A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolvedA Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved

2. By our opening and viewing the Import of the Text it self: Wherein he

2. By our opening and viewing the Import of the Text it felf: Wherein he

1. Proposes to himself the End which he apprehended was most desirable, and above all things to be coveted for them. That their hearts might be comforted.] A word of much larger signification than in vulgar acceptation it is understood to be. [Greek or Hebrew] signifies (with profane as well as the sacred Writers) not only to administer Consolation to a grieved Mind, but to exhort, quicken, excite, and animate, to plead and strive with dull and stupid, wavering and unresolved minds. It was thought indeed comprehensive enough to express all the Operations of the divine Spirit upon the Souls of men, when ⟨p. 79⟩not only the Christian Church, but the World, yet to be Christianized, was to be the Subject of them, as we see Joh. 16.8. In respect whereof that holy Spirit hath its name of Office, the Paraclete, from this word. And it being the passive that is here used, it signifies not only the endeavours themselves, which are used to the purpose here intended, but the effect of them wherein they all terminate, a lively, vigorous, confirmed State and habit of Soul. And that not indefinite, but determined to one thing, the Christian Faith and Profession, which the Apostles drift, and scope plainly shows. 'Tis not to be thought he so earnestly coveted and strove that they might be jocund, cheerful, abounding with joy and courage, in any course, right or wrong. But that they might be encouraged, established, confirmed in their Christianity. And if the word he here uses were large enough to signify (as was noted above) all that was necessary to make men Christians, it may as well all that is necessary to continue them such.

1. Proposes to himself the End which he apprehended was most desirable, and above all things to be coveted for them. That their hearts might be comforted.] A word of much larger signification than in vulgar acceptation it is understood to be. signifies (with profane as well as the sacred Writers) not only to administer Consolation to a grieved Mind, but to exhort, quicken, excite, and animate, to plead and strive with dull and stupid, wavering and unresolved minds. It was thought indeed comprehensive enough to expresse all the Operations of the divine Spirit upon the Souls of men, when