N00129:419
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.
Use II. for Exhortation: We come this day humbly to ask of God what his mind is, why he is offended at his people, and seems to be unwilling to be pacified, and to be angry at our requests; why if you will enquire, enquire: if you would be satisfied, and receive an answer of peace at Gods hands, come in good earnest, and God shall satisfy you this day: none ever asked counsel of him with a true and sincere heart, but was satisfied. For your help herein by way of Direction in this great business, if you would receive help and counsel from God, then
Use II. for Exhortation: We come this day humbly to ask of God what his minde is, why he is offended at his people, and seems to be unwilling to be pacified, and to be angry at our requests; why if you will enquire, enquire: if you would be satisfied, and receive an answer of peace at Gods hands, come in good earnest, and God shall satisfie you this day: none ever asked counsel of him with a true and sincere heart, but was satisfied. For your help herein by way of Direction in this great business, if you would receive help and counsell from God, then
1. Lay down your own judgements and wills at the foot of God, there are many that bring a fore-stalled judgement, and will (as we heard) take up their rash Conclusions, according to their own opinions, and resolve never to be moved from them: this provokes God to leave us up to be seduced by our own delusions. Empty your selves therefore of your own wisdom and will, that you may be ready to entertain his.
1. Lay down your own judgements and wills at the foot of God, there are many that bring a fore-stalled judgement, and will (as we heard) take up their rash Conclusions, according to their own opinions, and resolve never to be moved from them: this provokes God to leave us up to be seduced by our own delusions. Empty your selves therefore of your own wisdome and will, that you may be ready to entertain his.