A30243:1797
Spiritual refining
Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.Spiritual refining: or A treatise of grace and assurance Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance. The use of signs in self-examination. How true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit. Several true signs of grace, and many false ones. The nature of grace under divers Scripture notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c. Many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians. As also many cases of conscience. Tending to comfort and confirm saints. Undeceive and convert sinners. Being CXX sermons preached and now published by Anthony Burgess sometime fellow of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and now pastor of the church of Sutton-Coldfield in Warwickshire.
London: printed by A. Miller for Thomas Underhill, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A TREATISE OF GRACE and ASSURANCE; Being CXX. SERMONS. › Section 9 › Sermon 69
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.
Oh then, as the Husbandman ploweth in hope, which nourisheth all actions; so thou mayest hear in hope, pray in hope, set on work of reformation in hope; for God never bid a people seek his Name in vain.
Oh then, as the Husbandman ploweth in hope, which nourisheth all actions; so thou maist hear in hope, pray in hope, set onwork of reformation in hope; for God never bid a people seek his Name in vain.
Secondly, Not only the possibility, but the probability may much prevail with thee. For on Gods part it seemeth more probable thou mayest be converted, then millions 1in the world. So that howsoever many men by abuse of the means, may make their condition far worse then that of Heathens and Pagans: yet if we speak strictly in respect of the means themselves, it is far more probable thou that hast the means of conversion, shouldst be converted, rather then those that enjoy them not. The greatest part of the world sits in horrible darkness without any light: to them the word hath not come, which yet is the ordinary means of conversion; so that on Gods part, and the means, it is far more likely that God wills thy conversion, rather then those to whom he sends no Prophets at all. It is true, the word is sometimes sent to harden men, and it becomes the savour of death; but this is after men have horribly abused it: and it is not the proper and genuine effect of the word, but accidental through the indisposition and obstinacy of the hearers. Well then, let this encourage thee to turn to God, God hath not withdrawn, or denied the means to thee; yet he sends his Prophets, and ministers to call thee to him: Why doth God vouchsafe all this to me? who should turn if I do not? Oh it is intolerable shame if any in the world turn to God, and thou dost not who art so often exhorted. Do any in the world repent, grieve for, and forsake their sins? and doest not thou who enjoyest the powerful means of Grace.
Secondly, Not onely the possibility, but the probability may much prevail with thee. For on Gods part it seemeth more probable thou maist be converted, then millions