N01395:179
The efficacy of the fear of Hell, to restrain men from sin. Showed in…The efficacy of the fear of Hell, to restrain men from sin. Shewed in…
The efficacy of the fear of Hell, to restrain men from sin. Showed in a sermon before the inferior court in Northampton, Decem. 3d, 1712. : Together with the benefit of the Gospel, to those that are wounded in spirit. Showed in several sermons, from Luke 4th. 18, 19. On the occasion of a more than ordinary pouring out of the spirit of God. / By Solomon Stoddard, Pastor of Northampton.The efficacy of the fear of Hell, to restrain men from sin. Shewed in a sermon before the inferiour court in Northampton, Decem. 3d, 1712. : Together with the benefit of the Gospel, to those that are wounded in spirit. Shewed in several sermons, from Luke 4th. 18, 19. On the occasion of a more than ordinary pouring out of the spirit of God. / By Solomon Stoddard, Pastor of Northampton.
printed by Thomas Fleet for Samuel Phillips, 1713
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.
3 USE. Of Examination, whether you have received this benefit of the Gospel. You are Thankful to God for the Gospel, and many times in your Prayers bless God for it. And you pity those that have not the Gospel, but what are you the better for it? Have you recovered your Sight? You have got abundance of Knowledge by it, and are able to Discourse very Understandingly about it. You increase continually in Rational Knowledge; this may be, and yet you may remain spiritually Blind. There are but a few that are recovered. There ⟨p. 148⟩are but a few that are bodily Blind, and there be but a few but are spiritually Blind. It may be you have Illuminations, and yet are Blind.
Signs are, 1. Common Illumination is affecting, but when the Eyes are opened, Men are convinced. Common Illuminations do sometimes greatly affect. Men are glad and taken with them, and they are Thankful. Math. 13.20. He that received the Seed into stony Places, is he that heareth the Word, and anon with Joy receiveth it. Gal. 4.15. Where is then the Blessedness you spake of? for I bear you Record, that if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own Eyes, and have given them to me. But these Illuminations don't convince, them of the Truth of the Gospel, and of the sureness of the Grace of God: But when Mens Eyes are opened, they are convinced: They are indeed affected, but that is not all; but God teaches and shows them the Path of Life. Psal. 16.11. They are taught of God, and learn the truth of the Gospel. Joh. 6.45. They have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. Eph. 1.17. The Father that is in Heaven reveals Christ to them.