A55752:537
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.
A fourth means is, a poor spirit and beggarly, that is, such a one as hath neither comfort within nor without; 1when nothing will now so comfort him, as the thinking of his present estate will humble him. And this will make a man poor indeed though he be never so rich, and bring him with David to say, I am poor and needy, Lord help me, Psal. 70. 5. This will let him see that he is a poor Lazar, begging at the gates of God, who is rich in mercy. And it is a further degree to bring him to Christ, and make Christ to enrich him; That which hinders many from coming to Christ is, that they are full enough; these whatsoever they say in words, they indeed cast off Christs righteousness, because their spirits are not cast down to beg at Gods hand; if they have children, honour, wealth and professions, tell them of condemnation, they are proud, and think themselves well enough; they will tell you that they hope to be saved as well as the best. But ⟨p. 177⟩let such know, all fullness dwells in Christ, none at all in us, in the matter of salvation. Get Christ first to reign in thee, that thou mayest after come to reign with him in glory.
A fourth means is, a poor spirit and beggarly, that is, such a one as hath neither comfort within nor without; 1when nothing will now so comfort him, as the thinking of his present estate will humble him. And this will make a man poor indeed though he be never so rich, and bring him with David to say, I am poor and needy, Lord help me, Psal. 70. 5. This will let him see that he is a poor Lazer, begging at the gates of God, who is rich in mercy. And it is a further degree to bring him to Christ, and make Christ to enrich him; That which hinders many from coming to Christ is, that they are full enough; these whatsoever they say in words, they indeed cast off Christs righteousness, because their spirits are not cast down to beg at Gods hand; if they have children, honour, wealth and professions, tell them of condemnation, they are proud, and think themselves well enough; they will tell you that they hope to be saved as well as the best. But