A84352:29
The Christian CommonwealthThe Christian Commonvvealth
The Christian Commonwealth: or, The civil policy of the rising kingdom of Jesus Christ. Written before the interruption of the government, by Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the Church of Christ at Roxbury in New-England. And now published (after his consent given) by a server of the season.The Christian Commonvvealth: or, The civil policy of the rising kingdom of Jesus Christ. Written before the interruption of the government, by Mr. John Eliot, teacher of the Church of Christ at Roxbury in New-England. And now published (after his consent given) by a server of the season.
London: printed for Livewell Chapman, 1659
Preface: To the Chosen, and Holy, and Faithful, who manage the Wars of the Lord, against Antichr…
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.
You blessed ones of the Lord, who have so eminently, beyond the wont of Conquerors, humbled and abased yourselves, as no-bodies in the work, and ascribed all the praise and glory of your Valiant Achievements, unto ⟨image 9⟩the Lord Jesus, whom by faith you did always see fighting for you, and (to your admiration) getting the Victory for you! You that have with an holy boldness of faith, made those dreadful appeals (unheard of in other stories) unto the Lord Jesus, to witness to the sincerity of your Cause and Conscience by his own arm, and in all your straights have never found him to fail you, or forsake you; but still made you Conquerors, not only of your Enemies, but (which is more) of your selves also, not to arrogate praise unto your selves; nor to improve your Victories beyond the bounds of Christian patience and love to the conquered; and all for the honour and glory of Christ, and his grace; that his Name and Cause might find room and acceptance in the hearts of your Enemies, whom you therefore used like Christian Brethren, and not like Enemies.
You blessed ones of the Lord, who have so eminently, beyond the wont of Conquerors, humbled and abased yourselves, as no-bodies in the work, and ascribed all the praise and glory of your Valiant Atchievments, unto ⟨image 9⟩the Lord Jesus, whom by faith you did always see fighting for you, and (to your admiration) getting the Victory for you! You that have with an holy boldness of faith, made those dreadful appeals (unheard of in other stories) unto the Lord Jesus, to witness to the sincerity of your Cause and Conscience by his own arm, and in all your straights have never found him to fail you, or farsake you; but still made you Conquerors, not only of your Enemies, but (which is more) of your selves also, not to arrogate praise unto your selves; nor to improve your Victories beyond the bounds of Christian patience and love to the conquered; and all for the honour and glory of Christ, and his grace; that his Name and Cause might find room and acceptance in the hearts of your Enemies, whom you therefore used like Christian Brethren, and not like Enemies.