A30579:619
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.
2. Be content with thy portion here, do not murmur and repine, for though thou hast not so much as others have, yet thou hast that that will make thee happy for ever; I remember that Hierom in one of his Epistles, tells of one Dydimus, that was a learned godly Preacher, but blind; Alexander comes to him, meeting of him, and asks him, What, are you not troubled for want of sight? And he indeed confessed, it was a very sore affliction to him; then Alexander begins and chides him, What hath God given you that that is the excellency of an Apostle, of a Minister of Christ, and are you troubled for want of your sight, that a pismire may have, that a brute beast, yea the very Pismires; the want of thy sight, of that that Mice and Rats may have? are you troubled at that, and rather not taught for to bless God that hath given you so great a mercy, as to make you such an instrument in his service? So may I say to you that are godly, Hath God given you Jesus Christ? hath God given you His Son? hath He given you His Spirit? hath He given you Himself to be your portion? And are you troubled that you have no more of that that beasts may have as well as your selves? Oh be ashamed of any mournful discontentments for want of the comforts of this world. And then;
3. Do not envy at any wicked men for their portion. I remember a story that I have heard of a poor Soldier, ⟨p. 350⟩that was condemned to die, merely for taking a bunch of Grapes from a Vine; for there was a strict Law, that whosoever should take anything from that place they went thorough, should die for it; and he had taken a bunch of Grapes, and he was condemned to die, and as he went to Execution, he went eating of the bunch of Grapes, and some came to him, and said, Thou should 'st think of somewhat else: he answered, I beseech you Sirs, do not envy me my Grapes, they will cost me dear. So may I say of all the men of the world, we have no need to envy them for any thing they have, it will cost them very dear. And lastly.
3. Do not envy at any wicked men for their portion. I remember a story that I have heard of a poor Souldier, ⟨p. 350⟩