The Whole Works of the REV. John Howe (Volume 2) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1811. Excerpt: ... motion, doth indeed arise from a stupid inconsideratencss; of some others, from a more profound consideration, by which the deeper things sink, and the more they, pierce even into the inmost center of the soul, the less they move the surface of it. And though I do not think the saying of that heathen, applicable to this case," It is a wise man's part to admire nothing;" for here is matter enough in this theme, the love of God, to justify the highest wonderment possible; and not to admire in such a base, is most stupidly irrational; yet I conceive the DEGREESadmiration (us well as other affections) of more considering persons, is more inward, calm, sedate, and dispassionate, and is not the less for being so,4'ut is the more solid and rational; and the pleasure that attends it, is the more deep and lasting. And the fervour that ensues upon the apprehended love of God, prompting them to such service as is suitable to a state of devotedness to'his interest, is more intense and durable; of the others, more flashy and inconstant. As, though flax set on fire, will flame more than iron; yet withall it will smoke more, and will not glow so much, nor keep heat so long. (10.) But to shut up this discourse. They that have more transporting apprehensions of the love of God, should take heed of despising them who have them not in just the same kind, or do not express them in the same seraphic strains. They that have them not, should take heed of censuringthose that with humble modesty, upon just occasion, discover and own what they do experience in this kind: much less should they conclude, that because they find them not, there is therefore no such to be found, which cynical humour is too habitual to such tempers. If they do fancy such to be a weaker sort of persons they may be sincere for all that. A...