N00347:216
A brief discourse of justification. Wherein this doctrine is plainly laid down according to…
A brief discourse of justification. Wherein this doctrine is plainly laid down according to the Scriptures. : As it was delivered in several sermons on this subject. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. ; [Ten lines of quotations]
Boston: printed by S for Samuel Phillips, 1686
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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. Such as think it hard and injurious to them that their own duties and performances are no more regarded and rewarded by God. Some there be who are very diligent, and take much pains in the attendance upon duties both ordinary and extraordinary; and they make a great deal of do in the formalities of Religion; and this notwithstanding though they read, hear, pray, follow their callings, abstain from the common sins of times and places, &c. yet God seems to take but a little notice of them; he doth not in his providence gratify them in all these things that they desire and ask of him, but they meet with many crosses, affliction, disappointment; and this angers and discontents them, and they fret at it, charge God with hard dealing, and think themselves not a little injured by his Providence; and hereupon they begin to murmur, and call him to an account; thus did they, Isai. 58. 3. Wherefore have we fasted, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our Souls, and thou takest no knowledge? this also is the discovery of a legal Spirit, an•be art not broken off from self; it shows that men set a price, a value upon their own doings, when they think that God undervalues them if he do not for ⟨p. 143⟩them & gratify their desires in every point: now all these you must get off from, if ever you would be privileged with a right and title to the Righteousness of Jesus Christ.
4. Such as think it hard and injurious to them that their own duties and performances are no more regarded and rewarded by God. Some there be who are very diligent, and take much pains in the attendance upon duties both ordinary and extraordinary; and they make a great deal of do in the formalities of Religion; and this notwithstanding though they read, hear, pray, follow their callings, abstain from the common sins of times and places, &c. yet God seems to take but a little notice of them; he doth not in his providence gratifie them in all these things that they desire and ask of him, but they meet with many crosses, affliction, disappointment; and this angers and discontents them, and they fret at it, charge God with hard dealing, and think themselves not a little injured by his Providence; and he•eupon they begin to murmure, and call him to an account; thus did they,