A30243:2972
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 118
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.
Lastly, This certainty of grace is a sure and special antidote against death in all 1the fears of it. This makes the King of terrors, a King of all consolations: For seeing that by grace we are the members of Christ, death hath no more sting on us, then on Christ our head. And therefore the godly may in Christ triumph, O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory! 1 Cor. 15. 55. These serpents may be handled, because their stings are out. Let them howl and roar out at the approach of death, who know not whether God be their friend, or enemy, or rather may know he is their enemy; who have just cause to doubt, whether they are going to hell or heaven: Oh to such, the very name and thought of death and judgement, must be full of amazement and terror: But to those who are in a holy manner persuaded of their interest in Christ, that perceive the sure evidences of Gods grace in them; they may lift up their heads for their redemption draweth nigh: And indeed this should much incite you, to seek after such a support at death. Hezekiah upon the sentence of death passed on him, supported himself with this, 2 King. 20. 3. And what wilt thou do, when the hour of death approaches: here is no longer the comfort of thy riches, wife and children to be enjoyed; here is no longer the company of thy friends and acquaintance to be retained. Oh then! when thou art to be sure no longer of any earthly comfort, would it not be better then a world to thee to be sure of heavenly comforts? Oh that you would be wise for your latter end. Do something that may stand you in stead, when you are dying men, gasping at the last. Drowning men use to catch hold on any thing. Oh dying and drowning men should be sure of a fast hold to lean upon; These are the advantages.2
Lastly, This certainty of grace is a sure and speciall antidote against death in all 1the fears of it. This makes the King of terrors, a King of all consolations: For seeing that by grace we are the members of Christ, death hath no more sting on us, then on Christ our head. And therefore the godly may in Christ triumph, O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory!