The last sermon of Mr. Joseph Stephens late lecturer of St. Giles's Cripplegate, St. Margaret's Loth-bury, and St. Michael's Woodstreet. Together with I. A sermon compos'd by him a little before his death, (but never preach'd, being prevented by his last sickness.) II. A sermon concerning the hopes of the righteous at death. III. A sermon of Jam. IV. verse 17th; Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin. Lately preachd at the said lectures. All publish'd from his own manuscript copies, fairly written out for the press by himself.
THESE Words seem to be a caution given by the Apostle against the false Teachers suggestion about Perfection in this State, from the instance of himself,
THESE Words seem to be a caution given by the Apostle against the false Teachers suggestion about Perfection in this State, from the instance of himself,
There were some who insinuated, That it was possible to arrive at such a Degree of Goodness in this Life, that persons might stop there, without any further improvement,
There were Some who insinuated, That it was possible to arrive At such a Degree of goodness in this Life, that Persons might stop there, without any further improvement,
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and by sad Experience we find, that they too often insinuate with, and prevail over us, sometimes by sudden surreption or surprize, sometimes for want of a good judgment and a sound understanding;
and by sad Experience we find, that they too often insinuate with, and prevail over us, sometime by sudden surreption or surprise, sometime for want of a good judgement and a found understanding;
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I say, besides this, it is a shrewd sign that we are yet in our Sins, that we intend no further than just to preserve our selves from that everlasting ruin which awaits them;
I say, beside this, it is a shrewd Signen that we Are yet in our Sins, that we intend no further than just to preserve our selves from that everlasting ruin which awaits them;
and the accomplishments of a Christian, who knew the danger of stopping at any determinate degrees of Goodness, that while he imagined himself sure of a Crown, might by this means at last fall short of it.
and the accomplishments of a Christian, who knew the danger of stopping At any determinate Degrees of goodness, that while he imagined himself sure of a Crown, might by this means At last fallen short of it.
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First, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop at any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a fond conceit that he is good enough already.
First, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop At any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a found conceit that he is good enough already.
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First, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop at any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a fond conceit that he is good enough already;
First, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop At any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a found conceit that he is good enough already;
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how often we stain our Innocence, and make work for our Repentance, what strong contentions there are between Flesh and Spirit, between our bad Inclinations, and our pious Resolutions;
how often we stain our Innocence, and make work for our Repentance, what strong contentions there Are between Flesh and Spirit, between our bad Inclinations, and our pious Resolutions;
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I say, did we but consider how many indecencies we are guilty of, and what a mixture of evils there is in the best of our performances, this were enough to put us out of conceit with our own Goodness,
I say, did we but Consider how many indecencies we Are guilty of, and what a mixture of evils there is in the best of our performances, this were enough to put us out of conceit with our own goodness,
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and even when we have done all, as our Saviour expresses it, we must say, that we are unprofitable Servants, we have done that which was but our duty to do; for alas!
and even when we have done all, as our Saviour Expresses it, we must say, that we Are unprofitable Servants, we have done that which was but our duty to do; for alas!
What is Finite Service to an Infinite Recompence? A short Life spent here in watchings and strivings, in prayers and tears, in mortification and strict discipline, to a Life in Heaven, where every Eye sparkles with joy, every Heart overflows with gladness,
What is Finite Service to an Infinite Recompense? A short Life spent Here in watchings and strivings, in Prayers and tears, in mortification and strict discipline, to a Life in Heaven, where every Eye sparkles with joy, every Heart overflows with gladness,
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and every Tongue perpetually is imployed in singing the Song of Moses and of the Lamb, where all tears shall be wiped from our Eyes, shall move in a wide and capacious Sphere,
and every Tongue perpetually is employed in singing the Song of Moses and of the Lamb, where all tears shall be wiped from our Eyes, shall move in a wide and capacious Sphere,
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Can we be good enough to dwell for ever with a God, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning? is the farthermost degree of all possible Perfection in Holiness, to be compared with that purity which admits of no abatements? Should he strictly observe the indecencies which are in the best of our performances,
Can we be good enough to dwell for ever with a God, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning? is the farthermost degree of all possible Perfection in Holiness, to be compared with that purity which admits of no abatements? Should he strictly observe the indecencies which Are in the best of our performances,
or those petulant follies we are guilty of, when in a converted and regenerate state, they were enough by their own weight to sink us into Eternal Perdition.
or those petulant follies we Are guilty of, when in a converted and regenerate state, they were enough by their own weight to sink us into Eternal Perdition.
