Join the discussion!

HOME | LIBRARY BOOKS | CATEGORY | SERMONS

LIBRARY BOOKS: SERMONS on Christian Living

The Hail & Fire Books Library is a FREE online Christian resource for Christian books, Puritan, Reformed and Protestant exhortative works, Catholic and Protestant polemical and apologetical works, bibles, histories, martyrologies, and works on

 

eschatology; in real text, PDF, and scanned image formats. By using the Hail & Fire Library you agree to the following.

By using the Hail & Fire Library you agree to the following copyright notice.

 

ONLINE LIBRARY - Read Rare Christian Books Online


ABOUT SERMONS: The intention of Hail & Fire is to make available Gospel and Reformed Theology in the works, sermons, exhortations, prayers, and apologetics of those who have maintained the Gospel and expounded upon the Scripture as the eternal Word of God and the sole authority in Christian doctrine.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

back to top arrow up - back to top

Alleine, Joseph (1634-1668)

Joseph Alleine was an English Puritan Divine and Nonconformist Pastor who was imprisoned twice for his continued preaching after the Uniformity Act of 1662. Alleine authored a number of excellent books and sermons.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: An Alarm to the Unconverted Sinners by Joseph Alleine An Alarm to the Unconverted Sinners
by Joseph Alleine

Originally Published in 1672. Prefixed with an Epistle by Rev. Richard Baxter (1615-1691) entitled "To the Unconverted Reader," 1818 Edition.

"Will you still be cheated by this deceitful world, and spend all your days in pampering your guts, and providing for the flesh, that must be rotting shortly in a grave? Were you made for no better use than this? May not we bring you to some sober thoughts of your condition? Not one hour seriously to think whither you are going? What! not one awakened look into the world where you must be for ever?"

ONLINE BOOK: Earail Dhurachdach do Pheacaich Neo-Iompaichte le Joseph Alleine Earail Dhurachdach do Pheacaich Neo-Iompaichte
le Joseph Alleine

Gaelic Edition in Scottish Gaelic.

Originally Published 1672. Prefixed with An Roi'radh le Rev. Richard Baxter (1615-1691), 1860 Edition of "An Alarm to the Unconverted Sinners" in Gaelic.

"O what a deceiver is the devil, that can thus lead on souls to their own damnation! O what a cheat is this transitory world, that can make men so forget that world where they must live for ever! O what an enemy is this flesh, that thus draweth down men's souls from God! O what a besotting thing is sin, that turneth a reasonable soul into worse than a beast! What a bedlam is this wicked world, when thousands are so busy labouring to undo themselves and others, and gratifying the devil against their God and Saviour, who would give them everlasting blessed life!" ~ from the English Edition.

back to top arrow up - back to top

Allestree, Richard (1619-1681)

Richard Allestree was an English churchman, chaplain to the King of England, Regius Professor of Divinity, and provost of Eton College in 1665. Allestree is the author of the "Whole Duty of Man." He was a soldier in the king's army prior to becoming a clergyman and a Royalist, who even carried despatches between Charles II of England and sympathisers.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Government of the Tongue by Richard Allestree, Updated and Modernized from the 1675 Oxford Edition with Annotations added by H&F Books, 2021 Pre-Print Edition The Government of the Tongue
by Richard Allestree
Updated and Modernized from the 1675 Oxford Edition with Annotations added by H&F Books, 2021 Pre-Print Edition

"It is very observable that God, who 'made of one blood all nations of the earth,' Acts 17:26, has so equally distributed all the most valuable privileges of human nature, himself designing to preclude all insulting of one man over another." - Richard Allestree

"It is the peculiar insolence of those degenerate Christians who surely cannot be thought to be in earnest when they speak of singing Hallelujahs to God in the next world, while they entertain him here only with the sullen noise of murmuring and repining. For we are not to think that heaven will suddenly metamorphose us, and turn our exclamations and wild clamors against the will of God towards us in particular into lauds and magnificats of the same. Heaven will indeed perfect and crown those graces which were inchoate and begun in us here, but no person's conversion will follow upon his or her entering into heaven; for Christ expressly told us that, 'except

we be converted, we shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.' Thus, if we go on in the future in our froward discontent, that discontent will associate us with those with whom is 'Weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.'" - Richard Allestree

"Faults of the tongue are the harder to avoid because they are exemplified to us every day in common practice, and some of them are even recommended as reputable and ingenious. And it is a strange insinuative power that example and custom have over us. We see this influence in every trivial secular instance in our every habit. And for this very reason, all sobriety and strict virtue now lies under heavy prejudice, and no part of that virtue is more prejudiced than that of the tongue, which current and common custom has now enfranchised from all the bonds that moralists and preachers of the Gospel had laid upon it. But the greater the difficulties are, the more it ought to awaken our diligence, for if we are loose and careless, odds are that we will be carried away with the rest. We had better therefore fix ourselves. And by sober recollection of the ends for which speech was given us and the account we must one day give of our use of it, we had better impress upon ourselves the baseness and the danger of misemploying our tongue in this use of speech." - Richard Allestree

ONLINE BOOK: The Government of the Tongue by Richard Allestree The Government of the Tongue
by Richard Allestree
also attributed to William Sancroft

Published Oxford 1675.

"The tongue is so slippery that it easily deceives a drowsy or heedless guard. Nature seems to have given it some unhappy advantage towards that. Tis in its frame the most ready for motion of any member, needs not so much as the flexure of a joint, and by access of humors acquires a glibness too, the more to facilitate its moving. And alas we too much find the effect of this, its easy frame: it often goes without giving us warning ... so the childish parts of us, our passions, our fancies, all our mere animal faculties, can thrust our tongues into such disorders as our reason cannot easily rectify. The due managery, therefore, of this unruly member, may rightly be esteemed one of the greatest mysteries of wisdom and virtue." - Richard Allestree

ONLINE BOOK: The Lively Oracles Given to Us, or, The Christians Birth-right and Duty, in the Custody and Use of the Holy Scripture, by Richard Allestree The Lively Oracles Given to Us, or, The Christian's Birth-Right and Duty, in the Custody and Use of the Holy Scripture
by Richard Allestree
also attributed to Robert Boyle

Originally published in 1678. An 1832 Edition.

"I had occasion to take notice among the exorbitances of that unruly part, which sets on fire the whole course of nature, and itself is set on fire from hell, of the impious vanity prevailing in this age, whereby men play with sacred things, and exercise their wit upon those Scriptures by which they shall be judged at the last day. But that Holy Book, not only suffering by the petulancy of the tongue, but the malice of the heart, out of the abundance whereof the mouth speaks, and also from that irreligion ... which the pursuit of sensual pleasures certainly produces. ... I have therefore thought it necessary ... to attempt a professed and particular vindication of the Holy Scriptures, by displaying their native excellence and beauty, and enforcing the veneration and obedience that is to be paid unto them." - Richard Allestree

H&F Paperback Republications:

PAPERBACK BOOKSTORE: The Updated Edition of the Government of the Tongue by Richard Allestree, Originally Published at Oxford 1675. Edited, Modernized, and Annotated by H&F Books, 2022 Paperback Edition The Updated Edition of the Government of the Tongue
"Death and Life are in the power of the Tongue." Proverbs 18:21

by Richard Allestree

Originally Published at Oxford 1675. Edited, Modernized, and Annotated by H&F Books, 2022 Paperback Edition

"Faults of the tongue as are the hardest to avoid because they are exemplified to us every day in common practice, and some of them are even recommended as reputable and ingenious. And it is a strange insinuative power that example and custom have over us. We see this influence in every trivial secular instance in our every habit. And for this very reason, all sobriety and strict virtue now lies under heavy prejudice, and no part of that virtue is more prejudiced than that of the tongue, which current and common custom has now enfranchised from all the bonds that moralists and preachers of the Gospel had laid upon it. But the greater the difficulties are, the more it ought to awaken our diligence, for if we are loose and careless, odds are that we will be carried away with the rest. We had better therefore fix ourselves. And by sober recollection of the ends for which speech was given us and the account we must one day give of our use of it, we had better impress upon ourselves the baseness and the danger of misemploying our tongue in this use of speech."

"The tongue is a busy and active part of us that can scarcely be kept from motion, and if that activity is not resolved to good employments, it will be practicing itself upon bad. For the mind is like the stomach in requiring wholesome nourishment, and if it is not supplied with that which is wholesome, it will at last indulge in those things to which the fleshly nature is most inclined. So that, if in our conversation we do not interchange sober and useful notions between us, we will at best only traffic in toys and baubles and most commonly, infection and poison. Whoever would keep their tongue from exposing themself or others to sin, must tune it to a quite contrary key by making it an instrument and an incentive to virtue."

"And if you must speak of other people's faults of the tongue, let it not be to defame but to amend; let us convert our detraction and backbiting into admonition and fraternal correction. If people had the zeal for virtue to which they pretend when they inveigh against vice, they would surely take this course of action, for this method alone provides for the possibility of reforming the offender."

