A30242:153
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.
2. God suffers these relics in us, that there may be daily exercise for faith, patience, and other graces, so that these are left to increase the crown of glory, not to diminish it. The people of Israel used themselves to warlike exercises, (they were to be taught the use of the Bow) because their enemies were not totally subdued; so that therefore God would have these things to try thee, that thy spiritual valour and fortitude may the more appear. Tempests and winds discover the skill of the Mariner. Thou mayest turn these clods of earth into chains of pearl.
2. God suffers these reliques in us, that there may be daily exercise for faith, patience, and other graces, so that these are left to increase the crown of glory, not to diminish it. The people of Israel used themselves to warlike exercises, (they were to be taught the use of the Bow) because their enemies were not totally subdued; so that therefore God would have these things to try thee, that thy spiritual valor and fortitude may the more appear. Tempests and winds discover the skill of the Mariner. Thou mayest turn these clods of earth into chaines of pearl.
3. That we might not be puffed up in our selves, nor others lift up by admiration. For as the Heathens when they saw the viper fall off from Pauls hand, and not hurt him, changed their minds, thinking they were gods; but while the viper at first was on them, they thought vengeance pursued him. Thus when men see vipers cleave to thee as others, thou hast thy infirmities, thou hast thy weaknesses, then thou art low in thy own and other mens eyes.
Lastly, These thorns are still in thy side, that Heaven may be the sweeter. Lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. Then it will be no more a vile, mortal body, or a corrupt diseased soul: Then pride, unbelief, dullness, will be no more a trouble; thou wilt be no longer in the valley, but upon the Mount.