A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…
A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By John Ball.A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By Iohn Ball.
John Ball 1585–1640London: printed by William Stansby for Edward Brewster, 1631
[48], 440 p. · 167k words · STC 1319 · ESTC S100833
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The Lord our God knowing that earthly blessings be so necessary for the maintenance of this life, that we cannot be without them,1 hath of his infinite bounty and free grace undertaken, & promised to make competent provision for his children, that being freed from the cares and troubles of these things below, they might with greater freedom attend upon his service, and with more cheerfulness run the race of Christianity. O fear the Lord ye his Saints: 2for there is no want to them that fear him. The young Lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Trust in the Lord and do good, 3so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thy self also in the Lord, 4and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The meek shall eat and be satisfied. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he with-hold from them that walk uprightly. Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in his ways. 5For thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands, happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. I will abundantly bless her provision: 6
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. This is that which is so oft repeated, That it may go well with thee in the land,
You sh•ll walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye m•y live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prol•ng your days in the land which you shall possess.
W••t man is •e that desireth life: and loveth many d yes, that he may see good? Ke•pe thy tongue from evi•, and thy l•ps from speaking guile. My son forget not my law, but l t thine heart keep my Commandments:
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
THe Lord our God knowing that earthly blessings bee so necessary for the maintenance of this life, that we cannot be without them,1 hath of his infinite bountie and free grace vndertaken, & promised to make competent prouision for his children, that being freed from the cares and troubles of these things below, they might with greater freedome attend vpon his seruice, and with more chearefulnes run the race of Christianitie. O feare the Lord yee his Saints: 2for there is no want to them that feare him. The yong Lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seeke the Lord shall not want any good thing. Trust in the Lord and doe good, 3so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thy selfe also in the Lord, 4and he shall giue thee the desires of thine heart. The meeke shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselues in the abundance of peace. The meeke shall eate and be satisfied. For the Lord God is a sunne and shield: the Lord will giue grace and glory: no good thing will hee with-hold from them that walke vprightly. Blessed is euery one that feareth the Lord: that walketh in his wayes. 5For thou shalt eate the labour of thy hands, happy shalt thou bee, and it shall bee well with thee. I will abundantly blesse her prouision: 6I will satisfie her poore with bread. 7Seeke yee first the kingdome of God and his righteousnesse, and all these things shall be added vnto you. This is that which is so oft repeated, That it may goe well with thee in the land, 8which the Lord thy God giueth thee, In speciall the Lord promiseth length of dayes, Health, strength, wealth, fauour, peace, ⟨p. 358⟩Ioy,9 good s•cc•sse, safetie, good Name: •nd all these not only •o the ••ghteo•s th•mselues, but to their children •nd p•steritie.10 You sh•ll walke in all the wayes which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that yee m•y liue, and that it may be well with you, and that yee may prol•ng your dayes in the land which you shall poss•sse. 11W••t man is •e that desireth life: and loueth many d yes, that he may see good? Ke•pe thy tongue from eui•, and thy l•ps from speaking guile. My sonne forget not my law, but l t thine heart keepe my Commandements: 12For l•ngth of day•s, and long life and peace shall they add• to thee. 13Length of day•s is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
1God hath made many promises of earthly blessings.
