Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

These are some of the stumbling Blocks, which are to be removed out of the way, before any successful persuasions, Motives, Inducements, or other Means will prevail, to dispose, and incline, those who have not received the Gospel, to embrace it.

These are some of the stumbling Blocks, which are to be removed out of the way, before any successful perswasions, Motives, Inducements, or other Means will prevail, to dispose, and incline, those who have not received the Gospel, to embrace it.

2. But these Obstructions being removed, what ways are to be taken, to help on the Entertainment of the Gospel? To answer that Question, I shall recommend unto you some Few, among many, which, I conceive to be most obvious, practicable, and effectual, e. gr.

1. Private Christians should endeavour to oblige those whom they would persuade, by Civilities, Kindness, and doing good Offices for them, that they may be assured, that they love them, and seek their real, and eternal good. Our blessed Saviour, who best understood what Attractives were most proper, and powerful to draw men to receive Him, and his Gospel, took this Method, Act. x. 38. He went about Doing good. He did Good to mens Bodies, that he might do good to their Souls. The Miracles which he wrought, were generally, of Beneficence, and Obligations, as, To heal the Sick, To give Sight to the Blind, &c. It's true, He had a superior Aim, and End in working Miracles; which was, To show forth his Glory, to confirm his Doctrine, to strengthen the Faith of his Disciples, &c. Joh. ii. 11. and xx. 31. yet secondarily, it was, To testify his Kindness, and Compassion toward those, whom he designed to persuade, to believe on him,