The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatisesThe marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises

Thirdly, Concerning the use ¹these promises may be put unto all our life long. They will drive •way grief, discouragement, or fears that at any time may seize upon us. They will sweeten all •ur afflictions. They will exceedingly nurse up and confirm our faith: and further, they will have […] singular use in preserving us ⟨p. 286⟩against the enticements of the profits, pleasures, and lusts of the world, and against the cares of this life. Our affections are the feet of our souls, and with the promises we may be daily shod; so as neither thorny cares prick us, nor foul pleasures defile us, Eph. 6. The Gospel shows us still a better project, when the Devil or the world entice us. And a true reason why many times we are not able to resist enticements, is, because our hearts are not filled with the promises, which else would show us so much sweetness, as all other things would seem but base in comparison of them. When we are tempted with the pleasures of sin, if we have not a more delightful project to offer to our hearts, it is easy for us to be seduced. And further, these promises soundly studied and laid up in our hearts, will breed cheerfulness of spirit, and that contentation which makes ⟨p. 287⟩godliness to be so great gain. And besides, they will daily excite ²in us all encouragements to well-doing; and they do also set out marvellously the glory and splendour of Gods love, power, presence, providence, and grace toward us. What shall I say? The promises give us even Heaven upon earth, and set ou• the incomparable gain of true godliness; yeaby them we approach so near unto God, that as Peter saith, By them we p•ke of ³the Di•ne nature.