A90263:125
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of ZionThe branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Zion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.
Edinburgh: printed by Evan Tyler, 1650
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.
3. He will depart as to Assurance of what is to come, as well as to a sense of what is present. It is the Indwelling Spirit of Christ that gives Assurance: here by are we sealed to the day of Redemption. He beareth witness with our Spirits, that we are the Children of God. Upon our grieving him, he will withdraw as to this also. We shall be bewildered, and in the dark, not knowing what will become of our Souls to Eternity. For it Christ by his Spirit do not speak Peace, who shall?
3. He will depart as to Assurance of what is to come, as well as to a sense of what is present. It is the Indwelling Spirit of Christ that gives Assurance: here by are we sealed to the day of Redemption. He beareth witnesse with our Spi•its, that we are the Children of God. Upon our grieving him, he will withdraw as to this also. We shall be beweldred, and in the dark, not knowing what will become of our Souls to Eternity. For it Christ by his Spirit do not speak Peace, who shall?
2. Doth he dwell in us by his Grace?
1. Let us first know whence all Graces are, that in a want, or weakness of them, we may know whither to go for a supply. Of his fullness we receive, & Grace for Grace. All supplies of Graces are from Christ. Lord, ⟨p. 40⟩increase our faith, say the Apostles: Not only Faith originally is from him, but all Increases of it also. I believe, help thou my unbelief, says the poor man. We wrestle and struggle with a little Grace, a little Faith, a little Love, a little Joy, and are contented if we can keep our Heeds above water, that we be not quite sunk and lost. How sweet would it be with us, if upon a serious consideration from whence all these Graces flow, that we would apply our selves to draw out farther degrees and heightenings of them, whereby he might dwell more plentifully in us, and we might always converse with him in his Gracious Train of Attendants. How this may be done in particular, is not my business now to show.