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namely, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop at any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a fond conceit that he is good enough already.
namely, That a Christian, while he continues in this Life, must not stop At any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a found conceit that he is good enough already.
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in fine, it implies such an advancement, which admits of no degree beyond it, when a Christian, by special arts has furnished himself with such a Complication of Graces, that he cannot err,
in fine, it Implies such an advancement, which admits of no degree beyond it, when a Christian, by special arts has furnished himself with such a Complication of Graces, that he cannot err,
or lamentation of good Christians, who are troubled at heart, that they are so much interrupted by the importunities of the Flesh, that they cannot serve God with better attention, with that strictness of Zeal,
or lamentation of good Christians, who Are troubled At heart, that they Are so much interrupted by the importunities of the Flesh, that they cannot serve God with better attention, with that strictness of Zeal,
For what through the prevalency of the Flesh, and the subtle, but almost inconceivable insinuations of the common Adversary, they are sometimes indifferent to holy duties, disturbed by a multitude of unbecoming thoughts when engaged in them;
For what through the prevalency of the Flesh, and the subtle, but almost inconceivable insinuations of the Common Adversary, they Are sometime indifferent to holy duties, disturbed by a multitude of unbecoming thoughts when engaged in them;
these unhappinesses, and many more, too tedious to insert, attending the best of men, are as so many incentives to Repentance, to quicken and spur them on in watchings and strivings;
these Unhappinesses, and many more, too tedious to insert, attending the best of men, Are as so many incentives to Repentance, to quicken and spur them on in watchings and strivings;
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these oblige them to keep a jealous Eye upon the inconstancy of their nature, and to be still furnishing themselves with wise considerations, that they may regulate their infirmities,
these oblige them to keep a jealous Eye upon the inconstancy of their nature, and to be still furnishing themselves with wise considerations, that they may regulate their infirmities,
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Peter little thought when he told our Saviour, that he would die with him before he would deny him, that ever he should have been guilty of such a disingenuous act;
Peter little Thought when he told our Saviour, that he would die with him before he would deny him, that ever he should have been guilty of such a disingenuous act;
and accordingly we read him a weeping for what he had done, nay, bitterly, that he who was such an eminent Apostle, had made so great a progress in holy Discipline, should stain his innocence, and lose his peace.
and accordingly we read him a weeping for what he had done, nay, bitterly, that he who was such an eminent Apostle, had made so great a progress in holy Discipline, should stain his innocence, and loose his peace.
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In fine, while Flesh and Spirit are joined together, there will be contention and war, and during that, it is impossible to be void of weaknesses and infirmities.
In fine, while Flesh and Spirit Are joined together, there will be contention and war, and during that, it is impossible to be void of Weaknesses and infirmities.
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And in regard that such is our unhappiness, we must not limit our selves to any present attainments, stop at any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a fond conceit, that we are good enough already,
And in regard that such is our unhappiness, we must not limit our selves to any present attainments, stop At any determinate degree in Holiness, out of a found conceit, that we Are good enough already,
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For as it argues the being weary of well-doing, that we begin to be cloyed with Virtue and strict Discipline, are tired out by Watchings and Strivings,
For as it argues the being weary of welldoing, that we begin to be cloyed with Virtue and strict Discipline, Are tired out by Watchings and Strivings,
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And besides this, it is just with God to suffer such a one finally to miscarry, who has been so long taking Heaven by storm and violence, has broken through so many oppositions to come at it,
And beside this, it is just with God to suffer such a one finally to miscarry, who has been so long taking Heaven by storm and violence, has broken through so many oppositions to come At it,
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and in despite of all the darts of temptation from without, and of all the weights and pressures of inclination from within, was gotten up as it were to the top of the Scaling Ladder, had laid his hands on the Battlements of Heaven,
and in despite of all the darts of temptation from without, and of all the weights and pressures of inclination from within, was got up as it were to the top of the Scaling Ladder, had laid his hands on the Battlements of Heaven,
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and was ready to leap in, and take possession of the joys of it; and at last slackens his hold, abates his industry, and sits down secure and careless;
and was ready to leap in, and take possession of the Joys of it; and At last slackens his hold, abates his industry, and sits down secure and careless;
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Thus we see how dangerous it is to stop at any determinate degree in goodness, out of a fond conceit that we are good enough already, that we are liable to relapse into our former state,
Thus we see how dangerous it is to stop At any determinate degree in Goodness, out of a found conceit that we Are good enough already, that we Are liable to relapse into our former state,
here must be many Strifes and Contentions, strong Disputes, and shrewd Arguings, before our stubborn Wills can be brought to a fair compliance with a Christian Grace;
Here must be many Strifes and Contentions, strong Disputes, and shrewd Arguings, before our stubborn Wills can be brought to a fair compliance with a Christian Grace;
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And then, considering the many Temptations from without us, which are continually interrupting us by their restless importunities, it is very difficult to retain a Vertue,
And then, considering the many Temptations from without us, which Are continually interrupting us by their restless importunities, it is very difficult to retain a Virtue,
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and the case being so, this will keep us for ever sufficiently Employed, and oblige us to Eternity to be still aspiring beyond our present Attainments.
