I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

Answ. 2 And if Gods own dearest Children have sometimes laboured, or toiled all their night, or day, and have caught nothing, then no new thing doth befall you, in case you want success. Now ye know, and have read how it was with Noah, an hundred and twenty years he preached to the old World, and not one soul was saved, but his ow•• •ily, eight persons in the Ark. Did not Jeremiah also toil in his day and night? and what did he catch? Read what he says, Jer. 6.29. The Bellows are burnt, the Lead is consumed of the fire the Founder melteth in vain; for the wicked are not plucked away▪ Reprobate Silver shall men call them. Yea, doth not Christ himself say,¹ Isaiah. 49. I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for naught? And do you think to fare better in this case than Noah, Jeremiah, Christ himself? I confess the want of success in our work, is a great Temptation, even one of the greatest Temptations; yet if God will have me lay out my strength in vain, why should I be discouraged? The good Physician doth not lose his Fee, though the Patient die, nor shall you lose your Reward▪ though ye have no success.

Answ. 2 And if Gods own dearest Children have somtimes labored, or toyled al their night, or day, and have caught nothing, then no new thing doth befal you, in case you want success. Now ye know, and have read how it was with Noah, an hundred and twenty yeers he preached to the old World, and not one soul was saved, but his ow•• •ily, eight persons in the Ark. Did not Jeremiah also toyl in his day and night? and what did he catch? Read what he saies, Jer. 6.29. The Bellows are burnt, the Lead is consumed of the fire the Founder melteth in vain; for the wicked are not plucked away▪ Reprobate Silver shall men call them. Yea, doth not Christ himself say,