A75287:1171
Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The…
Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and public, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.
London: printed by John Field for Nathanael Webb and William Grantham, 1649London: printed by John Field for Nathanaell Webb and William Grantham, 1649
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1. That of our selves we have no ability to attain any of these Graces: Every one can say, I purpose well, but the question is, whether they build not on their own strength: Many a man (especially in time of his sickness, danger, disgrace) will make fair promises of amendment, but when the rod is removed, all is forgotten: What may be the reason? he stands on his own feet, he presumes to go alone of himself, and by his own strength, and then no marvel if he falls and catcheth many a knock: If we will have any of these Graces, 1then deny we our selves: I will keep thy statutes (said David) but immediately upon his resolution he cries, O forsake me not utterly: Purposes thus grounded, bring forth holy performances, but of our selves we can expect nothing.
2. That Gods Spirit will infuse these Graces, and the increase of these Graces into them that believe: Many would fain have Knowledge, and Faith, and Hope, and Joy, &c. but they exercise not their Faith to believe God and his promises:1 I knew a man in Christ (could Paul say) concerning his Revelation; so, I know a man in Christ off and on, unstayed, dismayed at his manifold slips, strong corruptions, little prevailings against them, and (when all came to all) he could find no help till he went to a promise, and by faith believed that God would aid and assist, and do the whole work for him; it is good to believe that (according to his promise) God will sanctify our natures, enable us to holiness, and bestow all his graces on us.
2. That Gods Spirit will infuse these Graces, and the increase of these Graces into them that believe: Many would fain have Knowledge, and Faith, and Hope, and Joy, &c. but they exercise not their Faith to believe God and his promises: