Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…

But, alas, we verify the saying of our Saviour,¹ though to our great shame it may be spoken: that the children of this world are wiser in their kind then we: who if they be disappointed of their desire one way, have twenty shifts to seek it another. But it is too manifest, that the most part, even of the better ⟨p. 70⟩sort, and those who have tasted of this faith and assurance already, do not §Fthink this possible to keep, yea and increase it from day to day: and therefore go not about it, but are content to hold it by starts, now and then, when it is revived in them by some special help of preaching.² And thus doing, they see not the twentieth part of Gods bounty and fatherly affection towards them, who giveth them not some taste now and then of his abundant love, but would have them filled with it, and that continually; yea and thereby to be in safety all the day long: which if many of Gods servants did believe, as they do any article of their faith, that it is true; how greatly should their heavy hearts be made joyful, and their heads lifted up with cheerfulness, whereas now deceivable mirth, or unprofitable sorrow holdeth them §Gdown, either at their labour, or from it, seeing they have not this boldness to rejoice in the Lord always, and that because they believe not always, neither think that they may, or can possibly attain to it.

But, alas, we verifie the saying of our Sauiour,¹ though to our great shame it may bee spoken: that the children of this world are wiser in their kinde then we: who if they bee disappointed of their desire one way, haue twentie shifts to seeke it another. But it is too manifest, that the most part, euen of the better ⟨p. 70⟩sort, and those who haue tasted of this faith and assurance alreadie, doe not §F