and the case being so, this will keep us for ever sufficiently Employed, and oblige us to Eternity to be still aspiring beyond our present Attainments.
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in Consideration and Watchfulness, in Earnest Prayer and Severe Refiections on our selves, when we are assured before-hand, that at the End of this short conflict, we shall be carried off by Angels in Triumph into Heaven,
in Consideration and Watchfulness, in Earnest Prayer and Severe Refiections on our selves, when we Are assured beforehand, that At the End of this short conflict, we shall be carried off by Angels in Triumph into Heaven,
Ages, in the ravishing fruition of a boundless Good? I say, Who that considers what great things God has prepared for them that love him, would boggle at the difficulties in the Christian Warfare? Is it not a ravishing Contemplation to think, that the time is coming,
Ages, in the ravishing fruition of a boundless Good? I say, Who that considers what great things God has prepared for them that love him, would boggle At the difficulties in the Christian Warfare? Is it not a ravishing Contemplation to think, that the time is coming,
And may the God of Peace which brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good Work, to do his Will, Working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And may the God of Peace which brought again from the Dead our Lord jesus christ, the great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good Work, to do his Will, Working in you that which is Well-pleasing in his sighed, through jesus christ our Lord.
BESIDES the many Blessings which Religion Intitles a good Christian to, while he continues in this Life, such as God's special Favour and Protection, Success to his Endeavours, a reputable Name, and such like;
BESIDE the many Blessings which Religion Entitles a good Christian to, while he continues in this Life, such as God's special Favour and Protection, Success to his Endeavours, a reputable Name, and such like;
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This was it which solaced the Apostle St. Paul when under the apprehension of an approaching and cruel Death, 2 Ep. Tim. 4.6. I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is at hand;
This was it which solaced the Apostle Saint Paul when under the apprehension of an approaching and cruel Death, 2 Epistle Tim. 4.6. I am now ready to be offered up, and the time of my departure is At hand;
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and therefore I rest in this, that henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge will bestow upon me, when he comes in the last Day, to dispense his Rewards and Punishments.
and Therefore I rest in this, that henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge will bestow upon me, when he comes in the last Day, to dispense his Rewards and Punishments.
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It is a sweet Reflection to a good man, when he is packing up for Eternity, that he made it his care and business to dress his Soul for the embraces of the Father of Spirits;
It is a sweet Reflection to a good man, when he is packing up for Eternity, that he made it his care and business to dress his Soul for the embraces of the Father of Spirits;
to think that as soon as his Soul is stormed out of the outworks of Nature, the Angels, which are ministring Spirits, will convey it into Abraham 's Bosom;
to think that as soon as his Soul is stormed out of the outworks of Nature, the Angels, which Are ministering Spirits, will convey it into Abraham is Bosom;
Whereas, when a Wicked man, after repeated Provocations, and wilful resistings of Divine Grace, is flung by an invisible hand upon his Sick or Death-bed;
Whereas, when a Wicked man, After repeated Provocations, and wilful resistings of Divine Grace, is flung by an invisible hand upon his Sick or Deathbed;
these are the Thoughts which usually attend ungodly men, when they are making their Exit, unless they are hardned, or deprived of their senses through the Violence of their Distemper.
these Are the Thoughts which usually attend ungodly men, when they Are making their Exit, unless they Are hardened, or deprived of their Senses through the Violence of their Distemper.
