A44678:65
A funeral sermon for Mrs. Esther Sampson the late wife of Henry Sampson, Dr.…
A funeral sermon for Mrs. Esther Sampson the late wife of Henry Sampson, Dr. of Physic, who died Nov. 24. 1689 / by John Howe ...A funeral sermon for Mrs. Esther Sampson the late wife of Henry Sampson, Dr. of Physick, who died Nov. 24. 1689 / by John Howe ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst, 1690
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.
3. It puts several suitable Graces upon exercise, and by being exercised they grow. It tries their Faith, and improves it. Faith is, in such a case as this, necessarily called forth into act, if there be the principle; and as it acts, it grows; becomes more and more strong and lively. Their Patience is exercised by it, and perfected; and that has a great influence upon their universal perfection. Let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect, Jam. 1, 2, 3, 4. There will be an universal languor (as if he should have said) upon your Spirits, if you be impatient; if you cannot suffer (as patience is an ability for suffering) if you can by no means endure, without tempestuous agitations, or sullen despondencies of Spirit. But if Patience have it's perfect Work, that will infer an universal healthfulness, and good habit into your whole Soul.
Their Love to God is, in such a case, eminently tried; and improved, Blessed is the man that endures Temptation (tentative affliction is there meant, as above, vers. 2.) For when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, Jam. 1. 12. Which implies their love to him is the great thing put upon trial, in that case. And it is a great trial of Love to God; a very improvable opportunity of discerning it's sincerity, when, upon a long affliction, you can appeal to God, and say, Thou knowest I love thee; tho' thou smite and kill, I will still love thee. No discontentful motion, no repining thought shall ever be allowed a place in my breast; there may be sighs, but no murmurings; groans, but no tumults, nothing of displeasure against thy Holy Pleasure.
Their Love to God is, in such a case, eminently tried; and improved, Blessed is the man that endures Temptation (tentative affliction is there meant, as above, vers. 2.) For when he is tryed, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, Jam. 1. 12. Which implies their love to him is the great thing put upon trial, in that case. And it is a great trial of Love to God; a very improvable opportunity of discerning it's sincerity, when, upon a long affliction, you can appeal to God, and say, Thou knowest I love thee; tho' thou smite and kill, I will still love thee. No discontentful motion, no repining thought shall ever be allowed a place in my breast; there may be sighs, but no murmurings; groans, but no tumults, nothing of displeasure against thy Holy Pleasure.