A25467:91
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 1: Quest. How is the adherent Vanity of every Condition most effectually abated by Serious…
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.
Who knows whether Freedom from Affliction, or an afflicted Condition, be at present best for him? Freedom from Afflictions seems most desirable both to Nature and Grace: we naturally love our ease, and would have nothing befall us that is Grievous to Flesh and Blood; and Gracious Persons pray and strive to prevent and remove Afflictions. But yet the experiences of all, good and bad, in all ages of the World, proclaims this upon the House-tops, that more have got good by Afflictions, than by being without 'em: aThe Prosperity of Fools destroys 'em.
Who knows whether Freedom from Affliction, or an afflicted Condition, be at present best for him? Freedom from Afflictions seems most desirable both to Nature and Grace: we naturally love our ease, and would have nothing befall us that is Grievous to Flesh and Blood; and Gracious Persons pray and strive to prevent and remove Afflictions. But yet the experiences of all, good and bad, in all ages of the World, proclaims this upon the House-tops, that more have got good by Afflictions, than by being without 'em: aThe Prosperity of Fools destroyes 'em.
What doth Religion in this Case? The Truth is, there needs a great exercise of Religion to carry us safe through Freedom from Affliction. bJobs extraordinary devotion, upon his Children's ordinary rejoicing in their prosperous Condition, may Convincingly instruct us, that there's more danger in Freedom from Affliction, than we are willing to suspect, and it is more difficult to love, and fear, and trust God, when we have the world, than when we want it. so that without Serious Godliness, 'tis impossible to withstand the insinuating and pleasing Temptation of flattering Prosperity; and unless Faith be in Exercise, we cannot do it with it. What then! is an afflicted Condition to be preferred? Some that have had experience of both, say Yes; they have been afraid to come from under their Afflictions; some sick Persons have been even afraid of Health, though they desired it, lest what they got in their Sickness, they should lose in their Health.