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

The Good and Means of Establishment. ON 1 Pet. 5.10.

Different Opinions how these words a•e spoken, Page 425 The Authors Opinion Page 426 The words divided into 1 A Blessing prayed for 2 The Arguments ensuing it. 1 The Blessing prayed for, is expressed in four words; Perfect, Stablish, Strengthen, Settle you ibid. DOCT. Settling Grace in respect of all trouble, is a great Mercy, and Blessing. Page 428 1 It is a great mercy for a Nation to be settled. 2 It is a great mercy for a Church to be settled. 3 It is a great mercy for a particular soul to be settled. I. The first part proved by Scripture Page 429 ⟨image 301⟩II. The Second part proved, by five Arguments Page 429 1 When the Church hath this settlement, then it is edified. 2 It is the mercy God hath promised to the Church Page 430 3 It is that the Apostles laboured for ibid. 4 That they prayed for ibid. 5 It is sometimes the signal mercy of Christs Church ibid. III. The third part proved by five Arguments Page 431 1 It is the ground of all our fruitfulness ibid. 2 It is the bottom of all our praises Page 432 3 It is the beginning of our perseverance ibid. 4 It is that good thing which pleaseth God exceedingly. ib. 5 It is the Character of a gracious person Page 433 The second part of the Doctrine It is worthy of all our p•ayers, For Page 434 1 It is that mercy we all need. 2 God only can settle us Page 435 Application. How great cause have they that ar• settled, to praise God? ibid. Object. I find not this settlement, therefore I cannot praise God Page 436 Answ. It may be so: yet there is much difference between variety of Grace, and instability of Spirit ibid. 2 If Establishment be so great a Blessing, how sad is their condition that are not established? ibid. Quest. What shall we do that we may be established? Page 437 Answ. I. For a Nation. ib. 1 It must first settle Religion. 2 There must be care aken for a succession of Godly Magistrates ibid. 3 They must do, and govern in Righteousness Page 438 4 They must trust in the Lord. ibid. II. For a Church. Page 439 1 All Churches must know that they are laid out for sufferings ibid. 2 A Church that would be settled, must have all the Officers and Ordinances of Christ. 3 Let all Churches know, and keep the word of Gods Patience ibid. 4 If difficulty arise in a Church it must call for help from other Churches Page 440 5 Especially all Churches must pray for this mercy of Establishment ibid. III.