A30241:857
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 34: Of Growth in Grace, The Duty, Necessity, and Glory of it.
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.
2. That they were of him, the sense is, They knew whatsoever Christ had it was given him of the Father, and that he had these things from him to be a Mediator: Here then you see what an acceptable thing it is to God to believe in Christ as sent by him; The poor humbled sinner he trembleth and doubteth whether he may come to this Mediator or no; But you see it is a most pleasing thing to God, for which he commends his disciples as much as their obedience, that they did thus receive him.
2. That they were of him, the sence is, They knew whatsoever Christ had it was given him of the Father, and that he had these things from him to be a Mediatour: Here then you see what an acceptable thing it is to God to beleeve in Christ as sent by him; The poor humbled sinner he trembleth and doubteth whether he may come to this Mediatour or no; But you see it is a most pleasing thing to God, for which he commends his disciples as much as their obedience, that they did thus receive him.
In the next place consider the circumstance of time when this is affirmed of them, Now they have known, &c. What is the sense of that? Did they not know and believe in Christ before? Yes, but he speaks here of their proficiency and growth; Now they have known and believed more assuredly then ever; So that it's not simply their faith but their growth and increase in faith, that our Saviour takes notice of; From whence observe,
In the next place consider the circumstance of time when this is affirmed of them, Now they have known, &c. What is the sence of that? Did they not know and beleeve in Christ before? Yes, but he speaks here of their proficiciency and growth; Now they have known and beleeved more assuredly then ever; So that it's not simply their faith but their growth and encrease in faith, that our Sauiour takes notice of; From whence observe,