January 25, 2011

William Williams (1685–1741) on the Nature of God's Gospel Offer

God in the Gospel not only declares that there is Salvation to be had, that it is a thing attainable, but he invites one and another to put in for a share: in a feeling sense of their misery, to accept the remedy that is offered: under the sense of their Soul Sickness and Distempers to apply themselves to a Soul Physician. It shews that it is not presumption for them but their duty to do so: yea God doth not barely propose it but backs the proposal with most proper and pressing arguments, such as in themselves are suited to work upon the hearts of Men from the Excellency of the blessing itself; and from the danger and misery that Sinners will bring upon themselves, by the refusal: by which God's serious regard to Man's welfare is plainly discovered.
William Williams, The Great Salvation Revealed and Offered in the Gospel Explained and an Hearty Acceptance of it Urged (Boston: Printed by T. Crump, for S. Gerrish, and D. Henchman, & Sold at their Shops, 1717), 50. This work has a preface by the Presbyterian Benjamin Colman.
The Gospel doth not barely bring a report to us, that Salvation is attainable, but it is a Doctrine propounded in God's name, clothed with his Authority, and accompanied with his Presence, so far (as to some at least) that it becomes effectual to convey the priviledges purchased by Christ and contained in it.
Ibid., 55.

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Annals of the American Pulpit

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