A25294:1079
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian…The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian…
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian catechism in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy labourer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian catechisme in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy laborer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...
London: printed by T. Mabb for Thomas Davies, 1659
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.
Duties of this kind are first, a preparing of our minds to Gods solemn worship. Secondly, Hearing of his Word. Thirdly, Solemn prayers. Fourthly, Partaking of the Sacraments. Fifthly, Works of Charity. Sixthly, Meditation and conference about holy things. Seventhly, A religious considering of the works of God, of Creation and Providence, and even of such as occasionally we then hear or see, though they be otherwayes worldly.
Duties of this kinde are first, a preparing of our minds to Gods solemn worship. Secondly, Hearing of his Word. Thirdly, Solemn prayers. Fourthly, Partaking of the Sacraments. Fifthly, Works of Charity. Sixthly, Meditation and conference about holy things. Seventhly, A religious considering of the works of God, of Creation and Providence, and even of such as occasionally we then hear or see, though they be otherwayes worldly.
Reas. 1. Because in such duties, we make profession of Religion, and of that honour, that is due unto God; which therefore is to him honourable, and accepted.
Reas. 2. Because by this means, we build up our ⟨p. 234⟩selves, and advance our communion that we have with God: For seeing that by worldly occupations through the six days of the week, our mind is somewhat pressed towards the earth, it was by a most wise purpose and counsel of God ordained, that every seventh day at least again they should be lifted up to heaven, and sent up thitherwards by all such means, that they might be restored to their former step or degree, from which they had been declining: And seeing we contract also some filthiness from such worldly businesses, on the Lords day they should be wiped off, and we cleansed from them by the exercises of sanctification. And seeing many occasions fall on the other days, which bring their own difficulties and tentations with them; on this day we ought to be well furnished and armed, so that it ought to be our day of spiritual mustering or weapon showing; and a day of lustration. A cleansing our selves from all filthinesses before contracted; and a day of our ascending into heaven, in as far as our Faith and Charity, with other heavenly gifts, on this day should be singularly kindled in our hearts.