A55302:154
Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its…
Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its resemblances, bonds, seals, privileges and marks by Edward Polhil ..., Esq.Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its resemblances, bonds, seals, priviledges and marks by Edward Polhil ..., Esq.
London: printed by A.M. and R.R. for Tho. Cockerill, 1680
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.
3dly, The union between Christ and Believers is such, that he doth support them. The resemblance of the foundation and building is a very lively and genuine proof of this; the building doth not bear up it self, but is supported by the foundation; Believers do not bear up themselves, but are supported by Christ: this is a very admirable thing to consider. Adam in Innocency had not the least seed of corruption ⟨p. 131⟩in him, yet he fell: Angels, much greater than he, had no corruption or tempter, yet many of them fell, but Believers are supported; there are dregs and relics of corruption in them; there are alluring and flattering objects round about them; there is a subtle Devil, using many arts and methods to draw out their corruption into act; yet in these dangerous circumstances they are supported, because they are united to Christ: there is a very remarkable difference between Angels and men. Angels stood or fell personally only, not in another, in an head of their own nature; but it is otherwise with men: All mankind fell in Adam their root or head, and all believers stand in Christ the root and head of the Church: hence it is that they are supported: hence they are said to be preserved in Christ Jesus, Jude 1. Adam in Innocency was soon unframed, but they stand in Christ; in him one sin drove out a stock of pure immaculate Grace in a moment; in them the many remnants of corruption cannot do so; the reason is, he with his perfect Graces stood alone, but they with their imperfect ones are in union with Christ: Hence it is, that their Graces live like a spark in water, and spring up even in the midst of briars: Corruption is driven ⟨p. 132⟩out by little and little; and at last perfection is attained in Heaven; if they stumble and fall in the way thither, yet they rise again; the Holy Spirit visits them again; fresh acts of Faith and Repentance are put forth;1 Humiliores redeunt & doctiores; they become more humble and learned, especially in that great point of dependence upon Christ; they see plainly, that they are weak in themselves, and all their support is in him: One object, one forbidden tree drew away Adam from God, but many objects cannot draw away Believers from Christ;