1Use 1. Of exhortation: To retain our comfort, as the Prophet here doth. As all true-hearted Christians should stir up themselves to rejoice in God, and the sure mercies of David, while the means of grace and of worldly comfort do continue, so especially, the brother of low degree should rejoice because he is exalted (in spiritual things) as high as any, and hath equal share in the God of salvation. In deep poverty, in falling from a great estate, in dear years, in desolation by war if it should come, in all troubles and afflictions, still we have a ground of joy, while God is in heaven, and can have recourse to the Christian heart at pleasure: Hold thine own, remember thy evidences, make use of thy provisions; now is a time and occasion to say as the Prophet, Although the Fig-tree blossom not, 2&c. and as the Psalmist, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble: therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, &c. Although the stone cut my reins, my ⟨p. 303⟩spleen pain me, or other diseases torment me; although I be put beside my means, turned out to the wide world, my wife and children set to begging, my self shut up in prison, and wait for the day of execution; although I meet with a peevish and pestilent adversary at the law, be defamed, know not how presently to clear mine innocency, but go for an evil doer, &c. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. None of all this can drive away the great Comforter from me, but rather he will solace me the more for these discomforts in the world: Christ is left still, and the love of God, and the kingdom of heaven, to receive me out of the most miserable shipwreck. And the same God that now admits me a guest at his table, to eat of his sweet and fat things, will one day make me sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
1Use 1. Of exhortation: To reteine our comfort, as the Prophet here doth. As all true-hearted Christians should stirre up themselves to rejoyce in God, and the sure mercies of David, while the meanes of grace and of worldly comfort do continue, so especially, the brother of low degree should rejoyce because he is exalted (in spirituall things) as high as any, and hath equall share in the God of salvation. In deepe povertie, in falling from a great estate, in deare yeares, in desolation by warre if it should come, in all troubles and afflictions, still we have a ground of joy, while God is in heaven, and can have recourse to the Christian heart at pleasure: Hold thine owne, remember thy evidences, make use of thy provisions; now is a time and occasion to say as the Prophet, Although the Fig-tree blossome not, 2&c. and as the Psalmist, God is our refuge and strength, a very present helpe in trouble: therefore will we not feare though the earth bee removed, &c. Although the stone cut my reines, my ⟨p. 303⟩spleene paine me, or other diseases torment me; although I be put beside my meanes, turned out to the wide world, my wife and children set to begging, my selfe shut up in prison, and wait for the day of execution; although I meet with a peevish and pestilent adversary at the law, be defamed, know not how presently to cleare mine innocencie, but goe for an evill doer, &c. Yet I will rejoyce in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. None of all this can drive away the great Comforter from me, but rather he will solace me the more for these discomforts in the world: Christ is left still, and the love of God, and the kingdome of heaven, to receive me out of the most miserable shipwracke. And the same God that now admits me a guest at his table, to eate of his sweet and fat things, will one day make me sit downe with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven.
- 1Retain comfort in God, whatever thou wantest. Jam. 1.9.Reteine comfort in God, whatever thou wantest. Jam. 1.9.
- 2Psal. 46.1.—5.
