N00802:1938
The truly blessed man
The truly blessed man: or, The way to be happy here, and for ever: being the substance of divers sermons preached on, Psalm XXXII. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. N.E. ; [Five lines from Isaiah]
printed by B. Green for Michael Perry, 1700
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.
5. You scandalize the world. They often hear of the happy condition of Gods Children, and the joys provided for them; but then they look upon you, and see your frame and carriage, they cry out, all is a fable; and say, if a man would lose all delight, and turn a mope, let him become a ⟨p. 628⟩thorough Professor, and this strengthens them in their Atheistical ways, and they resolve not to make such an happy exchange: and this is enough to discourage and amuse beginners.
5. You scandalize the world. They often hear of the happy condition of Gods Children, and the joys provided for them; but then they look upon you, and see your frame and carriage, they cry out, all is a fable; and say, if a man would lose all delight, and turn a mope, let him become a ⟨p. 628⟩thorow Professor, and this strengthens them in their Atheistical ways, and they resolve not to make such an happy exchange: and this is enough to discourage and amuse beginners.
6. And you grieve the Children of God. As the Spirit is grieved by it, so are his people; it grieves them for the sake of Religion it self, which is reflected on by your means; and it grieves them on your account, to see how you stand in your own light, and hinder your selves of the comfort which God hath made your portion: they mourn for you, and be you ashamed and humbled. But possibly you think you have something to say for your selves in excuse, as if it were not to be rebuked: give me leave then to obviate three comprehensive cavils.