The prophecy of Haggai, interpreted and applied in sundry sermonsThe prophesie of Haggai, interpreted and applyed in sundry sermons

When Alippins a young man of great hope, and of Austine's acquaintance, was too much transported, with an inordinate desire and delight, in and after the games and spectacles at Carthage, especially those which they called the Circences ludi Austine much desired and endeavoured out of the love he bare unto him, by the best means he could to reclaim him, but could not for the thife prevail with him. Not long after the same Alppins hearing Austin in his Rhetoric lector at Carthage, drawing a similitude from the same plays to make the matter he had in hand more plain, and pleasing with a kind of biting derision, of those who were captivated too much with the madness of those sports, Alippins took the whole matter unto himself, and was persuaded saith Austin, that I had not spoken so much but even for his sake, and that which another would have taken as an occasion to be angry with me, the honest young man, made an occasion to be angry with himself, and to love me more fervently. For thou hast said it O Lord, and set down in thy writings, Rebuke the wise man and he will love thee. Thus was Alipins both healed of his error, and reclaimed from his vain sports, by the good providence and power of God in the hand of Austine never thinking of Alippins nor intending his curing or healing, as he himself saith at that time. For after those words the filthiness of all those sports and delights, did so recoil and ⟨p. 91⟩vanish from his mind and heart, that he never after came amongst them any more. Now let us well consider my brethren, that if Alippins profited so well in hearing a rhetoric lecture, both for the informing of his judgement, and reformation of his life, and all by the blessing of God, as Austine himself doth acknowledge in that place, why may not, why ought not we to look for the like good fruit and effect of our desires, and labours in hearing of divine lectures, and godly sermons, such as may be more able having a better promise, to convince the judgement, convert a sinner, save a soul and cover a multitude of fins. And this we shall yet the more effectually find and feel, if we reverently and obediently (as it now followeth in this scripture) hearken to the messenger of the Lord in the Lords message: Then spake Haggai the Lords messenger in the Lords message unto the people, saying I am with you saith the Lord.

When Alippins a young man of great hope, and of Austines acquaintance, was too much transported, with an inordinate desire and delight, in and after the games and spectacles at Carthage, especially those which they called the Circences ludi Austine much desired and endeavoured out of the love he bare unto him, by the best meanes he could to reclame him, but could not for the thife prevaile with him. Not long after the same Alppins hearing Austin in his Rhethoricke lector at Carthage, drawing a similitude from the same playes to make the matter he had in hand more plaine, and pleasing with a kinde of biting derision, of those who were captivated too much with the madnesse of those sports, Alippins tooke the whole matter unto himselfe, and was perswaded saith Austin, that I had not spoken so much but even for his sake, and that which another would have taken as an occasion to be angry with me, the honest young man, made an occasion to be angry with himself, and to love me more fervently. For thou hast said it O Lord, and set downe in thy writings, Rebuke the wise man and he will love thee. Thus was Alipins both healed of his error, and reclaimed from his vaine sports, by the good providence and power of God in the hand of Austine never thinking of Alippins nor intending his curing or healing, as he himselfe saith at that time. For after those words the filthinesse of all those sports and delights, did so recoyle and