A65299:373
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.
3. Knock and it shall be opened.] Knocking implies violence. But we must do as Peter, Acts 22. 16. He continued knocking. We must continue knocking by prayer, and Heaven-gate shall be opened. How may this be as Oil to the wheels? how may it excite holy violence, when we have so gracious a promise ⟨p. 154⟩of mercy upon our earnest seeking of it.
3. Knock and it shall be opened.] Knocking implies violence. But we must do as Peter, Acts 22. 16. He continued knocking. We must continue knocking by prayer, and Heaven-gate shall be opened. How may this be as Oyl to the wheels? how may it excite holy violence, when we have so gracious a promise ⟨p. 154⟩of mercy upon our earnest seeking of it.
16. This holy violence will not hinder 1men in their secular employments. Violence for the Kingdom, and diligence in a calling, are not inconsistent. Christians, you may work for Heaven, yet work in a trade. God hath given you a body and a soul, and he hath allotted you time to provide for both: he hath given you a body, therefore be diligent in your calling; he hath given you a soul, therefore be violent for Heaven. These two may well stand together, providing for a family, and praying in in a family. He that doth not exercise himself in some honest employment, is guilty of the breach of that Commandment, Six days shalt thou labour. God never sealed warrants for idleness*. The sluggard shall be indicted at the day of judgement for letting his field be over-run with thorns