A77847:39
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.
1. The state reformation agreeth most with our sensible good; hence we shall see the Romans and other Heathens, have adventured themselves for the Common wealth, and have gloried in being the assertors of its liberties; but to promote Christs ways, that is contrary to our corrupt hearts: therefore men may be forward to have monopolies and taxes removed, that yet cannot endure to have the sanctification of the Sabbath, the powerful and soul saving preaching of Gods Word established. How few are like Theodosius, of whom Ambrose saith, Dilexi virum, qui cum corpore solveretur, magis de statu Ecclesiarum, quàm de proprijs periculis angebatur; he was more careful about the Church then his own affairs.
1. The state reformation agreeth most with our sensible good; hence we shall see the Romanes and other Heathens, have adventured themselves for the Common wealth, and have gloried in being the assertors of its liberties; but to promote Christs waies, that is contrary to our corrupt hearts: therefore men may be forward to have monopolies and taxes removed, that yet cannot indure to have the sanctification of the Sabbath, the powerfull and soul saving preaching of Gods Word established. How few are like Theodosius, of whom Ambrose saith, Dilexi virum, qui cum corpore solveretur, magis de statu Ecclesiarum, quàm de proprijs periculis angebatur; he was more carefull about the Church then his own affairs.
2. 1Christ hath yokes, and Common wealths are unwilling to receive these; In Psal. 2. ver. 3. see the resolution of the governors of the earth; Let us break their bonds, and cast their cords from us: The orders of Christ are so holy, so heavenly, so self-denying, that few states will arise to the obedience of them: And this made the Heathens object, though very falsely; that Common wealths and the Christian religion cannot stand together: And this made some profane men profess, when the reformation began in Lathers time; that they had rather live under the government of the Turk, then where all things should be ordered according to Gods Word; but