Two Discourses Upon the Trial of the Spirits (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1833 edition. Excerpt: ...sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end." And, before receiving the Lord's Supper, we are to try and examine ourselves as to how we have kept the vows made in baptism; we are to search and examine our own consciences, and that notlightly and after the manner of dissemblers with God, but so that we may come holy and clean to the heavenly feast," being cleansed and sanctified by God's Holy Spirit; and may, through the same Spirit, "offer our souls and bodies to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto God." Thus, true repentance, steadfast faith, and holy obedience, would be called into continual and healthful exercise But it is time we should extend the inquiry from the House of Prayer to the family altar; and to the secret retirement of the private chamber, where the prayer is offered where no eye sees, no ear hears, but God's. Brethren, have bur consciences nought to testify against us here? Is every head of a family amongst us the instructor of his children and servants in their religions duties? And does he gather them all around him at the beginning and close of every day, and address their common prayers and praises to their God and Father? Alas, it is too well known how much family worship is neglected, and it calls loudly for reformation. Be persuaded, my friends, at once, to adopt family prayers, and you may hope, through God's blesssing, it will be productive of the happiest effects in yourselves and in your households. An especial blessing may be expected to rest upon that house, which is consecrated to God by the erection of a family altar. And let none urge, as an excuse, that they have no suitable form of prayer. So long as they have their prayer-books, they...