A65299:409
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.
If you would be violent for Heaven, 1get under lively preaching. The word is quick and powerful, Heb. 4. 12. It puts li•e into a dead heart. It is both a sword •o cut down sin, and a spur to quicken grace. The word is a fire to thaw a frozen heart, J•r. 23. 29. Is not my Word fire? As good almost be without preaching, as be under such preaching as will not warm. It is a part of the Word, not only to inform, but to inflame, Psal. 119. 50. Thy Word hath quickened me. 'Tis the lively dispensation of the Oracles of Heaven must animate us, and make us lively in our operation.
- 12.
If you would be violent for Heaven, 1get your hearts filled with love to Religion. This is like the Rod of Myrtle in the Travellers hand, (Pliny •peaks of,) which makes him fresh and lively in his travel, and keeps him from being weary. When a man hath warmed himself ⟨p. 185⟩at the fire, now he is sittest for work. If you would be violent in working out salvation, warm your selves at this fire of love. A man will be violent for nothing but what he loves. Why are men so eager in their pursuit after gold, but because they love it. Love causeth delight, and delight causeth violence. What made St. Paul labour more than all the other Apostles? The love of Christ constrained him, 2 Cor. 5. 14