A30242:1153
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.
Thirdly, The Temple was full of external glory: A magnificent place, admired by Heathens. And we see what weeping there was of the old men, that the glory of the latter Temple was not like that of the former, Ezra 3.10. Now the glory of Christians is likewise great, but in a spiritual and heavenly way. The Church is all glorious within, Psalms 45 13. The Gospel that is preached, is styled a glorious Gospel, 1 Tim. 1.11 And the Spirit of God, The Spirit of glory, 1 Peter 4.14. It's promised, That the glory of the second Temple, should far exceed that of the first, Hag. 2.9. Now how was that made good? not in any outward glory, but because Christ in a spiritual manner, did reform all those corrupt Doctrines, and did sit as a refiner to purify the Sons of Levi. This was glory, to have the spiritual worship of God. It's true, this is not the glory of the world, which the Devil showeth, and so many do fall down and worship it; but to a spiritual eye, that judgeth spiritually these things are the greatest glory. Who would think that the Preaching of of the Gospel deserved such a Title as a Kingdom, and a Kingdom of Heaven? ⟨p. 199⟩The most sublime and transcendent perfection that can be: Yet, What is more ordinary in Scripture, then to dignify it by that Name? Do not then account the glory of the Church to lye in goodly Edifices, in glorious Ornaments, in stately Images, but in pure Doctrine, Godly Government, and an Holy life. Such times, are glorious times; such Administrations use to ravish a godly heart. David cried out, How amiable were the Tabernacles of the Lord of Hosts? Psalms 84.1.10. And one day there, was better then many any where else. And all, because of the Spiritual enjoying of God in them. It's the excellency of a Pearl to be in its native lustre; to paint that, would disgrace it; so it's the excellency of all spiritual Ordinances and Institutions, to be in their pure native appointment; and to add to them by goodly Inventions, is but to disparage them. Jesus Christ, had no external glory, yet to the Spiritual Believer, Christ is precious, as Peter saith,