A66098:255
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection…Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion…
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England.
printed by James Glen for Samuel Sewall, 1682
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.
2. Dwell much and frequently upon the Work of Self-examination: We are very apt to be curious Critics upon other Mens actions, but very superficial in calling our selves to a through account: Hence, so little practical Repentance, because we know so little that we have to repent of; and the reason is, because we are such strangers at home. Would you not count him but an ill husband, who can give a better account of his neighbours trading than of his own? Such are these who can make a better description of others lives and ways than their own. If the wise Man commends it as a point of prudence to know the state of our Flocks and Herds, how far greater then is it to acquaint our selves with the state of our Souls; which are to be kept above all keeping? David gives us this advice. Psal. 4. 4. Commune with your hearts. If Men would do thus; as it would prevent a great deal of Repentance, so it would produce more kindly Repentance. God indeed propounds this as one way to the removal of His greatest judgements, Hag. 1. 7. Now therefore, consider your ways. The exactest Christian (if he would thus retire into the Closet of meditation, and reflect upon his own heart and life) world find abundant matter to humble and abase him, to fill him with mourning and bitterness, and drive him to Christ for pardon: there are so many stragglings of a wandering and sinfully by assed heart, so many aberrations of a misguided life.
2. Dwell much and frequently upon the Work of Self-examination: We are very apt to be curious Criticks upon other Mens actions, but very superficial in calling our selves to a through accouut: Hence, so little practical Repentance, because we know so little that we have to repent of; and the reason is, because we are such strangers at home. Would you not count him but an ill husband, who can give a better account of his neighbours trading than of his own? Such are these who can make a better description of others lives and wayes than their own. If the wise Man commends it as a point of prudence to know the state of our Flocks and Herds, how far greater then is it to acquaint our selves with the state of our Souls; which are to be kept above all keeping? David gives us this advice. Psal. 4. 4. Commune with your hearts. If Men would do thus; as it would prevent a great deal of Repentance, so it would produce more kindly Repentance. God indeed propounds this as one way to the removal of His greatest judgements,