A55752:239
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...
London: printed by J.T., 1658
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.
It may be you think it will not weaken you to omit private prayer: but omit it once, and it will make you careless, and the more you neglect it, the more unfit and undisposed will you find your selves when you would, and your strength will abate. Or you think you may profane one Sabbath, or you may take your pleasure immoderately sometimes: but beloved it will make you secure, That is the more a man doth in this kind the more he may do, For this is true in every act; every act inclines a habit, and a habit brings custom: so it is as true in good things, the beginning of good things brings many particular good things, And therefore if you can but get your hearts in a frame of grace, you shall find a supply of grace: because Christ saith, unto whom soever hath unto him shall be given; That is, he that hath grace, & is careful in the use of the means, by Gods appointment he shall thrive in ⟨p. 72⟩holiness, for if you once get but the beginnings of saving grace, and be industrious, and careful to employ them, then you will in time grow strong: you know what Christ said unto the servant that had used his Talent well: he had more given him.
It may be you think it will not weaken you to omit private prayer: but omit it once, and it will make you careless, and the more you neglect it, the more unfit and undisposed will you find your selves when you would, and your strength will abate. Or you think you may prophane one Sabbath, or you may take your pleasure immoderatly sometimes: but beloved it will make you secure, That is the more a man doth in this kinde the more he may do, For this is true in every act; every act inclines a habit, and a habit brings custom: so it is as true in good things, the beginning of good things brings many particular good things, And therefore if you can but get your hearts in a frame of grace, you shall find a supply of grace: because Christ saith, unto whom soever hath unto him shall be given; That is, he that hath grace, & is careful in the use of the means, by Gods appointment he shall thrive in ⟨p. 72⟩holiness, for if you once get but the beginnings of saving grace, and be industrious, and careful to imploy them, then you will in time grow strong: you know what Christ said unto the servant that had used his Talent well: he had more given him.