A75287:2079
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.
3. If it purify the heart: Formalists may watch over their open outward actions, but true believers set themselves with special care, and all good conscience, to bridle and bring under all wicked stirrings of the heart.1 The desire of the righteous is only good (i.) the main streams of his desires, the course and current of his heart, is to godliness and goodness, though sometimes his corrupt Nature, and Satan's boisterous temptations, do unawares and violently carry his thoughts another way, for which he sends out many a prayer for pardon and purging.
3. If it purifie the heart: Formalists may watch over their open outward actions, but true believers set themselves with special care, and all good conscience, to bridle and bring under all wicked stirrings of the heart.1 The desire of the righteous is onely good (i.) the main streams of his desires, the course and current of his heart, is to godliness and goodness, though sometimes his corrupt Nature, and Satans boysterous temptations, do unawares and violently carry his thoughts another way, for which he sends out many a prayer for pardon and purging.
4. If it bring forth a true and through Evangelical Repentance: Where Gods comfortable favour shines,1 and is shed into the heart, it immediately melts and resolves into tears of sorrow and grief for former rebellions, and makes unfeigned and resolute vows, for ever after, by Gods grace, to throw out of his heart and life, those sins which have grieved so good a God.