A47584:1397
The History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland
The history of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.The historie of the reformation of the Church of Scotland containing five books : together with some treatises conducing to the history.
London: printed by John Raworth for George Thomason and Octavian Pullen, 1644
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.
1But to return to our matter; of the premisses it is plain, That such as contemn Gods eternal verity and grace, can neither in their troubles receive comfort by Gods Messengers, neither yet can they follow the counsel of God, be it never so profitable, but God giveth them over, and suffereth them to wander in their own vanities, to their own perdition; whereas contrariwise,2 such as beareth a reverence to Gods most Holy Word, are drawn by the power and virtue of the same (as before is said) to believe, follow and obey that which God commandeth, be it never so hard, so unapparent or contrary to their affections: And therefore as God always keepeth appointment with them, so are they wondrously preserved, when Gods vengeances are poured forth upon the disobedient.3 And this is most evident in Abraham, at Gods commandment, leaving his Country, and going forth he knew not whither; which was a thing not so easy to be done,4 as it is to be spoken or read. It appeareth also in Abraham, believing Gods promises, against all appearance, and also in offering his son Isaac, 5against all fatherly love and natural affection. The same is said, in Moses, Samuel, Hezekiah, Michaiah, and other of the Prophets, which at the commandment of Gods Word, boldly passed to the presence of Tyrants, and there to them did their message, as charge was given unto them.
1But to returne to our matter; of the premisses it is plain, That such as contemne Gods eternall verity and grace, can neither in their troubles receive comfort by Gods Messengers, neither yet can they follow the counsell of God, be it never so profitable, but God giveth them over, and suffereth them to wander in their owne vanities, to their owne perdition; whereas contrarywise,2 such as beareth a reverence to Gods most Holy Word, are drawn by the power and vertue of the same (as before is said) to beleeve, follow and obey that which God commandeth, be it never so hard, so unapparent or contrary to their affections: And therefore as God alwayes keepeth appointment with them, so are they wonderously preserved, when Gods vengeances are powred forth upon the disobedient.