A30345:391
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel…A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel…
A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the gradual breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errors of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightness, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithful servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.A treatise of the covenant of grace wherein the graduall breakings out of Gospel grace from Adam to Christ are clearly discovered, the differences betwixt the Old and New Testament are laid open, divers errours of Arminians and others are confuted, the nature of uprightnesse, and the way of Christ in bringing the soul into communion with himself ... are solidly handled / by that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, and minister of the Gospel, John Ball ; published by Simeon Ash.
London: printed by G. Miller for Edward Brewster, 1645
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.
Fourthly, In the Eastern Countries, where they were accustomed ⟨p. 171⟩to wear long garments down to the ankles, they used to gird them close unto their body, when they had any journey, combat1 or labour in hand, least they should be an impediment unto them. So they were commanded to eat the Passover with their loins girded, because they had a journey to go, and Elijah girded up2 his loins, and ran before Ahab. And so to have loins girt, is to be fitted and prepared for any service, travel or conflict; Let 3your loins be girded about, and your lights burning. Gird up the loins of your mind, and be sober. Gird thy self and bind on thy sandals. Thus Christians girded with truth, are in readiness for any spiritual duty, and to encounter with whatsoever adversary power shall with-stand them in the course of godliness. Peradventure at the first putting on, this garment may seem somewhat straight▪ nothing easy to wear: but he that is accustomed to go girded, shall find such ease in it, such comfort by it, that he can never be well without it, never at ease, until it be put on. Truth of heart is blessed of God with increase of grace. This is it which maketh the least portion of grace to thrive in the hands of Gods children. Their faithfulness in a little, brings them to be4 owners of a great deal, and to be rulers over much. This brought such a plentiful blessing upon the small beginnings of Nathaniel, to whom Christ, because of his truth in the inward affections, promised an enlarged measure of enlightening, and that he should see greater things. This brought such a comfortable increase upon the dim knowledge of the Eunuch and Cornelius; they worshipped5 God in truth of heart, according to the measure of understanding they had received, and in them the promise was accomplished, To him that hath shall be given, and he shall have in abundance: they were led further into that great mystery of godliness, an Evangelist being sent of God to the one, and both an Angel and an Apostle to the other. A true hearted Christian is careful to get, chary to keep, and wary to husband, what grace he hath received, and how should he not then increase from one measure to another?