Effects of zeale. Revel. 12.]
[Sidenote: Opus operatum.]
Thirdly, this zeale is so gracious a favorite with God, that it graces
with him all the rest of his graces. Prayer if it bee fervent,
prevaileth much: the zealous witnesses had power to shut and open
heaven: by this, _Israel_ wrastled with God, overcame, and was called a
Prince with God: this strengthned the heart of _Moses_ (as _Aaron_ and
_Hur_ supported his hands) till the Lord sayd, Let me alone: this made
_Cornelius_ his prayer to come into heaven; whither our colde sutes can
no more ascend, then vapours from the Still, unlesse there bee fire
under it: Repentance, a needefull and primary grace, which the Baptist
so urged: but then wee must bee zealous and repent (as my text joynes
them) or else no repentance pleaseth God; nor are there fruits worthy
repentance. Almes and good deeds are sacrifices pleasing to God; but
without zeale, the widowes mites are no better then the rest; It is the
cheerefull loose, that doubleth the gift. Generally, as some mans marke
and name, furthereth the sale of his commodity; so zeale inhanceth all
the graces of God. It pittieth me for _Laodicea_ that lost so much cost;
had as many vertues, did as many duties as other Churches: but for want
of this, Christ could not sup with them. Furnish a table with the
principallest fare, and daintiest dishes that may be had; let them be
rosted & boyled to the halves, or stand on the table till they bee
lukewarme; what will the guests say? All that we can doe is but the
deede done, unlesse zeale conferre grace.
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