A59669:19
The Sincere Convert
The sincere convert discovering the paucity of true believers and the great difficulty of saving conversion by Tho. Shepherd ....The sincere convert discovering the paucity of true beleevers and the great difficulty of saving conversion by Tho. Shepheard ....
London: printed by T.P. and M.S. for Humphrey Blunden, 1641
Introduction: An Introduction to the Work.Introduction: An Introduction to the Worke.
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.
An Introduction to the Work.
An Introduction to the Worke.
The knowledge of Divinity is necessary for all sorts of men, both to settle and establish the good, and to convert and fetch in the bad. Gods principles pull down Satan's false Principles set up in mens heads, loved and believed with mens hearts, and defended by their Tongues; whilst strong holds remain unshaken, the Lord JESUS is kept off from conquering of the soul.
THe knowledge of Divinity is necessary for all sorts of men, both to settle and establish the good, and to convert and fetch in the bad. Gods principles pull downe Satans false Principles set up in mens heads, loved and beleeved with mens hearts, and defended by their Tongues; whilest strong holds remaine unshaken, the Lord JESVS is kept off from conquering of the soule.
Now Spiritual Truths are either such, as tend to enlarge the understanding, or such as may work chiefly upon the affections. I pass by (in this knowing age) the first of these, and (being among a people whose hearts are hard enough) I being with the latter sort: For the Understanding, although it may literally, yet it never savingly entertains any truth, until the Affections be therewith smitten and wrought upon.1
Now Spirituall Truths are either such, as tend to enlarge the understanding, or such as may worke chiefly upon the affections. I passe by (in this knowing age) the first of these, and (being among a people whose hearts are hard enough) I being with the latter sort: For the Vnderstanding, although it may literally, yet it never savingly entertaines any truth, untill the Affections be therewith smitten and wrought upon.