when Nature is almost spent, the Eyes darkned like a sullied Mirror, the Face besmeared with a clammy sweat, the whole Body trembling under the Severity of death,
when Nature is almost spent, the Eyes darkened like a sullied Mirror, the Face besmeared with a clammy sweat, the Whole Body trembling under the Severity of death,
and lives in a constant and unfeigned Obedience to the Institutions of the Gospel, shall be so far from having any frightful Reflection upon what is past,
and lives in a constant and unfeigned obedience to the Institutions of the Gospel, shall be so Far from having any frightful Reflection upon what is past,
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or dismal Prospect of what is to come, at the time of his Death, that the very consideration of his sincerity in the Practice of Religion, will revive and cheer his drooping Spirit, with the Hope and Assurance of a joyful Resurrection to Eternal Life, through the Merits and Satisfaction of Jesus Christ;
or dismal Prospect of what is to come, At the time of his Death, that the very consideration of his sincerity in the Practice of Religion, will revive and cheer his drooping Spirit, with the Hope and Assurance of a joyful Resurrection to Eternal Life, through the Merits and Satisfaction of jesus christ;
by the imputation of whose Righteousness, he shall be enabled to stand blameless before God. How true this is, our own Experience and Observation tells us.
by the imputation of whose Righteousness, he shall be enabled to stand blameless before God. How true this is, our own Experience and Observation tells us.
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When we have visited a Friend, Neighbour, or Relation, who have had their Conversation here in simplicity and godly sincerity, with what cheerfulness have they resigned to God's Will and Disposal? How little have they been concerned at the Thoughts of approaching Death? With what Comfort and Satisfaction have they looked back upon,
When we have visited a Friend, Neighbour, or Relation, who have had their Conversation Here in simplicity and godly sincerity, with what cheerfulness have they resigned to God's Will and Disposal? How little have they been concerned At the Thoughts of approaching Death? With what Comfort and Satisfaction have they looked back upon,
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and remembred the general course of their Actions? How have they rejoiced in the Testimony of a good Conscience? How light and easy did the Yokes of Pain and Sickness set upon them, being taken up with the Thoughts of a future happy Life,
and remembered the general course of their Actions? How have they rejoiced in the Testimony of a good Conscience? How Light and easy did the Yokes of Pain and Sickness Set upon them, being taken up with the Thoughts of a future happy Life,
and Established with the assurance of Reigning the Lives of Victorious Saints? What Lectures of Admonishment have they delivered to their surviving Acquaintances, that they would live in the fear of God,
and Established with the assurance of Reigning the Lives of Victorious Saints? What Lectures of Admonishment have they Delivered to their surviving Acquaintances, that they would live in the Fear of God,
and dedicate their days to his Service, for that such a Conversation only will bring them peace at the last? With what Courage did they meet the King of Terrors? How familiar and comfortable were his approaches to them, having the same mind which was in the Apostle, desirous to be dissolved, being confident of spending an Eternity with Christ, whose Vertues they endeavoured to imitate,
and dedicate their days to his Service, for that such a Conversation only will bring them peace At the last? With what Courage did they meet the King of Terrors? How familiar and comfortable were his Approaches to them, having the same mind which was in the Apostle, desirous to be dissolved, being confident of spending an Eternity with christ, whose Virtues they endeavoured to imitate,
neither the inconvenience of a crazy and distempered Body, nor the fear of Death, nor all the disturbances which usually attend a deathbed, can shake their Faith,
neither the inconvenience of a crazy and distempered Body, nor the Fear of Death, nor all the disturbances which usually attend a deathbed, can shake their Faith,
For the very Design and Purpose of Religion is, To teach men how to dress their Souls for the embraces of the Father of Spirits, to furnish them with such necessary Graces,
For the very Design and Purpose of Religion is, To teach men how to dress their Souls for the embraces of the Father of Spirits, to furnish them with such necessary Graces,
and he that is endued with this holy Principle, and by Practice hath digested it into habit, has answered the great end of his being sent into the World,
and he that is endued with this holy Principle, and by Practice hath digested it into habit, has answered the great end of his being sent into the World,
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not to prefer the Creature to, or bring it in competition with the Creator; but to use this World, as not abusing it, moderately embracing sublunary Blessings;
not to prefer the Creature to, or bring it in competition with the Creator; but to use this World, as not abusing it, moderately embracing sublunary Blessings;
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In fine, Religion also learns the Man who is fortunately blessed, to be charitably disposed, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to minister to persons according to their unhappy circumstances.
In fine, Religion also learns the Man who is fortunately blessed, to be charitably disposed, to feed the hungry, to cloth the naked, to minister to Persons according to their unhappy Circumstances.
