A03599:470
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.
Deceit 3, He hath good motions, holy desires and inclinations, whereby he resolves for the best ways, and what do the most righteous more?
Deceit 3, He hath good motions, holy desires and inclinations, whereby he resolves for the best waies, and what doe the most righteous more?
Answ. 1. That good purposes, unless they be brought into practise, they are as untimely birth; no good comes to them in whom they are: for even as that infant which is only conceived and never borne, is counted as if he had never been, so is it with these abortive and miscarrying purposes. It is the very glory and perfection of these good motions when they are beautified with an actual performance of that which was purposed, otherwise our hearts deal with us in good purposes, as Zarah when he was to be born; make a fair show, as if they would come out of sin, and yet give back, all is nought worth: our desires in this kind are no other then a man may find in hell mouth. What benefit was it to those Jews, John 6.34.1 that they cried out, Lord evermore give us that bread, when notwithstanding they did not use the means to compass it, as appears, verse 36. what good had Agrippa by being persuaded almost to become a Christian? or was Balaam ever the nearer to heaven, for that he desired to dye the death of the righteous? why then doth the temporary carry himself so stiffly upon his good purposes and desires?
Answ. 1. That good purposes, unlesse they bee brought into practise, they are as untimely birth; no good comes to them in whom they are: for even as that infant which is onely conceived and never borne, is counted as if he had never beene, so is it with these abortive and miscarrying purposes. It is the very glory and perfection of these good motions when they are beautified with an actuall performance of that which was purposed, otherwise our hearts deale with us in good purposes, as Zarah when he was to be born; make a faire shew, as if they would come out of sinne, and yet give backe, all is nought worth: our desires in this kinde are no other then a man may finde in hell mouth. What benefit was it to those Iewes,