Three treatises tending to awaken secure sinners

Fundamentals in Religion are the life of the superstructure. Like the Vitals and Naturals in the body, which are first necessary for themselves, and then also for the quickening and nourishing of the rest: there being no life or growth of the inferior parts, but what they do receive from the powers of these; its but a dead discourse which is not animated by these greater Truths, what ever the bulk of its materials may consist ⟨p. 2⟩of. The frequent repetition therefore of these, is an excusable as frequent preaching. And they that nauseate it as loathsome battology, do love Novelty better then Verity, and playing with words to please the fancy, rather then closing with Christ to save the soul. And as it is the chief part of the cure in most external maladies to corroborate the vital and natural powers, which then will do the work themselves; so is it the most effectual course, for the cure of particular miscarriages in mens lives, to further the main work of grace upon their hearts: could we make men better Christians, it would do much to make them better Magistrates, Councillors, Jurors, Witnesses, Subjects, Neighbours, &c. And this must be done by the deeper impress of those vital Truths, and the Good in them exhibited, which are adequate objects of our vital graces. Could we help you to wind up the spring of faith, and so move the first wheel of Christian Love, we should find it the readiest and surest means to move the inferior wheels of duty. The flaws and irregular motions without, do show that something is amiss within; which if we could rectify, we might the easier mend the rest: I shall suppose therefore that I need no more apology for choosing such a subject at such a season as this, then for bringing bread to a feast. And if I medicate ⟨p. 3⟩the brain and heart, for the curing of senseless Paralytic members, or the inordinate Convulsive motions of any hearers, I have the warrant of the Apostles example in my Text. Among other great enormities in the Church of Corinth, he had these three to reprehend and heal: First their sidings and divisions occasioned by some factious self-seeking teachers. Secondly, their personal contentions by Lawsuits, and that before unbelieving Judges. Thirdly, the foul sin of fornication, which some among them had fallen into;

FUndamentals in Religion are the life of the superstructure. Like the Vitals and Naturals in the body, which are first necessary for themselves, and then also for the quickning and nourishing of the rest: there being no life or growth of the inferiour parts, but what they do receive from the powers of these; its but a dead discourse which is not animated by these greater Truths, what ever the bulk of its materials may consist