A Body of Practical Divinity

Name: A Body of Practical Divinity
Author: Thomas Watson

A body of practical divinity consisting of above one hundred seventy six sermons on the lesser catechism composed by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster : with a supplement of some sermons on several texts of Scripture / by Thomas Watson ...

Thomas Watson d. 1686London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692

[5], iv, 300, 331-544, 801-880, 965-1007, [7] p. · 512k words · Wing W1109 · ESTC R32148

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Introduction: A Preliminary Discourse TO CATECHISING.

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.

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:22p. ii¶2

2. To be settled in Religion is both a Christian's Excellency and Honour; 'tis his Excellency, when the Milk is settled it turns to Cream; now he will be something zealous for Truth, walk in close Communion with God. And his Honour, Prov. 16.31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 'Tis one of the best sights to see an old Disciple; to see Silver Hairs adorned with Golden Virtues.

2. To be setled in Religion is both a Christian's Excellency and Honour; 'tis his Excellency, when the Milk is setled it turns to Cream; now he will be something zealous for Truth, walk in close Communion with God. And his Honour, Prov. 16.31. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. 'Tis one of the best sights to see an old Disciple; to see Silver Hairs adorn'd with Golden Vertues.

:23p. ii¶3

3. Such as are not settled in the Faith, can never suffer for it: Sceptics in Religion will hardly ever prove Martyrs; they that are not settled do hang in aequilibrio, in suspense; when they think of the Joys of Heaven, then they will espouse the Gospel; but when they think of Persecution, then they desert it. Unsettled Christians do not consult what is best, but what is safest: The Apostate (saith Tertullian) seems to put God and Satan in Balance, and having weighed both their Services, prefers the Devil's Service, and proclaims him to be the best Master: and in this sense may be said to put Christ to open shame, Heb. 6.6. They will never suffer for the Truth, but be as a Soldier that leaves his Colours, and runs over to the Enemy's side; he will fight on the Devil's side for Pay.

3. Such as are not setled in the Faith, can never suffer for it: Scepticks in Religion will hardly ever prove Martyrs; they that are not setled do hang in aequilibrio, in suspence; when they think of the Joys of Heaven, then they will espouse the Gospel; but when they think of Persecution, then they desert it. Unsetled Christians do not consult what is best, but what is safest: The Apostate (saith Tertullian) seems to put God and Satan in Ballance, and having weighed both their Services, prefers the Devil's Service, and proclaims him to be the best Master: and in this sence may be said to put Christ to open shame,

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