A26804:284
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.
Besides, how incongruous is it to give the Flower of our Time and Strength to our Lusts, and to reserve ⟨p. 277⟩the Bran for God? To spend the Age of our vital and vigorous Actions in the Vanities and Business of the World, and to allow only our languishing Age for the obtaining of Heaven? That Men should content themselves with dead Affections in his Service who is their Life, that were so lively in the Service of Sin that is their Death?
How difficult is a late Repentance? Can you repent and believe at your pleasure? Men think that in their Age, after the ebbing and retirement of the carnal Affections, they shall more easily forsake their Sins: but 'tis a pernicious Deceit. The native Corruption of Mens Hearts, alienates them from a dutiful return to God; and contracted Corruption by habitual Practice, fastens them in Sin as their Centre. In Youth, when the Blood and Spirits are high and fierce, the Body has a corrupting Influence upon the ⟨p. 278⟩Mind; but by Custom in Sin, the Mind is so depraved, that it heats the frozen Blood and corrupts the Body. Suppose the exciting Grace of the Spirit be not totally withdrawn, which has often been ineffectual; Can it be expected that after Men have been hardened in the commission and continuance of Sin, they should be more receptive of Heavenly Impressions? A Disease neglected at first, that stealingly slips into the Habit of the Body, and gradually weakens Nature, becomes at last uncontrollable and incurable.
How difficult is a late Repentance? Can you repent and believe at your pleasure? Men think that in their Age, after the ebbing and retirement of the carnal Affections, they shall more easily forsake their Sins: but 'tis a pernicious Deceit. The native Corruption of Mens Hearts, alienates them from a dutiful return to God; and contracted Corruption by habitual Practice, fastens them in Sin as their Centre. In Youth, when the Blood and Spirits are high and fierce, the Body has a corrupting Influence upon the ⟨p. 278⟩