If a man be poor, Religion teaches him to be content with his Lot, and to submit cheerfully to him that governs the World, who knows what condition is best for us;
If a man be poor, Religion Teaches him to be content with his Lot, and to submit cheerfully to him that governs the World, who knows what condition is best for us;
it also instructs to be honestly inclined, by abstaining from pilfering and stealing, poverty being a strong temptation thereto, without the prevention of Divine Grace.
it also instructs to be honestly inclined, by abstaining from pilfering and stealing, poverty being a strong temptation thereto, without the prevention of Divine Grace.
Whereas, when a man, whose Life has been a perpetual course of uninterrupted iniquity, comes to dye, with what reluctancy does he submit to the Condition of Nature,
Whereas, when a man, whose Life has been a perpetual course of uninterrupted iniquity, comes to die, with what reluctancy does he submit to the Condition of Nature,
and the Will of Providence? What dreadful Apprehensions is his crazy mind infested with? What Fears and Amazements does he labour under? Conscience, which before was lulled into a fatal slumber, is now awakened,
and the Will of Providence? What dreadful Apprehensions is his crazy mind infested with? What Fears and Amazements does he labour under? Conscience, which before was lulled into a fatal slumber, is now awakened,
he, says my Text, has hope in his death, that after this painful Life is ended, he shall enter into an house not made with hands, whose builder and maker is God;
he, Says my Text, has hope in his death, that After this painful Life is ended, he shall enter into an house not made with hands, whose builder and maker is God;
which was, That a truly pious and holy Life, produces a happy and comfortable Death, according to the Wiseman's assertion in the Text, The righteous has hope in his death.
which was, That a truly pious and holy Life, produces a happy and comfortable Death, according to the Wiseman's assertion in the Text, The righteous has hope in his death.
but as he is a rational Creature, capable of distinguishing between Good and Evil, only obliges him to such actions which he may give a good account of to his own Conscience,
but as he is a rational Creature, capable of distinguishing between Good and Evil, only obliges him to such actions which he may give a good account of to his own Conscience,
Now to be thus prudent and circumspect in matters of choice in the general course of our actions, What a comfort is it to a man, to be followed with the joyful whispers of a well-pleased mind whereever he goes;
Now to be thus prudent and circumspect in matters of choice in the general course of our actions, What a Comfort is it to a man, to be followed with the joyful whispers of a well-pleased mind wherever he Goes;
to be caressed by an innocent Conscience, and continually entertained with a sweet Reflection upon what he has done? Whereas a man of a cajative disposition, who gives Reins to his Passions,
to be caressed by an innocent Conscience, and continually entertained with a sweet Reflection upon what he has done? Whereas a man of a cajative disposition, who gives Reins to his Passion,
To how many inconveniences is a wicked man daily exposed? And what base and unmanly shifts is he put upon, to extricate himself out of those difficulties wherein he involves himself? What violent passions and perturbations are raised in his mind? And into what wild tumults of action doth sin frequently hurry him? How doth it perplex and intriegue the whole course of his Life,
To how many inconveniences is a wicked man daily exposed? And what base and unmanly shifts is he put upon, to extricate himself out of those difficulties wherein he involves himself? What violent passion and perturbations Are raised in his mind? And into what wild tumults of actium does sin frequently hurry him? How does it perplex and intrigue the Whole course of his Life,
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In fine, the very purpose and design of Religion is, to make a Man happy even in this Life, by managing his Concernments so, that he may neither be afraid or ashamed to think upon what he has done at any time.
In fine, the very purpose and Design of Religion is, to make a Man happy even in this Life, by managing his Concernments so, that he may neither be afraid or ashamed to think upon what he has done At any time.
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To lie down and rise with a mind resounding those best and sweetest Ecchoes, Well done, good and faithful Servant? How bravely dost thou acquit thy self? how manfully dost thou stand to thy duty against all oppositions? And with what a gallant resolution dost thou repulse temptations that bear up against thee? This therefore I take to be one great and forcible Argument to a holy Life, That it preserves tranquility of Mind, peace of Conscience,
To lie down and rise with a mind resounding those best and Sweetest Echoes, Well done, good and faithful Servant? How bravely dost thou acquit thy self? how manfully dost thou stand to thy duty against all oppositions? And with what a gallant resolution dost thou repulse temptations that bear up against thee? This Therefore I take to be one great and forcible Argument to a holy Life, That it preserves tranquillity of Mind, peace of Conscience,
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so it steps in to our Assistance at the last gasp, by fortifying us against the fear and terror of death, and reviving our drooping Spirits with a solid hope and confidence of commencing a blessed Eternity.
so it steps in to our Assistance At the last gasp, by fortifying us against the Fear and terror of death, and reviving our drooping Spirits with a solid hope and confidence of commencing a blessed Eternity.
