Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

3. It must be speedy, as to the great solemn acts of submission, do not delay to hear him, Heb. 3. 7. To day if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts. Christ must not be put off with dilatory shifts, if we refuse to hear to day, Christ may refuse to speak to morrow. The Father hath his time of waiting, the Son of his Gospel-offers, the Spirit of his earnest motions: it is ⟨p. 170⟩dangerous to slip our day, therefore if you will hear him, hear him now? hear him betimes, the season falleth under the precept as well as the duty, now while it is called to day.

4. Your consent to hear him must be real, practical, and obediential, verified in the whole tenor and course of your lives and actions: for Christ will not be flattered with empty Titles, why call ye me Lord, and Master, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6. 46. if you pretend to hear his word, you must do it also, for you do not hear to please your minds with knowing, but that you may make it your serious care and business to serve, love and please God. Many study Christianity to form their opinions, rather then reform their Hearts and Practice. The great use of Knowledge, and Faith, is to behold the love of God in the face of Jesus Christ; that our own love may be quickened and increased to him again. If it serve only to regulate opinions, it is but dead speculation, not a living Faith. A naked belief is but the sight of a Feast, it is the gracious soul doth eat and digest it; when our Faith is turned into Love, and Obedience that is the true Faith.

4. Your consent to hear him must be real, practical, and obediential, verifyed in the whole tenour and course of your lives and actions: for Christ will not be flattered with empty Titles, why call ye me Lord, and Master, and do not the things which I say?