A25467:1078
A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolvedA Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved
A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolved by sundry ministers in October, 1682.A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved by sundry ministers in October, 1682.
London: printed by J.A. for John Dunton, 1683
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Sermon 9: Quest. By what means may Ministers best win Souls? SERMON IX.
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.
Let a Minister therefore still think with himself, that a plain Scripture Testimony is his main argument; and accordingly let him use it. When he teacheth Philosophy, and when he teacheth men the Will of God about Salvation, he is in distinct Provinces, and his management of his work therein should be very different.
2. It is to Preach with excellency of Speech, and words of mans Wisdom, when men think to reach the Gospel-end on Sinners by force of even spiritual reason and persuasion. This corrupt thought riseth in some from an imagination that moral suasion is all that is needful for converting a Sinner; and in some this thought rises on a better account; the Light of the Glory of God in the Gospel shines so brightly in upon their own Hearts, that they fall into this Conceit, That no man can stand before that Light which they can hold forth. Melanchthon's mistake at first, till Experience made him wiser. ⟨p. 206⟩Hast thou a clear Knowledge of Gospel Mysteries, and the word of Exhortation is with thee also, so that thou art qualified to urge, beseech, and plead warmly with sinners on Christs behalf? Take heed of this Snare, lest thou think that thy Wisdom and Gifts can promote and carry on the Gospel-design on men.
2. It is to Preach with excellency of Speech, and words of mans Wisdom, when men think to reach the Gospel-end on Sinners by force of even spiritual reason and perswasion. This corrupt thought riseth in some from an imagination that moral suasion is all that is needfull for converting a Sinner; and in some this thought rises on a better account; the Light of the Glory of God in the Gospel shines so brightly in upon their own Hearts, that they fall into this Conceit, That no man can stand before that Light which they can hold forth. Melancthon's mistake at first, till Experience made him wiser. ⟨p. 206⟩Hast thou a clear Knowledge of Gospel Mysteries, and the word of Exhortation is with thee also, so that thou art qualified to urge, beseech, and plead warmly with sinners on Christs behalf? Take heed of this Snare, lest thou think that thy Wisdom and Gifts can promote and carry on the Gospel-design on men.