mossrose
October 26th 2003, 06:28 PM
A Moody magazine article tells the account of Puritan minister Thomas Watson. He was one of nearly 2000 Puritan pastors in England who were removed from their pulpits in 1662. They were banished because they wouldn't agree to the demands of the state church to sign a parliamentary "Act of Uniformity" that would have compelled them to deny several of their beliefs.
Before his dismissal, Watson spoke this "last sermon" to his people -- probably one of the shortest, most meaningful ever delivered.
"First of all, keep your constant hours of prayer every day with God.
Collect good books for your homes.
Be careful of the company you keep.
Be careful about what you listen to.
Follow after sincerity.
Always be at the job of self-examination.
Be on guard in your spiritual life.
The people of God should often associate together.
Let your hearts be lifted up above the world.
Comfort yourselves with God's promises.
Be not idle, but work for your living.
Put the first and second tables of the law (the Ten Commandments) together: piety to God and equity to your neighbour.
In your walk before others, put innocence and prudence together.
Be more afraid of sin than of suffering.
Take heed of idolatry.
Do not look down on godliness because it is reproached and persecuted.
Don't think highly of sin because it is in fashion.
In the business of the Christian life, serve God with all your might.
Do all the good you can to others as long as you live.
Every day, think on eternity."
Good reminders to all followers of Christ about what is most important in life.....
Before his dismissal, Watson spoke this "last sermon" to his people -- probably one of the shortest, most meaningful ever delivered.
"First of all, keep your constant hours of prayer every day with God.
Collect good books for your homes.
Be careful of the company you keep.
Be careful about what you listen to.
Follow after sincerity.
Always be at the job of self-examination.
Be on guard in your spiritual life.
The people of God should often associate together.
Let your hearts be lifted up above the world.
Comfort yourselves with God's promises.
Be not idle, but work for your living.
Put the first and second tables of the law (the Ten Commandments) together: piety to God and equity to your neighbour.
In your walk before others, put innocence and prudence together.
Be more afraid of sin than of suffering.
Take heed of idolatry.
Do not look down on godliness because it is reproached and persecuted.
Don't think highly of sin because it is in fashion.
In the business of the Christian life, serve God with all your might.
Do all the good you can to others as long as you live.
Every day, think on eternity."
Good reminders to all followers of Christ about what is most important in life.....