N00263:361
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.
4. Take up a firm resolution to stand to and perform your promises It is not Words, but Performances that God hath a respect to. God will not be mocked with flattering promises. Purposes do nextly come from the heart, and are elicit Acts of the Will, and if these be wavering or unfixed, the heart is not right. A Covenant with God, is a Bond firmly obliging the Soul, and our engagements to him will never be performed without the greatest resolution. You shall meet with great and many Temptations which will assault and batter you. Evermore, when a People have been engaging to God in a solemn manner, they must expect some shaking Trial: And if then you would be strong and acquit your selves like Men, your business now is to be sixth. When Temptations come and assail you, you must say with David, The vows of God are upon me: And as Psal. 119.106. I have sworn, and I will perform. If ever you repent of your engagement, your heart was never firm in it. If you find Satan or your own hearts laying bait before you to entice you, you must say as Abraham, ⟨p. 148⟩I have lift up my hand to the God of Heaven, &c. Let therefore your purposes be hearty purposes, free and not constrained.
4. Take up a firm resolution to stand to and perform your promises It is not Words, but Performances that God hath a respect to. God will not be mocked with flattering promises. Purposes do nextly come from the heart, and are elicite Acts of the Will, and if these be wavering or unfixt, the heart is not right. A Covenant with God, is a Bond firmly obliging the Soul, and our engagements to him will never be performed without the greatest resolution. You shall meet with great and many Temptations which will assault and batter you. Evermore, when a People have been engaging to God in a solemn manner, they must expect some shaking Tryal: And if then you would be strong and acquit your selves like Men, your business now is to be fixt. When Temptations come and assail you, you must say with David, The vows of God are upon me: And as Psal. 119.106. I have sworn, and I will perform. If ever you repent of your engagement, your heart was never firm in it. If you find Satan or your own hearts laying bait before you to entise you, you must say as Abraham, ⟨p. 148⟩