A26804:233
Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions
Sermons preached on several occasions by William Bates.Sermons preach'd on several occasions by William Bates.
London: printed by J.D. for Jonathan Robinson, 1693
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.
We usually judg of Sins by the Foulness of the external Act, but the Guilt of it principally arises from its inward Contrariety to God. The Love of the World dethrones God in the Hearts of Men: other Sins dishonour him in breaking his Laws, this reproaches him as less worthy of our Respects. When it has free Dominion, it will as certainly, tho silently, destroy the Souls of those who are of a fair Reputation in the Eyes of Men, as the Riots of notorious Sinners will be their Ruin.
We usually judg of Sins by the Foulness of the external Act, but the Guilt of it principally arises from its inward Contrariety to God. The Love of the World dethrones God in the Hearts of Men: other Sins dishonour him in breaking his Laws, this reproaches him as less worthy of our Respects. When it has free Dominion, it will as certainly, tho silently, destroy the Souls of those who are of a fair Reputation in the Eyes of Men, as the Riots of notorious Sinners will be their Ruine.
2dly. The corrupt World, those who are styled the Children of this ⟨p. 212⟩World, by their Example, and by their Opposition, are Obstacles in the way to Heaven.
2dly. The corrupt World, those who are stiled the Children of this ⟨p. 212⟩World, by their Example, and by their Opposition, are Obstacles in the way to Heaven.
(1.) By Example: for the broad Way is beaten by the Multitude, and few strive to enter in at the strait Gate that leads to Eternal Life. Now Men easily receive the Impression of Example. Of this there is palpable Evidence; for when Sins are common, the numbers of the Guilty diminish the Sense and Shame of the Guilt. But if Conscience be sometimes unquiet, they smother the Sparks of Conviction in their Breasts, and make a resolute Reckoning they shall be in no worse condition than others. Miserable Comfort! as if one tortured on a Rack could receive any Mitigation of his Pains, by the sight of many others suffering the same Torture. So contagious are the Fashions and Manners of the World, that a principal end of our Saviour's