A75287:983
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.
6. Confidence.
Behold, O my soul, and do not merely crave, but challenge this favour of God, as that which he owes thee; he owes it, because he hath promised it, and by his mercy he hath made his gift his debt:1 Is there not a promise made, Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound, they shall walk in the light of thy countenance, O Lord: and is it not an experience tried, I sate down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste: O what is this but the taste of Eternity? what is this but a glimpse of unspeakable joy? press on, O my soul, and do not only believe a taste, but a hearty draught of Eternity; these tastes are but earnests, but there is a promise of everlasting fruition:2 Hath he not given thee his word for Eternal life, for an Eternal inheritance, for everlasting righteousness, for an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away? Awake, arise, O my soul, and lay hold on the promises of this blessed Eternity; be not dismayed by reason of thy unworthiness, for the promise is of Grace, freely offered, and freely given to them that be unworthy in their own eyes: Christ hath purchased righteousness and everlasting life, believe in him, and live to all Eternity. O my soul, why art thou dull and sluggish, wherefore dost thou not put forth thy self to embrace and receive this ⟨p. 161⟩promise of Eternity? Gods promises are ever certain, never less, but rather more in accomplishment then in tender; why dost thou not cast thy self upon this blessed issue,