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when he is just upon a Translation out of this, into another World, that after this sharp combat between Death and Nature is over, his Spirit will soar aloft,
when he is just upon a translation out of this, into Another World, that After this sharp combat between Death and Nature is over, his Spirit will soar aloft,
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How doth it relax the mind, and comfort all within a man, at such a time, who hath a hope of Heaven upon good grounds? What would not an impenitent Sinner give,
How does it relax the mind, and Comfort all within a man, At such a time, who hath a hope of Heaven upon good grounds? What would not an impenitent Sinner give,
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What lamentable moans have they made? How miserably handled by their wronged minds? what sighs and screeches have the remembrance of things past fetched from them? What frightful Ideas have their disturbed Spirits presented to them? How uneasy and restless, worried,
What lamentable moans have they made? How miserably handled by their wronged minds? what sighs and Screeches have the remembrance of things past fetched from them? What frightful Ideas have their disturbed Spirits presented to them? How uneasy and restless, worried,
yet if we are not truly Religious, possessed with the Spirit of Piety and Holiness, all this will avail us nothing, says the Apostle St. Paul, 1 Cor. 13.1, 2, 3, &c. Were it possible for a wicked Soul to go to Heaven, it would find nothing there which would entertain it to satisfaction.
yet if we Are not truly Religious, possessed with the Spirit of Piety and Holiness, all this will avail us nothing, Says the Apostle Saint Paul, 1 Cor. 13.1, 2, 3, etc. Were it possible for a wicked Soul to go to Heaven, it would find nothing there which would entertain it to satisfaction.
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It is therefore the greatest and most powerful Argument imaginable to the Study and Practice of Religion, that it qualifies us for the Enjoyment of God,
It is Therefore the greatest and most powerful Argument imaginable to the Study and Practice of Religion, that it Qualifies us for the Enjoyment of God,
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May God of his abundant mercy grant, that we may so live here, that we may not fail of commencing a blessed Eternity with Them. And this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
May God of his abundant mercy grant, that we may so live Here, that we may not fail of commencing a blessed Eternity with Them. And this for jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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implying, That when God passes Sentence of Eternal death upon wicked men, they shall be so far from taxing him with excess of rigour, that they shall confess, to the Vindication of his Justice,
implying, That when God passes Sentence of Eternal death upon wicked men, they shall be so Far from taxing him with excess of rigour, that they shall confess, to the Vindication of his justice,
but an outrage upon our Reason, and discerning Faculties, which God has endued us with, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, that we may chuse the one, and refuse the other.
but an outrage upon our Reason, and discerning Faculties, which God has endued us with, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, that we may choose the one, and refuse the other.
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And upon this score it was, that the Apostle St. Paul quieted himself, in some measure, under the uncouth Reflection upon his former outrages against God,
And upon this score it was, that the Apostle Saint Paul quieted himself, in Some measure, under the uncouth Reflection upon his former outrages against God,
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before they could commit them, were with delight fain to give their Consciences gash after gash, till by repeated blows they had rendered them callous, and past feeling:
before they could commit them, were with delight fain to give their Consciences gash After gash, till by repeated blows they had rendered them callous, and past feeling:
Or otherwise, it would be almost impossible that Sinners could delight in the ways of Death, that they could laugh and be merry while going in the broad way that leads to destruction,
Or otherwise, it would be almost impossible that Sinners could delight in the ways of Death, that they could laugh and be merry while going in the broad Way that leads to destruction,
that is, to be convinced that such a thing is really an evil in it self, forbidden by God's Law, condemned by our own Reason, and threatned with Hell-fire;
that is, to be convinced that such a thing is really an evil in it self, forbidden by God's Law, condemned by our own Reason, and threatened with Hell-fire;
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thus to prefer a foolish lust before a vertue, the satisfaction of his own will before his who is to be the Judge of Quick and Dead, the Rewarder of good and bad men.
thus to prefer a foolish lust before a virtue, the satisfaction of his own will before his who is to be the Judge of Quick and Dead, the Rewarder of good and bad men.
