by Nicholas Clagett
in ePub. mobi & .pdf formats
Proposed as a seasonable check to the wanton Libertinism of the present Age.
This text has been initially updated from EEBO-TCP by Project Puritas (Logan West, David Jonescue, Alex Sarrouf) www.puritansearch.org. Further revision and editing done by Monergism. Copyright Monergism via universal text usage permission from the above.
"The Abuse of God's Grace" by Nicholas Clagett is a theological treatise exploring the misuse of divine grace. Clagett examines the various ways in which grace can be perverted, the reasons behind such abuses, and their severe consequences. He stresses that grace, meant to lead to holiness and righteousness, is often turned into wantonness, licentiousness and antinomianism. The book provides a detailed theological and moral analysis, urging readers to recognize and avoid the corruption of grace, aligning with true Christian principles and behaviors.
Some of the main lessons we can draw from this book are:
The Peril of Misusing Predestinating Grace: Clagett warns against the erroneous belief that predestination guarantees salvation regardless of one’s actions, emphasizing that true Christian faith is marked by holiness and righteousness.
The Danger of Abusing Sparing Grace: The book highlights the folly of taking God's mercy for granted. Clagett argues that God’s patience and forbearance with sinners are meant to lead them to repentance, not to encourage continued sin.
The Consequences of Misinterpreting Free Grace: Clagett discusses how misunderstanding the concept of grace as freedom to sin can lead to moral decay and spiritual ruin.
The Importance of Genuine Repentance and Humility: The book underscores the necessity of true repentance and humility in the Christian life, warning against the deception of superficial faith.
The Call for Spiritual Vigilance and Holiness: Clagett exhorts readers to remain vigilant in their spiritual lives, consistently striving for holiness and guarding against the subtle encroachments of sin.
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Table of Contents
To his honoured Cosen, WILLIAM CLAGETT
To the Christian Reader
Preface
CHAP. 1. Containing the coherence of the words
CHAP. 2. Containing the Explanation of the words, Deduction of the Doctrin, with the Method of handling it
CHAP. 3. Shewing in how many waies or kinds the grace of God may be turned into wantonness
CHAP. 4. Shewing when the grace of God is turned into wantonness
CHAP. 5. Wherein are set down the causes why the grace of God is turned into wantonness
CHAP. 6. Shewing wherein the greatness of this sin appears
CHAP. 7. Wherein are set forth the punishments of this great sin, abusing Gods grace
CHAP. 8. Containing an use of Infomation
CHAP. 9. Containing an Use of Humiliation
CHAP. 10 Containing an Use of Examination
CHAP. 11. Containing a second branch of Examination, how we may know the secret, close, and morerefined abuses of Gods grace
CHAP. 12. Containing an Use of Caution
CHAP. 13. Shewing the difference between wronging the grace of God in the Regenerate and Unregenerate
CHAP. 14. Containing an Use of Exhortation
CHAP. 15. Shewing what great cause of thankfulnesse we owe to God for preserving from this sin
CHAP. 16. Containing an Exhortation, that souls should alwaies be jealous of this sin
CHAP. 17. Containing an Exhortation to long for a riddance from this sin
CHAP. 18. Containing an Exhortation to joy in the Hope of glory
CHAP. 19. Containing perswasive Motives to take heed that the grace of God be not abused