A75287:1983
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.
Hitherto of Duties in reference to our Spiritual Ethics and Economics: Now follow our Divine Politics; viz. such Duties as have reference to public or Church Assemblies; and they are either Hearing the Word Preached. Receiving the Sacraments.
HItherto of Duties in reference to our Spiritual Ethicks and Oeconomicks: Now follow our Divine Politicks; viz. such Duties as have reference to publike or Church Assemblies; and they are either Hearing the Word Preached. Receiving the Sacraments.
1. For our right, holy and conscionable importment in and about the Hearing of the Word, we must look to Our preparation before we hear. Our carriage in hearing. Our behaviour afterwards.
1. For our right, holy and conscionable importment in and about the Hearing of the Word, we must look to Our preparation before we hear. Our carriage in hearing. Our behavior afterwards.
1. For preparation, it is of such necessity, that the want and neglect of it, is the cause that the word to many becomes the savour of death unto death; and to some professors, even of good hearts and affections, but a dead letter, without any life or power in it. Is it not a general complaint of the best Christians, that they are ordinarily possessed with much deadness of heart, and dullness of spirit at these holy exercises? Alas, their zeal and fervency which should be quickened and inflamed at every Sermon, is dull and benumbed with senselessness and satiety; they do not tremble at divine Comminations, and denouncements of Gods Judgements against sin; they are not so refreshed with the gracious Promises of life and salvation, as they ought to be; they do not enjoy and reap the thousandth part of that delight, comfort and benefit as they well might, by the Ministry of the Word; they do not with that cheerfulness receive, with that sweetness taste or relish, with that life and vigour digest the food of life; they do not so clearly see and discern the infinite beauty of the sacred Majesty represented unto them, or that glorious grace, shining unto them in the face of Christ Jesus; their hand of faith doth not with that feeling and fastness lay hold upon,