A30579:516
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
GOSPEL Conversation. › THE MISERY OF THOSE MEN THAT HAVE THEIR PORTION IN THIS LIFE.
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.
Thirdly. Therefore, somewhat you shall have; and the day of patience is mans day: in 1 Cor. 4. 3. saith the Apostle there, I pass not for mans judgement: The words are in the Greek, For mans Day. I pass not for mans day, so the words may be translated; as if the Apostle should say, it is true, Man carries all before him now, man hath all the doings now at this day, and he may judg and censure as he pleaseth; it is but his day, and I pass not for mans day; the day of patience may prove to be mans day; that is the third.
Fourthly, Wicked men, they do somewhat for God here, some kind of service, that is at least materially a service for God: and God will not have them clamour upon Him, that they have nothing for their work; God will give to every one something for what they do for Him, though it be never so little, here in this world. You have a famous place for that in Ezekiel, 29. 18, 19, 20. Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon, caused his Army to serve a great service against Tyre, yet had he no wages for his Army, (saith God) he had no wages for his service; well, therefore, God He enquires about this, and seems to complain, that when a Nebuchadnezzar did Him any service, yet he should be all this while without his wages; therefore (saith God) Behold! I will give the Land of Egypt unto him, he shall take a spoil and a prey, and that shall be his wages; He will give him wages for what he doth. Many wicked men God doth make use of in divers services, and much refreshing and good, His Churches shall have from them; the Lord causes the very Earth to help the woman; earthly men to be of use to the Church, and God will not be beholding to them for their work; A throne may serve to stop a gap, though it be but a thorn bush, and if it serve to stop a gap, and be of any use, it hath that Benefit by it, all that while it is kept from the fire, whereas were it not of use, it might presently be brought to the fire. An argument by the way, to provoke all men to be of as much use to the Church of God as possibly they can, it may be ⟨p. 306⟩