B

back to top arrow up - back to top

Barrow, Isaac (1630-1677)

Isaac Barrow, D. D. was Master of Trinity College at Cambridge from 1672 until his death in 1677. Prior to his being appointed to this position by Charles II, he held a Greek Professorship and the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge. It was his friend and former pupil, Isaac Newton, who succeeded to this chair after he chose to devote himself entirely to divinity. The works of Isaac Barrow, were, upon his death, presented by his father, Thomas Barrow, to Heneage, the Earl of Nottingham, Lord High Chancellor of England and member of the King's Privy Council, for the imparting of such works and sermons to the public. Isaac Barrow is entombed in Westminster Abbey.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Sermons on Various Subjects by Isaac Barrow (1823 Edition) Sermons, on Various Subjects
by Isaac Barrow

An 1823 Edition in 5 Volumes.

"The slanderer is an enemy, as the most fierce and outrageous, so the most base and unworthy that can be: he fights with the most perilous and most unlawful weapon, in the most furious and foul way that can be. His weapon is an envenomed arrow, full of deadly poison, which he shooteth suddenly, and feareth not; a weapon which by no force can be resisted, by no art declined, whose impression is altogether inevitable and unsustainable." ~ from Sermon XVIII on The Folly of Slander.

H&F Paperback Republications:

BOOKSTORE: Godliness is Profitable for All Things by Isaac Barrow (2011 H&F Paperback Edition) Godliness is Profitable for All Things (Paperback)
by Isaac Barrow, D. D.
Featuring other evidences by John Newton, Robert Leighton, and St. John Chrysostom.

A 2011 Paperback Edition published by Hail & Fire. Originally Published in 1683, London.

BOOKSTORE: Godliness is Profitable for All Things by Isaac Barrow (2011 Paperback) In all places and in all societies, piety—or godliness—produces, advances, and establishes order, peace, safety, prosperity, all that is good, all that is lovely and agreeable, and all that is convenient and pleasant for human society and ordinary life.

Piety is the special interest of all who are involved in governing and education. Piety is their greatest wisdom and policy; it will both preserve their outward state here in this world, and it will satisfy their consciences and save their souls. All the Machiavellian arts and tricks amount to nothing in comparison to this one plain and easy way of securing and furthering the interests of men. Piety is not moved to needless change. Piety cherishes worth and encourages industry, whereupon virtue flourishes and wealth is increased and, as a result, the occasions and means of disorder are stopped . . . read more »

Also find author under:

Apologetica Protestant

Paperback Bookstore - Godliness is Profitable for All Things

back to top arrow up - back to top

Bates, William (1625-1699)

William Bates, D.D., was an English Presbyterian Minister and ejected Nonconformist under the Act of Uniformity in 1662. He was later a Chaplain to Charles II of England, and known as "The Queen's Puritan" under William and Mary. He preached the funeral sermons of Richard Baxter, Thomas Manton, and David Clarkson.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Sermons on Spiritual Perfection Unfolded and Enforced by William Bates (1848 Edition) Spiritual Perfection Unfolded and Enforced
by William Bates, D.D.

Originally published 1699. An 1848 Edition, The Religious Tract Society, The Writings of the Doctrinal Puritans and Divines of the Seventeenth Century.

"The fear of God also is a grace of excellent efficacy to perfect holiness in us. It is the apostle's direction, 'Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.' ... Fear introduces serious religion, preserves and improves it. It is the principle of conversion to God, and knocks at the door of the soul that Divine love may have admission into it. It arises from the conviction of guilt, and the apprehension of judgment that follows. ... Till there is felt something more tormenting than carnal sweets are pleasing, men will not mortify their lusts. One will not suffer a part of his body to be cut off, unless an incurable gangrene threatens speedy death. The world is present and sensible, and continually diverts men from the consideration of their souls, unless eternal things are by a strong application impressed on their minds." ~ from page 207.

back to top arrow up - back to top

Becon, Thomas (1511-1567)

Thomas Becon, D.D., was an English Protestant Reformer who studied under Hugh Latimer. During the reign of Protestant King Edward VI, Becon served as a Chaplain to Archbishop Cranmer and was made one of the Six Preachers of Canterbury. During the reign of Catholic Queen Mary, he was divested of clerical position and he traveled abroad; afterwards, in the reign of Protestant Queen Elizabeth I, he returned to England and was a Prebendary of Canterbury.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Catechism of Thomas Becon with Other Pieces Written by Him in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth (1844 Parker Society Edition) The Catechism of Thomas Becon with Other Pieces Written by Him in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth
by Becon, Thomas, D.D.

An 1844 Parker Society Edition.

"The sabbath therefore of the Christians is spiritual and everlasting, not to be observed one day in the week only, after the manner of the Jews, but every day so long as we live, by ceasing to do evil, and by studying to do good, as it is written: 'There shall be a new moon for the other, and a new sabbath for the other; and all flesh shall come to worship before me, saith the Lord.' ... We read, that on the sabbath-day Christ healed divers persons that were diseased, and restored them to their health, to give us an example to do the like, when either faith, charity, or necessity requires. For to the true godly, every day is the sabbath-day; forasmuch as they spend every day in holy works, and have nothing to do with such deeds as be uncomely to be done of true Christians; forasmuch also as every day they lift up their minds unto God, call on his holy name by fervent prayer, praise his glorious majesty, and have their meditation in the law of the Lord, yea, and that in the midst of their godly travails and labors."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Binning, Hugh (1627-1653)

Hugh Binning was a Scottish Covenanting preacher, ordained minister of Govan, near Glasgow, in 1650. He was only twenty-six years old when he died in 1653.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Christian Love by Hugh Binning Treatise of Christian Love
by Hugh Binning

"Humility levels men to a holy subjection and submission to another, without the confusion of their different degrees and stations. ... Eph. v. 21, "Submit yourselves one to another in the fear of God." 1 Pet 5:5, "All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility." Now, if humility can put a man below others, certainly it will make him endure patiently and willingly to be placed in that same rank by others. When others give him that place to sit into, that he had chosen for himself, will he conceive himself wronged and affronted, though others about him think so? Nay, it is hard to persuade him of an injury of that kind, because the apprehension of such an affront hath for its foundation the imagination of some excellency beyond others, which lowliness hath razed out. He hath placed himself so low for every man's edification and instruction, that others can put him no lower, and there he sits quietly and peaceably."

ONLINE BOOK: The Common Principles of the Christian Religion, Clearly Proved, and Singularly Improved or A Practical Catechism by Hugh Binning The Common Principles of the Christian Religion, Clearly Proved, and Singularly Improved or A Practical Catechism
by Hugh Binning

"I beseech you consider, that what you give your time, pains, thoughts and affections to, that is your God. You must give God all your heart, and so retain nothing of your own will if God be your God. But do you not know that your care and grief and desire and love vents another way, towards base things? You know that you have a will of your own which goes quite contrary to His holy will in all things, therefore Satan has bewitched you and your hearts deceive you, when they persuade you that you have had no other God but the true God. Christianity raises the soul again, and advances it by degrees to this love of God, from which it had fallen."

Also find author under:

Audio Books

back to top arrow up - back to top

Boston, Thomas (1676-1732)

Thomas Boston was born the son of Covenanter parents in Scotland. He was first a schoolmaster and afterwards a minister. Boston occassioned the Marrow Controversy within the Church of Scotland after reading The Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher. He recommended the books reprinting in 1718 and was again involved in its reprinting in 1726, this time with his own preface and annotations in defence of the book's doctrines.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Soliloquy on the Art of Fishing for Men by Thomas Boston A Soliloquy on the Art of Fishing for Men, for a pattern to every preacher of the Gospel
by Thomas Boston

Originally Published in 1699. A 1900 Edition.

"What an honourable thing is it to be fishers of men! How great an honour shouldst thou esteem it, to be a catcher of souls! We are workers together with God, says the apostle. If God has ever so honoured thee, O that thou knewest it, that thou mightst bless his holy name, that ever made such a poor fool as thee to be a co-worker with him. God has owned thee to do good to those who were before caught. O my soul, bless thou the Lord. Lord, what am I, or what is my father's house, that thou hast brought me to this? 5. Then seest thou not here what is the reason thou toilest so long, and catchest nothing? The power comes not along. Men are like Samuel, who, when God was calling him, thought it had been Eli. So when thou speakest many times, they do not discern God's voice, but thine; and therefore the word goes out as it comes in. 6. Then, O my soul, despair not of the conversion of any, be they ever so profligate. For it is the power of the Spirit that drives any person into the net; and this cannot be resisted. Mockers of religion, yea, blasphemers may be brought into the net; and many times the wind of God's Spirit in the word lays the tall cedars in sin down upon the ground, when they that seem to be as low shrubs in respect of them, stand fast upon their root. Publicans and harlots shall enter the kingdom of heaven before self-righteous Pharisees."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Boyle, Robert

Find this author under:

Allestree, Richard

back to top arrow up - back to top

Brevint, Daniel (1616-1695)

Daniel Brevint, D.D., was a French Huguenot and Dean of Lincoln in 1682. Brevint is the author of "Saul and Samuel at Endor or The New Ways of Salvation and Service, which Usually Tempt Men to Rome, and Detain Them There, Truly Represented, and Refuted."

