Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1866. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... (7.) Frequently renew settled and holy resolutions. A soldier unresolved to fight may easily be defeated. True and sharpened courage treads down those difficulties which would triumph over a cold and wavering spirit. Resolution in a weak man will perform more than strength in a coward. The weakness of our graces, the strength of our temptations, and the diligence of our spiritual enemies, require strong resolutions. We must be ' stedfast and unmoveable,' and this will make us ' abound in the work of the Lord,' 1 Cor. xv. 58. Abundant exercise in God's work will strengthen the habit of grace, increase our skill in the contest, and make the victory more easy and pleasant to us. Let them be believing, humble resolutions in the strength of God's grace, with a jealousy of yourselves ; not a vaunting resolution in the strength of your own wills, a fear of ourselves, but a confidence in God. David bound himself to God with a hearty vow, depending upon his strength : Ps. cxix. 106, ' I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.' ' I have sworn,' &c., but not in his own strength, for, ver. 107, he desires God to quicken him, and to accept the ' free-will offering of his mouth,' ver. 108, i.e. the oath which proceeded from a free and resolved will. God will not slight, but strengthen the affectionate resolutions of his creature. We cannot keep ourselves from falling, if we first keep not our resolutions from flagging. (8.) Look often back upon your state under convictions, and the first state of conversion. Measure your present complexion by your former temper. Cast up your accounts often, and see whether you thrive or decay, and renew your former dispositions. It is our Saviour's counsel: Rev. ii. 5, ' Remember from whence thou art falle...
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About the Author
Stephen Charnock (1628-1680) was educated at Cambridge University after which he lectured at Oxford University. He was appointed chaplain to the Governor of Ireland, Oliver Cromwell's son Henry in 1655, where he soon gained a reputation for preaching. In 1675, years after the fall of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth, Charnock became a Presbyterian Minister in London. His works, mostly published posthumously, have the characteristic Puritan concern for central gospel themes and consistent application of Biblical texts to practical problems.
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