A66111:327
The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…
The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being the substance of divers sermons preached on Psalm XXXII / by Samuel Willard.
printed by B. Green and J. Allen for Michael Perry, 1650
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. It will give you more esteem among all men. Not only will good men prize you for it, but the worst of men will have an honourable respect for you on this account. One that is Guileful is low in the esteem of all, but such as would make a tool of him; whereas, sincerity in Conversation, plainness in all a mans dealings, and a care to be upright in all things, commands respect from all that have any moral principle in them. And for direction here;
3. It will give you more esteem among all men. Not only will good men prize you for it, but the worst of men will have an honourable respect for you on this account. One that is Guilful is low in the esteem of all, but such as would make a tool of him; whereas, sincerity in Conversation, plainness in all a mans dealings, and a care to be upright in all things, commands respect from all that have any moral principle in them. And for direction here;
1. Labour to fortify this principle in you. The way to quicken any exercise of grace, is to corroborate the principle. Grace at first is small and weak, and the corruption that opposeth it is strong; see then to the inward man, that that be increasing; and its influences into your life will hold a proportion. ⟨p. 128⟩Get more of love to, and delight in sincerity.
1. Labour to fortifie this principle in you. The way to quicken any exercise of grace, is to corroporate the principle. Grace at first is small and weak, and the corruption that opposeth it is strong; see then to the inward man, that that be encreasing; and its influences into your life will hold a proportion. ⟨p. 128⟩Get more of love to, and delight in sincerity.