By me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. With long life will I satisfy him; and show him my salvation. If thou wilt diligently hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his Commandments, 1and k••pe all his statutes, I will put none of these dis•as•s upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians, f•r I am the Lord that healeth thee. Fear the Lord and depart from evil; It shall b health to thy navel, 2and marrow to thy bones. He that wa•keth righteously, and speak th uprightly, he that de••iseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure. 3And the inhabitant shall not s•y I am •••ke. 4The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath cl an hands shall be stronger and stronger. 5The Lord will give strength unto his people; •he Lord will bl•sse his people with peace. It is the Lord thy God t•at giveth thee power to g•t wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto ⟨p. 359⟩••y ••th r. Honour the Lord with thy ubstance, 6and with the first f u•ts of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with p••ntie, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Riches and honour are with me, 7yea durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is b tter then g ld, •nd my revenue th n choice •lu•r. In the house of the righteous is much treasure. 8Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly is h•s Commandments. Wealth & ric•es sh•ll be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles: Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, 9and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks: yea, the Almighty shall be t•y def nce, and thou shalt have plenty of ••luer. 10And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that y e always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. With all thy getting g•t understanding:
By mee thy dayes shall be mu•tiplied, and the yeares of thy life shall be increased. With long life will I satisfi• him; and shew him my saluation. If thou wilt dilig•ntly h•arken vnto the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt doe that which is right in his sig•t, and wilt giue eare to his Commandements, 1and k••pe all his statutes, I will put none of these dis•as•s vpon thee, which I haue brought vpon the Egyptians, f•r I am the Lord that healeth thee. Feare the Lord and depart from euill; It shall b health to thy nauill, 2and marrow to thy bones. He that wa•keth righte•usly, and speak th vprightly, he that de••iseth the gaine of oppr•ssions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his eares from hearing of bloud, and shutteth his eyes from seeing euill; Hee shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be the munitions of rock•s, bread shall be giuen him, his waters shall be sure. 3And the inhabitant shall not s•y I am •••ke. 4The righteous shall hold on his way, and hee that hath cl ane hands shall bee stronger and stronger. 5The Lord will giue strength vnto his people; •he Lord will bl•sse his people with peace. It is the Lord thy God t•at giueth thee power to g•t wealth, that hee may est•blish his couenant which he sware vnto
ex•lt her, and she shall promote thee, she sh•• bring th•e to honour, 1when thou doest embrace •er She sha give to thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 2So shalt thou find favour, and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Then shalt thou walk in the way safely, 3and thy foot shall not stumble. Who so hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, 4even, the most high thy habitation. There shall no evil befall thee, ne there shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Thou shalt be hid from th• scourge of the tongue; neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. 5At destruction & famine shalt thou laugh, neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. And I will give peace in the land, •nd ye sha• lie down, 6and none shall make you afraid. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the fi ld: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee When a mans ways plea e the Lord, 7he maketh even ⟨p. 360⟩his enemies to be at peace with him. 8Them that honour me. I will honour. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noon day. The wise shall inherit glory. 9The memory of the Just is blessed; the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. Blessings are upon the head of the Just; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord &c, his seed shall be mighty upon earth, the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 10What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease, 11and his seed shall inherit the earth. Though hand join, in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered. 12In the fear of the Lord, is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The Just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
ex•lt her, and shee shall promote thee, shee sh•• bring th•e to honour, 1when thou doest embrace •er Shee sha giue to thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall shee deliuer to thee. 2So shalt thou finde fauour, and good vnderstanding in the sight of God and man. Then shalt thou walke in the way safely, 3and thy foote shall not stumbl•. Who so heark•neth vnto mee shall dwell safely, and shall bee quiet from feare of eui•l. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, 4euen, the most high thy habitation. There shall no eui•l befall thee, ne ther shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Thou shalt be hid from th• scourge of the tongue; n•ither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it commeth. 5At destruction & famine shalt thou laugh, neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth. And I will giu• peace in the land, •nd ye sha• lie downe, 6and none shall make you •fraid. For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the fi ld: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee When a mans wayes plea e the Lord, 7hee maketh euen ⟨p. 360⟩his enemies to be at peace with him. 8
1These and such like be the promises concerning temporal blessings, which God of his infinite grace and love hath made to the faithful and their posterity, that we might live by faith, quietly submitting our selves to the good pleasure of God in these things, and expecting from him in due season such relief as shall be most expedient.
1These and such like be the promises concerning temporall blessings, which God of his infinite grace and loue hath made to the faithfull and their posterity, that we might liue by faith, quietly submitting our selues to the good pleasure of God in these things, and expecting from him in due season such reliefe as shall bee most expedi•nt.
1First, This is necessary; for faith in these promises doth kill covetous desires, distrustful and distracting ears. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have. For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Man is privy to his want of blessings,2 and will never cease with excessive care, diligence and vexation to hunt after them, till he come to know that God will provide for him. When one hath great friends, which they are known to lean upon, we say of them, Such need take no care, they know such and such will see to them. On the contrary, come to one who knows no end of toiling and ⟨p. 361⟩caring, ask him, why will you thus tyre your self out? He will answer, I must needs do it, I have none but my self to trust to.3 So Christ followeth his Disciples carefulness to this door, their unbelief, which did not let them consider our heavenly Father cared for them. No present estate, (though never so great) can free the heart from distraction,4 because it is subject to decay and vanish: we shall never cast the burden of care off our own shoulders, till we learn by faith to cast it upon the Lord, whose eye is over us for good.
