N00263:331
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. An Heart that is duly prepared to the Work of Reformation. As there needs a suitable Principle, so there is requisite a fit preparation to so solemn a Transaction: The want of this is rendered as a Reason of Rehoboam's Apostasy, 2 Chron. 12.14. He did evil, because he prepare not his Heart to seek the Lord? The contrary to which is Jehoshaphat's commendation, Chap. 19.3. Hast prepared thy heart to seek thy God. But he could not go through with Reformation for want of this in the People. Chap, 20.33. Men may make much a-do about outward preparation, but without the preparation of the Heart all will end in mere formality. Now to the due preparation of the Heart, it is requisite;
2. An Heart that is duly prepared to the Work of Reformation. As there needs a sutable Principle, so there is requisite a fit preparation to so solemn a Transaction: The want of this is rendred as a Reason of Rehoboam's Apostasy, 2 Chron. 12.14. He did evil, because he prepare not his Heart to seek the Lord? The contrary to which is Jehoshaphat's commendation, Chap. 19.3. Hast prepared thy heart to seek thy God. But he could not go through with Reformation for want of this in the People. Chap, 20.33. Men may make much a-do about outward preparation, but without the preparation of the Heart all will end in meer formality. Now to the due preparation of the Heart, it is requisite;
1. That they do solemnly consider, and well weigh what they do: Hasty and precipitate actions are heartless actions; things done rashly without due deliberation are not like to be permanent: Christ therefore would have men in great Matters to sit down and consider, Luk 14.28, &c.