A68877:291
Gods husbandry
Gods husbandry: the first part. Tending to show the difference betwixt the hypocrite and the true-hearted Christian. As it was delivered in certain sermons, and is now published by William Whately, preacher of the Word of God in Banbury in OxfordshireGods husbandry: the first part. Tending to shew the difference betwixt the hypocrite and the true-hearted Christian. As it was deliuered in certaine sermons, and is now published by William Whately, preacher of the Word of God in Banbury in Oxfordsheire
London: printed by Bernard Alsop and Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1622
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.
Thirdly,1 a Christian ought ever to keep a most wakeful eye over the motions that stir in his mind, that so soon as ever any sinful or frivolous fancies begin to steal or break in upon him, he may make speedy and resolute resistance, ⟨p. 92⟩by raising up some holy affection of loathing the fault, grief for it, anger against it; or else reverence of Gods holy presence, fear of his fierce anger, trembling at his just threats, or else by sending up some present and short request unto God, for the assistance of his Spirit, saying, Lord, help me with thy grace, should I ever do so vile or fruitless things? nay, should I suffer the cogitations of them to dwell in my soul? God forbid. Lord, strengthen me by thy Spirit, that I may not dishonour and offend thee by such words, such actions. Thus the Spirit by lusting against the flesh, shall mortify the deeds of the flesh. Yea, and if it so fall out that these shorter ejaculations, or brief petitions of the soul will not serve the turn, but that the motions grow more thick or vehement, and the heart begins almost to consent unto them, and so we find our selves on the losing hand, (for when once the will hath given ground, by either thinking, Why should I not do it? or by making but a faint refusal, a mans soul is foiled; and if occasion be not for the present committing of it, yet the next time occasion doth come, unless he have gotten more strength, and armed his will more strongly, he will soon be drawn to commit it;) I say, when we thus perceive corruption strong, and grace weak, we must take so much care of our souls, as if it be possible to lay all other things aside, and in the solemnest manner fall on praying to God for strength against that corruption: but if other occasions stand so averse, that ⟨p. 93⟩we cannot have time or place to make a solemn prayer, yet we must double and redouble the desires and groans of our heart, thinking within our selves, O heavenly Father, thou seest I am weak, and I feel I am yielding, and sin is ready to get the upper hand; O strengthen me with grace, strengthen me with thy power, and let thy Spirit rule in me, & crush down these foul passions, for thy mercy sake;
Thirdly,1