A26804:249
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.
The Jews from Pride, Vain-Glory, and the Love of the World, rejected the Son of God, tho all the Characters of the Messiah were conspicuous in him: he did not come with visible Glory and Observation, according to their Expectations and Desires; they saw no Form nor Comeliness in him, and did not believe the Report concerning him; they were scandalized at his Parentage and mean Condition: he discovered their beloved Sins, and sharply reproved the reigning Vices among them, which made his Person and his Preaching so odious to them.
The Jews from Pride, Vain-Glory, and the Love of the World, rejected the Son of God, tho all the Characters of the Messias were conspicuous in him: he did not come with visible Glory and Observation, according to their Expectations and Desires; they saw no Form nor Comeliness in him, and did not believe the Report concerning him; they were scandaliz'd at his Parentage and mean Condition: he discovered their beloved Sins, and sharply reproved the reigning Vices among them, which made his Person and his Preaching so odious to them.
Our Saviour tells us, that Light was come into the World; and Men love ⟨p. 230⟩Darkness rather than Light, because their Deeds are evil. The Prejudice of their Passions was so strong, that they rejected the saving Truths of the Gospel, and believed damnable Delusions.
Now the same Roots of Offence are in the Hearts of Men against the Gospel. Such a Cloud arises from the Steam of carnal Lusts darkening the Understanding, that it cannot discover Truths so high as the mysterious Doctrines of Christ. Love in the Heart is requisite as well as Light in the Mind, to know spiritual things: Obedience to the Will of God is the best Preparative to believe his Word. Our Saviour justly taxed the Pharisees, they did not repent, that they might believe. Men are averse from receiving those Doctrines that condemn their Lusts; and are Infidels that they may be freely wicked, that the Shadow of Repentance may not disturb them.