A65299:107
Heaven taken
Heaven taken by storm, or, The holy violence a Christian is to put forth in the pursuit after glory by Thomas Watson ...
London: printed by R.W. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1670
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.
4. It may be the last time that ever God will speak to us in his Word; it may be the last Sermon that ever we shall hear; and we may go from the place of hearing, to the place of judging. Did people think thus when they come into the House of God, Perhaps this will be the last time that God will counsel us about our souls; the last time that ever we shall see our Minister's face, with what devotion would they come! how would their affections be all on fire in hearing! We give great attention to the last speeches of friends. A Parents dying words are received as Oracles. Oh let all this provoke us to diligence in hearing: let us think, this may be the last time that Aaron's Bell shall sound in our ears; and before another day, we shall be in another World.
4. It may be the last time that ever God will speak to us in his Word; it may be the last Sermon that ever we shall hear; and we may go from the place of hearing, to the place of judgeing. Did people think thus when they come into the Houseof God, Perhaps this will be the last time that God will counsel us about our souls; the last time that ever we shall see our Minister's face, with what devotion would they come! how would their affections be all on fire in hearing! We give great attention to the last speeches of friends. A Parents dying words are received as Oracles. Oh let all this provoke us to diligence in hearing: let us think, this may be the last time that Aarons Bell shall sound in our ears; and before another day, we shall be in another World.
The third Duty wherein we are to 1offer violence to our selves, is in Prayer. ⟨p. 34⟩Prayer is a duty which keeps the trade of Religion agoing. When we either join in prayer with others, or pray alone, we must use holy violence; not eloquence in prayer but violence carries it*. Theodorus speaking of Luther, Once (saith he) I over heard him in prayer, but, (good God) with what life and spirit did he pray! It was with so much Reverence as if he were speaking to God, yet with so much confidence, as if he had been speaking to his friend. There must be a stirring up of the heart