The works of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. in nine volumes (volume 1 of 9)Watts, Isaac
Religion
The works of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. in nine volumes (volume 1 of 9)
Watts, Isaac
Dissenters, Religious -- England; Sermons, English -- 18th century; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 18th century
Thus if we consider either the degree of this part of holiness, _viz._
the contempt of the world, if we consider the reasons upon which it is
founded, or how far this contempt of the world has prevailed among the
generality of christians; we shall find the gospel hath infinitely the
advantage of all other doctrines of all other religions.
To see a man raised above this world, and yet exercised in all the
duties of life; to see him live with a holy superiority to all things
below heaven, and yet fulfilling all his relative duties among men with
diligence; to see a man ready every moment to be gone from this world,
and yet content to stay here as long as his Heavenly Father pleases,
under the troubles, and burdens, and agonies of this life too; this
shews the religion to be divine, and from heaven: _he that believes, has
this witness in himself_; and where faith rises high, this witness
appears evident and glorious.
III. Another part of the holiness of eternal life, consists in a delight
in the worship and enjoyment of God. This is perfect in heaven, this is
eternal life; Rev. vii. 15. They are before the throne of God night and
day, that is, perpetually, and serve him there in his temple. Now the
christian religion attains this end in a good measure; it brings the
soul to delight in divine worship and converse with God, which no mere
human religion could ever do: For since no human religion could ever
teach an awakened sinner, how he might appear in the presence of a holy
God, with assurance and comfort, no other religion could make a soul
delight in the worship of God. We can never delight in drawing near to
God, that hath infinite vengeance in him, while we know not but he will
pour that vengeance out upon us; we fly far from him, unless we have
some good ground of hope, that he will forgive us our iniquities and
receive us into his favour. Now since there is no other doctrine that
shews us how our sins may be forgiven, or how the favour of God may be
attained; there is no other religion can allure or draw us into the
presence of God with pleasure; Heb. x. 19, 20. Let us draw near and
worship the Father, in full assurance and confidence, that he will
accept our persons and our worship, since we have such an high-priest to
introduce us with acceptance; since by his flesh and incarnation, he has
made a way for us to come into the presence of God with satisfaction and
pleasure, therefore let us draw near and worship him. The influence of
this argument has been found by christians, by every christian; for
there is not one that hath believed in Christ, but has had this witness
in himself. There is a sweet serenity and calmness of spirit belongs to
the souls of those in whom faith is lively and strong, even when they
stand before God, though he be a God of terror and vengeance to sinners:
for they know Jesus is their atonement, their introducer, their peace;
and therefore they love to draw near to him as a God reconciled, they
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