A43344:216
A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…
A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon on Acts 28. 22, showing that the Christian religion is not a sect, and yet that it is every where spoken against / by Matthew Henry ...A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon on Acts 28. 22, shewing that the Christian religion is not a sect, and yet that it is every where spoken against / by Matthew Henry ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1699
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.
4. We must make Profession of the Hope that is in us, with Meekness. 1 Pet. 3. 15. Be ready always to give Answer, (to make your Defence ⟨p. 123⟩or Apology, so the word is, [Greek or Hebrew]) whether judicially or extrajudicially, as there is occasion, to every Man that (soberly, not scoffingly and in derision) asks you a Reason, or an Account of the hope that is in you, i. e. of the Religion you profess, which you hope to be saved by, with Meekness and Fear. Observe, it is very well consistent with Christian Quietness, to appear in the Defence of Truth, and to avow our Christian Profession, when at any time we are duly called to it. That is not Meekness, but base Cowardice that tamely betrays, and delivers up any of Christ's Truths or Institutions, by silence, as if we were ashamed or afraid to confess our Master. But the Office of Meekness at such a time is to direct us how, and in what manner to bear our Testimony, not with Pride and Passion, but with Humility and Mildness. Those that would successfully confess the Truth, must first learn to deny themselves; And we must give an account of our Hope, with a Holy Fear of missing it in such a Critical Juncture. When we give a Reason for our Religion, we must not boast of our selves, or of our own Attainments, nor reflect Contempt and Wrath upon our Persecutors, but remember that the present Truth, (so 'tis called, 2 Pet. 1. 12) the Truth which is now to be asserted, is the same with the Word of Christ's Patience, Rev. 3. 10. i. e. the word which must be patiently suffered for, according to the Example of him, who with invincible Meekness, (before Pontius Pilate) witnessed a good Confession, 1 Tim. 6. 13. A great Abasement and Diffidence of our selves may very well consist with a firm Assurance of the Truth, and a profound Veneration for it.
4. We must make Profession of the Hope that is in us, with Meekness. 1 Pet. 3. 15. Be ready always to give Answer, (to make your Defence ⟨p. 123⟩