A30243:2812
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 12 › Sermon 112
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, There is a conformity unto Christ, in regard of his sufferings, and patient obedience thereunto: This some interpreters make to be the chief scope of the place; that as Christ had in this life a suffering, afflicted and persecuted life, in all which he was full of humility and patience, and after this he was exalted to glory; so it will fall out with every member of Christ; every member, as well as the head, shall have a state of humiliation, before a state of exaltation: ⟨p. 651⟩Let not those then who will live in the power of godliness, expect great and comfortable things always in this world: Though they be chosen ones with God, yet with the world they may be the off-scouring and dregs of mankind.
Thirdly, There is a conformity unto Christ, in regard of his sufferings, and patient obedience thereunto: This some interpreters make to be the chief scope of the place; that as Christ had in this life a suffering, afflicted and persecuted life, in all which he was full of humility and patience, and after this he was exalted to glory; so it will fall out with every member of Christ; every member, as well as the head, shall have a state of humiliation, before a state of exaltation: ⟨p. 651⟩Let not those then who will live in the power of godliness, expect great and comfortable things always in this world: Though they be chosen ones with God, yet with the world they may be the off-scouring and dregs of mankinde.
Thirdly, The third effect, Is thankfulness, and continual hearty gratitude unto 1God for this so great and unspeakable a mercy: You can no more keep in the heart from overflowing, when its sensible of this everlasting love of God, then you can put bounds to the sea: See Paul, Ephes. 1. and in other places, with what heavenly joy and enlarged thankfulness he amplifieth the love and grace of God in electing of us before the foundations of the world; he cannot satisfy himself with any words, but heaps them up one upon another; and certainly, in that God hath elected and chosen thee, he hath done more for thee, then if he should give thee all the glory of the world. That elect Lady John wrote unto, was more happy in being elected, then in all the external glory she had; How then is thy heart affected with joy, and praise, and thankfulness in this matter? He that bestoweth great things, looks for great return of thanks, especially this being all we can do.