A30579:454
Gospel-conversation
Gospel-conversation: wherein is showed, I. How the conversation of believers must be above what could be by the light of nature. II. Beyond those that lived under the law. III. And suitable to what truths the Gospel holds forth. By Jeremiah Burroughs, preacher of the Gospel to Stepney and Cripplegate, London. Being the third book published by Thomas Goodwin, William Greenhil, Sydrach Simpson, Philip Nigh, William Bridge, John Yates, William Adderly.Gospel-conversation: wherein is shewed, I. How the conversation of believers must be above what could be by the light of nature. II. Beyond those that lived under the law. III. And suitable to what truths the Gospel holds forth. By Jeremiah Burroughs, preacher of the Gospel to Stepney and Criplegate, London. Being the third book published by Thomas Goodwyn, William Greenhil, Sydrach Simpson, Philip Nye, William Bridge, John Yates, William Adderly.
London: printed by Peter Cole, 1650
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.
5. Use. Hence we see the reason of the meanness of the outward condition of the people of God in this world, why is it that Christ hath so ordered things that the people of God should be so outwardly poor in this world? My Kingdom is not of this world (saith Christ) Therefore, why should any that come under my kingdom look for great things in this world? they must look to have their comfort and glory in things that concern my Kingdom, and not in the things of this world: in Psal. 73. 12. Behold! those that are ungodly prosper in this world, (saith the Scripture.) As for men that are godly and come under the Kingdom of Christ, they must look for a prosperity that is beyond this world; God gives the earth to the children of men, and to the men of the world: Let them prosper saith God, here's their portion, here's all that they are like ever to have. But now for the people of God, they must not look to prosper outwardly in this world; John, 16. 33. In the world, you shall have trouble (saith Christ.) Christ does tell His Disciples plainly beforehand, That in the world they shall have trouble; never make account to have ease and prosperity here below in the world; Certainly you shall have trouble, this is not your kingdom; and therefore John, in the 1. of Rev. 9. ver. There he stiles himself in writing to the Churches: Your Companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. Observe it, John that was such an Eminent Member of the Kingdom of Christ; when he speaks unto others that are brought into the kingdom of Christ, saith he, • John, who also am your Brother, and Companion in Tribulation, and in the kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ: These two may well stand together, ⟨p. 278⟩to be of the Kingdom of Christ, and companions of men in the Kingdom of Christ, and in Tribulation: yea, mark how the Kingdom of Christ is set in the middle, Companion in Tribulation, and then Kingdom, and then patience; So that trouble, and afflictions are on both sides (as it were) of the Kingdom of Christ. And it's very observable here, John he doth not to get himself credit, say, I John that was the Apostle of Jesus Christ, I John, that was the beloved Disciple of Jesus Christ, I John, that was a Kins-man of Jesus Christ: no, but I John, your Companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ.