A51842:204
One Hundred and Ninety Sermons on Psalm 119
One hundred and ninety sermons on the hundred and nineteenth Psalm preached by the late reverend and learned Thomas Manton, D.D. ; with a perfect alphabetical table directing to the principal matters contained therein.
London: printed for T.P. &c, 1681
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. Because then the heart would not be so loose, off and on in point of duty; when a thing is counted arbitrary (as generally we count so of strictness) the heart hangs off more from God. When we press men to pray in secret, to be full of good-works, to meditate of God, to examine Conscience, to redeem time, to be watchful; they think these be counsels of perfection, not rules of duty, enforced by the positive Command of God; therefore are men so slight and careless in them. But now when a man hath learned to urge a naughty heart with the authority of God, and charge them in the name of God, he lies more under the awe of duty. Hath God said I must search and try my ways, and shall I live in a constant neglect of it? Hath God bidden me to redeem my time, and shall I make no conscience how I waste away my precious hours? Hath God bidden me keep my heart with all keepings, and shall I let it run at large without any restraint and regard? It is my debt, and I must pay it, or I shall answer it at my peril in the great day of accounts; it is not only commended but commanded, 2 King. 5. 13. ⟨p. 25⟩If the Prophet had hidden thee do some great thing wouldst thou not have done it, how much rather then, when he saith to thee wash and be clean?
1. Because then the heart would not be so loose, off and on in point of duty; when a thing is counted arbitrary (as generally we count so of strictness) the heart hangs off more from God. When we press men to pray in secret, to be full of good-works, to meditate of God, to examine Conscience, to redeem time, to be watchful; they think these be counsels of perfection, not rules of duty, enforced by the positive Command of God; therefore are men so slight and careless in them. But now when a man hath learned to urge a naughty heart with the authority of God, and charge them in the name of God, he lyes more under the awe of duty. Hath God said I must search and try my ways, and shall I live in a constant neglect of it? Hath God bidden me to redeem my time, and shall I make no conscience how I waste away my precious hours? Hath God bidden me keep my heart with all keepings, and shall I let it run at large without any restraint and regard? It is my debt, and I must pay it, or I shall answer it at my peril in the great day of accounts; it is not only commended but commanded,