A09956:26
The deformed form of a formal professionThe deformed forme of a formall profession
The deformed form of a formal profession. Or, The description of a true and false christian either excusing, or accusing him, for his pious, or pretended conversation. Showing that there is a powerful godliness necessary to salvation, and that many have but the form, but not the power thereof. In handling whereof these three things are plainly and powerfully explained and applied. what godliness is. what the power of it. what the reasons why some have but the form thereof. together with the means, and marks, both how to attain, and to try our selves whether we have the power thereof or not. By that late faithful and worthy minister of Jesus Christ. John Preston. Doctor in divinity, chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns Inn.The deformed forme of a formall profession. Or, The description of a true and false christian either excusing, or accusing him, for his pious, or pretended conversation. Shewing that there is a powerfull godlynes necessary to salvation, and that many have but the forme, but not the power thereof. In handling whereof these three things are plainely and powerfully explained and applyed. what godlines is. what the power of it. what the reasons why some have but the forme thereof. together with the meanes, and marks, both how to attaine, and to try our selves whether we have the power thereof or not. By that late faithfull and worthy minister of Iesus Christ. Iohn Preston. Doctor in divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Maiestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne.
Edinburgh: printed by John Wreittoun, 1632Edinburgh: printed by Iohn Wreittoun, 1632
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.
And thus having dispatched the two former particulars, I hasten to the third, and last of the premises.
And thus having dispatcht the two former particulars, I hasten to the third, and last of the premises.
Thirdly, the reasons why some have but the form? and not the power and they are especially these.
Thirdly, the reasons why some have but the forme? and not the power and they are especially these.
1First, because it is most easy, but the power is a matter of more difficulty, for the former, it doth not call upon a man to cut off his right hand, to pluck out his right eye▪ and to deny himself in things nearest, and dearest unto him▪ as the power doth, for it requires a man should take pains in good duties, and go throughout in them, not to omit or slight the least of them, in the least measure that may be, or to lie in known sins, and farther it requires a man should do this from day to day, and that when it crosses the flesh most, this is an hard saying, and caused many, that they would no longer abide with Christ, they were willing to obey the form but not the power.
1First, because it is most easie, but the power is a matter of more difficulty, for the former, it doth not call upon a man to cut off his right hand, to pluck out his right eye▪ and to deny himselfe in things nearest, and dearest unto him▪ as the power doth, for it requyres a man should take paines in good duties, and goe throughout in them, not to omit or slight the least of them, in the least measure that may bee, or tolye in knowne sins, and farther it requires a man should doe this from day to day, and that when it crosses the flesh most, this is an hard saying, and caused many, that they would no longer abide with Christ, they were willing to obey the forme but not the power.