Find this author under:

Apologetica Protestant

back to top arrow up - back to top

Brome, Henry

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Seasonable Discourse Showing the Necessity of Maintaining the Established Religion, In Opposition To Popery, printed for Henry Brome (1673 Edition) A Seasonable Discourse Showing the Necessity of Maintaining the Established Religion, in Opposition to Popery
printed for Henry Brome

A 1673 Edition Pamphlet.

"Paul the Third sent against King Henry VIII in ... 1538, his terrible thundering Bull ... in which punishments to the King were deprivation of his kingdom, and to his adherents of whatsoever they possessed, commanding his subjects to deny him obedience, and strangers to have any commerce in that kingdom, and all to take arms against, and to persecute both himself and his followers, granting them their estates and goods for their prey, and their persons for their slaves. Upon like terms Paul the Fourth would not acknowledge Queen Elizabeth because the kingdom was a See of the Papacy, and it was audaciously done of her to assume it without his leave."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Bunyan, John (1628-1688)

John Bunyan was a Protestant Christian Preacher, Nonconformist, and the author of that well known allegorical work, "The Pilgrim's Progress, From this World to that which is to Come." Bunyan was born the son of a laborer in Elstow, England in 1628. He started out life as a worldling, but was at length converted to Christ and even spent considerable time imprisioned for preaching the Gospel.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
by John Bunyan

Full title: Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners in a faithful account of the life and death of John Bunyan, or, A brief relation of the exceeding mercy of God in Christ to him namely in His taking him out of the dunghill, and converting him to the faith of His blessed son Jesus Christ. Here is also particularly shewed, what sight of, and what troubles he had for sin; and also, what various temptations he hath met with, and how God hath carried him through them.

"When I thought I kept this or that commandment, or did, by word or deed, anything that I thought was good, I had great peace in my conscience, and should think with myself, God cannot choose but be now pleased with me; yea, to relate it in mine own way, I thought no man in England could please God better than I. But poor wretch as I was! I was all this while ignorant of Jesus Christ; and going about to establish my own righteousness; and had perished therein, had not God in mercy showed me more of my state by nature. But upon a day, the good providence of God called me to Bedford. ... I came where there were three or four poor women ... talking about the things of God ... I drew near to hear what they said, for I was now a brisk talker also myself, in the matters of religion; but I may say, I heard but understood not; for they were far above, out of my reach. Their talk was about a new birth, the work of God on their hearts, also how they were convinced of their miserable state by nature; they talked how God had visited their souls with His love in the Lord Jesus, and with what words and promises they had been refreshed, comforted, and supported, against the temptations of the devil: moreover, they reasoned of the suggestions and temptations of Satan in particular; and told to each other, by which they had been afflicted and how they were borne up under his assaults. They also discoursed of their own wretchedness of heart, and of their unbelief; and did contemn, slight and abhor their own righteousness, as filthy, and insufficient to do them any good."

Also find author under:

Audio Books

C

back to top arrow up - back to top

Calvin, John (1509-1564)

John Calvin was a French Protestant Reformer and Pastor. Calvin was forced to flee France and live in Switzerland due to the heavy Roman Catholic persectution of Protestantism in France. Calvin ultimately ended up in Geneva and is the famous author of the "Institutes of the Christian Religion" (1536), as well as his Bible Commentaries. He is also know as Jean Calvin (French) and Giovanni Calvino (Italian).

Find this author under:

Apologetica Protestant

back to top arrow up - back to top

Clarke, Samuel (1675-1729)

Samuel Clarke was an Anglican Clergyman and English Philosopher. Clarke played a significant role in the Trinitarian Controversy within the Church of England and is the author of "The Scripture Doctrine of the Trinity, Wherein Every Text of the New Testament Relating to that Doctrine is Distinctly Considered." Clarke served as a chaplain to Queen Anne, afterwards rector of St James, Westminster (1709), and later the mastership of of Wigston's Hospital (1719).

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Character of a Good Man The Character of a Good Man
by Samuel Clarke

A 1780 Edition Sermon.

"The great and principal design of every man's life, ought to be the promoting of the glory of God; the encouraging of virtue, and discouraging every kind of vice. Not that any man is obliged to be perpetually employed in actions that are immediately of a religious nature; or that all his thoughts and discourses are to be wholly confined to things sacred: but that his principal and final aim, his general and constant view, the settled temper and disposition of his mind, and the habitual tendency of all his actions, be the establishing of truth and right in the world. And when once a man has habitually fixed to himself this great end, and it is become, as it were, his natural temper; when he is "transformed," as St. Paul expresses it, "by the renewing of his mind," and his "meat and drink," as our Savior speaks concerning himself, is to "do the will of his Father which is in Heaven:" this love of goodness, will naturally, like all other habits, influence even the most common actions of his life: even when he is not actually thinking of it, but employed perhaps in the most vulgar affairs, or even in diversions themselves; yet still everything he does, will habitually have somewhat in it, tending to promote a general sense of truth and equity, a general regard to God and virtue."

D

back to top arrow up - back to top

E

back to top arrow up - back to top

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758)

Jonathan Edwards was a Protestant Christian minister and American Revivalist preacher of the First Great Awakening. Edwards is the author of such well known works as, "Religious Affections," "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," and "The Life of David Brainerd."

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections
by Jonathan Edwards

"If we be not in good earnest in religion, and our wills and inclinations be not strongly exercised, we are nothing. The things of religion are so great, that there can be no suitableness in the exercises of our hearts, to their nature and importance, unless they be lively and powerful. In nothing is vigor in the actions of our inclinations so requisite, as in religion; and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious. True religion is evermore a powerful thing; and the power of it appears, in the first place in the inward exercises of it in the heart, where is the principal and original seat of it. Hence true religion is called the power of godliness, in distinction from the external appearances of it, that are the form of it, 2 Timothy 3:5."

Also find author under:

Audio Books

back to top arrow up - back to top

Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

Elizabeth I was a famous Protestant Queen of England, the last ruler in the Tudor monarchy, known as the "Virgin Queen" and "Gloriana." Elizabeth was the daughter of King Henry VIII, sister to Protestant King Edward VI and Catholic Queen Mary I, known as "Bloody Mary."

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Sermon on Psalm 77 Preached before Queen Elizabeth I A Sermon Preached before Queen Elizabeth I, at Greenwich, the 24th of February, AD 1590, on Psalm 77:20 "Thou didest lead thy people like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron."

Originally Published in 1590, England.

"'To begin with God, ... by whom and to whom we lead and are led, and in whom all right leading both begins and ends. ... That is whosoever be the hands, God is the person, He is the Tu. Whose names forever we hear; whose hands soever we feel; whose countenance soever we behold, we must yet look up higher, and see God in every Government. To Him we must make our apostrophe and say, Thou leadest etc. For He it is that leadeth properly and, in strict propriety of speech, Moses and Aaron lead not; but God, by the hands of Moses and Aaron. ... God is the person that leadeth, and all other but hands under Him and unto Him." ~ from page 273.

Also find author under:

Griffiths, John - Certain Sermons Appointed to be Read in the Time of Queen Elizabeth

Audio Books - Elizabeth I: The Virgin Queen - Marriage Speech (Feb. 1559)

History - Collins, William: The Bull of Deposition against Queen Elizabeth I

History - Elizabeth I: Marriage Speech to the House of Commons (Feb. 1559)

History - Froude, James: History of England from the Fall of Wosley to the Death of Elizabeth

Prayers, Hymns & Poetry - Clay, William: Private Prayers of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth

back to top arrow up - back to top

Elliott, Edward Bishop (1793-1875)

Reverend Edward Bishop Elliott or E. B. Elliott was an English Clergyman and eschatological writer. Elliott was vicar of Tuxford, Nottinghamshire (1824), prebendary of Heytesbury, Wiltshire, and incumbent of St Mark's Church (1849).

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Horae Apocalypticae by E. B. Elliott (1851 Edition) Horae Apocalypticae (Hours of the Apocalypse)
by Rev. Edward Bishop Elliott

An 1851 Edition, in 4 Volumes.

"It seems, as both Foxe and Brightman report to us, that for some time following the Reformation the Romish Doctors were very shy of the subject. At its first outbreak indeed, on Luther's anti-Papal protest, some unguarded Doctors of the Papacy, in the true spirit of the 5th Council of Lateran, just then concluded, which had solemnly identified the then existing Romish Church with the New Jerusalem of the Apocalypse,—I say there were certain Doctors, as Prierio and Eck, so unguarded as to take up the Lateran theory, and broadly declare the Papal dominion to be Daniel's 5th monarchy, or reign of the saints. But what then of the little horn, or Antichrist; that was to intervene, according to Daniel's manifest declaration, between old Rome's iron empire and the saints' reign? The question was so puzzling that it must have been abundantly palpable to all thoughtful Romanists that such a Danielic theory was untenable; and that some better one must be taken up, if the Papal citadel were to be defended on prophetic grounds. The same of the Apocalypse. So at length, as the century was advancing to a close, two stout Jesuists took up the gauntlet; and published their respective, but quite counter opinions on the Apocalyptic subject:—the one Ribera, a Jesuit Priest of Salamanca, who about a.d. 1585 published an Apocalyptic Commentary, which was on the grand points of Babylon and Antichrist what we now call the futurist scheme: the other Alcasar, also a Spanish Jesuit, but of Seville, whose scheme was on main points what we now designate as that of the prieterists."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Erasmus, Desiderius (1466-1536)

Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Dutch Theologian and Priest in the Roman Catholic Church. Erasmus is famous for his Greek New Testament and his book "On Free Will," which the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther (1483-1546) aptly refuted in his "Bondage of the Will."