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And though some, the better to colour their evil disposition, and to take off the rigidness of censuring, plead natural weakness and infirmity, that though they are convinced of the evil they allow themselves in,
And though Some, the better to colour their evil disposition, and to take off the rigidness of censuring, plead natural weakness and infirmity, that though they Are convinced of the evil they allow themselves in,
did they make conscience of committing of evil, as they pretend, they would study arguments, inculcate reasons, hold disputes, summon together the auxiliaries of Nature and Grace, Religion and Reason, to back them in the encounter;
did they make conscience of committing of evil, as they pretend, they would study Arguments, inculcate Reasons, hold disputes, summon together the auxiliaries of Nature and Grace, Religion and Reason, to back them in the encounter;
and consult an escape, if he were in his wits? Would he suffer the Notion of natural impotency to divert him from endeavouring to eschew his Destruction? And the case is much the same;
and consult an escape, if he were in his wits? Would he suffer the Notion of natural impotency to divert him from endeavouring to eschew his Destruction? And the case is much the same;
when an Evil presents it self, and the man has an aversion to it, would he not invent means to withstand its proffers? for this is Argument sufficient against it, that he hates the very thoughts of it;
when an Evil presents it self, and the man has an aversion to it, would he not invent means to withstand its proffers? for this is Argument sufficient against it, that he hates the very thoughts of it;
for thus holy Joseph replied, when Potipher 's Wife importuned him to violate his Chastity with her, how can I do this great wickedness? It was not only the awful apprehension he had of God, which withheld him from complying with her insinuating inticements,
for thus holy Joseph replied, when Potiphar is Wife importuned him to violate his Chastity with her, how can I do this great wickedness? It was not only the awful apprehension he had of God, which withheld him from complying with her insinuating enticements,
but contracts an absolute hatred against them; when he hates evil for evil sake; And this, without all Controversy, is the best and surest defensitive against all wicked allurements;
but contracts an absolute hatred against them; when he hates evil for evil sake; And this, without all Controversy, is the best and Surest defensitive against all wicked allurements;
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In fine, That we deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope,
In fine, That we deny all ungodliness and worldly Lustiest, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope,
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and this argues him of the number of those whom the Apostle speaks of, that their consciences are seared as it were with a hot iron It is the determination of the Gospel that he who knows his Master's will and prepares not himself to do it, shall be far more severely punished than he who is ignorant thereof, and does not fulfil it;
and this argues him of the number of those whom the Apostle speaks of, that their Consciences Are seared as it were with a hight iron It is the determination of the Gospel that he who knows his Masters will and prepares not himself to do it, shall be Far more severely punished than he who is ignorant thereof, and does not fulfil it;
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or consider the righteousness of the Judgment to come, to which they are hastning, the accusation they then bring against themselves is, That they have committed many evils against their knowledge.
or Consider the righteousness of the Judgement to come, to which they Are hastening, the accusation they then bring against themselves is, That they have committed many evils against their knowledge.
They lived intemperately, accustomed themselves to swear and blaspheme, to commit adultery, to prophane the Sabbath, to injure their neighbours, and such like;
They lived intemperately, accustomed themselves to swear and Blaspheme, to commit adultery, to profane the Sabbath, to injure their neighbours, and such like;
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Secondly, That Man is set out in the world, furnished with such faculties as are capable of distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong, whereby he may be acquainted with the good enjoined, and the evil neglected;
Secondly, That Man is Set out in the world, furnished with such faculties as Are capable of distinguishing between good and evil, right and wrong, whereby he may be acquainted with the good enjoined, and the evil neglected;
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We must all appear before the judgmentseat of Christ, to give an account for what we have done in the flesh, and to receive according to that we have done,
We must all appear before the judgmentseat of christ, to give an account for what we have done in the Flesh, and to receive according to that we have done,
and by these he also intends to judge us, that is, whether we have obeyed or violated them, he having suited his Commandments to our capacities, which are able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.
and by these he also intends to judge us, that is, whither we have obeyed or violated them, he having suited his commandments to our capacities, which Are able to distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.