1First, This is necessary; for faith in these promises doth kill couetous desires, distrustfull and distracting eares. Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse; and be content with such things as yee haue. For he hath saide, I will neuer leaue thee, nor forsake thee. Man is priuie to his want of blessings,2 and will neuer cease with excessiue care, deligence and vexation to hunt after them, till hee come to knowe that God will prouide for him. When one hath great friends, which they are knowne to leane vpon, wee say of them, Such neede take no care, they know such and such will see to them. On the contrarie, come to one who knowes no end of toyling and ⟨p. 361⟩caring, aske him, why will you thus tyre your selfe out? He will answere, I must needs doe it, I haue none but my selfe to trust to.3 So Christ followeth his Disciples carefulnesse to this doore, their vnbeliefe, which did not let them consider our heauenly Father cared for them. No present estate, (though neuer so great) can free the heart from distraction,4 because it is subiect to decay and vanish: wee shall neuer cast the burden of care off our owne shoulders, till we learne by faith to cast it vpon the Lord, whose eye is ouer vs for good.
1It is necessary to believe those promised.It is necessary to belieue those promised.
Secondly, He will never renounce carnal supports, who makes not God the stay of his soul for outward things. He will trust in the abundance of his riches,1 wisdom, friends, or strength, that makes not God his strength. The heart of man being privy to his inability to sustain himself, if he be not underset, will seek out some prop true or false, sound or rotten to lean unto. They will go down to Egypt for help,2 and stay on horses, and trust in Chariots, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they are very strong, who look not to the holy one of Israel, seek not the Lord.
Secondly, Hee will neuer renounce carnall supports, who makes not God the stay of his soule for outward things. Hee will trust in the abundance of his riches,1 wisdome, friends, or strength, that makes not God his strength. The heart of man being priuie to his inability to sustaine himselfe, if he be not vnderset, will seeke out some prop true or false, sound or rotten to leane vnto. They will goe downe to Aegypt for helpe,2 and stay on horses, and trust in Chariots, because they are many, and in horsemen, because they are very strong, who looke not to the holy one of Israel, seeke not the Lord.
Thirdly, Belief in God brings good success. The Lord will be entreated to shower his blessings plentifully upon them, that put their trust in him.1 Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established: believe his prophets so shall ye prosper. Men are ashamed to falsify the trust that is reposed in them: And shall the Lord frustrate the desire of them, that hope in his mercy.
Thirdly, Beliefe in God brings good successe. The Lord will be intreated to showre his blessings plentifully vpon them, that put their trust in him.1 Belieue in the Lord your God, so shall yee be established: belieue his prophets so shall yee prosper. Men are ashamed to falsifie the trust that is reposed in them: And shall the Lord frustrate the desire of them, that hope in his mercy.
Fourthly, If we cleave not to the promises of God made concerning temporal things, we shall adhere to the promises of life with less assurance.1 Both promises flow from one fountain, even Gods everlasting love, are stablished in the same mediator, and received by the same faith: yea the promises of life everlasting (as more spiritual and furthest removed from sense) are in themselves more difficult to be believed: so that our assurance of them ⟨p. 362⟩c•nno• b• greater, […], our confidence in •od •or the other whi•h conce ne thi• l•fe, so f•rr• as he seeth it to be for our good; and the glory of his g•e•t name, if we be instructed, exercised, and assaulted in both alike. Christian• are of as•••l ed touching these promises, •nd many virtuous and godly men not duly considering and embracing them by f••th, are ••ch perplexed in themselves.2 I said in •y hast (said David, when he fled from Saul, an• hi• heart began to f•int) •ll men are liars; even the prophets, who told me I should be king, have deceived me Distrust in the temporal p omise• of God, hath driven the fa thfu•l to m•ny hard, dangerous shifts, and been the o casion o• dive •s sl p• and some dangerous falls. The examples of Abraham, David, •nd many o theirs, together with daily experience in all places, do sufficiently testify thus much.