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Colloquies of Erasmus (1878 edition) The Colloquies of Erasmus
by Desiderius Erasmus

Originally Published in 1524. An 1878 Edition.

"There is nothing to be attained in this life without pains; and yet, let us get what we will, and what pains soever we are at to attain it, we must leave it behind us: why then should we think much to be at some pains for the most precious thing of all, the fruit of which will bear us company unto another life."

F

back to top arrow up - back to top

Farquhar, John (1732-1768)

John Farquhar was a Protestant Christian Minister in the Church of Scotland. Farquhar was a minister at the Parish of Nigg (1757) and an active member of the Aberdeen Philosophical Society (1758).

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: On the Parable of the Prodigal Son by John Farquhar On the Parable of the Prodigal Son
by John Farquhar

A Sermon from "The Protestant Preacher, Sermons and Discources." An 1780 Edition.

"The Almighty shows the value he has for a human soul, by preferring its renewal to every other sacrifice. There is a strange propensity in corrupt man, to endeavor to please God in some different manner; but this is the only way that is acceptable."

"His whole speech discovers the genuineness of his sorrow, and the deepness of his contrition; far from endeavoring to cover or palliate his transgressions, he confesses them in the most open and affecting manner."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Fenner, William (1600-1640)

William Fenner was an English Puritan Divine. Fenner was a Fellow of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, a member of Oxford University (1622), and a Minister of Rochford in Essex (1629-1640).

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Divine Message to the Elect Soul by William Fenner (1645 Edition) A Divine Message to the Elect Soul
by William Fenner

A 1645 Edition comprised of Eight Sermons.

"There is 'a day of salvation' (Isaiah 49:9); this is the day in which the Lord says to the prisoners, 'Come forth,' and to those that lie in their sins, 'repent and believe.' Now, if any will come forth and humble his soul before the Lord, let him come and welcome—for it is a day of salvation."

"Call as much to mind as thou canst, what evil thou hast done ever since thou wast born, what in the womb, what in thy cradle, childhood, youth, age .. what as a servant, what as a son, what as a neighbor, what as an inferior, what as a superior, either in though, or word, or deed; how often thou hast omitted good duties, or done them by halves. They shall remember themselves and turn unto the Lord, Psal. 22:27. First, they shall remember, and say, What have I done! O wretch! how carelessly have I lived! So meditating, they shall turn unto the Lord."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Flavel, John (1627-1691)

Rev. John Flavel was an English Puritan Preacher and Minister of the Gospel at Dartmouth, England. Flavel was ejected as a Nonconformist Pastor under the Act of Uniformity (1662). In 1665, under the Five Mile Act, he was evicted from Dartmouth and moved to Slapton, five miles away, to continue his preaching. In 1671 he was able to return temporarily to Dartmouth.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Treatise on Keeping the Heart by John Flavel (1813 Edition) A Treatise on Keeping the Heart
by Rev. John Flavel

An 1813 Edition. Puritan Sermon on Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life."

"Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.' (Proverbs 4:23). The heart of man is his worst part before it be regenerated, and the best afterwards: it is the seat of principles, and the fountain of actions. The eye of God is, and the eye of the Christian ought to be, principally fixed upon it. The greatest difficulty in conversion, is, to win the heart to God; and the greatest difficulty after conversion, is, to keep the heart with God. Here lies the very force and stress of religion; here is that which makes the way to life a narrow way, and the gate of heaven a strait gate. ... The state of the whole body depends upon the soundness and vigour of the heart; and the everlasting state of the whole man upon the good or ill condition of the soul."

ONLINE BOOK: The Touchstone of Sincerity, or, Trial of True and False Religion, by John Flavel The Touchstone of Sincerity, or, Trial of True and False Religion
by Rev. John Flavel

Originally Published in 1667. An 1814 Edition.

"My design in these meditations, is not to shake the well founded hopes of any man, or to excite unreasonable apprehensions; but to discover the radical and fatal defects, in the basis of many men's expectations of future happiness. Men must judge of their religion by examining its foundation, if that fail, the superstructure is perishable and worthless. There is a laudable spirit of caution, cherished by the saints, which makes them sensible to the danger of self-deception, and renders them watchful and circumspect; there is also a culpable anxiety and fear, tending only to gloom and despondency, to which they sometimes give way: by the former they are guarded against evil; by the latter they incur needless grief, and are restrained from inward peace. Sometimes good men, indulging groundless fears of hypocrisy, are blind to the clearest evidences of their gracious state; but more frequently, the wicked, regardles of consequences, close their eyes upon the proofs of their guilt and jeopardy."

H&F Paperback Republications:

BOOKSTORE: The Touchstone of Christian Sincerity or The Trial of True and False Religion by John Flavel (2012 Paperback) The Touchstone of Christian Sincerity or The Trial of True and False Religion (Paperback)
by John Flavel

A 2012 Paperback Edition published by Hail & Fire. Originally Published in 1667.

"Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith." 2 Corinthians 13:5.

Doubtless, many who profess faith in Jesus Christ are dangerously mistaken in regard to their own character, and although they draw around themselves the form of Christianity, they are strangers to its transforming efficacy, its living influence, and heavenly consolations. The trial of our graces or religious affections is all-important—for as they are, so is our prospect for a happy and glorious eternity. We must judge of our faith by examining its foundation; we must scrutinize our hearts in the light of divine truth and ascertain and demonstrate whether our affections are holy. To the test we must come and by the truth, we must be judged. Our eternal happiness stands or falls with our sincerity; bring your hearts, therefore, to the trial.

With the vivid, exhortative style distinctive of the English Puritans, John Flavel's Touchstone offers a straightforward and biblical aid to discerning true Christian graces, from false.

back to top arrow up - back to top

Frith, John (1503-1533)

John Frith was an English Protestant Reformer and Christian Martyr under the Roman Catholic Church. Frith was schooled at Cambridge and tutored by the Catholic Bishop Stephen Gardiner, who later played a role in his death. Frith was acquainted with fellow Protestant Reformers and Martyrs Thomas Bilney (1495-1531) and William Tyndale (1484-1536). He first suffered imprisonment for the possession of Protestant books at Oxford. Afterwards he fled England and joined Tyndale in Antwerp. Frith did return to England and in 1532, the English Lord Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, had him imprisoned for eight months in the Tower of London. He was afterwards transfered to Newgate Prison and finally condemned for heresy and burned at the stake in Smithfield, London in July of 1533.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Works of the English Reformers: William Tyndale and John Frith (3 Volumes, 1831 Edition) The Works of the English Reformers: William Tyndale and John Frith
edited by Thomas Russell, A.M.

An 1831 Edition in 3 Volumes, England.

"I thought it expedient therein to write my mind, trusting, by that means, to bring again the blind hearts of many unto the right way, and I doubt not but that the elect and chosen of God that know their Shepherd's voice, and have the spirit to judge all things, shall easily perceive whether this be conformable to their master's voice, and shall hereby be admonished to leave their wandering in the dark and loathsome ways which lead unto death, and to walk without stumbling in the comfortable light." ~ John Frith (from "A Mirror, or Looking Glass, Wherein You May Behold The Sacrament of Baptism Described.")

G

back to top arrow up - back to top

Griffiths, John (Editor)

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Certain Sermons or Homilies Appointed to Be Read in Churches in the Time of Queen Elizabeth of Famous Memory (1864 Edition) Certain Sermons or Homilies Appointed to be Read in Churches in the Time of Queen Elizabeth of Famous Memory

An 1864 Edition.

"Considering how necessary it is, that the Word of God, which is the only food of the soul, and that most excellent light that we must walk by, in this our most dangerous pilgrimage, should at all convenient times be preached unto the people, that thereby they may both learn their duty towards God, their prince, and their neighbours, according to the mind of the Holy Ghost, expressed in the Scriptures, and also to avoid the manifold enormities which heretofore by false doctrine have crept into the church of God ... the Queen's most excellent Majesty ... willing also by the true setting forth and pure declaring of God's Word, which is the principal guide and leader unto all godliness and virtue, to expel and drive away as well corrupt, vicious, and ungodly living, as also erroneous and poisoned doctrines, tending to superstition and idolatry, hath, by the advice of her most honourable Counsellors, for her discharge in this behalf, caused a Book of Homilies ... to be printed anew, wherein are contained certain wholesome and godly exhortations, to move the people to honour and worship Almighty God, and diligently to serve him."

