N00129:178
Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy
Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy: delivered in several sermons on solemn occasions: / by Mr. Samuel Willard Pastor of the Church of Christ at Groton. ; [Eight lines of Scripture texts]
printed by Samuel Green, 1673
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.
First, That make all their application of those whom the Judgement is upon: Oh the spirit of censure that is in too many, and there they rest; Surely there is some special reason, some more then ordinary provocation, why else is God come out upon that Family, rather then upon any other Family? I do not here speak to make those whom the Judgement nextly concerns, to be regardless of Gods hand upon them; no, let them know that God calls them into the School of Search, and would have them in particular try what is the meaning of his so severe coming out against them, that they may learn to […] in silence, and justify him: But I speak to others, who are apt to judge of persons by providences, though Scripture teacheth us that all things fell out alike unto all. And therefore let such consider,
First, That make all their application of those whom the Judgement is upon: Oh the spirit of censure that is in too many, and there they rest; Surely there is some special reason, some more then ordinary provocation, why else is God come out upon that Family, rather then upon any other Family? I do not here speak to make those whom the Judgement nextly concerns, to be regardless of Gods hand upon them; no, let them know that God calls them into the School of Search, and would have them in particular try what is the meaning of his so severe coming out against them, that they may learn to 〈…〉 in silence, and justifie him: But I speak to others, who are apt to judge of persons by providences, though Scripture teacheth us that all things fell out alike unto all. And therefore let such consider,
1. This practice is contrary to our Saviours precept, who admonisheth others by such providences to learn this lesson, that except they repent, they shall likewise perish, Luke 13. 2, 3. it seems personal application suits better, its the wisest way to bring all things home to our own Souls; that might be profitable to us.