A39660:1143
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20
Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable privileges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...Englands duty under the present gospel liberty from Revel. III, vers. 20 : wherein is opened the admirable condescension and patience of Christ in waiting upon trifling and obstinate sinners, the wretched state of the unconverted, the nature of evangelical faith ..., the riches of free grace in the offers of Christ ..., the invaluable priviledges of union and communion granted to all who receive him ... / by John Flavell ...
London: printed for Matthew Wotton, 1689
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.
If we come a little nearer, and enquire what are those remoras that stop Conscience in its course, bind and imprison, stifle and suppress its Convictions, that although a Man strongly suspect his foundation to be but Sand, his hopes for Heaven a strong delusion, yet he will throw up his vain hopes, confess his self deceits, and begin all anew: What is it which overbears Conscience in this case? Let Men impartially examine their hearts, and it will be found that these three things bind and imprison these Convictions of Conscience, and hold the truth in unrighteousness, viz. shame, fear, and pride of Heart.
If we come a little nearer, and enquire what are those remoraes that stop Conscience in its course, bind and imprison, stifle and suppress its Convictions, that although a Man strongly suspect his foundation to be but Sand, his hopes for Heaven a strong delusion, yet he will throw up his vain hopes, consfess his self deceits, and begin all anew: What is it which overbears Conscience in this cafe? Let Men impartially examine their hearts, and it will be found that these three things bind and imprison these Convictions of Conscience, and hold the truth in unrighteousness, viz. shame, fear, and pride of Heart.
(I.) Shame, Men that have been Professors, and of good esteem in the World, are ashamed the World should know the Mistakes and Errors of all their life past, and what deluded Fools and self-deceivers they have been: This is a powerful restraint upon Conviction; how shall they look their Acquaintance in the face? What will Men think and say of them? How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another? Saith Christ, John 5. 44. q. d. What you be Christians, and yet not able to endure a censure, or a scoff upon your Names? That stand more upon your Reputation, than your Salvation: How can you believe?
(I.) Shame, Men that have been Professors, and of good esteem in the World, are ashamed the World should know the Mistakes and Errors of all their life past, and what deluded Fools and self-deceivers they have been: This is a powerful restraint upon Conviction; how shall they look their Acquaintance in the face? What will Men think and say of them? How can ye believe which receive Honour one of another? Saith Christ,