A55752:748
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.
Most men have but a form of Godliness, though the Lord require 1the power of it.
- 1Doct. 2. Most men have but a form of godliness.Doct. 2. Most men have but a form of godlinesse.
We will even deliver it plainly as it lies. It is a point that needs no proof, and I wish it did, I wish that it were not written in Capital letters in the fore-heads of most men, that he that runs may read it. For if we look about us we shall see a form of Godliness every where: but the power and life of it is exceeding rare. Our business will be rather to consider the cause of this disease. What the reason is that the form of godliness is to be found frequently enough, and the power and life of godliness is so rare, and so seldom to be seen. And we shall find these reasons of it.
First, Men will have a form of godliness: because there 1must be something to satisfy that conscience which every man hath. For there is a natural conscience which the Apostle speaketh of, Rom. 2. 16. speaking of the Gentiles he saith this of them, their thoughts accusing or excusing one another. So that there is a natural conscience even in men that yet know not God aright. Now that natural conscience must have something to satisfy it, it ⟨p. 258⟩will not be at rest else: Now because men are unable to judge, and discern aright, therefore a form of godliness is enough for them, they are quieted, and satisfied and contented with that, although they have not the power thereof it self. Even as children you know are contented with counters, because they do not know their worth. Satan deals with us in this case as we do with them, when they cry, and are unquiet, such flight things of no moment contents us though they be as empty, and as beggarly as counters, and rattles, because men are not able to judge what the conscience will have: something it must have to satisfy it. he gives us that which is but a form, which is but counterfeit, that hath not the power, and life of godliness: and hence it is that men are contented with it.