A30579:605
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.
6. What is that thing that you strive to make most sure? That which a man strives to make most sure, that he counts his happiness to consist in; Oh for thy Land, and Debts, thou strivest with all thy might to make that sure, but as for the matter of thy Salvation, and peace in Christ, thou hast a good hope in God for, but takest no pains to make it sure.
7. What dost thou admire most men for? O! such a man is happy, he hath so much coming in, and hath so much a year: But dost thou call the vile man happy? it is a sign that thou hast not thine eye enlightened by the Spirit of God; but now, Canst thou look upon even those that are poor, and mean in this world, that have the least portion here, yet as most happy Creatures, because the Lord gives them the Grace of His Spirit; and think, well, 'tis true, I have a greater estate than such a poor man that is my neighbour, or than such a poor man, but God knows he doth God more service than I do, he prays more, and more heartily in one day than I do in a whole year: Oh! the Lord hath other manner of prayers, and sighs come from his poor Cottage, than ever he had from my brave Palace; I have my City-house, and Country-house, but they were never so perfumed with prayers; Some that live in poor Cellars, send up more prayers, and God hath more honour from them, than He hath from me; in my family (perhaps) there is cursing, and blaspheming of God; in such poor Cottages there is (perhaps) blessing, and praising of God. Now see if thou lookest upon them as the most happy people in the world.
7. What dost thou admire most men for? O! such a man is happy, he hath so much coming in, and hath so much a yeer: But dost thou call the vile man happy? it is a sign that thou hast not thine eye enlightened by the Spirit of God; but now, Canst thou look upon even those that are poor, and mean in this world, that have the least portion here, yet as most happy Creatures, because the Lord gives them the Grace of His Spirit; and think, well, 'tis true, I have a greater estate than such a poor man that is my neighbor, or than such a poor man, but God knows he doth God more service than I do, he prayes more, and more heartily in one day than I do in a whol yeer: Oh! the Lord hath other manner of prayers, and sighs come from his poor Cottage, than ever he had from my brave Pallace; I have my City-house, and Country-house, but they were never so perfum'd with prayers; Some that live in poor Cellers, send up more prayers, and God hath more honor from them, than He hath from me; in my family (perhaps) there is cursing, and blaspheming of God; in such poor Cottages there is (perhaps) blessing, and praising of God. Now see if thou lookest upon them as the most happy people in the world.