H

back to top arrow up - back to top

Henry, Matthew (1662-1714)

Reverend Matthew Henry was an English Presbyterian Minister and Bible Commentator. Henry was the son of Philip Henry, a Nonconformist Pastor who was ejected under the Act of Uniformity in 1662. Henry served as a minister in Chester (1687) and Hackney (1712). He is best known for his Complete Commentary on the Bible in six volumes, which was partially finished by thirteen other Nonconformist ministers after his sudden death in 1714. The preachers Charles Spurgeon and George Whitefield were admirers of Henry's Commentary.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Discourse on Meekness and Quietness of Spirit by Rev. Matthew Henry A Discourse on Meekness and Quietness of Spirit
by Rev. Matthew Henry

An 1859 Edition.

"The excellency of a meek and quiet spirit will appear, if we consider the credit of it, and the comfort of it - the present profit there is by it, and the preparedness there is in it for future blessings. Consider how creditable a meek and quiet spirit is. Credit or reputation all desire, though few consider aright either what it is, or what is the right way of obtaining it; and particularly it is little believed what a great deal of true honor there is in the grace of meekness, and what a sure and ready way mild and quiet souls take to gain the approval of their Master, and of all their fellow-servants who love him, and are like him."

I

back to top arrow up - back to top

J

back to top arrow up - back to top

James, John Angell (1785-1859)

John Angell James was an English Congregational Minister and an ardent Abolitionist of Slavery. James served as a preacher at Carrs Lane Independent Chapel (1805) and was a founder of the Evangelical Alliance and Congregational Union of England and Wales. He was also a chairman of Spring Hill College in Birmingham.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Marriage Ring: or How to Make a Happy Home, by John Angell James (Christian Marriage) The Marriage Ring: or How to Make a Happy Home
by John Angell James

An 1842 Illuminated Edition.

"Intended as a manual for those just entering the marriage state. ... The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible, and is carried in the bosom of Religion. Let the two parties in wedded life be believers in Christ Jesus, and partake themselves of the peace that passeth understanding ... united by love, and sanctified by grace."

"The charms of mind increase by acquaintance, while those of the exterior diminish ... the former easily reconcile us to a plain countenance, the latter excite, by the power of contrast, a distaste ... Instead of determining to stake our happiness upon ... blooming weeds ... let us ask, will the understanding, united with that countenance, render its subject fit to be my companion, and the instructor of my children?"

H&F Paperback Republications:

BOOKSTORE: The Marriage Ring or How to Make Home Happ by John Angell James (2010 Modernized Paperback Edition) The Marriage Ring or How to Make Home Happy (Paperback)
by John Angell James
Featuring added footnotes and an additional sermon by John Owen

A 2010 Paperback Edition published by Hail & Fire: Modernized and edited from the 1842 Edition.

"As the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." - Ephesians 5:24-25.

An exhortation on Christian Marriage and its Duties.

The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible and is carried in the heart of true religion. A good Christian cannot be a bad husband or father and, as this is equally true in everything, he who has the most piety will shine the most in all the relationships of life.

A Bible placed between man and wife as the basis of their union, the rule of their conduct, and the model of their spirit will make up for many differences between them, comfort them under many crosses, guide them through many straits, support them in their last sad parting from one another and reunite them in that happy world where they shall remain forever. Let the two parties in wedded life be believers in Christ Jesus and partake themselves of the peace that surpasses understanding. And if happiness is to be found on earth, it will be enjoyed within the hallowed circle of a family thus united by love and sanctified by grace.

BONUS SERMON - included at back of book:
Right to Divorce and Remarriage in the Case of Adultery by John Owen

K

back to top arrow up - back to top

L

back to top arrow up - back to top

Latimer, Hugh (1485-1555)

Hugh Latimer was an English Protestant Reformer, Chaplain to King Henry VIII, and Christian Martyr under the Roman Catholic Church. Latimer was first a Roman Catholic Priest and even argued publicly for the Pope's authority against the Protestant Reformer Melancthon. The Protestant Reformer Thomas Bilney became the means of converting Latimer, who afterwards looked upon "little Bilney" as the one who first opened his eyes. His favor and freedom fluctuated during the reign of Henry VIII; he was even chaplain to the King and rector of West Kington, Wiltshire. Latimer afterwards experienced great liberty of preaching under the Protestant King Edward VI. When Mary I assumed the English throne proceedings began against Latimer and fellow Reformers Thomas Cranmer and Nicholas Ridley. All three Reformers where imprisoned and condemed for heresy. In 1555 Latimer and Ridley were burned alive at the stake, followed by Cranmer in 1556.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Sermons on the Card and Other Discourses by Hugh Latimer (1883 Edition) Sermons on the Card and Other Discourses
by Hugh Latimer

Originally preached in 1529. An 1883 Edition.

"Let us trust upon His only death, and look for none other sacrifice ... Christ himself said, consummatum est: 'It is perfectly finished: I have taken at my Father's hand the dispensation of redeeming mankind, I have wrought man's redemption, and have despatched the matter.' Why then mingle ye him? Why do ye divide him? Why make you of Him more sacrifices than one? Paul saith, Pascha nostrum immolatus est Christus: 'Christ our passover is offered;' so that the thing is done, and Christ hath done it semel, once for all ... Why then, it is not the mass that availeth or profiteth for the quick and the dead."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Lightfoot, John (1602-1675)

John Lightfoot, D. D. was an English Minister in the Church of England, a rabbinical scholar, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, and Master of Catherine Hall, Cambridge.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Whole Works of the Late Rev. John Lightfoot, D. D. Master of Catharine Hall, Cambridge (1825 Edition, 13Volumes) The Whole Works of the Late Rev. John Lightfoot, D. D. Master of Catharine Hall, Cambridge.
by John Lightfoot

An 1825 Edition in Thirteen Volumes.

"We suppose, therefore, that men, women, and children, came to John's baptism, according to the manner of the nation, in the reception of proselytes; namely, that they, standing in Jordan, were taught by John, that they were baptized into the name of the Messias, that was now immediately to come; - and into the profession of the doctrine of the gospel concerning faith and repentance; that they plunged themselves into the river, and so came out. And that which is said of them, that they were baptized by him, 'confessing their sins,' is to be understood according to the tenor of the Baptist's preaching; not that they did this man by man, or by some auricular confession made to John, or by openly declaring some particular sins; but when the doctrine of John exhorted them to repentance and to faith in the Messias, they renounced and disowned the doctrine and opinion of justification by their works, wherewith they had been before-time leavened, and acknowledged and confessed themselves sinners." ~ from "Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations Upon The Gospel of St. Matthew, Volume 11."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Luther, Martin (1483-1546)

Martin Luther was a German Protestant Christian Reformer, formerly a Catholic monk and priest.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians by Martin Luther Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians
by Martin Luther

"The world bears the Gospel a grudge because the Gospel condemns the religious wisdom of the world. Jealous for its own religious views, the world in turn charges the Gospel with being a subversive and licentious doctrine, offensive to God and man, a doctrine to be persecuted as the worst plague on earth. ... These Jewish-Christian fanatics who pushed themselves into the Galatian churches after Paul's departure, boasted that they were the descendants of Abraham, true ministers of Christ, having been trained by the apostles themselves ... When men claiming such credentials come along, they deceive not only the naive, but also those who seemingly are well-established in the faith. This same argument is used by the papacy. 'Do you suppose that God for the sake of a few Lutheran heretics would disown His entire Church? Or do you suppose that God would have left His Church floundering in error all these centuries?' The Galatians were taken in by such arguments with the result that Paul's authority and doctrine were drawn in question. Against these boasting, false apostles, Paul boldly defends his apostolic authority and ministry. Humble man that he was, he will not now take a back seat. He reminds them of the time when he opposed Peter to his face and reproved the chief of the apostles."

Also find author under:

Apologetica Protestant - 95 Theses or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences

Audio Books - Martin Luther: Words of Wisdom (Audio Quotations Playlist)


M

back to top arrow up - back to top

Mead, Matthew (1629-1699)

Matthew Mead was an English Puritan Christian.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Almost Christian Discovered, or the False Professor Tried and Cast (Published 1661, 1819 Edition) The Almost Christian Discovered, or the False Professor Tried and Cast
by Matthew Mead

A Sermon Originally Published in 1661. An 1819 Edition.

"There is nothing in the doctrine that should be matter of stumbling or discouragement to weak Christians. The Gospel does not speak these things to wound believers, but to awaken sinners and formal professors. As there are none more averse than weak believers, to apply the promises and comforts of the Gospel to themselves, for whom they are properly designed; so there are none more ready than they to apply the threats and severest things of the world to themselves, for whom they were never intended. As the disciples, when Christ told them, "One of you shall betray me;" they that were innocent suspected themselves most and therefore cry out, "Master, is it I?" So weak Christians, when they hear sinners reproved or the hypocrite laid open in the ministry of the Word, they presently cry out, Is it I? It is the hypocrite's fault to sit under the trials and discoveries of the Word and yet not to mind them: and it is the weak Christian's fault to draw sad conclusions of their own state from premises which nothing concern them."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Millington, Thomas (editor)

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Words To Win Souls: Twelve Sermons, Preached 1620 - 1650 (1851 Edition), editor T. Millington Words To Win Souls: Twelve Sermons, Preached 1620-1650 by Eminent Divines of the Church of England
by Eminent Divines, Church of England

Twelve Sermons Originally Preached between 1620-1650. An 1851 Edition.

