A70932:32
True gain, opened in a sermon preached at Pauls, Nov. 9. 1656
True gain, opened in a sermon preached at Pauls, Nov. 9. 1656 by Edward Reynolds, D.D.
London: printed by Tho. Ratcliffe for George Thomason, 1659
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.
3. As matter of encouragement to run with ⟨p. 15⟩patience the race that is set before us; to animate us against all the difficulties, dangers, temptations, and variety of disheartnings, which through the subtlety and malice of Satan we are sure to meet with in Gods service. The Hope of ensuing glory doth work resolutions in God servants to purify themselves, that so being like unto Christ in holiness, they may thereby be Prepared to be like unto him in glory 1 Joh. 3.3. The crown of righteousness kept up the resolution of the Apostle himself, to fight the good fight of faith, to run his race, to finish his course, to keep the faith, 2 Tim 4.7, 8. Thus a Christian is allowed by his Lord to do his masters work with some eye and intuition of his own gain.
3. As matter of encouragement to run with ⟨p. 15⟩patience the race that is set before us; to animate us against all the difficulties, dangers, temptations, and variety of disheartnings, which through the subtlety and malice of Satan we are sure to meet with in Gods service. The Hope of ensuing glory doth work resolutions in God servants to purifie themselves, that so being like unto Christ in holiness, they may thereby be Prepared to be like unto him in glory 1 Ioh. 3.3. The crowne of righteousenss kept up the resolution of the Apostle himself, to fight the good fight of faith, to run his race, to finish his course, to keep the faith, 2 Tim 4.7, 8. Thus a Christian is allowed by his Lord to do his masters work with some eye and intuition of his own gain.
But then as the Apostle saith, If a man strive for masteries, he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully; So, If a man contend for gain, he shall never overtake it, except he contend lawfully. Our Saviour here hath excluded one way, and that a broad one, where in multitudes weary themselves for this Prize, What shall it profit a man if he win the whole world? And secondly, intimateth the true though a more narrow and private way, viz. to prosecute the interest of our precious souls. Let us consider them both