A30242:5
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.
TO THE READER.
The sound Interpretation, and Practical Application of Scripture, for the Advancement of Holiness, as it is the most profitable and pleasant part of our Ministerial Employment; so it should be the Readers wisdom and diligence, to Exercise himself most in the perusal of such Spiritual Helps: As for Controversies, to look on them, like the Briars and Thorns on the Ground; even the Effect of original corruption. So that to leave the Practical and Affectionate part of Religion, for the Speculative and Disputative, is to part with our sweetness and fatness, to become a briar. Yet, Experience doth too much confirm, how great a depravation is herein upon the minds of men, naturally doting upon Questions, Strifes, of words ⟨image 3⟩wherein is no Edifying. It is reported of a Philosopher, That he would not be resolved in the doubts he had upon his mind, that so he might not be deprived of that pleasure and delight which he found in seeking and searching out of truth: Which is, as if a feverish man, would not be cured of the drought or thirst upon him, that so he might still enjoy the pleasure he findeth in drinking. But Scepticism and inconstancy, and such inordinate affectation of Opinions and Controversies, is contrary to the sound constitution of Christianity, which inclineth to a solid mind in Matters of Faith, and to an holy mortified heart in respect of our conversation. Now to bring such an holy and heavenly Establishment upon the soul, the only way is, to make a constant and diligent Improvement of Gods Word, in all the happy and blessed Effects it causeth upon the soul. He that doth thus, is like the tree planted by the Rivers side, that will not wither, but bring forth its fruit in due season.