"There are many secret corruptions in [a man's] own heart that will be shown him in the preaching of the Word, which a man cannot abide to hear of; but he will be vexing and fretting and discontented at it (as we see in Ahab and divers others), unless he have patience to keep him from raging against the preacher and the Word preached to him. You have need of patience, that you may bear the reproofs and exhortations of the Word. Therefore saith the Apostle James, Receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your souls. There is no engrafting the Word in the heart, except those forms of impatience, those hindrances to the growth of the Word, be taken away."

N

back to top arrow up - back to top

O

back to top arrow up - back to top

Owen, John (1616-1683)

John Owen, D.D., was an English Nonconformist Minister, Puritan Preacher, and Chancellor of Oxford University.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Forgiveness of Sin - Exposition of Psalm 130 by John Owen The Forgiveness of Sin, a Practical Exposition of Psalm 130
by John Owen, D.D.

"He suffered men, indeed, to make trial of other ways; and when their insufficiency for the ends men proposed to themselves was manifested, it pleased him to reveal His way. And what are we, that we should contend about it with Him? God's rejection of the way of personal righteousness, and choosing the way of grace and forgiveness, he reveals, Jeremiah 31:31-34: 'Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah; not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers,' (in which administration of the covenant, as far as it had respect to typical mercies, much depended on their personal obedience,) 'but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my law in their hearts, and will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.' Let, then, this way stand, and the way of man's wisdom and self-righteousness perish forever."

P

back to top arrow up - back to top

Paleario, Aonio (1500-1570)

Aonio Paleario or Antonio della Paglia was an Italian Protestant Christian Reformer (Italiano Protestante). Aonio was martyred in 1570 (Martyr Protestante).

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Benefit of Christ's Death by Paleario Aonio The Benefit of Christ's Death: or, The Glorious Riches of God's Free Grace, Which Every True Believer Receives by Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified. Originally Written in Italian by Aonio Paleario; and Now Reprinted from an Ancient English Translation. With an Introduction by John Ayre, Minister of St. John's Chapel, Hampstead.
by Aonio Paleario

Originally Published in 1543 in Italian. A 19th Century Update of the 1638 English Edition.

"The charges against him were brought to a point by the publication, in 1543, of his treatise of the "Benefit of Christ's Death." The vast reputation which it had, and the eagerness with which it was read, being in the Italian language, increased the virulence of his opponents. Otho Melius Cotta, above mentioned, was his most determined enemy; and with this person three hundred leagued themselves in a resolution to destroy Paleario. And, in order to ensure his condemnation, twelve of these were selected to bear witness against him. He had, in consequence, to defend himself before the senate of Sienna, which he did with so much spirit, that for the moment his defence was successful. "There are some" said he, "so censorious as to be displeased when we give the highest praise to the author and God of our salvation, Christ, the King of all nations and people. For writing in the Tuscan language to show what great benefits accrue to mankind from his death, a criminal accusation has been made against me. Is it possible to utter or conceive anything more shameful?"

ONLINE BOOK: Benefizio della Morte di Cristo by Aonio Paleario (Originalmente pubblicato 1543; 1849 Edizione in Italiano, Pisa, Italia) Benefizio della Morte di Cristo
by Antonio della Paglia

Prenotare in Italiano in Italiano. Originalmente pubblicato 1543. 1849 Edizione in Italiano (Italian Edition), Pisa, Italia.

"Le' accuse contro di lui furono poi portate al l'estremo per la pubblicaziono del suo trattato sul "Benefizio della morte di Cristo" pubblicato nel 1543. L'incontro che ottenne, l'avidità ed il piacere col quale fu letto, per essere scritto in buon italiano, accrebbe l'ira e il veleno ne' suoi oppositori. Ottone Melio Colta sopra nominato fu il nemico suo più accerrimo, e con lui trecento si unirono ai danni di Paleario. Per la qual cosa a rendere più certa la sua condanna, dodici d'essi furono scelti a testimoniare contro di lui. In consegnenza di ciò egli dovette difendersi innanzi al Senato di Siena, e lo fece con sì buone ragioni da riportarne vittoria. Vi sono alcuni censori, egli dice, che sono dispiacenti, allorquando noi diamo le più alte lodi all'autore della nostra salvezza, Cristo, il re di tutte le nazioni e di tutti i popoli: perciocchè io ho scritto in lingua toscana, per dimostrare quanti gran benefizi derivano al genere umano dalla sua morte, fu fatta un accusa criminale contro di me! È egli possibile di proferire o iminaginar cosa alcuna più vergognosa?"

back to top arrow up - back to top

Parr, Elnathan (1597-1632)

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Grounds of Divinity. Plainly discovering the Misteries of Christian Religion by Elnathan Parr The Grounds of Divinity. Plainly discovering the Misteries of Christian Religion, propounded in Questions and Answers: Substantially proved by Scriptures; expounded faithfully, according to the writings of the best divines, and evidently applied by profitable uses. To which is prefixed a very profitable Treatise containing an exhortation to the Study of the Word
by Elnathan Parr

A 1633 Edition, London.

"For even as a house without walls and windows, and other neccessary furniture, is accounted forlorne; so that is a very forlorne and naked conscience which is destitute of the knowledge of the Word. And as it is an easy matter to lead the blind out of the way, so the ignorant are easily led and taken in the snares of the devil. And this reproves the negilgence of such who are not careful to apply themselves with all diligence to the study of the Word: our negligence herein being the cause of the barrenness of knowledge in these plentiful times. If men would bestow that time in the study of the word, which they for the most part bestow, some in hunting and hawking; some in dicing and carding; some in drinking, swilling and following bad company; some in sloth and idleness; thus wisely redeeming the time: then certainly knowledge would abound among us ... Even as in matters of the Word, though a man have never so good a trade; yet without labor and diligence he can do no good in it: and as the diligent shall bear rule and stand before kings: so knowledge shall increase to the diligent, when the negligent shall be under darkness."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Porteus, Beilby (1731-1809)

Beilby Porteus or Beilby Porteous D.D. was an Anglican Christian preacher, a Chaplain to King George, Bishop of Chester (1777) and Bishop of London. Porteus was also a leading abolitionist.

Find this author under:

Apologetica Protestant

Q-R

back to top arrow up - back to top

S

back to top arrow up - back to top

Sacheverell, Henry

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Christian Triumph: or, The Duty of Praying for our Enemies by Henry Sacheverell (A 1713 Edition) The Christian Triumph: or, The Duty of Praying for our Enemies, Illustrated and Enforced from our Blessed Savior's Example on the Cross
by Henry Sacheverell

A Sermon Originally Preached at St Saviour's in Southwark on Palm Sunday in 1713. A 1713 Edition.

"Now before any person can be supposed to pray at all for another, it must be taken for granted that he is in perfect charity with him himself; that he has not only entirely discarded all resentments of any injuries, and wrongs, affronts, and abuses of all kinds that he may possibly have received from him in a state of enmity, but also so clearly to have purged his soul of the whole leaven of malice that the very seeds and principles of rancor and revenge lie dead and buried within him. Otherwise, what a provoking affront does he himself offer to God, who dares thus hypocritically, to mock him with his lips, when his heart is thus far from him? Who comes with a mouth breathing forth the gentle Spirit of charity and forgiveness and has nothing but hatred and vengeance raging in his breast? Who pretends to reconcile another unto God, to whom he is not reconciled himself?"

back to top arrow up - back to top

Saurin, Jaques

Jaques Saurin was a French Huguenot Preacher, Pasteur a la Haye.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Tome 1 - Sermons sur divers textes de L'Ecriture Sainte by Jaques Saurin Sermons sur divers textes de L'Ecriture Sainte (Tome I)
par Jaques Saurin

Édition Français (French Edition) en Francais (in French). A 1749 Paris Edition in Nine Volumes. Tome I (Volume 1).

"Cherches l'Eternal pendant qu'il se trouver, invoquez-le tandis qu'il est près. Esaïe 60:6. C'est un éstrande Serment que celui qui est rapporté au Chap. 10. de l'Apocalypse. St. Jean vit un Ange; cet Ange étoit environné d'une nuée, l'arc en ciel étoit sur sa tête, son visage étoit comme le soleil, et ses pieds comme des colomnes de fue. Il se tint sur la terre et sur la mer. ... Nous montrerons dans la fuite, que la Révélation est d'accord avec la nature sur cet article, et que tout ce que l'Ecriture nous enseigne et sur l'efficace de la Grace, et sur les secours miraculeux de l'Esprit de Dieu, et sur le Trésors de Miséricorde qui nous sont ouverts sous l'Evalgile, ne savorise en aucune manière le renvoi de la conversion."

