A39678:526
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native country, and the souls of men.The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native countrey, and the souls of men.
London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, 1691
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.
Every man might do more than he doth towards his own Conversion.
IT is not in any man's power to convert himself: but yet because every man might do more towards it than he doth do, and doth it not, he is justly chargeable with his own Damnation. We are bid and bound to strive to enter in at the strait gate, L•ke 13. 24. 'Tis true, a man in his natural state can do nothing that is spiritually or supernaturally good; yet he can do, and forbear to do many things, the doing or forbearing of which have a true, though remoter tendency to his Conversion; and not doing or forbearing of them, his Destruction is of, and from himself.
IT is not in any man's power to convert himself: but yet because every man might do more towards it than he doth do, and doth it not, he is justly chargeable with his own Damn•tion. We are bid and bound to strive to enter in at the strait gate, L•ke 13. 24. 'Tis true, a man in his natural state can do nothing that is spiritually or supernaturally good; yet he can do, and forbear to do many things, the doing or forbearing of which have a true, though remoter tendency to his Conversion; and not doing or forbearing of them, his Destruction is of, and from himself.
You can, if you will, forbear to swear and blaspheme the Name of •od: who can or does compel or force your tongues to it? The Devil can temp•, but not compel them. You can, if you will, stop when nature is duly refreshed: Your wicked Companions can provoke, but not force you. You can, if you please, shun Lascivious Books and Company, and keep your Bodies chaste, at least from the External Acts of Uncleanness.