A55752:340
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.
First Simon Magus thought that the spirit might have been had at any time▪ for he neglected the means, and despised it, presupposing that at any time with a small reward he might get it of the Apostle: what shall I give thee &c? And so when you put off the Spirit, is not your sin the same, thinking that you may have him when you ⟨p. 116⟩will: that you can have him at your pleasure to mortify a strong lust, a sin that you would be rid of, and for a sin that is pleasing to your nature, you can subdue it, when you will; And is not this a great sin, as great as Simon Magus his was; but can you do this, can you mortify your lusts? have you power over them? can you love God and the Saints? well if you had never so much time: you can never get the Spirit except that God give him.
First Simon Magus thought that the spirit might have been had at any time▪ for he neglected the means, and despised it, presupposing that at any time with a small reward he might get it of the Apostle: what shall I give thee &c? And so when you put off the Spirit, is not your sin the same, thinking that you may have him when you ⟨p. 116⟩will: that you can have him at your pleasure to mortifie a strong lust, a sin that you would be rid of, and for a sin that is pleasing to your nature, you can subdue it, when you will; And is not this a great sin, as great as Simon Magus his was; but can you do this, can you mortifie your lusts? have you power over them? can you love God and the Saints? well if you had never so much time: you can never get the Spirit except that God give him.
Secondly, Simon Magus thought, that it was in the power of man to give the Spirit: Therefore he asked Peter, what he should give for the Spirit: and is not your sin the 1same? do not many men think that it is in the power of men to give the spirit, when all the time of their life they will neglect the calling of the Spirit, but in some great affliction, that is when they lie upon their death bed, then they will send for the Minister, but not till then, as if it were in his power to give the spirit; Oh sir what shall I do to be saved? can you tell me of any hope of salvation, and the like?