A30242:154
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.
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.
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, dulnesse, will be no more a trouble; thou wilt be no longer in the valley, but upon the Mount.
Use 1. Of Instruction to the people of God, that they should not despair under the discovery of daily infirmities. I do not encourage thee to sin, I do not foster thee in thy infirmities, only make righteous judgement in this case. Thou criest out, How can I be godly, and have no better an heart? How can Christ dwell in me, and I feel no more of his power? Oh distinguish between weak grace and no grace, between the presence of sin, and the dominion of it! Consider, God hath left these for admirable ends, and none of these is to discourage, and overwhelm thee: especially do thou cry out of those deeps to the grace of the Gospel; be as much enlarged, yea more than Paul was in this matter, if thou canst.