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

but saith Christ, I look upon them as under a royal, Princely Garment, in Robes, and of a Princely spirit. And though the world look upon them as discomforted, yet saith Christ here, they shall overcome, for they have Palms in their hands: but who are these? This Scripture tells, ver. 14. These are they which come out of great Tribulations, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb: But why are they in white Robes, and their Robes washed? Because by their Tribulations they are washed from filth. Affliction is Gods Soap; before a godly man goes into Afflictions, his very Graces are mixed with sin; his Faith is mixed, and dirtied with Unbelief, and doubtings; his Humility with Pride; his Zeal with Luke-warmness: but now, by his Tribulation, his Garments, and Robes are made white, and washed, and he shall be of a more royal spirit, and be clothed with Robes: But though the Lord make use of my Tribulations, thus to wash; yet I fear that by these public Calamities, I shall be driven from Ordinances, the Temple, and Worship of God; nay, saith he therefore at verse 15. They are before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple. But what though we have the Ordinances, if Christ be not present with them▪ He ads therefore, And he that sits on the Throne, shall dwell amongst us. But though we have the presence of Jesus Christ, yet we may suffer much with want: true, yet verse 16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the Sun light on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living Fountains of Water. O! but yet we may be brought in the mean while into grievous straits, and be in a sad, and mournful Condition. True, but there is a time a coming, when all tears shall be wiped away from our Eyes; and therefore he ads this at verse 17. And God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes. How should tears be wiped away hereafter, if they were not shed for the present? Though then you do fear it now, and shed many tears, yet all shall be wiped away, and not one left. O! what gracious dealing is here! Thus will Christ deal with his People in troubleous times; and therefore though our condition in regard of the Public, be exceeding sad, and very grievous, insomuch as we have all cause to mourn, and weep;

but saith Christ, I look upon them as under a royal, Princely Garment, in Robes, and of a Princely spirit. And though the world look upon them as discomforted, yet saith Christ here, they shal overcome, for they have Palms in their hands: but who are these? This Scripture tels, ver. 14. These are they which come out of great Tribulations, and have washed their Robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb: But why are they in white Robes, and their Robes washed? Because by their Tribulations they are washed from filth. Affliction is Gods Soap; before a godly man goes into Afflictions, his very Graces are mixed with sin; his Faith is mixed, and dirtied with Unbelief, and doubtings; his Humility with Pride; his Zeal with Luke-warmness: but now, by his Tribulation, his Garments, and Robes are made white, and washed, and he shall be of a more royal spirit, and be cloathed with Robes: But though the Lord make use of my Tribulations, thus to wash; yet I fear that by these publick Calamities, I shall be driven from Ordinances, the Temple, and Worship of God; nay, saith he therefore at verse 15. They are before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple. But what though we have the Ordinances, if Christ be not present with them He ads therefore, And he that sits on the Throne, shall dwell amongst us. But though we have the presence of Jesus Christ, yet we may suffer much with want: true, yet verse 16. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shal the Sun light on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living Fountains of Water. O! but yet we may be brought in the mean while into grievous streits, and be in a sad, and mournful Condition. True, but there is a time a coming, when all tears shall be wiped away from our Eyes; and therefore he ads this at verse 17. And God shall wipe away all tears from their Eyes. How should tears be wiped away hereafter, if they were not shed for the present? Though then you do fear it now, and shed many tears, yet all shall be wiped away, and not one left. O! what gracious dealing is here! Thus will Christ deal with his People in troubleous times; and therefore though our condition in regard of the Publick, be exceeding sad, and very grievous, insomuch as we have all cause to mourn, and weep;