A77593:868
The Unsearchable Riches of Christ
Ton anexichniaston plouton [sic] tou Christou. The unsearchable riches of Christ. Or, Meat for strong men. Milk [for] babes. Held for th in twenty-two sermons from Ephesians 3.8. By Thomas Brooks, preacher of the Word at Margarets New-Fishstreet.Ton anexichniaston plouton [sic] tou Christou. The unsearchable riches of Christ. Or, Meat for strong men. Milke [for] babes. Held for th in twenty-two sermons from Ephesians 3.8. By Thomas Brookes, preacher of the Word at Margarets New-Fishstreet.
London: printed by Mary Simmons for John Hancock, 1655
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.
'Twas one of Matchavils Principles, That the appearance of virtue was only to be sought, because the use of it (saith he) is a trouble, but the credit of it a help. I am afraid that this cursed, soul-damning Principle, is the best flower that grows in many mens Gardens in these days. Though there is no virtue, but is as a bright stone in a dark night, it shines and shows its clearness and beauty, 'tis as pure gold, the brighter for passing through the fire, yet how do most 1covet rather the name of virtue, then to be really virtuous? Such, I believe, shall have the hottest, and the lowest place in hell. Well Christians, remember this, 'tis not a show of grace, but the exercise of grace, that will provoke others to glorify the fountain of grace. That's a very remarkable Scripture, 1 Thess. 2. 2, 3, 8. compared. We give thanks to God always for you, making mention of you in our prayers: Remembering without ceasing, your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God, and our father. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia, and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad. In this eighth verse you have an elegant Metaphor, which signifies, that their faith was so lively, that with its sound, as it were, it stirred up other Nations. The Greek word (Exechetai) is to sound as with the sound of a Trumpet, to make sound afar off. ⟨p. 195⟩Says the Apostle, your graces made a noise like a Trumpet, 2they stirred up others to be gracious and active, as the Trumpet stirs up men to war. So in 2 Pet. 1. 3, 4. We are bound to give thanks to God always for you brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth: So that we our selves glory in you in the Churches of God, for your patience and faith, in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. Hoc enim Angelicum, this is the Character of the Angelical nature, to rejoice in the graces and gracious actings of others: He that acts otherwise, holds forth the Image of the Devil, and declares himself a native of hell.