Fourthly, If we cleaue not to the promises of God made concerning temporall things, we shall adhere to the promises of life with lesse assurance.1 Both promises flow from one fountaine, euen Gods euerlasting loue, are stablished in the same mediatour, and receiued by the same faith: yea the promises of life euerlasting (as more spirituall and furthest remoued from sence) are in themselues more difficult to bee belieued: so that our assurance of them ⟨p. 362⟩c•nno• b• g•eat•r, 〈…〉, our co•fidence in •od •or the other whi•h conce ne thi• l•fe, so f•rr• as he seeth it to be for our good; and the glory of his g•e•t name, if we bee instruct•d, exercised, and assa•lted in both alike. Christian• are of as•••l ed touching these promises, •nd many vertuo•s and godly men not duly consi•ering and embracing them by f••th, are ••ch perplexed in themselues.2 I said in •y hast (said Dauid, when he fled from Saul, an• hi• heart began to f•int) ll men are lyrs; euen the prophts, who told me I should be king, haue deceiued me Distrust in the emporall p omise of God, hath driuen the fa thful to mny hard, dangerous shifts, and bene the o casion o diue s sl p and some dangerous falls. The examples of Abraham, Dauid, nd many o thers, together with daily experience in all places, doe sfficiently testifie thus much.
Fifthly, Faith sweeteneth •nd sanctifieth unto us the use of all outward comforts under our hands. Meat, apparel, riches, honours (though lawfully compassed and in abundance possessed) yield but a sour taste in comparison, are but of small profit, when they be not used in faith. Nay, blessings not received and used in faith be•ome Idols,1 or occasions of Idolatry: for either we trust in them, or be lif•e• up in our selves by reason of them. The rich mans wealth is his strong City: he rejoiceth in his riches,2 and hath in his thoughts to do great matters by them. Give me neither poverty nor riches, feed me with food conu nient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord. The godly are allowed to live by faith touching these temporal promises,3 and the sanctified use of Gods blessings which they enjoy.
Fiftly, Faith sweeteneth •nd sanctifieth vnto vs the vse of all outward comforts vnde• our hands. Meate, apparrell, riches, honours (•hough lawfully co•pass•d and in abundance possessed) yeeld but a sowre tast in comparison, are but of small profit, when they bee not vsed in faith. Nay, bl•ssings not receiued and vsed in faith be•ome Idols,1 or occasions of Idolatrie: for either we trust in them, or be lif•e• vp in our selues by reason of them. The rich mans we•lth is his strong City: hee reioyceth in his riches,2 and hath in his thoughts to doe great matters by them. Giue mee neither pouertie nor riches, feed mee with food conu nient for me: Lest I be full, and denie thee, and say, who is the Lord. The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching these temporall promises,3 and the sanctified vse of Gods blessings which they •nioy.
First, For seeing God hath given Christ for us, as the Apostle reasoneth: how sh•ll he not with him also freely give us all things. He hath given his son, the fountain of all good things:1 what is it then, that he ⟨p. 363⟩will d ••e unto us?2 The p omise of Christ before his incarnation was to the Jews a seal of all temporal good things p omised. But we know God hath given his sonn•, not only to be bor•e, b•t to •ie for us: which is an un•o••e• t ken, that he will deny us nothing that may be for our good •nd comfo t.
First, For seeing God h•th giuen Christ for vs, as the Apostle reasoneth: how sh•ll hee not with him also freely giue vs all things. Hee hath giuen his sonne, the fountaine of all good things:1 what is it then, that hee ⟨p. 363⟩will d ••e vnto vs?2 The p omise of Christ before his incarnation was to the Iewes a seale of all temporall good •hings p omised. But we know God h•th giuen his sonn•, not onely to be bor•e, b•t to •ie for vs: which is an vn•o••e• t ken, that he will denie vs nothing that may be for our good •nd comfo t.
Secondly, The Lord by covenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needful blessings pertaining to thi• life. He that scattered Israel will gather him, 1and keep him as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger th•n he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, shall slow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat and f•r wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock, and of the herd: their soul shall be as a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all. 2And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with goodness, saith the Lord. 3I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beast to cease out of the L•nd: and th•y shall dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep• in the woods. And I will m•ke them, and the places round about my hill a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in his season: there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shal• be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord: I will call for corn, and increase it, 4and lay no famine upon you. And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field; that y e shall no more •eceive reproach of famine among the heathen. I will eu n • t oath thee unto me in faithfulness, 5and thou shalt know the Lord. And it shall come to pass, in that day I will •eare, saith the Lord, I will hear the heavens, and ••ey shall hear• the earth, and the earth shall hear the ••rne, and the wine, the oil. Now seeing the Lord ⟨p. 364⟩hath by promise and covenant, again and again repeated for our confirmation, assu•ed us of all needful blessings, it is our duty by faith to make these promises our own, and rest quietly upon his word to find relief at such time, and in such measure, as he knows to be expedient, and may be for our good.