ONLINE BOOK: TOME 7 - Sermons sur divers textes de L'Ecriture Sainte by Jaques Saurin Sermons sur divers textes de L'Ecriture Sainte (Tome VII)
par Jaques Saurin

Édition Français (French Edition) en Francais (in French). A 1749 Paris Edition in Nine Volumes. Tome VII (Volume 7).

"Cherches l'Eternal pendant qu'il se trouver, invoquez-le tandis qu'il est près. Esaïe 60:6. C'est un éstrande Serment que celui qui est rapporté au Chap. 10. de l'Apocalypse. St. Jean vit un Ange; cet Ange étoit environné d'une nuée, l'arc en ciel étoit sur sa tête, son visage étoit comme le soleil, et ses pieds comme des colomnes de fue. Il se tint sur la terre et sur la mer. ... Nous montrerons dans la fuite, que la Révélation est d'accord avec la nature sur cet article, et que tout ce que l'Ecriture nous enseigne et sur l'efficace de la Grace, et sur les secours miraculeux de l'Esprit de Dieu, et sur le Trésors de Miséricorde qui nous sont ouverts sous l'Evalgile, ne savorise en aucune manière le renvoi de la conversion."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Secker, Thomas (1693-1768)

Thomas Secker was an Archbishop of Canterbury in the Church of England. Secker was acquainted with the Puritan Isaac Watts and the Anglican Minister Samuel Clarke. He served as Rector of Houghton-le-Spring in Durham (1724), Rector of Ryton, Co. Durham (1727), Canon of Durham, Rector of St. James' in Westminster (1733), Bishop of Bristol (1735), Dean of St. Paul's in Oxford (1750), and Archbishop of Canterbury (1758).

Find this author under:

Apologetica Protestant - Porteus, Beilby

back to top arrow up - back to top

Sherlock, Bishop

Sherlock was a Bishop in Church of England.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Duty of Maintaining the Christian Faith by Bishop Sherlock The Duty of Maintaining the Christian Faith
by Bishop Sherlock

A Protestant Christian Sermon, 1780 Edition.

"But it is to little purpose to exhort men to be zealous for the Christian faith, unless you can give them some sure and certain mark to know what the right faith is. If you enquire of particular churches or societies of Christians, which is the true faith, each of them will answer, that the faith professed by them is the true one, and that other societies have fallen into errors and mistakes. In this divided state of things, therefore, no church has a right to be believed on its own word merely, without giving a reason of the faith which is in them: and yet this pretence of authority is the only thing that can be said, and therefore it always is said, to justify the dominion which the Church of Rome has usurped over the faith of Christians. With how much better grace might St. Jude have dictated to the Christians of his time, and told them upon his own authority, what the true faith was, in opposition to corrupt teachers? But does he so? By no means: so far from it, that he gives them another rule to examine the faith by, and sends them to enquire, what the faith was, which was once, or from the beginning, delivered to Christians."

ONLINE BOOK: Discourse on Philippians 2:12-13 Work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling by Bishop Sherlock Work out your Salvation with Fear and Trembling
by Bishop Sherlock

A Sermon, 1755 Edition.

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.' An argument which may at first sight seem rather to lead to confidence and assurance, than to fear and trembling. For if God be for us, who can be against us? Or what is there to fear, or to tremble at, when we are thus supported and maintained in our spiritual warfare?"

back to top arrow up - back to top

Sherlock, William (1641-1707)

William Sherlock, D.D., was Rector of St. George's in London (1669), Prebendary of St. Paul's (1681), Master of the Temple (1683), and Dean of St. Paul's in England (1691). Sherlock wrote "A Practical Discourse Concerning Death" during a temporary suspension he received for refusing to swear oaths to William and Mary when they took the throne of England by invasion.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Practical Discourse Concerning Death by William Sherlock, D.D. A Practical Discourse Concerning Death
by William Sherlock

A 1723 Edition, London.

"What a deplorable state is this, when we are dying, to be uncertain and anxious, what will become of us to eternity? Now there is no possible way to prevent these fears when we come to die, but by giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure, by living such holy and innocent lives, that our consciences may not condemn us; and then we shall have confidence towards God. But this is such a remedy, as few of these men like: they would be glad to be sure of heaven, but yet would go as near hell as they can, without danger of falling into it; they will serve God, but must reserve a little favour and indulgence to their lusts; though they dare not take full draughts of sensual pleasures, yet they must be sipping now and then, as often as they can pacify their consciences, and get rid of the fear of God, and of another world; and therefore they are very inquisitive after other cures for an accusing and condeming conscience; are mighty fond of such marks and signs of grace, as will secure them of heaven, without the severities of mortification, or the constant and uniform practice of an universal righteousness: and a great many such signs have been invented which like strong opiates asswages their pain and smart, till their consciences awake when it is too late, in the next world."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635)

Richard Sibbes, (Sibbs or Sibs,) 1577-1635 A.D., Anglican or English Puritan, "Preacher to the Honourable Society of Grayes-Inne, and Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge."

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Returning Backslider, or A Commentarie Upon the Whole XIIII Chapter of the Prophecy of the Prophet Hosea. Wherein is shewed the large extent of Gods free Mercy, even unto the most miserable forlorne and wretched sinners that may be, upon their Humiliation and Repentance.
by Richard Sibbes

"Go and Proclaime these words towards the North, and say, Returne thou Backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause mine Anger to fall upon you: for I am mercifull, saith the LORD, and I will not keepe Anger forever. Onely acknowledge thine Iniquity." – Jeremiah 3:10-11.

Originally published in London 1639.

"Walking is an action of life, there must be life before there can be walking, a man must first have a spiritual life, whereby he may be just, and then hee will walke as a just man. For as wee say of a bowle (it is Austins comparison) it is first made round and then it runnes round, so a man is first just and then he does justly. It is a conceite of the Papists that good works doe justifie a man: Luther sayes well, that a good man doth good works. Good works make not the man, fruit makes not the tree, but the tree the fruit. So we are just first; and then we walke as just men. We must labour to be changed and to have a principle of spirituall life, then we shall walke and have new feete, eyes, taste, eares, and senses: all shall then be new."

T

back to top arrow up - back to top

Taylor, Jeremy (1613-1667)

Rev. Jeremy Taylor was Chaplain to King Charles I and Lord Bishop of Down.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Holy Living and Dying Together with Prayers containing the Whole Duty of a Christian by Jeremy Taylor Holy Living and Dying Together with Prayers containing the Whole Duty of a Christian
by Jeremy Taylor

Originally Published in 1651. An 1851 Edition.

"In every sickness, whether it will or will not be so in nature and in the event, yet in thy spirit and preparations resolve upon it, and treat thyself accordingly, as if it were a sickness unto death. For many men support their unequal courage by flattery and false hopes; and because sicker men have recovered, believe that they shall do so; but therefore they neglect to adorn their souls, or set their house in order: besides the temporal inconveniences that often happen by such persuasions and putting off the evil day, such as are dying intestate, leaving estates entangled and some relatives unprovided for, they suffer infinitely in the interest and affairs of their soul; they die carelessly and surprised, their burdens on, and their scruples unremoved, and their eases of conscience not determined, and, like a sheep, without any care taken concerning their precious souls. Some men will never believe that a villain will betray them, though they receive often advices from suspicious persons and likely accidents, till they are entered into the snare; and then they believe it when they feel it, and when they cannot return; but so the treason entered, and the man was betrayed by his own folly, placing the snare in the regions and advantages of opportunity. This evil looks like boldness and a confident spirit, but it is the greatest timorousness and cowardice in the world. They are so fearful to die, that they dare not look upon it as possible; and think that the making of a will is a mortal sign, and sending for a spiritual man an irrecoverable disease: and they are so afraid lest they should think and believe now they must die, that they will not take care that it may not be evil in case they should. So did the eastern slaves drink wine, and wrapped their heads in a veil, that they might die without sense or sorrow, and wink hard that they might sleep the easier. In pursuance of this rule, let a man consider that whatsoever must be done in sickness ought to be done in health; only let him observe, that his sickness, as a good monitor, chastises his neglect of duty, and forces him to live as he always should; and then all these solemnities and dressings for death are nothing else but the part of a religious life, which he ought to have exercised all his days : and if those circumstances can affright him, let him please his fancy by this truth, that then he does but begin to live."

Also find author under:

Apologetica Protestant - A Dissuasion from Roman Catholicsm, Originally Published as "A Dissuasive from Popery"

back to top arrow up - back to top

Taylor, Thomas (1576-1633)

Thomas Taylor, D. D. was an English, Protestant Christian clergyman who was schooled at Cambridge, fellow of Christ's College, and incumbent of St Mary Aldermanbury's in London (1625). When Taylor was 25 he preached before Queen Elizabeth I at St Paul's Cross in London.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Parable of the Sower, and of the Seed by Thomas Taylor (1621 Edition) The Parable of the Sower, and of the Seed
by Thomas Taylor

A 1621 Edition.

