A49252:386
The natural mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man…The naturall mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man…
The natural mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man considered in both his capacities, either in the state of nature or grace / as is laid down in XVII sermons by that late truly orthodox divine, Mr. Christopher Love ... ; whereunto is annexed The saints triumph over death, being his funeral sermon, by that painful labourer in the Lords vineyard, Mr. Tho. Manton ...The naturall mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man considered in both his capacities, either in the state of nature or grace / as is laid down in XVII sermons by that late truely orthodox divine, Mr. Christopher Love ... ; whereunto is annexed The saints triumph over death, being his funeral sermon, by that painful labourer in the Lords vineyard, Mr. Tho. Manton ...
London: printed by E. Cotes for George Eversden, 1652
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. That man that builds his hopes for heaven more upon his own performances then upon Gods promises, his hope is only a deluding hope: this is that sandy ground Christ speaks of in Matth. 7. ult. To 1build your hopes of heaven upon any services you do, or any duties you perform, it is all one, as if you should go about to build a house upon the sand; ask ⟨p. 178⟩a wicked man whereon he grounds his hopes for heaven; he will tell you that he does the works of charity, he gives every man his due, and he lives honestly, and civilly amongst his neighbours, he hears and reads the Word, he prays and receives the Sacrament, he does such and such good duties, and this is that which they build hopes for heaven upon, they think that Christ is espoused for them, because they are bidden to the Wedding Supper, for the Ordinances of Christ are his marriage supper, they are ready to say with those in Luk. 13. 26. We have eaten and drunken in they presence, Lord, Lord open to 2us. I do not deny but a man may have evidence from his graces, & from the work of God upon his heart, but the great pillar of Marble, that must bear up thy hope, must be the promise of God in Christ; he that builds his hopes for heaven only upon his own performances and good duties, his hope is a vain and deluding hope; I do not deny but the graces of Gods spirit are real evidences of. Gods love to the Soul, as the Apostle says, By this we know that we are translated from death to life, because 3we love the Brethren, and again, By this we know that we are of God, because of his spirit which he hath given us; but I say this is not the main pillar and ground of our hope: we should be so fervent in prayer, and diligent ⟨p. 179⟩in the performance of holy duties, as if we did expect to be saved by our duties, but when we have done all that we can, we must lay down all at the feet of Christ, and conclude that our best righteousness is but as filthy rags, and when we have done all that we can do, we are unprofitable servants, and we must wholly and only depend upon the merits and mercies of Christ for salvation and comfort.