A55752:858
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.
Concerning outward things, if one bring another news of any true good, if he believe, how doth he rejoice; on the contrary, if we tell one of an evil about to happen to him, as if a Physician should tell a man he should die presently, if he should believe it, it would make him sad, if one told another of a good course of life, if he did believe it to be so, he would take it; so if there be any promise in the word if it were believed it would make a man to rejoice, if we did believe any threatenings we would fear them more then any cross, if we did believe any direction we would follow it, faith is the pen that writes the word in the heart, to wit in the will, which hath an influence in the whole man, therefore God m•kes his covenant that he will write his word in their hearts.
Concerning outward things, if one bring another newes of any true good, if he believe, how doth he rejoyce; on the contrary, if we tell one of an evil about to happen to him, as if a Physician should tell a man he should die presently, if he should believe it, it would make him sad, if one told another of a good course of life, if he did believe it to be so, he would take it; so if there be any promise in the word if it were believed it would make a man to rejoyce, if we did believe any threatnings we would fear them more then any cross, if we did believe any direction we would follow it, faith is the pen that writes the word in the heart, to wit in the will, which hath an influence in the whole man, therefore God m•kes his convenant that he will write his word in their hearts.
Fifthly, It must be received with an honest heart, Luke 8. 15. it is required, and it is the quality of the fruitful ground to receive the seed of the word into an honest heart, that is when a man comes with resolution to do whatsoever he sees to be Gods will. And it stands in two things.