Illustrations of the Liturgy and Ritual of the United Church of England and Ireland (Volume 2 ); Being Sermons and Discourses Selected from the Works

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. 1842. Excerpt: ... 161 ON KEEPING CHRIST'S COMMANDMENTS. K. CUDWORTH. D.D. A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AT WESTMINSTER, MARCH 31. 1647. 1 John, ii. 3, 4. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. We have much inquiry concerning knowledge in these latter times. The sons of Adam are now as busy as ever himself was, about the tree of knowledge of good and evil, shaking the boughs of it, and scrambling for the fruit; whilst, I fear, many are too unmindful of the tree of life. And though there be now no cherubims with their flaming swords, to fright men off from it; yet the way that leads to it seems to be so solitary and untrodden, as if there were but few that had any mind to taste the fruit of it. There be many that speak of new glimpses and discoveries of truth, of dawnings of gospel light; and no question but God hath reserved much of this for the very evening and sun-set of the world; for in the latter days knowledge shall be increased: but yet I wish we could in the meantime see that day to dawn, which the Apostle speaks of, and that " day-star to arise in men's hearts." I wish, whilst we talk of light, and dispute about truth, we could walk more as " children of the light." Whereas, if St. John's rule be good here in the text, that no man truly knows Christ but he that keepeth his commandments, it is much to be suspected that many of us, who pretend to light, have a thick and gloomy darkness within, overspreading our souls. There be now many large volumes and discourses written concerning Christ, thousands of controversies discussed, infinite problems determined concerning his divinity, humanity, union of both together, and what...