Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n
Text snippets containing the quad
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A39884
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The Christian directed in his race to heaven, or, A short account of that knowledge and practice that leads thither by James Forbs.
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J. F. (James Forbs), 1629?-1712.
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1700
(1700)
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Wing F1442; ESTC R29428
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47,247
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90
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a Calling 1. Let the consideration of your espousals to the Royal Bridegroom Jesus Christ be a holy check to your Affections that they do not inordinately run out after any strange Lovers 2. As you are a Child of God a Son or Daughter of the King of Heaven let it be your care to Love Honour and Obey your Father make addresses to him with a Child-like Confidence with a holy and humble Boldness actual dependance upon him for a supply of all Wants Bodily and Spiritual for this Life and that which is to come 3. As your Body is honoured to be a Temple for the Holy Ghost see that no sinful uncleanness or pollution be found upon it 1 Cor. 6.19 and 3.17 he that defileth the Temple of God him shall God destroy 4. As you are listed among the Lamb's followers look to the great Captain of your Salvation Heb. 2.10 Write after his Copy and follow his Example wherein it is imitable acquit your self as a good Soldier having on the whole Armour of God Ephes 6. for it is not with Flesh and Blood but with Principalities and Powers and spiritual Wickednesses in high Places you wrestle 5. As you have enter'd your self under the Tutorage of the great Prophet Jesus Christ be still taking out new Lessons from his Word and Spirit 6. As he is the High Priest of your Profession make use of him to lead you by the Hand into the Holy of Holies as often as you have occasion to go thither Ephes 2.13 18. Hebrews 2 end and 4 end 7. As you are a Subject of so glorious a Kingdom swear Fealty and Allegiance to your Sovereign be true and loyal to him keep the King's Laws for in so doing you may expect spiritual Peace Gal. 6.16 Psal 119.165 and protection from all Enemies 1 Pet. 3.13 Who is he that will harm you if ye are followers of that which is good 8. As you are a Fellow Citizens with the Saints Ephes 2.19 Let your Heart be united in the strictest Bond of Christian Love and Charity to all Heaven-born Ones Be not ashamed to own for your Equals and Companions such as are of the same Blood-royal with your self Psal 16.3 David though a Prince counted it no disparagement to familiarize himself with such whose Fellowship was with the Father and the Son Psal 119.63 9. As you are elected and redeemed from among Men Revel 14.3 4. be careful to keep you Garments clean from the pollutions of the World James 1.27 Be not partaker of other Mens Sins 1 Tim. 5.22 Shun all unnecessary converse with them that are visibly wicked Evil Communication corrupts good Manners 1 Cor. 15.33 10. As you are an Heir of Glory Born to an inheritance incorruptible undefiled and such as fadeth not away reserved for you in the Heavens 1 Pet. 1.3 4. mind Heavenly and not Earthly things set your Affections on things above not on Sublunaries Col. 3.1 Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear 1 Pet. 1.17 1 John 3.3 Every one that hath this Hope in him purifieth himself even as God is pure 2 Pet. 3.11 12 13 14. Wherefore Brethren seeing that ye look for such things be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless and be crucified to the World through the Cross of Christ looking upon all its perishing Glory to be but a Toy and Trifle not worthy once to be named in comparison of that Glory to be revealed Seventhly consider more particularly what the special Duties are which you owe unto God unto others and in respect of your Self studying faithfulness and conscionableness in the performance and practice of each of them the Summary of all is comprehended in that of Tit. 2.12 Holiness towards God Righteousness towards others and Sobriety in respect of your self To enlarge here according to the amplitude of the Subject might prove too teedious study the Decalogue or Ten Commands exactly reading Divine Dod's Exposition upon them with two other small pieces call'd The Marrow of modern Divinity and there you will find much more than I can in a few Lines in such a Compend as this communicate I 'le only give you a brief hint of things The main things you owe to God are Worship Service Suffering with what else his Word and Works of Providence do require His Worship is either inward spiritual and moral and so 1. You are bound to study the Knowledge of God Why do you think did the Lord create the World but that the Heavens might declare his Glory and the Firmament shew forth his Praise Psal 19.1 What were the Scriptures written for but that in Judah God might be known and his Name great in Israel Psal 76.1 What did Christ come from the Bosom of God for but to give forth Declarations of the Father John 1.18 and 14.6 7. What is the Law written in our Hearts for Rom. 2.15 and what is the Spirit promised for but that thereby we might attain to the Knowledge of the Almighty John 14.26 And has not the Gospel brought Life and Immortality to Light 2 Tim. 1.10 All things considered your ignorance of God now will be inexcusable and Knowledge is an indispensable requisite 2. You are to fear God having a high reverential esteem of him in your Heart dreading to offend him not only because of his greatness and justice but also and especially because of his goodness and Mercy Hos 3.5 Levit. 19.14 Deut. 6.13 Psal 2.11 Isa 8.13 Heb. 12.28 3. Love him with all your Soul Strength and Mind Matth. 22.37 he will admit of no Rivals or Co-partners in your Affections he and he alone must have your Heart the whole of your Heart and that in the most intense Degrees and always 4. Give a credential assent to every Tittle that proceeds out of his Mouth relying also upon and trusting in him as one in whom there is everlasting Strength Isa 26.4 Psal 2.8 and 11.1 5. Thankfulness for every Mercy and Patience under all Afflictions is that which you owe unto God 1 Thess 5.18 Psal 107.1 Luke 21.19 Heb. 10.36 Ephes 5.20 James 1.4 6. Sincerity of Heart and Zeal for his Glory are Duties indispensable what you do in matters of Religion must not be to be seen in Men or for any other base sinister selfish ends but do all for the Glory of God 1 Cor. 10.31 Phil. 2.3 11. 7. Be cloathed with Humility having always a low esteem of your self notwithstanding of Honours Riches Birth Beauty Breeding Parts Perfections Priviledges Performances Gifts Graces Experiences Enjoyments Doing and Suffering Rom. 12.2 Coll. 2.12 8. Perseverance in the Faith and way of Well doing is an ingredient of this inward Spiritual Worship you must not begin in the Spirit and end in the Flesh for then your last Estate will be worse than the Beginning 2 Pet. 1.20 21. So run that you may obtain 1. Cor. 9.24 Rev. 2.7 11 17 26 27 28. and 3.5 10 12 21. Or 2dly His Worship