N00263:248
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection…Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion…
Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace: as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. / By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Seven lines from Deuteronomy]Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion which there is between the promise, on God's part; and duty, on our part, in the covenant of grace: as it was delivered in several sermons, preached in order to solemn renewing of covenant. / By Samuel Willard teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Seven lines from Deuteronomy]
printed by James Glen, 1682
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. Labour to get a good understanding of, and acquaintance with the Nature, Tenor and Extent of your Covenant-Duty, and keep it upon your thoughts. Many are very forward, and critically inquisitive after the Nature of Covenant-Privileges: And indeed it is one great Study and discourse of the Times: But that which is for our Practice, or in which we ought to be most of all conversant; we are prone to be most backward in, viz. Our duty; whereas it ought to be the Servants constant Care, to know his Lord's Will, How else should he do it? God affords us many means of knowledge, our Ignorance therefore (if we are guilty of it) will not be any part of an excusing Plea for us. Ignorance of Duty under means of Knowledge, will not be acknowledged for Ignorance, nor procure us any fewer stripes. What Men are wilfully or unnecessarily ignorant of Through their own heedlessness, will be charged, not as Ignorance, but contempt: Neither can we do acceptably, except we know. Let us therefore be industrious to get a right understanding of the Will of God, and what are the Rules of Faith and Practice, that so we may be furnished for every good Work. The Lord expects more in these Days and Places of Gospel-Light, than where it is wanting. The Duties of Christians are many, and their Calls to Duty are diversly circumstanced: Now God affords you many, both public and private helps; be not you negligent in using of them. David, by frequent Meditations attained to a large knowledge of God's Precepts, Psal. 119.99. And if we could ponder upon these things as much, and with as much intenseness of mind, as we are wont to do upon our Worldly Concerns, we should in time grow good proficients in them.
2. Labour to get a good understanding of, and acquaintance with the Nature, Tenor and Extent of your Covenant-Duty, and keep it upon your thoughts. Many are very forward, and critically inquisitive after the Nature of Covenant-Priviledges: And indeed it is one great Study and discourse of the Times: But that which is for our Practice, or in which we ought to be most of all conversant; we are prone to be most backward in, viz. Our duty; whereas it ought to be the Servants constant Care, to know his Lord's Will, How else should he do it? God affords us many means of knowledge, our Ignorance therefore (if we are guilty of it) will not be any part of an excusing Plea for us. Ignorance of Duty under means of Knowledge, will not be acknowledged for Ignorance, nor procure us any fewer stripes. What Men are wilfully or unnecessarily ignorant of Through their own heedlesness, will be charged, not as Ignorance, but contempt: Neither can we do acceptably, except we know. Let us therefore be industrous to get a right understanding of the Will of God, and what are the Rules of Faith and Practice, that so we may be furnished for every good Work. The Lord expects more in these Dayes and Places of Gospel-Light, than where it is wanting. The Duties of Christians are many, and their Calls to Duty are diversly circumstanced: Now God affords you many, both publick and private helpes; be not you negligent in using of them. David, by frequent Meditations attained to a large knowledge of God's Precepts,