“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace: In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Lastly, If Christ hath spoken peace; if he hath dropt this blessed peace into your Souls; then let me beseech you, that you would be careful not to lose this Jewel. Labour to preserve this peace in your Souls: preserve your peace, as you would preserve your lives. And to that end,
First, If you would preserve your peace; take heed of Relapses; they are dangerous. Do not tamper any more with sin. Dare not to feed sin in a corner. Sin is the peace-breaker, Psal. 85.8. “The Lord will speak peace to his people:” But what follows? “but let them not return again to folly:” Let not them return again to their sins any more. There is a great deal of folly in our relapsing from a strict and holy life.
Secondly, Would you preserve this Jewel in your bosoms; this blessed peace; then make up your Accounts with God daily. Often reckoning keeps God and Conscience friends, Psal. 4.4. “Commune with your own hearts;” that is, call your selves▪ to an account, and make up your account; make them even; see how things stand betwixt God and your Souls: observe your Affections whether they are lively: examine your Evidences, and see if there be no decay in your graces; no loss of first love. Oh! keep the Reckoning even betwixt God and you; that's the way to keep your peace.
Thirdly, Walk closely with God every day: Live as under the continual Inspection of God’s Omniscient Eye: Live holily: Peace and purity they go together: The way to preserve our peace, it is to preserve our Integrity. Oh! keep your constant hours every day with God: Turn your Closets into Temples: Search the Scriptures: The two Testaments are the two Lips by which God hath spoken to us. Love the Word: Love Prayer: Love the Sabbath, Psal. 119. v. 165. “Great peace have they that love thy Law.” Thus you may sweetly enjoy your selves; and this Jewel of peace will be preserved in your bosoms. Thomas Watson, Sermon Three on John 16:33, Seven Sermons on several subjects (1689), 66–68. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A65313.0001.001/1:6?rgn=div1;view=toc
Lastly, If Christ hath spoken peace; if he hath dropt this blessed peace into your Souls; then let me beseech you, that you would be careful not to lose this Jewel. Labour to preserve this peace in your Souls: preserve your peace, as you would preserve your lives. And to that end,
First, If you would preserve your peace; take heed of Relapses; they are dangerous. Do not tamper any more with sin. Dare not to feed sin in a corner. Sin is the peace-breaker, Psal. 85.8. “The Lord will speak peace to his people:” But what follows? “but let them not return again to folly:” Let not them return again to their sins any more. There is a great deal of folly in our relapsing from a strict and holy life.
Secondly, Would you preserve this Jewel in your bosoms; this blessed peace; then make up your Accounts with God daily. Often reckoning keeps God and Conscience friends, Psal. 4.4. “Commune with your own hearts;” that is, call your selves▪ to an account, and make up your account; make them even; see how things stand betwixt God and your Souls: observe your Affections whether they are lively: examine your Evidences, and see if there be no decay in your graces; no loss of first love. Oh! keep the Reckoning even betwixt God and you; that's the way to keep your peace.
Thirdly, Walk closely with God every day: Live as under the continual Inspection of God’s Omniscient Eye: Live holily: Peace and purity they go together: The way to preserve our peace, it is to preserve our Integrity. Oh! keep your constant hours every day with God: Turn your Closets into Temples: Search the Scriptures: The two Testaments are the two Lips by which God hath spoken to us. Love the Word: Love Prayer: Love the Sabbath, Psal. 119. v. 165. “Great peace have they that love thy Law.” Thus you may sweetly enjoy your selves; and this Jewel of peace will be preserved in your bosoms. Thomas Watson, Sermon Three on John 16:33, Seven Sermons on several subjects (1689), 66–68. http://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo/A65313.0001.001/1:6?rgn=div1;view=toc
