A69028:2486
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milk for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his son, Adoniram Bifield.The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milke for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his sonne, Adoniram Bifield.
London: printed by G.M. for Philemon Stephens and Christopher Meredith, 1626
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.
The consideration of all these things in the calling to glory, should greatly abase us for our want of affection, and admiration, and strong consolation in the hope of all this glory, and if it be possible, it should pluck up our hearts to a fervent love and longing for, and hasting to the appearing of Christ Jesus; our hearts, I say, upon whom the ends of the world are come, when the day of the Lord is so near at hand. And withal it should work in us a perfect patience in bearing the afflictions of this life, these light afflictions, I say light, in comparison of that eternal weight of glory.
The consideration of all these things in the calling to glory, should greatly abase vs for our want of affection, and admiration, and strong consolation in the hope of all this glory, and if it be possible, it should plucke vp our hearts to a feruent loue and longing for, and hasting to the appearing of Christ Iesus; our hearts, I say, vpon whom the ends of the world are come, when the day of the Lord is so neare at hand. And withall it should worke in vs a perfect patience in bearing the afflictions of this life, these light afflictions, I say light, in comparison of that eternall weight of glory.
Thus of their calling to glory: The Reason follows, vers. 35. 36. And it is taken from their works of mercy, as they ⟨p. 526⟩are signs of their faith in Christ, and as marks of their Adoption, not as causes of their glory: and yet if it were granted they were causes of glory, yet it will not follow they are meritorious causes: There are many sorts of efficient causes, besides causes meritorious: if any ask why their works of piety are not mentioned, or works of righteousness as well as mercy: I answer; that mercy is not absolutely better than piety, but only in a sort, viz. in respect of men, and as mercy doth justify our piety to be right. Now out of all the words I observe
Thus of their calling to glory: The Reason followes, vers. 35. 36. And it is taken from their workes of mercy, as they ⟨p. 526⟩