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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.
HEAVEN upon EARTH in a Serene and Smiling good Conscience. › Sermons on hebrews n13.18 › Sermon 1
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.
Thus we see what advantage it is to have a good Conscience, it makes us capable of the benefit, both of our own and others prayers; and the want of a good Conscience on the contrary, excommunica•s […] in a manner from the benefit of the prayers of others.
Thus we see what advantage it is to have a good Conscience, it makes us capable of the benefit, both of our own and others prayers; and the want of a good Conscience on the contrary, excommunica•s 〈…〉 in a manner from the benefit of the prayers of others.
The 2d. Question is, If this argument ought to have any more weight with Christians, in praying for them then others? or if we should pray for them only, that keep a good Conscience, and not for others? We answer 1. That Christians would not limit their duty in prayer only to these; For we see, Moses, David, and many others of the Saints, pray for such, as had no good Conscience; so that we may warrantably pray for others though not having a good Conscience, and may hope to be accepted therein; and that our praying for them shall not be without fruit, and benefit to our selves at least. Yet 2ly. There lies a greater tie, and obligation on us to pray for them that keep a good Conscience then for others; even as there doth, to do good especially to these that are of the household of faith; The communion of Saints here binding and linking (to say so) more straitly and strongly; So we are (I say) proportionably more strictly tied to pray for sincere seekers of God; as the Apostles practice, Gal. 6. 16. shows, Where he prays thus, As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and on the whole Israel of God; He prays for peace to them, as being the most proper objects of the Saints prayers, especially as to Gods peace; not having such ground for presenting that, or other suchlike Petitions to God for […] ▪ Yea, 3ly. Not only does it lay on a stronger obligation, but it gives greater ground of encouragement, and confidence to deal with