A37045:466
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…
Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace and solid joy of a good conscience sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men : brought down and holden forth in XXII very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture ... / by James Durham.
Edinburgh: printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, 1685
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
9ly. Were ye stretching your selves to the yondmost in the performance of such an action or duty, to have it right, as to all the former requisites? Was there nothing left undone, that might and should have been done? Was ye not only aiming at the right end, but according to your light, endeavouring to take every way, and make use of every approven mean, for the compassing and bringing about of that end?
9ly. Were ye stretching your selves to the yondmost in the performance of such an action or duty, to have it right, as to all the former requisits? Was there nothing left undone, that might and should have been done? Was ye not only aiming at the right end, but according to your light, endeavouring to take every way, and make use of every approven mean, for the compassing and bringing about of that end?
Now if we will all seriously reflect, and look about us, how few, how very few are there to be found, who can answer these questions affirmatively, in any acceptable measure? Who, alas! can say they have done all they should, or even might have done, as to matter and manner, from right principles, and motives, to a right end? That they have used all means, without omitting any, that they have given all diligence? That they ⟨p. 250⟩have made use of Christs strength, and been single and sincere, &c. in their performances? And yet when all this is some way done, ye must yet answer one or two Questions more, ere ye can have solid peace and joy, from the good Testimony of your Conscience. 1. Whether were ye proud and conceity in the performing of such and such duties? For, if that dead Flee come in on the doing of the best duties, it will make all to stink: and yet oft-times Christians spoil their duties, and very much deprive themselves of the joyful Testimony of their Conscience, even when they have been right for matter and manner; by their being vain, conceity and proud of them.
Now if we will all seriously reflect, and look about us, how few, how very few are there to be found, who can answer these questions affirmatively, in any acceptable measure? Who, alace! can say they have done all they should, or even might have done, as to matter and manner, from right principles, and motives, to a right end? That they have used all means, without omitting any, that they have given all dillgence? That they