A55748:240
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.
But you will say then, there is none but 1may doubt himself, for who can say his obedience is perfect? I answer, it is not so much the perfection, as the sincerity that is required. But how shall we know that, you will say?
But you will say then, there is none but 1may doubt himselfe, for who can say his obedience is perfect? I answer, it is not so much the perfection, as the sincerity that is required. But how shall we know that, you will say?
- 1Quest.
First consider, whether thou be obedient in every 1thing. This is in the words of the Text, therefore 2I mention it first, he that hath taken Christ, there is never a commandment, but he is subject to it: though he fail in the performance of the commandments, yet never an one but he is subject to; as for example, the Lord hath commanded to sanctify the Sabbath, not to forsake the fellowship of the Saints; to pray continually; to take heed how we hear; to wash our hearts from evil thoughts and lusts. When an obedient heart, one that hath taken Christ truly, hears these commands, he is obedient to every one of them, he goeth about the business, as an obedient servant about his masters service; though he may be overtaken with negligence and some contrary passion, yet he goeth about it. I mean, he doth it as well as he is able. Another will not set himself to do the business, but is ready to expostulate the matter with God, and say, The commandment is too strict, or else he refuseth by plain stubbornness. As for example, that commandment, Take heed how you hear, that is, let not one instruction fall to the ground, see that you work it upon your hearts; a disobedient heart goeth not about this, he lendeth his ears for an hour; but when the Sermon is done, there is an end: so that other, to pray continually; it may be he prayeth not alone, nor with his Family, or if both, yet in a sleight and negligent manner, as good never a whit, as never the better: so also, let your communication be always gracious; such an one thinks it a needless