A85485:175
The progress of divine providence, set out in a sermon preached in the Abbey…The progresse of divine providence, set out in a sermon preached in the Abbey…
The progress of divine providence, set out in a sermon preached in the Abbey Church of Westminster before the house of Peers, on the 24th of September, 1645. being the day of their monthly fast. / By William Gouge, one of the members of the Assembly.The progresse of divine providence, set out in a sermon preached in the Abbey Church of Westminster before the house of Peers, on the 24th of September, 1645. being the day of their monethly fast. / By William Gouge, one of the members of the Assembly.
London: printed by G.M. for Joshua Kirton next Goldsmiths-hall, 1645London: printed by G.M. for Ioshua Kirton next Goldsmiths-hall, 1645
Title page typeset from the transcription.
THE PROGRESS OF GODS Providence.THE PROGRESSE OF GODS Providence.
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. Gods reserving his better things to the later times,1 ministereth unto us, who have been reserved unto these later ⟨p. 36⟩times,2 much matter of gratulation. The least of us, which live in this Kingdom of God (styled, for the celestial excellency thereof, the Kingdom of Heaven) The least of us, I say, is greater then he of whom it is said, Among them that are borne of women, there hath not risen a greater. Had we lived in the ancient former times, and believed the promises of things exhibited in these times, how should we have enquired and searched after them?3 The Prophets so did. How should we have desired to see them? Many Prophets and Kings so did.4 How should we have rejoiced to see this day?5 Abraham so did. Now that we are reserved to live in this time, to hear, see and enjoy these better things, should not our hearts be filled with praises, and our mouths opened to utter the same? God hath made an abundant recompense unto us, who live in these later days, for putting off our time of living in this world so long. It is to our unspeakable advantage and benefit; and shall not God have the praise thereof? True believers now have greater cause then old Zechariah had to sing and say, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people. 6Yea, then old Simeon had to say, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. These old men saw but the Sun-rising of the Gospel. We see it shining forth in the full brightness thereof. Should not we then be thankful, even for the times wherein we live?
6. Gods reserving his better things to the later times,1