A26784:77
The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 /
The danger of prosperity discovered in several sermons upon Prov. I. 27 / by William Bates ...
London: printed for Brabazon Aylmer, 1685
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.
To conclude this part of the Argument; Experience sadly proves that Sinners are never reclaimed from their stubborn Folly but by sharp Afflictions. They will not believe the evil of Sin, till by a real and sensible conviction they take a measure of the Evil they have done▪ by the Evil they suffer. Affliction tames the stubborn heart, and makes it humble and relenting. Even Pharaoh that was a bold Atheist in his Prosperity, and stood upon high terms with Moses, saying, Who is the Lord, that I should obey him? yet was an humble Suppliant in his Distress: And Pharaoh sent, and 1called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned: the Lord is righteous, and I and my People are wicked. Entreat the Lord that there be no more mighty Thunderings, ⟨p. 97⟩and Hail. This is set forth in a true and lively comparison by the Prophet Jeremiah: As a wild Ass 2used to the Wilderness, that snuffs up the Wind at her pleasure: in her occasion, who can turn her away? When fired with Lust, she ranges about swiftly, without a Rider to guide, and a Curb to restrain her. All they that seek her, will not weary themselves; but in her mouth they shall find her: 'Tis in vain to pursue her then, but when she is bagged and heavy, they will tame her. Thus when Sinners are prosperous, the call of God, and Conscience, and of Teachers, do not stop them in their voluptuous course, but affliction confines and reduces them to obedience.
To conclude this part of the Argument; Experience sadly proves that Sinners are never reclaimed from their stubborn Folly but by sharp Afflictions. They will not believe the evil of Sin, till by a real and sensible conviction they take a measure of the Evil they have done▪ by the Evil they suffer. Affliction tames the stubborn heart, and makes it humble and relenting. Even Pharaoh that was a bold Atheist in his Prosperity, and stood upon high terms with Moses, saying, Who is the Lord, that I should obey him? yet was an humble Suppliant in his Distress: And Pharaoh sent, and 1called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned: the Lord is righteous, and I and my People are wicked. Intreat the Lord that there be no more mighty Thundrings,