But you shall the better understand what this 1strength is, if you do but consider the particulars of it which are these: the first particular in which 2this spiritual strength is seen is this, if a man can bear any wrong patiently without seeking revenge any way, it is a sign that they are spiritually strong: the second particular, wherein this spiritual 3strength is seen is this, if a man can thrive under many afflictions rejoicing under them, he hath this this strength: as in the Acts 5 41. it is said of the 4Apostles that they departed from the Council rejoicing that they were thought worthy to suffer rebuke for the name of Christ: he that can ⟨p. 69⟩bear some troubles hath some strength, but to bear great troubles is required great strength, that is, to stand fast to Christ to profess his name there (as the holy Ghost saith in Revelation 2. vers. 13.) where Satan hath his throne must needs be a great supernatural work of the spirit: the 5third particular wherein this spiritual strength is seen, is this, If a man can believe though he hath all reason and strength of reason against him, or if a man can do all things of knowledge, this is to be strong in the inward man. But to go further, that you may the better know what this strength is, I will give you a description of it, that is, I will describe what the strength of the inward man is more fully. First, I say it is a general 6good disposition or right habit, temperature, or frame of the mind, whereby it is able to please God in all things. I say it is a general good disposition or right habit, because, if it be only in some particulars, and that at sometime only, it is not strength: as for example, to have a passion to good, and not to continue argueth not strength in the inward man: or to have the understanding strong, and yet to have the will and affections weak to good, is not to be strong in the inward man; but they must be all strong: as for example, a man or a woman is not said to be perfectly beautiful, except they be beautiful in all parts, for beauty is required in all parts; so likewise a man is not throughly strong, but imperfectly, except he be strong in all parts: strong in ⟨p. 70⟩the understanding, strong in the will, strong in the affections, &c.
But you shall the better understand what this 1strength is, if you doe but consider the particulars of it which are these: the first particular in which 2this spirituall strength is seene is this, if a man can beare any wrong patiently without seeking revenge any way, it is a signe that they are spiritually strong: the second particular, wherein this spirituall 3strength is seene is this, if a man can thrive under many afflictions rejoycing under them, he hath this this strength: as in the Acts 5 41. it is said of the 4Apostles that they departed from the Councell rejoycing that they were thought worthy to suffer rebuke for the name of Christ: hee that can ⟨p. 69⟩beare some troubles hath some strength, but to beare great troubles is required great strength, that is, to stand fast to Christ to professe his name there (as the holy Ghost saith in Revelation 2. vers. 13.) where Satan hath his throne must needs be a great supernaturall worke of the spirit: the 5third particular wherein this spirituall strength is seene, is this, If a man can beleeve though hee hath all reason and strength of reason against him, or if a man can doe all things of knowledge, this is to be strong in the inward man. But to goe further, that you may the better know what this strength is, I will give you a description of it, that is, I will describe what the strength of the inward man is more fully. First, I say it is a generall 6good disposition or right habite, temperature, or frame of the minde, whereby it is able to please God in all things. I say it is a generall good disposition or right habite, because, if it be onely in some particulers, and that at sometime onely, it is not strength: as for example, to have a passion to good, and not to continue argueth not strength in the inward man: or to have the understanding strong, and yet to have the will and affections weake to good, is not to be strong in the inward man; but they must be all strong: as for example, a man or a woman is not said to bee perfectly beautifull, except they be beautifull in all parts, for beauty is required in all parts; so likewise a man is not throughly strong, but imperfectly, except hee bee strong in all parts: strong in
- 1Particulars of this strength.
- 2The first particular. Bear wrong patiently.The first particular. Beare wrong patiently.
- 3The second particular. Thrive under any affliction.The second particular. Thriue under any affliction.
- 4Acts 5. 41.
- 5The third particular. To believe.The third particular. To beleeve.
- 6Description of spiritual strength.Description of spirituall strength.
