B01382:54
Communion with God. in two sermons preached at Paul'sCommunion vvith God. in two sermons preach'd at Paul's
Communion with God. in two sermons preached at Paul's: the first, Sept. 3, 1654, the second, March 25, 1655. / By Samuel Annesley L.L.D. minister of the gospel at John Evangel London.Communion vvith God. in two sermons preach'd at Paul's: the first, Sept. 3, 1654, the second, March 25, 1655. / By Samuel Annesley L.L.D. minister of the gospel at John Evangel London.
London: printed by Evan Tyler, 1655
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. In this life. But do not mistake me, as though the enjoyment of God here, is more worth, then that which was spoken to in the first query, viz. better then what there is in Heaven, unless you take it precisely, and abstractly: as if you conceive Heaven to be enjoyed, without the enjoyment of God. And then that poor pittance of enjoyment of God, which we may have here, is more worth then Heaven would be to eternity: Heaven would be a burden to us, were it not for the enjoyment of God ⟨p. 10⟩there. And therefore John 17.21. Christ prays that They all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. There's not equality, but there's similitude, there's reality, dignity, union, communion.
1. In this life. But do not mistake me, as though the enjoyment of God here, is more worth, then that which was spoken to in the first query, viz. better then what there is in Heaven, unlesse you take it precisely, and abstractly: as if you conceive Heaven to be enjoyed, without the enjoyment of God. And then that poor pittance of enjoyment of God, which we may have here, is more worth then Heaven would be to eternity: Heaven would be a burden to us, were it not for the enjoyment of God ⟨p. 10⟩there. And therefore John 17.21. Christ prayes that They all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. There's not equality, but there's similitude, there's reality, dignity, union, communion.
The enjoyment we have of God in this life, is either in Ordinances, or in Duties, or in Graces, and all through Christ. I might speak of these distinctly, but I forbear, because they do sweetly coincidere. The same thing may be an Ordinance in regard of Gods appointment: A Duty in respect of our management: And a Grace through the Spirits influence. e. g. Prayer as God requires it, 'tis the Ordinance of Prayer; as we perform it, 'tis the Duty of Prayer; as the Spirit assists us, 'tis the Grace of Prayer. Now there is a common presence of God in Ordinances: which is as the outward Court, open for all comers, and alas most persons go no further. But there's the secret of his presence, within the Veil for his own, and nothing less will satisfy them,