A75287:1249
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. To endeavour in a special manner for knowledge in Gods word, and for holiness of conversation in a Christian walking; this would tend much to the preservation of his authority, who otherwise will be slighted and disregarded, through an aptness in inferiors to take occasion therefrom.
1. To endeavor in a special maner for knowledge in Gods word, and for holiness of conversation in a Christian walking; this would tend much to the preservation of his authority, who otherwise will be slighted and disregarded, through an aptness in inferiors to take occasion therefrom.
2. To marry in the Lord, and then to live chastely in wedlock,1 ⟨p. 200⟩that there may be an holy seed:2 Now that he may marry in the Lord, 1. Let piety be the mover of his affection, and personage, parentage and portion, be only as a comfortable accessary, considerable in a second place: Christianity and grace is the chief golden link and noble tie, which hath the power and privilege to make marriage a lovely and everlasting bond. 2. Let him ply the throne of Grace with fervency of prayer; a good wife is a more immediate gift of God: whence Solomon could say, Houses and riches are the inheritance of fathers, 3but a prudent wife is from the Lord: such a rare and precious jewel is to be sued and sought for at Gods Mercy-seat with extraordinary importunity and zeal; and if she be procured at Gods hand by prayer, he shall find a thousand times more sweetness and comfort, then if she be cast on him by an ordinary providence. 3. Let him observe and mark these six points in his choice; as, 1. The Report: 2. The looks: 3. The speech: 4. The apparel: 5. The companions: 6. The education: These are like the pulses, that show the fitness and godliness of any party with whom he ought to marry.