A66111:812
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.
2. When we strengthen our carnal security in sin by it. The use of such examples is, that when we have fallen through temptation, and are terrified at it, we may be encouraged hereby to Repentance, and make haste to God for a pardon: but if instead of this, we argue there is no danger, we may put off the Conviction, and delay our Repentance, and get a pardon when we wish; and so live and lie under Guilt without remorse, this is to prevent the end of such instances, and the ready way to be left by the Spirit of God, to be hardened in sin, to our ruin.
2. When we strengthen our carnal security in sin by it. The use of such examples is, that when we have fallen through temptation, and are terrified at it, we may be encouraged hereby to Repentance, and make haste to God for a pardon: but if instead of this, we argue there is no danger, we may put off the Conviction, and delay our Repentance, and get a pardon when we wish; and so live and ly under Guilt without remorce, this is to prevent the end of such instances, and the ready way to be left by the Spirit of God, to be hardened in sin, to our ruine.
3. When we use them only for encouragement, and not for direction We take that part of the instance such an one so sinned against God, and provoked him, and yet God was merciful, and forgave him, and by this fortify our Presumption, that there is ⟨p. 285⟩no danger, we need not be afraid, but we never enquire what they did, or in what way they found the mercy of God; and thus they are so far from being an Example, that they become a Snare to us, and instead of using them for Gods Glory, and advantage, we gratify Satan, and expose our selves to the greater hazard. Take heed then lest we be deceived; though Penitent David got a pardon, yet impenitent Sinners, have no reason to conclude from thence that they shall fare as he did.
3. When we use them only for encouragement, and not for direction We take that part of the instance such an one so sinned against God, and provoked him, and yet God was merciful, and forgave him, and by this forthy our Presumption, that there is