A30242:1151
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgess ...The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgesse ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for T.U., 1659
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.
First, The Materials for the Temple were to be polished and fitted by art, ere they could be made part of the building: The trees and timber of themselves, the stones of themselves, were not fit for that goodly structure; but they had Instruments of art going over them to prepare them; and thus it is ere a people come in to be made Members of a Church: indeed, there must be a Divine efficacy and power passing over them. We of our selves, have not Faith, have not preparedness for such Church duties, till God doth enable us. Look we therefore, how we come into the Church of God. How is it brought about, that we are so? If there be nothing but nature and custom, or because we are born in such places; if we have no more for our being Christians, then Jews have for being Jews. Turks for being Turks; this is not to be Gods Temple indeed. No; that must be said to thee, which was to Peter, Flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, Mat. 16.17. Hence the Church of God is compared to a Vineyard, to a Garden; all which are not naturally so, but by art and industry are made such. Thus, it is here; whatsoever our Societies and Meetings are in reference to God, it is wholly of his making.
First, The Materials for the Temple were to be polished and fitted by art, ere they could be made part of the building: The trees and timber of themselves, the stones of themselves, were not fit for that goodly structure; but they had Instruments of art going over them to prepare them; and thus it is ere a people come in to be made Members of a Church: indeed, there must be a Divine efficacy and power passing over them. We of our selves, have not Faith, have not preparednesse for such Church duties, till God doth enable us. Look we therefore, how we come into the Church of God. How is it brought about, that we are so? If there be nothing but nature and custome, or because we are born in such places; if we have no more for our being Christians, then Jews have for being Jews. Turkes for being Turkes; this is not to be Gods Temple indeed. No; that must be said to thee, which was to Peter, Flesh and blood hath not revealed this to thee, Mat. 16.17. Hence the Church of God is compared to a Vineyard, to a Garden; all which are not naturally so, but by art and industry are made such. Thus, it is here; whatsoever our Societies and Meetings are in reference to God, it is wholly of his making.