A53678:507
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…
A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews viz, on the sixth, seventh, eight, ninth, and tenth chapters : wherein together with the explication of the text and context, the priesthood of Christ ... are declared, explained and confirmed : as also, the pleas of the Jews for the continuance and perpetuity of their legal worship, with the doctrine of the principal writers of the Socinians about these things, are examined and disproved / by J. Owen ...
London: printed for Nathaniel Ponder, 1680
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.
But practically we see that the generality of men content themselves with that knowledge they have of Religion, and that Faith which they suppose they have in Christ, without once endeavouring after amendment of life or fruitfulness in good works. Now this is not from any conclusions they draw from any Doctrines which they profess to believe, but from the power of Darkness and the deceitfulness of Sin that ruleth in them. And it is no otherwise among them who are taught to believe that they are justified by their works. For there is not a race of greater and more flagitious sinners, than (for the most part) are the men of that Persuasion. Only for their Relief, their Leaders have provided them with a Commutation of some other things instead of their good works which shall do the deed for them, as Penances, Pardons, Purgatory, Confessions, Pilgrimages, and the like. But be mens Persuasion what it will, right or wrong, where sin is predominant they will be wicked, and whatever be the Object of their Faith, if it be not living in the subject, it cannot work, nor be fruitful.
But practically we see that the generality of men content themselves with that knowledge they have of Religion, and that Faith which they suppose they have in Christ, without once endeavouring after amendment of life or fruitfulness in good works. Now this is not from any conclusions they draw from any Doctrines which they profess to believe, but from the power of Darkness and the deceitfulness of Sin that ruleth in them. And it is no otherwise among them who are taught to believe that they are justified by their works. For there is not a race of greater and more flagitious sinners, than (for the most part) are the men of that Perswasion. Only for their Relief, their Leaders have provided them with a Commutation of some other things instead of their good works which shall do the deed for them, as Penances, Pardons, Purgatory, Confessions, Pilgrimages, and the like. But be mens Perswasion what it will, right or wrong, where sin is predominant they will be wicked, and whatever be the Object of their Faith, if it be not living in the subject, it cannot work, nor be fruitful.
We ought to look on Obedience as our work; which will admit neither of sloth nor negligence. Here lies the occasion of the ruin of the Souls of men who profess the