Secondly, The Lord by couenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertaining to thi• life. He th•t scattered Israel will g•ther him, 1and keepe him as a sheepeheard doth his flocke. For the Lord hath redeemed Iacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger th•n he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the h ight of Zion, shall slow together to the goodnesse of the Lord, for wheat and f•r wine, and for oyle, and for the young of the flocke, and of the herd: their soule shall bee as a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all. 2And I will sati•te the soule of the priests with fatnesse, and my people shall be satisfied with goodnesse, saith the Lord. 3I will make with th•m a couenant of peace, and will cause the euill beast to cease out of the L•nd: and th•y shall dwell saf ly in the wildernesse and sleep• in the woods. And I will m•ke them, and the places round about my hill a blessing, and I will cause the showre to come downe in his season: there shall be showres of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yeeld her fruite, and the earth shall yeel• her increase, and they shal• be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord: I will call for corne, and encrease it, 4and lay no famine vpon you. And I will •ultiply the fruite of the tree, and the incr•ase of the field; that y e shall no more •eceiue reproch of famine among the h•athen. I will eu n • t oth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse,
Thirdly, And this we may the rather be encouraged unto, considering the relation which is betwixt God and us: for he is our faithful creator, we the work of his hands: he is our Shepherd, we the flock of his pasture: he is our Father, we his children. Let them that suffer according to the will of God,1 commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.2 Cast all your care upon him, for he he careth for you. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day, that he is among his sheep that are scattered: 3so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places, where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, 4and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them in a good pasture and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be; there shall they lye in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall the feed upon the mountains of Israel.5 Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we drink? or wherewith shall we be clothed? for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. God is the great Father of the family, who provideth all things necessary for them that be under his government.6 The eyes of all wait upon thee and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 7He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. It is his property, ⟨p. 365⟩who is the chief good, to communicate his blessings unto his creatures: much more to compass them with mercy that depend upon him. He hath put this natural affection into Parents, nay, into brute beasts to tender their young ones: and shall not he much more provide for them that cry unto him day and night for relief and succour? The Lords portion is his people; 8Jacob is the lot of his inheritance: and God is the portion of his people: He hath chosen them, and they have given themselves to him: they rely upon him, and he hath undertaken to make plentiful provision for them.9 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in him.
Thirdly, And this wee may the rather be incouraged vnto, considering the relation which is betwixt God and vs: for he is our faithfull creatour, wee the worke of his hands: hee is our Sheepheard, wee the flocke of his pasture: he is our Father, wee his children. Let them that suffer according to the will of God,1 commit the keeping of their soules to him in well-doing, as vnto a faithfull Creatour.2 Cast all your care vpon him, for he he careth for you. The Lord is my sheepheard, I shall not want. As a sheepheard seeketh out his flocke in the day, that he is among his sheepe that are scattered: 3so will I seeke out my sheepe, and will deliuer them out of all places, where they haue beene scattared in the cloudy and darke day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, 4and will bring them to their owne land, and feede them vpon the mountaines of Israel by the riuers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feede them in a good pasture and vpon the high mountaines of Israel shall their fold be; there shall they lye in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall the feed vpon the mountaines of Israel.5 Take no thought, saying, What shall we eate? or what shall we drinke? or wherewith shall we be clothed? for your heauenly Father knoweth that yee haue need of all these things. God is the great Father of the family, who prouideth all things necessarie for them that bee vnder his gouernment.6 The eyes of all waite vpon thee and thou giuest them their meate in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of euery liuing thing. 7Hee giueth to the beast his food, and to the young rauens which crie. It is his propertie, ⟨p. 365⟩who is the cheife good, to communicate his blessings vnto his creatures: much more to compasse them with mercie that depend vpon him. Hee hath put this naturall affection into Parents, nay, into bruite beasts to tender their young ones: and shall not hee much more prouide for them that crie vnto him day and night for reliefe and succour? The Lords portion is his people;
