A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse…

Ninthly, the Lord will be signally present with his ¹People, in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers, because they won't leave him, but stick close to him, and to his interest, Gospel, and glory; and will cleave fast to his Word, worship, and ways, ²in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers, come what will on't: You may take away my life (said Basil) but you cannot take away my comfort, my head but not my crown; yea (saith he) had I a thousand lives, I would lay them all down for my Saviours sake, who hath done abundantly more for me. John Ardley profest to Bonner, when he told him of burning, and how ill he could endure it, That if he had as many lives as he had hairs on his head, he would lose ⟨p. 127⟩them all in the fire, before he would lose his Christ, w•• part with his Christ, It was a common thing among the Martyrs to make all hast to the fire, lest they should miss of that noble entertainment. Gordius the Martyr said, it is to my loss if ye bate me any thing of my sufferings. The sooner I die, said another, the sooner I shall be happy. Psal. 63. 1. O God, thou art my God, early will I seek thee, my soul thirsteth for thee in a dry and thirsty Land, where no water is. Verse 8. My soul followeth hard after ³thee, &c. This notes, 1. The strength of his intention. 2. The strength of his affection. 3. The constancy of his pursuit; and all this in a dry and barren wilderness, and in the face of all discouragements, and in the want of all outward encouragements. What ever the danger or distress be, the Psalmist is peremptorily resolved to cleave close to the Lord, and to follow hard after the Lord, Psalm 44. 17. All this is come upon us, yet have we not ⁴forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy Covenant. Verse 18. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way. Verse 19. Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of Dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death. In the face of all dangers, deaths, distresses, miseries, &c. Gods faithful Servants will own the Lord, and cleave to his ways, and keep close to his worship and service, let Persecutors do their worst. Verse 22. Yea for thy sake are we killed