A55752:225
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...
London: printed by J.T., 1658
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.
What is the reason that men seek so much the favour of Princes and great men but because they may be exalted unto honour? Wherefore then should we not much more labour to have favour, and to be in familiarity with God who is the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords, who hath power to exalt one and to pull down another. Now if we would but bring our hearts to believe this, that in strengthening the inward man we should get and grow in favour with God, then men would be stirred up to set upon this work.
What is the reason that men seek so much the favour of Princes and great men but because they may be exalted unto honour? Wherefore then should we not much more labour to have favour, and to be in familiaritie with God who is the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords, who hath power to exalt one and to pull down another. Now if we would but bring our hearts to believe this, that instrengthning the inward man we should get and grow in favour with God, then men would be stirred up to set upon this work.
But withal you must know that by the strength of this Inward man you do not please God by the way of merit: for so Christ only, and none but Christ pleased God. But when you strengthen the Inward man you please God by way of object: you choose grace and favour and holiness above all things; Merit was the Argument that Christ useth unto his Father to glorify him, John 17. Father I 1have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work, therefore glorify me: That is I have merited this at thy hand that thou shouldst glorify me because I have perfectly ⟨p. 64⟩pleased thee in doing thy will. Again it is the Argument that Christ useth to his Disciples in John 14. Herein is my Father glorified, in that you bring forth much fruit: That 2