A Coal From The Altar, To Kindle The Holy Fire of Zeale - In a Sermon Preached at a Generall Visitation at Ipswich by Samuel Ward
page 24 of 51 (47%)
page 24 of 51 (47%)
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many waters cannot quench it. _Agar_, Pro. 30. speakes of foure things,
stately in their kinde; I will make bold to add a fift, comprehending and excelling them all namely the zealous Christian, strong and bold as the Lyon; not turning his head for any; as swift as the grey-hound in the waies of Gods commandements; in the race to heaven, as nimble as the Goat climbing the steepe and craggy mountaines of pietie and vertue; A victorious King, overcoming the world and his lusts: _Salomon_ in all his royalty, is not cloathed like one of these in his fiery Charriot. To cut off the infinite praises of zeale, let us heare what honourable testimonies and glorious rewards, it pleaseth God to conferre upon it; _Davids_ ruddy complexion and his skill in musique, made him amiable in the eyes of men: but the zeale of his heart, stiled him a man after Gods owne heart; and the sweet Singer of Israel. _Abraham_, that could finde in his heart to sacrifice his _Isaack_, was called the friend of God. The same vertue denominated _Jacob_ a Prince with God. _Elisha_, The Charriots and horse-men. _Paul_, A chosen vessell, &c. [Sidenote: Revel. 12.] [Sidenote: Revel. 7. 3. Ezek. 9. Exod. 12.] Neither doth God put them off, with names and empty favours, but upon these he bestowes his graces: _David_ dedicateth his Psalmes to him that excelled: God in dispensing of favours, observeth the same rule, to him that overcommeth will I give, &c, To him that hath, shall bee given. Husbandmen cast their seede uppon the fertilest ground, which returnes it with the greatest interest: God gives most talents to those that improove them in the best banke. _Joseph_ shall have a party coloured coat, of all kindes of graces and blessings: And because he knowes this |
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