bear witness to it. Now this Divine faith of such a thing would be like so many sparks of fire in our breast, it would make us speak and live and do all for this eternity, we do so certainly believe it.
In the first place, Exercise a firm and strong faith about it, that there is such a thing. This is a good and necessary foundation, for as long as Atheism or unbelief is in thee, and thou thinkest there is nothing after this life, thou doubtest whether there be any such eternity or no, as long as this wicked disposition is on thee there cannot be any good in thee. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, Heb. 11. so that this eternall life which is the great hope and expectation of the godly, by faith is made really to subsist in the heart, it doth as lively imbrace it, as if it were already in eternity. Oh then let a firm and divine assent over-rule thy heart, say, I do beleeve it more then any thing of sense or of reason, more then that I breath or live▪ For the Word of God is so punctuall and positive in afirming such a condition of eternity hereafter, that faith must needs bear witnesse to it. Now this Divine faith of such a thing would be like so many sparks of fire in our breast, it would make us speak and live and do all for this eternity, we do so certainly beleeve it.