A26804:375
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 fear of this, if duly believed and considered, will bridle the strongest Desires after this vain World, and make Men wise, that they may not perish in their Choice.
To conclude; Let those who are invited to this Heavenly Feast, come with the Wedding-Garment: 'tis an Allusion to the decent Custom of wearing rich Apparel for Ornament and Lustre at Marriage-Solemnities, to express Joy, and to honour the Persons that are married. Accordingly all that are in the Visible Church, should adorn the Gospel by a Conversation becoming the Dignity and Purity of their high and holy Calling. Unfeigned Faith that unites us to Christ, and is effectual and evident in all good Works, is the Wedding-Garment. The Apostle exhorts the Romans to walk honestly, as in the Day, not in Rioting ⟨p. 382⟩and Drunkenness, not in Chambering and Wantonness, not in Strife and Envy; and whereas it might seem congruous to have added, in direct Contrariety to those foul Sins, Put on Temperance, Chastity, Patience and Charity, he directs them to put on the Lord Jesus Christ: because he is the only Fountain of supernatural Grace, by which our Lusts are mortified. Faith covers us with the Robe of his Righteousness, 1and clothes us with the Garment of Salvation. A counterfeit Livery of Profession will not make us accepted of God. Is there any real Christianity without Faith in Christ? and is there a lively Faith without Obedience to him? Can you be a Subject without Subjection? Christ is the King of Saints; they are the Citizens of his Kingdom, and only enjoy the Privileges of it. How many are Christians in Title, and Infidels in ⟨p. 383⟩Practice? They live in the bold Contempt of the Divine Law, as if they were afraid the Justice of God should not have cause enough to condemn them, or they would put it to a vent••e, whether he would be true to his Threatening, and punish according to his Law? Others, tho of a fair Conversation, are but half-Christians: they do not sincerely and entirely comply with the Terms of the Gospel, to receive Christ for their Prince and