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. 1The lines are fallen unto me in a pleasant places: yea, I have a goodly heritage. The Lord by his special providence will make that prosperous unto the righteous which they possess, be it little or much. There is nothing better for a man, then,2 that he should eat and drink and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour, This also I saw, and it was from the hand of God. And this gift the Lord freely gives to the man, whom he doth approve:3 To the man that is good in his sight God giveth wisdom, and knowledge and Joy, (to wit) together & use earthly blessings with delight & comfort. The revenues of the righteous are small many times, but their state is comfortable:4 for the little that the righteous man, hath is better then much riches of many and mighty wicked ones, who flow in wealth, and excel in power.5 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord then great treasure, and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, then a stalled Ox, and hatred therewith. God giveth his beloved sleep. 6And it is the blessing of God which maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. 1The lines are fallen vnto me in a pleasant places: yea, I haue a goodly heritage. The Lord by his speciall prouidence will make that prosperous vnto the righteous which they possesse, be it little or much. There is nothing better for a man, then,2 that he should eate and drinke and that hee should make his soule enioy good in his labour, This also I saw, and it was from the hand of God. And this gift the Lord freely giues to the man, whom he doth approue:3 To the man that is good in his sight God giueth wisdome, and knowledge and Ioy, (to wit) together & vse earthly blessings with delight & comfort. The reuenues of the righteous are small many times, but their state is comfortable:4 for the little that the righteous man, hath is better then much riches of many and mightie wicked ones, who flow in wealth, and excell in power.5 Better is a litle with the feare of the Lord then great treasure, and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where loue is, then a stalled Oxe, and hatred therewith. God giueth his beloued sleepe. 6And it is the blessing of God which maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Fourthly, The patient expectation of the Saints hath confirmed this, that God will not be wanting to his children in things of this life, so far as may be for ⟨p. 366⟩their spiritual welfare:1 I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful and lendeth, and his seed is blessed. The children of the needy shall be succoured in due season, for God who knoweth their wants is faithful to pe form promise.
Fourthly, The patient exp•ctation of the Saints hath confirmed this, that God will not bee wanting to his children in things of this life, so farre as may bee for ⟨p. 366⟩their spirituall welfare:1 I haue beene young, and now am old, yet haue I not seene the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Hee is euer mercifull and lendeth, and his seed is blessed. The children of the needie shall bee succoured in due season, for God who knoweth their wants is faithfull to pe forme promise.
and with the first f u•ts of all thine increase: So shall thy barnes be filled with p••ntie, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Riches and honour are with me,
yea durable riches and righteousnesse. My fruite is b tter then g ld, •nd my reuenue th n choyse •lu•r. In the house of the right••us is much treasure.
Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly is h•s Commaundements. W•alth & ric•es sh•ll be in his house: and his righteousn•s endur•th for euer. If thou r•turne to the Almightie, thou shalt be built vp, thou shalt put away iniquitie far from thy t•bernacles: Then shalt thou lay vp gold as dust,
And God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that y e alwayes hauing all sufficience in all things, may abound to euery good worke. With all thy getting g•t vnderstanding:
Them that honour me. I will honour. And he shall bring forth thy righteousnesse as the light, and thy iudgement as the noone day. The wise shall inherite glory.
The memory of the Iust is blessed; the righteous shall be in euerlasting remembrance. Hee that regardeth reproofe shall bee honoured. Blessings are vpon the head of the Iust; and whatsoeuer he doth shall prosper. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord &c, his seed shall be mightie vpon earth, the generation of the vpright shall be blessed.
and his seede shall inherite the earth. Though hand ioyne, in hand, the wicked shall not bee vnpunished but the seede of the righteous shall bee deliuered.
In the feare of the Lord, is strong confidence: and his children shall haue a place of refuge. The Iust man walketh in his integritie: his children are blessed after him.
and thou shalt know the Lord. And it shall come to passe, in that day I will •eare, saith the Lord, I will heare the heauens, and ••ey shall hear• the earth, and the earth shall heare the ••rne, and the wine, the oyle. Now seeing the Lord
⟨p. 364⟩
hath by promise and couenant, againe and againe repeated for our confirmation, assu•ed vs of all needfull blessings, it is our duty by faith to make these ptomises our owne, and rest quietly vpon his word to finde reliefe at such time, and in such measure, as he knowes to be expedient, and may be for our good.
Iacob is the lot of his inheritance: and God is the portion of his people: Hee hath chosen them, and they haue giuen themselues to him: they relie vpon him, and he hath vndertaken to make plentifull prouision for them.
