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date: Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:41:01 -0700,
group: microsoft.public.vstudio.helpauthoring
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RE: Insert an image by Sandcastle
of many who were converted
under his ministry before. And I know no one of them, who in the least
doubts of its being the same Spirit and the same work. Persons have now
no otherwise been subject to impressions on their imaginations than
formerly: the work is of the same nature, and has not been attended with
any extraordinary circumstances, excepting such as are analogous to the
extraordinary degree of it before described. And God's people who were
formerly converted have now partaken of the same shower of divine
blessing-in the renewing, strengthening, edifying, influences of the
Spirit of God-that others have in His converting influences; and the
work here has also been plainly the same with that of other places which
have been mentioned, as partaking of the same blessing. I have
particularly conversed with persons about their experiences, who belong
to all parts of the country, and in various parts of Connecticut, where
a religious concern has lately appeared; and have been informed of the
experiences of many others by their own pastors.
It is easily perceived by the foregoing account, that it is very much
the practice of the people here, to converse freely one with another
about their spiritual experiences; which many have been disgusted at.
But however our people may have, in some respects, gone to extremes in
it, it is, doubtless, a practice that the circumstances of this town,
and neighboring towns, have naturally led them into. Whatsoever people
have their minds engaged to such a degree in the same affair, that it is
ever uppermost in their thoughts, they will naturally make it the
subject of conversation when they get together, in which they will grow
more and more free. Restraints will soon vanish, and they will not
conceal from one another what
date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:36:25 GMT
author: Ulrich Kulle [MVP] infoREMOVE##
Re: Insert an image by Sandcastle
to be Christians without the knowledge of the
prophets and evidences, nevertheless judge of their religion as well as
those who have that knowledge. They judge of it by the heart, as others
judge of it by the intellect. God himself inclines them to believe, and thus
they are most effectively convinced.
I confess indeed that one of those Christians who believe without proofs
will not, perhaps, be capable of convincing an infidel who will say the same
of himself. But those who know the proofs of religion will prove without
difficulty that such a believer is truly inspired by God, though he cannot
prove it himself.
For God having said in His prophecies (which are undoubtedly prophecies)
that in the reign of Jesus Christ He would spread His spirit abroad among
nations, and that the youths and maidens and children of the Church would
prophesy; it is certain that the Spirit of God is in these and not in the
others.
288. Instead of complaining that God had hidden Himself, you will give Him
thanks for not having revealed so much of Himself; and you will also give
Him thanks for not having revealed Himself to haughty sages, unworthy to
know so holy a God.
Two kinds of persons know Him: those who have a humble heart, and who love
lowliness, whatever kind of intellect they may have, high or low; and those
who have sufficient understanding to see the truth, whatever opposition they
may have to it.
289. Proof.--1. The Christian religion, by its establishment, having
established itself so strongly, so gently, whilst so contrary to nature. 2.
The sanctity, the dignity, and the humility of a Christian soul. 3. The
miracles of Holy Scripture. 4. Jesus Christ in particular. 5. The apostles
in particular. 6. Moses and the prophets in particular. 7. The Jewish
people. 8. The prophecies. 9. Perpetuity; no religion has perpetuity. 10.
The doctrine which gives a reason for everything. 11. The sanctity of
date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:32:15 GMT
author: HY
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