A55748:230
The mystical match between Christ and his churchThe mysticall match between Christ and his church
The mystical match between Christ and his church by the late learned and reverend divine, John Preston ... The leading sermon to that treatise of his called The churches marriage.The mysticall match between Christ and his church by the late learned and reverend divine, John Preston ... The leading sermon to that treatise of his called The churches marriage.
London: printed for Francis Eaglesfield, 1648
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.
From this, that he is a Head in regard of influence, a Head that fills all in all; that then we would be careful to draw from him, that which may fill us, and this is the use is made of this, 4. Ephes. 15, 16. Let us follow the truth in love, that we may grow up in him in all things, who is the Head, from ⟨p. 96⟩whom the whole body fitly joined together, &c. The scope of the Apostle is to show us, we should grow, and how to grow; adding this motive to it, to stir them to it, that Christ is their head, able to fill every empty crevice, and that should stir them up to bring their hearts to him, that so you may grow up into him, that is, when you hear he is a Head that fills you, stand not at a stay, but grow up to him, there being as great a necessity for you to grow, as for others to come in: and therefore (says he) continue not children: if they ask how they should grow up into him; he bids them follow the truth in love, that is, as you get more light into divine truths, and have your hearts affected with them, which is meant by love, so much is added to you; grow then, for otherwise how is it said, that the Word doth build us up? as S. Paul, when he told those that He was to leave them, and they knew not what to do when he were gone, to grow, he tells them this, I leave you to God, and the Word of his grace, to build you up. Now how doth the Word do it, but by revealing truth, new truths? which if they affect the heart, men grow up into Christ.
From this, that he is a Head in regard of influence, a Head that fills all in all; that then wee would be carefull to draw from him, that which may fill us, and this is the use is made of this, 4. Ephes. 15, 16. Let us follow the truth in love, that we may grow up in him in all things, who is the Head, from ⟨p. 96⟩whom the whole body fitly joyned together, &c. The scope of the Apostle is to shew us, wee should grow, and how to grow; adding this motive to it, to stirre them to it, that Christ is their head, able to fill every empty crevis, and that should stirre them up to bring their hearts to him, that so you may grow up into him, that is, when you heare he is a Head that fills you, stand not at a stay, but grow up to him, there being as great a necessity for you to grow, as for others to come in: and therefore (sayes he) continue not children: if they aske how they should grow up into him; hee bids them follow the truth in love, that is, as you get more light into divine truthes, and have your hearts affected with them, which is meant by love, so much is added to you; grow then, for otherwise how is it said, that the Word doth build us up? as S. Paul, when he told those that Hee was to leave them, and they knew not what to doe when he were gone, to grow, he tells them this, I leave you to God, and the Word of his grace, to build you up. Now how doth the Word doe it, but by revealing truth, new truths? which if they affect the heart, men grow up into Christ.