A53699:67
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.
Obj. 1. But it will be said secondly, we are still at a loss; for what woeful divisions are there amongst this generation of professors? some are for one way, and some for another; some say one sort are the people of God, some another; some say the Prelatists are so, some the Presbyterians, some the Independents, some the Anabaptists, some the fifth Monarchy men, some others, and on whom should the valuation pleaded for be cast.
Obj. 1. But it will be said secondly, we are still at a losse; for what woful divisions are there amongst this gegeneration of professors? some are for one way, and some for another; some say one sort are the people of God, some another; some say the Prelatists are so, some the Presbiterians, some the Independents, some the Anabaptists, some the fifth Monarchy men, some others, and on whom should the valuation pleaded for be cast.
Ans. 1. Some do say so, and plead thus, it cannot be denied; but the truth is, the greater is their weakness and folly. It is impossible men acquainted with the spirit of Christ and the Gospel, should say so, unless they were under the power of one Temptation or other. But it is no party, but the party of Christ in the world, and against the world, the seed of the woman, against the seed of the serpent that I am pleading for; that men as to their interest in Christ should be judged from such denominations, as though they make a great noise in the world, yet indeed signify very little things in themselves, is most unrighteous, ⟨p. 22⟩and unequal; nor will men find peace, in such rash and precipitate judgments.
Ans. 1. Some do say so, and plead thus, it cannot be denied; but the truth is, the greater is their weaknesse and folly. It is impossible men acquainted with the spirit of Christ and the Gospel, should say so, unlesse they were under the power of one Temptation or other. But it is no party, but the party of Christ in the world, and against the world, the seed of the woman, against the seed of the serpent that I am pleading for; that men as to their interest in Christ should be judged from such denominations, as though they make a great noise in the world, yet indeed signifie very little things in themselves, is most unrighteous,