Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things

Sol. Non siti miserae indigentiae, sed siti copiosioris fruitionis. No hungry man did ever with more appetite wish for meat, nor thirsty man for drink, nor covetous man for money, nor ambitious man for glory, then he now longeth to be reconciled unto God in Christ; in this case, had he the pleasures and profits of a thousand worlds, willingly would he part with all for the application of Christs sufferings, it is that sovereign blood that can only heal his soul, it is that bitter passion which can only quench his thirst; give him but the merits of Christs death (whereby God and he may be at one) and he cares not though he suffer death and hell again, yea he will venture goods, life, all; or if that be not it which the Lord requires, he will do whatever behoves him, even sell all, all that he hath, part with all sin that he loveth, yea were it his right hand, or his right eye, nothing shall be dear to him, so that he may enjoy his Saviour. O here's a thirst above all thirsts! it breeds ardent desires, vehement longings, unutterable groans, mighty gaspings, just like the dry and thirsty ground, that gasps, and cleaves, and opens for drops of rain. David, though in the desert of Ziph, a barren and dry land without water, yet he complains most because of his thirst, My soul thirsteth for thee O God, Psal. 63.1. ¹This is that violent affection that God puts into the hearts of those who seek him in sincerity and truth; never was Ahab more sick for a vineyard, nor Sisera for ⟨p. 36⟩milk, nor Sampson for water, when God was fain to open him a fountain in the jaw of an ass, ²then is a truly humbled soul after Christ, ever thirsting and longing, that he may hide himself in his righteousness, and bathe himself in that blood which his Saviour shed for him. I have read of a gracious woman, who labouring in these pangs, and longing after Christ Jesus, cried out, I have born nine children with as great pain as other women, and yet I would with all my heart bear them all over again, yea bear them, and bear them all the days of my life, to be assured of my part in Christ Jesus. One replying; Doth not your heart desire and long after him? Oh! (said she) I have an husband and children, and many other comforts, I would give them all, and all the good I shall ever see in this world, or in in the world to come, to have my poor thirsty soul refreshed with that precious blood of my Saviour.