A53699:56
The glory and interest of nations professing the Gospel preached at a private fast,…
The glory and interest of nations professing the Gospel preached at a private fast, to the Commons assembled in Parliament / published by their command, by J. Owen.
London: printed for Philemon Stephens, 1659
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.
Use. 1. If you desire the Glory of these Nations, labour to promote the interest of Christ in these nations; I am not speaking unto you about disputable things, differences among the people of God themselves, nor am I interposing my advise in your civil affairs, but I speak in general about those with whom Christ is present, by his spirit, his chosen ones, against whom there is an old enmity in Satan and the world. The glory ⟨p. 16⟩of these nations is, that there is a people in them, that have Christ in the midst of them; let it be your business to take care for that Glory. But how shall we do it?
Vse. 1. If you desire the Glory of these Nations, labour to promote the interest of Christ in these nations; I am not speaking unto you about disputable things, differences among the people of God themselves, nor am I interposing my advise in your civil affaires, but I speak in general about those with whom Christ is present, by his spirit, his chosen ones, against whom there is an old enmity in Sathan and the world. The glory ⟨p. 16⟩of these nations is, that there is a people in them, that have Christ in the midst of them; let it be your businesse to take care for that Glory. But how shall we do it?
1. Labour personally, every one of you to get Christ in your own hearts. I am very far from thinking that a man may not be lawfully called to magistracy, if he be not a believer; or that being called, he should be impeded in the execution of his trust, and place, because he is not so; I shall not suspend my obedience whilst I enquire after my Lawful Governors conversion; but yet this I say considering that I cannot much value any good, but what comes in by the way of promise, I confess I can have no great expectation from them whom God loves not, delights not in; if any be otherwise minded, I shall not contend with him; but for this I will contend with all the world, that it is your duty to labour to assure Christ in your own hearts, even that you may be the better fitted for the work of God in the world. It is the promise of God to Zion; that her officers shall be peace, and her exactors righteousness,