Reformation Sure and Steadfast, Title page – To the reader
REFORMATION SURE AND STEDFAST; OR, A SEASONABLE Sermon for the present times. SHEVVING THE LIFE AND DEATH OF REFORMATION.
PROV. 15. 23.
A word spoken in due season how good it is.
Preached June 15. 1641.
Published by order from a Committee of the Honourable House of Commons.
LONDON, Printed by J. D. for Henry Overton, and are to be sold at his shop at the entrance into Popes-head Alley out of Lumbard street. 1641.
To the Reader.
GOd hath layd the foundation among us long agoe, and God be thanked we have held it hitherto, though with much adoe, and some hazard, for Pioners both within us and without us have beene digging at it, but could never undermine it, to blow it up (for thereby wee have beene comely though blacke) and therefore they have gone another way to worke, and built upon it: to wit; wood, hay, stubble, so that though the power of godlinesse hath preserved us, yet this combustible matter hath kindled such fires amongst us, as have almost ruined, us. For it's dangerous to separate what God hath joyned together, though Power may give as a subsistence, yet never a bene esse without Purity, to which wee now hope wee draw neere by the marriage of these two together amongst us, but then they must have these properties of marriage, they must not only joyne hands but hearts, and that for ever for Cordiall unanimity, and constant perpetuity, make up such a Reformation, as only will make us.
But I will not prevent the Sermon by preaching it in the Epistle, only borrow so much, as may shew how needfull it is for Ministers, to ioyne with Magistrates, and to imploy the Word, as they the Sword this way, that so it may not bee done by halves, but throughly, and that not only in Action, but affection, For God sayes, give me thy heart, which is the summe, and substance of this Sermon, and that it may bee the practice of us all, so prayes.
Thine in the Lord, T. F.