A03599:445
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of adoption and trial thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. John 1.12,13. By T.H.The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.
London: printed by T. Badger for P. Stephens and C. Meredith, 1640
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Secondly, we reason deceitfully, if from mens approbation of our courses wherein we walk, we conclude an allowance of our estate, that all is well with us, because something is deemed to be upright. It is all one as if a dishonest person performing an honest action, and receiving just commendation for the same, should thence gather a general resolution for his honesty. Good men approve us in our hearing the word, prayer, fasting, but good men will not approve us as every way good, because good in these: besides, the actions we perform in attending on ordinances, may be good in their nature, and yet we may mar ⟨p. 230⟩them in the manner of performing them.
Secondly, we reason deceitfully, if from mens approbation of our courses wherein we walke, we conclude an allowance of our estate, that all is well with us, because something is deemed to bee upright. It is all one as if a dishonest person performing an honest action, and receiving just commendation for the same, should thence gather a generall resolution for his honesty. Good men approve us in our hearing the word, prayer, fasting, but good men will not approve us as every way good, because good in these: besides, the actions we performe in attending on ordinances, may be good in their nature, and yet wee may marre ⟨p. 230⟩them in the manner of performing them.
Thirdly, we must know that good and godly Ministers in this profane and wretched age, are glad to apprehend and cherish the least blossoms of goodness that do show themselves; are ready to encourage men in any good courses, by giving them their dese••ed commendations. Gods Ministers deal with Professors, as the servants of Benhadad did with the King of Israel, glad when they can catch but as a good word, hear but of the frequenting of a good exercise. Our Saviour hearing the young man making such a profession of his obedience, though it was only in regard of the outward man, yet it is said, he looked upon him and loved him: and so in like manner, why should it not be lawful for us to love and like a man accordingly; to testify our liking of those in whom we perceive any good beginnings, in pious and religious exercises? and yet this is no warrant for such to rest in those outward forms of religion, as if all were perfect in them.