A65285:2595
A Body of Practical Divinity
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 ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Use. Let us be humbled for the Sin of our Nature, the Risings of Evil Thoughts, coveting that which we ought not. Our Nature is a Seed-Plot of Iniquity; it is like Charcoal, that is ever sparkling. The Sparkles of Pride, Envy, Covetousness, arise in the Mind. How should this humble us! If there be not sinful Actings, there are sinful Covetings. Let us pray for mortifying Grace, which may be like the Water of Jealousy, to make the Thigh of Sin to rot. But to come to the Words more nearly, Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House, nor thy Neighbours Wife, &c.
Vse. Let us be humbled for the Sin of our Nature, the Risings of Evil Thoughts, coveting that which we ought not. Our Nature is a Seed-Plot of Iniquity; it is like Charcoal, that is ever sparkling. The Sparkles of Pride, Envy, Covetousness, arise in the Mind. How should this humble us! If there be not sinful Actings, there are sinful Covetings. Let us pray for mortifying Grace, which may be like the Water of Jealousie, to make the Thigh of Sin to rot. But to come to the Words more nearly, Thou shalt not covet thy Neighbours House, nor thy Neighbours Wife, &c.
Quest. Why is the House put before the Wife? In Deuteronomy the Wife is put first, Deut. 5.21. Neither shalt thou desire thy Neighbours Wife, neither shalt thou covet thy Neighbours House. Here the House is put first.
Resp. In Deuteronomy the Wife is set down first in respect of her Value. She (if a good Wife) is of far greater Value and Estimate than the House. Prov. 31.10. Her Price is far above Rubies. She is the Furniture of the House, and this Furniture is more worth than the House. When Alexander had overcome King Darius in Battle, Darius seemed not to be much dismayed. But when he heard his Wife was taken Prisoner, now his Eyes like Spouts did gush forth Water, as valuing his Wife dearer than his Life. But yet in this place in Exodus, the House is put before the Wife: The Reason is, Because the House is first in Order. The House is erected before the Wife can live in it. The Nest is built before the Bird is in it. The Wife is first esteemed, but the House must be first provided.