A30345:712
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, A man that is sunk deeper into sin may be converted with less sorrow or legal terror, as the Thief upon the Cross, and he that hath not so grievously offended may be kept longer under: for the ripeness and abundance of the humour may make way for the more speedy removal thereof, when it is for the safety of others, that have not gathered so much corruption, to be kept under for a season.
Fourthly, A man that is sunke deeper into sin may be converted with lesse sorrow or legall terrour, as the Thiefe upon the Crosse, and he that hath not so grievously offended may be kept longer under: for the ripenesse and aboundance of the humour may make way for the more speedy removall thereof, when it is for the safety of others, that have not gathered so much corruption, to be kept under for a season.
Fifthly, A Christian must not quarrel his conversion, because he hath not been terrified or brought so low as others, or kept under so long: for it matters not how deeply thou hast been wounded, but how soundly thou hast been cured: It is not material what pain thou hast felt, but whether thou be brought unto Christ.
Fifthly, A Christian must not quarrell his conversion, because he hath not been terrified or brought so low as others, or kept under so long: for it matters not how deeply thou hast been wounded, but how soundly thou hast been cured: It is not materiall what paine thou hast felt, but whether thou be brought unto Christ.
Sixthly, Christians in temptations or distress must not desire or pray, that God would terrify them, or humble them with deep apprehensions of his indignation: for they know not their own strength, whether they be able to bear it, if God should deal severely; they forget that it is God that must make all afflictions profitable, and that of themselves these things tend to despair and hardness of heart: and it is no small unthankfulness to complain of the Physicians care, because he is inclined to deal tenderly with you. Godly sorrow is to be cherished, and so is the desire of, and prayer for more tenderness of heart: but when we pray for more horror, we rely too much upon our selves, and yet consider not our own weakness.