A39678:561
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.
IV. Supposition.
Lastly, and in a word; Suppose you had a Vision of Heaven, as Stephen and Paul had in the Body; suppose you saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at his right hand, surrounded with the triumphant Myriads of Palm-bearing Saints, singing Hosanna's and Alleluia's to God and the Lamb for ever, and blessing, praising and admiring him, that gave them another spirit vastly different from that which governs such as you; blessing the Lord that enabled them to be praying and praising, whilst others were cursing and swearing; to be sighing and groaning for sin in secret, whilst others were shouting and singing in Taverns and Ale-houses; to beat down their Bodies, and keep them under, whilst others were pleasing and gratifying their Lusts; would you still drive that course you do? Well, Sirs, if ever you expect to come where these blessed ones are, you must take the course they did. Let this be your endeavour, and it shall be my fervent and hearty Prayer.
Lastly, and in a word; Suppose you had a Vision of Heaven, as Stephen and Paul had in the Body; suppose you saw the Glory of God, and Jesus standing at his right hand, surrounded with the triumphant Myriads of Palm-bearing Saints, singing Hosanna's and Allelujah's to God and the Lamb for ever, and blessing, praising and admiring him, that gave them another spirit vastly different from that which governs such as you; blessing the Lord that enabled them to be praying and praising, whilst others were cursing and swearing; to be sighing and groaning for sin in secret, whilst others were shouting and singing in Taverns and Ale-houses; to beat down their Bodies, and keep them under, whilst others were pleasing and gratifying their Lusts; would you still drive that course you do? Well, Sirs, if ever you expect to come where these blessed ones are, you must take the course they did. Let this be your endeavour, and it shall be my fervent and hearty Prayer.