A44673:158
A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto
A discourse concerning the Redeemer's dominion over the invisible world, and the entrance thereinto by death some part whereof was preached on occasion of the death of John Hoghton Esq, eldest son of Sir Charles Hoghton of Hoghton-Tower in the county of Lancaster, Baronet / by John Howe ...
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.
1. That this World is in Apostasy from God: And though he is pleased to use apt means for its recovery, he doth what he thinks fit herein, of mere grace, and favour, and is under no obligation to do all that he can. His dispensation herein must correspond to, and bear upon it the impress of other Divine perfections, his Wisdom, Holiness, Justice as well as Grace. And for Grace it self, whereas all since the Apostasy lie together in a fearful gulf of impurity, and misery, ⟨p. 124⟩and some, made more early sensible hereof than the most, do stretch out a craving hand and cry for help. If now a merciful hand reached down from Heaven take hold of them, and pluck them sooner out; Is this disagreeable to the God of all Grace, to make some such instances, and vouchsafe them an earlier deliverance; tho' they might, being longer delayed, be some way helpful to others, that continue stupid, and insensible?
1. That this World is in Apostacy from God: And though he is pleased to use apt means for its recovery, he doth what he thinks fit herein, of meer grace, and favour, and is under no obligation to do all that he can. His dispensation herein must correspond to, and bear upon it the impress of other Divine perfections, his Wisdom, Holiness, Justice as well as Grace. And for Grace it self, whereas all since the Apostacy lie together in a fearful gulf of impurity, and misery, ⟨p. 124⟩and some, made more early sensible hereof than the most, do stretch out a craving hand and cry for help. If now a merciful hand reacht down from Heaven take hold of them, and pluck them sooner out; Is this disagreeable to the God of all Grace, to make some such instances, and vouchsafe them an earlier deliverance; tho' they might, being longer delayed, be some way helpful to others, that continue stupid, and insensible?
2. When he hath done much, in an Age, still obstinately unreclaimable, he may be supposed to let one appear, only with a promising aspect, and in just displeasure, presently withdraw him, that they may understand they have forfeited such a blessing, to this or that Country, as such a one might have proved.