A30579:462
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.
And for the outward Government: Christ would have no man to be compelled to it, but those that are convinced that it is the best way; He gives no such rules to force any man; if you think the Government is to strict for you, that you cannot live under it; indeed there may be something used as a natural help, some outward, means used to take men off from their wantonness and wilfulness: but now if it appear that you desiring to know which is the best way, and endeavouring to know, and after your desires, and endeavours you cannot be convinced that this is the way that you should walk in; Christ gives no rules to compel you; but if you belong to God, He is content to stay till the Word and Spirit ••all convince you to come under His Government; Oh! why should you be against it then, when it forces you not to come into it? Oh! be not such an enemy to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but let those that believe another way is the way wherein they come most under the Kingdom of Christ, and enjoy […] communion with Christ, let them alone in that way especially, when they live peaceable with you, and are every way useful as much as your hearts can desire in all civil things, living neighbourly, lovingly, and faithfully with you in all things; why should you malign them because you know there is some other way wherein they may enjoy more sweet communion with Jesus Christ than your selves do? That's the seventh Use, which shows the wickedness of the world in opposing the Kingdom of Christ, when as it is not of this world, it is not that that doth intrench upon their worldly privileges.
And for the outward Government: Christ would have no man to be compel'd to it, but those that are convinced that it is the best way; He gives no such rules to force any man; if you think the Government is to strickt for you, that you cannot live under it; indeed there may be something used as a natural help, some outward, means used to take men off from their wantonness and wilfulnes: but now if it appear that you desiring to know which is the best way, and endeavoring to know, and after your desires, and endeavors you cannot be convinced that this is the way that you should walk in; Christ gives no rules to compel you; but if you belong to God, He is content to stay till the Word and Spirit ••all convince you to come under His Government; Oh! why should you be against it then, when it forces you not to come into it? Oh! be not such an enemy to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, but let those that beleeve another way is the way wherein they come most under the Kingdom of Christ, and enjoy ommunion with Christ, let them alone in that way especially, when they live peacable with you, and are every way useful as much as your hearts can desire in all civil things, living neighborly, lovingly, and faithfully with you in all things; why should you malign them because you know there is some other way wherein they may enjoy more sweet communion with Jesus Christ than your selves do? That's the seventh Use, which shews the wickedness of the world in opposing the Kingdom of Christ, when as it is not of this world, it is not that that doth intrench upon their worldly priviledges.