A41536:52
The trial of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing…The tryall of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing…
The trial of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing forth more fruit a treatise handling this case, how to discern our growth in grace : affording some helps rightly to judge thereof by resolving some tentations, clearing some mistakes, answering some questions, about spiritual growth : together with other observations upon the Parable of the vine, John 15. 1, 2 verses / by Tho. Goodwin.The tryall of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing forth more fruit a treatise handling this case, how to discerne our growth in grace : affording some helps rightly to judge thereof by resolving some tentations, clearing some mistakes, answering some questions, about spiritual growth : together with other observations upon the Parable of the vine, John 15. 1, 2 verses / by Tho. Goodwin.
London: printed by J.G. for R. Dawlman, 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.
The Use is to stir up all that profess themselves to be in Christ,1 to examine whether they be true genuine branches of this true Vine or no. Here in this Kingdom, Christ is spread forth into a fair and pleasant Vine in show, as this earth affords: But if we Ministers were able with this Husbandman here, to turn up the leaves of formal profession, and look with his eyes, we should discern that there are but a few true branches indeed to be found in flourishing Congregations, as Isaiah foretold there should be in Israel, Isa. 17. 5, 6. Like the gleaning grapes, two or three in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches.
The Use is to stir up all that professe themselves to be in Christ,1 to examine whether they be true genuine branches of this true Vine or no. Here in this Kingdome, Christ is spread forth into a faire and pleasant Vine in shew, as this earth affords: But if we Ministers were able with this Husbandman here, to turne up the leaves of formall profession, and looke with his eyes, we should discerne that there are but a few true branches indeed to be found in flourishing Congregations, as Isaiah foretold there should be in Israel, Isa. 17. 5, 6. Like the gleaning grapes, two or three in the top of the uppermost bough, foure or five in the outmost fruitfull branches.
- 1Use.Ʋse.
Now for a general help to discern whether you be true branches,1 consider, that union with Christ is it that makes men branches, that is, men are accounted branches of Christ in regard of some union with him: and such as their union is, such also is their communion with him, and accordingly such branches are they, and such their fruit.