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and was conscious thereof, when he transacted it? And this is it which will vindicate the Divine Justice in passing sentence of eternal death upon wicked men, That they are condemned for doing of evil which they knew was so in it self;
and was conscious thereof, when he transacted it? And this is it which will vindicate the Divine justice in passing sentence of Eternal death upon wicked men, That they Are condemned for doing of evil which they knew was so in it self;
for why did you live without thought, without consideration? Had you not the power of thinking, of reasoning, of considering? And did not God give these powers and saculties to you, to direct and govern your lives? Did he not make you reasonable creatures, that you might consider,
for why did you live without Thought, without consideration? Had you not the power of thinking, of reasoning, of considering? And did not God give these Powers and faculties to you, to Direct and govern your lives? Did he not make you reasonable creatures, that you might Consider,
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and a wise consideration of things? This is the great degeneracy of humane nature, the abuse and corruption of those natural powers which God has given us, the source of all the evils that are in this world,
and a wise consideration of things? This is the great degeneracy of humane nature, the abuse and corruption of those natural Powers which God has given us, the source of all the evils that Are in this world,
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What a woful reckoning will those Wretches have, who here live without care, thought, or consideration? Who, that they may come at and enjoy their Lusts, lay aside their reason and understanding, that they may not be disturbed in their vicious enjoyments, nor plagued with uneasy reflections.
What a woeful reckoning will those Wretches have, who Here live without care, Thought, or consideration? Who, that they may come At and enjoy their Lustiest, lay aside their reason and understanding, that they may not be disturbed in their vicious enjoyments, nor plagued with uneasy reflections.
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and condemn, as disagreeable to rational Creatures, and should heretofore, had they but given way, suffered their discerning faculties to have interposed,
and condemn, as disagreeable to rational Creatures, and should heretofore, had they but given Way, suffered their discerning faculties to have interposed,
and given judgment before they had passed into action? It seems a Paradox, that man, who has a right notion of Good and Evil, that the one is profitable,
and given judgement before they had passed into actium? It seems a Paradox, that man, who has a right notion of Good and Evil, that the one is profitable,
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before the Judge Christ Jesus, to render a reason wherefore he so often drank to Excess, committed Adultery, prophaned God's Holy Name by Oaths, Curses,
before the Judge christ jesus, to render a reason Wherefore he so often drank to Excess, committed Adultery, Profaned God's Holy Name by Oaths, Curses,
In fine, Why he hated reproof, and cast God's Holy Word behind? How will Wicked men be able to stand in the Judgment and answer to these things? Sometimes Sinners are here sadly put to it to invent excuses, to inculcate arguments,
In fine, Why he hated reproof, and cast God's Holy Word behind? How will Wicked men be able to stand in the Judgement and answer to these things? Sometime Sinners Are Here sadly put to it to invent excuses, to inculcate Arguments,
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in fine, to do those things approved of by our more refined Faculties, and to omit those which they condemn? Such a wary Conversation as this, would administer much satisfaction to our Spirits, defend us from many Dangers and Mischiefs, produce a comfortable Death, and a joyful Resurrection.
in fine, to do those things approved of by our more refined Faculties, and to omit those which they condemn? Such a wary Conversation as this, would administer much satisfaction to our Spirits, defend us from many Dangers and Mischiefs, produce a comfortable Death, and a joyful Resurrection.
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Secondly. It is a pleasant consideration, That God has created us Rational Beings, capable of knowing Good and Evil, of contriving our safety, and shunning our destruction;
Secondly. It is a pleasant consideration, That God has created us Rational Beings, capable of knowing Good and Evil, of contriving our safety, and shunning our destruction;
Let us then live like such, especially considering that we must give an account how we have used our Talents, what improvement we have made of our Faculties,
Let us then live like such, especially considering that we must give an account how we have used our Talents, what improvement we have made of our Faculties,
and to remove those impediments which retard our spiritual warfare, and hinder us from bringing our holy concernments to a happy and comfortable conclusion.
and to remove those impediments which retard our spiritual warfare, and hinder us from bringing our holy concernments to a happy and comfortable conclusion.
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this will render our Judgment hereafter more feisible, and less tremendous, when our Consciences testify that in simplicity and godly sincerity we passed the time of our sojourning here.
this will render our Judgement hereafter more feisible, and less tremendous, when our Consciences testify that in simplicity and godly sincerity we passed the time of our sojourning Here.
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We beseech thee, O Lord, to grant unto us the spirit to think, and do always such things as be rightful, that we who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may be thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord;
We beseech thee, Oh Lord, to grant unto us the Spirit to think, and do always such things as be rightful, that we who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may be thee be enabled to live according to thy will, through jesus christ our Lord;
