A77847:31
The reformation of the church to be endeavoured more then that of the common-wealth,…The reformation of the church to be endeavoured more then that of the common-vvealth,…
The reformation of the church to be endeavoured more then that of the common-wealth, declared, in a sermon preached before the Right Honourable House of Lords at the public fast, August 27. 1645. / By Anthony Burges, pastor of Sutton Coldfield, and now preacher at Laurence-Jury, London.The reformation of the church to be endeavoured more then that of the common-vvealth, declared, in a sermon preached before the Right Honourable House of Lords at the publike fast, August 27. 1645. / By Anthony Burges, pastour of Sutton Coldfield, and now preacher at Laurence-Jury, London.
London: printed by G.M. for T. Underhill, 1645London: printed by G.M. for T. Vnderhill, 1645
Title page typeset from the transcription.
A SERMON Preached before the Right Honourable the House of LORDS, A… › Part
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.
4. Gods care about his Church is far above that to the Common-wealth. Therefore learn from God, let your affections and thoughts be most about that, which God hath the greatest care about from all eternity.
4. Gods care about his Church is farre above that to the Common-wealth. Therefore learn from God, let your affections and thoughts be most about that, which God hath the greatest care about from all eternity.
He looks to the Common-wealth in the way of providence, as a God absolutely considered; but to his Church, in the decree of Election, and acts of Justification and Salvation, as a gracious Father; therefore God, he doth either bless, or afflict Common-wealths, and the Governors thereof, as they are either froward and churlish, or kind and merciful to his people, Psal. 87.2. Jehovah loveth the gates of Zion more then the dwelling places of Jacob; the place of his worship and ordinances, more then all other places. Think therefore, that if Gods love, and works in a remarkable manner be for his people, worship and ordinances, how effectual and strong ought the resolutions and endeavours of those be, who by reason of their place and office are called gods? and if it was accounted ⟨p. 8⟩such an honour among the Heathens unto Hercules, that he cleansed their Augean stable, and conquered their many-headed Hydra; how much more will it be matter of honour and glory, to cleanse the temple of God from all defilements, and to subdue all heresies, that rise up against the truths of Christ? let us therefore all imitate God, in our places and relations, by our love and thoughts of good to the Church and ordinances of God.
He looks to the Common-wealth in the way of providence, as a God absolutely considered; but to his Church, in the decree of Election, and acts of Justification and Salvation, as a gracious Father; therefore God, he doth either blesse, or afflict Common-wealths, and the Governours thereof, as they are either froward and churlish, or kinde and mercifull to his people,