Photo of The Parable of the Sower and of the Seed by Thomas Taylor (1621 Edition) sermon "As seed hath a natural heat, life, and virtue in it, by which it increases and begets more seeds like unto itself: so the Word cast into the good ground of a believing heart, hath a supernatural heat in it, being as fire, Jer. 5:14, and a lively power to frame men like itself, to make them of fleshly, spiritual; of blind, quick sighted; of dead in sin, alive in grace. And as one grain quickened, brings sundry tillowes, and many grains in each: so one Christian converted, and receiving this power in himself, gains many, unto God, desiring that everyone were as he is, except his bands and sins."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Traill, Robert (1642-1716)

Robert Traill was a Scottish born, Presbyterian Minister in England.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Select Practical Writings Sermons and commentary on Galatians, Hebrews, Ephesians, Philippians, etc. & Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification Its Preachers & Professors, from the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism Select Practical Writings: Sermons and Commentary on Galatians, Hebrews, Ephesians, Philippians, etc. and Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification; Its Preachers and Professors, from the Unjust Charge of Antinomianism
by Robert Traill

Originally Published in 1692. An 1845 Edition.

"The party here suspected of Antinomianism, do confidently protest, before God, angels, and men, That they espouse no new doctrine about the grace of God and justification, and the other coincident points, but what the reformers at home and abroad did teach, and all the Protestant churches do own. And that in sum is: 'That a law-condemned sinner is freely justified by God's grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ; that he is justified only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to him by God of his free grace, and received by faith alone as an instrument; which faith is the gift of the same grace.' For guarding against licentiousness, they constantly teach, out of God's word, 'That without holiness no man can see God: That all that believe truly on Jesus Christ, as they are justified by the sprinkling of his blood, so are they sanctified by the effusion of his Spirit: that all that boast of their faith in Christ, and yet live after their own lusts, and the course of this world, have no true faith at all; but do, in their profession, and contradicting practice, blaspheme the name of God, and the doctrine of his grace; and continuing so, shall perish with a double destruction, beyond that of the openly profane, that make no profession.' And when they find any such in their communion, which is exceeding rarely, they cast them out as dead branches. They teach, 'That as the daily study of sanctification is a necessary exercise to all that are in Christ; so the rule of their direction therein, is the holy spotless law of God in Christ's hand: That the Holy Ghost is the beginner and advancer of this work, and faith in Jesus Christ the great mean thereof: That no man can be holy till he be in Christ, and united to him by faith; and that no man is truly in Christ, but he is thereby sanctified. They preach the law, to condemn all flesh out of Christ, and to shew thereby to people the necessity of betaking themselves to him for salvation.' See the savoury words of blessed Tindal, called the apostle of England, in his letter to John Frith, written Jan. 1533, (Book of Martyrs, vol. ii. p. 308). 'Expound the law truly, and open the veil of Moses, to condemn all flesh, and prove all men sinners, and all deeds under the law, before mercy have taken away the condemnation thereof, to be sin, and damnable; and then as a faithful minister, set abroach the mercy of our Lord Jesus, and let the wounded consciences drink of the water of him. And then shall your preaching be with power, and not as the hypocrites. And the Spirit of God shall work with you; and all consciences shall bear record unto you, and feel that it is so. And all doctrine that casteth a mist on these two, to shadow and hide them, I mean the law of God, and mercy of Christ, that resist you with all your power.' And so do we. What is there in all this to be offended with? Is not this enough to vindicate our doctrine."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Tyndale, William (1494-1536)

William Tyndale was an English Protestant Christian Reformer, Apologist, Bible Translator, and Martyr at the stake under the Roman Catholic Church. Tyndale is also known as William Tindal and William Tynsdale. He is famous for his translation of the Bible into English.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: The Prophet Jonah with An Introduction by William Tyndale (1621 Edition) The Prophet Jonah with An Introduction
by William Tyndale

Originally Published in 1531. An 1621 Edition.

"The scripture contains three things in it: first the law to condemn all flesh: secondarily, the Gospel that is to save, promises of mercy for all that repent and acknowledge their sins at the preaching of the law and consent in their hearts that the law is good and submit themselves to be scholars to learn to keep the law and to learn to believe the mercy that is promised them: and thirdly, the stories and lives of those scholars both what chances fortuned them and also by what means their schoolmaster taught them and made them perfect and how he tried the true from the false."

ONLINE BOOK: The Works of the English Reformers: William Tyndale and John Frith (3 Volumes, 1831 Edition) The Works of the English Reformers: William Tyndale and John Frith
edited by Thomas Russell, A.M.

An 1831 Edition in 3 Volumes, England.

"As a father over his children is both Lord and Judge, forbidding one brother to avenge himself on another, but (if any cause of strife be between them) will have it brought unto himself, or his assigns, to be judged and correct; so God forbiddeth all men to avenge themselves, and taketh the authority and office of avenging unto himself; saying, Vengeance is mine, and I will reward. (Deuteronomy 32)." ~ William Tyndale (from "The Obedience of a Christian Man.")

Also find author under:

Apologetica Protestant - An Answer to Sir Thomas More's Dialogue

Apologetica Protestant - The Supper of the Lord After the True Meaning of John 6 and 1 Corinthians 11 and WM. Tracy's Testament Expounded

Audio Books - The Prophet Jonah with an Introduction

U-V

back to top arrow up - back to top

W

back to top arrow up - back to top

Watson, Thomas (1620-1686)

Thomas Watson was an English Puritan Divine and a Nonconformist Preacher under the Act of Uniformity 1662. Watson was schooled at Cambridge, pastor of St Stephen's in Walbrook (1646), and the well known author of such works as "The Godly Man's Picture" and "The Doctrine of Repentance." Watson suffered a temporarily imprisonment in 1651 for participating in a plot to restore Charles II to the throne of England, but was released in early 1652.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: A Divine Cordial, or The Trancendent Privilege of those that Love God and are Savingly Called by Thomas Watson A Divine Cordial or The Transcendent Privilege of those that Love God and are Savingly Called
by Thomas Watson

Originally Published in 1657. An 1838 Edition. Puritan Sermon on Divine Encouragement.

"There are two things, which I have always looked upon as difficult: the one is, to make the wicked sad; the other is, to make the godly joyful. - Dejection in the godly, arises from a double spring; either because their inward com�forts are darkened, or their outward comforts are disturbed - to cure both which troubles, I have put forth this ensuing piece, hoping, by the blessing of God, it will buoy up their desponding hearts, and make them look with a more pleasant aspect; I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: All THESE THINGS SHALL WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD (Romans 8:28). To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that ALL things which fall out, shall co�operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace, and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over."

ONLINE BOOK: The Christian Soldier or Heaven Taken By Storm by Thomas Watson The Christian Soldier or Heaven Taken By Storm, Showing the Holy Violence a Christian is to put forth in the pursuit after glory. To which is added, The Happiness of Drawing Near to God, and The Saint's Desire to be with Christ.
by Thomas Watson

An 1816 Edition. Puritan Sermon on Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

"Truth has noble effects. Truth is the seed of the new birth. God does not regenerate us by miracles, or revelations, but by the Word of truth, James 1:18. As truth is the breeder of grace, so the feeder of it, 1 Timothy 4:6. Truth sanctifies, John 17:17. Sanctify them by thy truth. Truth is the seal that leaves the print of its own holiness upon us; it is both speculum and lavacrum, a glass to show us our blemishes, and a laver to wash them away. Truth makes us free, John 8:3. it bears off the fetters of sin, and puts us into a state of Sonship, Romans 8:2. and Kingship, Revelation 1:6. Truth is comforting; this wine cheers. When David's harp and viol could yield him no comfort, truth did, Psalm 129:50. 'This is my comfort in my affliction, for thy Word hath quicked me.' Truth is an antidote against error."

back to top arrow up - back to top

Wilberforce, William (1759-1833)

William Wilberforce was a Protestant Christian author, an English politician and Member of Parliament for Yorkshire (1784-1812), a philanthropist, and a leading abolitionist in England. In 1807 Wilberforce saw the successful passing of the Slave Trade Act that abolished the slave trade in the British Empire.

Free Online Books:

ONLINE BOOK: Real Christianity by William Wilberforce (1797 Edition) Real Christianity or Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Middle and Higher Classes in this Country, Contrasted with Real Christianity
by William Wilberforce

An 1797 Edition.

"That the sacred name of Religion has been too often prostituted to the most detestable purposes; that furious bigots and bloody persecutors, and self-interested hypocrites of all qualities and dimensions, from the rapacious leader of an army, to the canting oracle of a congregation, have falsely called themselves Christians, are melancholy and humiliating truths, which (as none so deeply lament them) none will more readily admit, than they who best understand the nature, and are most concerned for the honor of Christianity. We are ready to acknowledge also without dispute, that the religious affections, and the doctrine of divine assistances, have almost at all times been more or less disgraced by the false pretences and extravagant conduct of wild fanatics and brain-sick enthusiasts. All this, however, is only as it happens in other instances, wherein the depravity of man perverts the bounty of God."

Also find author under:

Audio Books

X-Y

back to top arrow up - back to top

Z

back to top arrow up - back to top


« PREVIOUS  |  AUDIO BOOKS

SERMONS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS  |  NEXT »