A44439:288
A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures
A second volume of discourses or sermons on several scriptures by Ezekiel Hopkins ...
London: printed by E.H. for Nathanael Ranew, 1693
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Sermon 4: The Nature, Danger, Aggravations, and Cure of Presumptuous Sinning, &c. ON
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.
1Lastly, Is there such a strong proneness in the best to the worst Sins, this then should teach us carefully to avoid all Temptations to Sin, and whatever may be ⟨p. 243⟩an occasion to draw forth that Corruption that lies latent within us: Wherefore is it that one Petition of those few that Christ taught his Disciples, was, that God would not lead them into Temptation, but because he knew there is in all of us sinful Natures, that do too too well correspond with Temptations? And he knew that if we were brought into Temptations, it is very seldom that we are brought off from them without Sin. Were we as free from inherent Sin as Adam was at first; or were we confirmed in Grace, as the Saints in Heaven now are, we might then repel all Temptations with ease; and therefore our Saviour, whose Nature was spotless, by an extraordinary conception, and whose Holiness was secure to him by an unspeakable Union of the Godhead, he tells us, in John 4.13. The Prince of this World came, and found nothing in him. The Devil came to tempt him; but because he found nothing in him, therefore he could fasten nothing upon him; no Temptation could enter because there was no Corruption to receive it; and therefore when he tempted Christ, he only cast fiery darts against an impenetrable ⟨p. 244⟩Rock, a Rock that will beat them back again into his own face; but our Corruptions have made us combustible Matter, that there is scarce a Dart thrown at us in vain; when he tempts us, it is but like the casting of Fire into Tinder, that presently catcheth; our Hearts kindle upon the least Spark that falls; like a Vessel that is brim-full of Water, upon the least jog, runs over: Were we but true to our selves, though the Devil might knock by his Temptations, yet he could never burst open the everlasting Doors of our Hearts by force or violence; but alas, we our selves are not all of one heart and one mind; Satan hath got a strong party within us, that as soon as he knocks, opens to him, and entertains him; and hence is it that many times small Temptations, and very petty occasions draw forth great Corruptions; as a Vessel that is full of new Liquor, upon the least Vent given, works over into foam and froth;