A29709:223
A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse…
A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse about the favourable, signal and eminent presence of the Lord with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers : with the resolution of several questions, concerning the divine presence, as also the reasons and improvements of this great and glorious truth ... / by Thomas Brooks ...A word in season to this present generation, or, A sober and serious discourse about the favorable, signal and eminent presence of the Lord with his people in their greatest troubles, deepest distresses, and most deadly dangers : with the resolution of several questions, concerning the divine presence, as also the reasons and improvements of this great and glorious truth ... / by Thomas Brooks ...
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
When David was in a very great distress, 1he does not despond nor give way to unbelief, but encourages himself in the Lord his God. The Hebrew word is 2derived from Chazack, which notes, a laying hold on God with all his strength, as men do when they are in danger of drowning, who will suffer any thing rather then let go their hold? When David was almost under water, when he was in danger of drowning, then by a hand of faith, he lays hold on the rock of ages, and encourages himself in the Lord his God. What heavenly gallantry of spirit did good Nehemiah show from that Divine presence that was with him in that great day of trouble and distress, when the remnant of the captivity were in great affliction and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem broken down, and the gates thereof burnt with 3fire! You know Shemajah advises him to take Sanctuary in the Temple, because the enemy had designed to fall upon him by night and slay him, and cause the work to cease: but Nehemiah having a signal presence of God 4with him, gives this heroic and resolute answer, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there being as I am, would go into the Temple to save his life? I will not go in. Should I flee into the Temple like a malefactor to take sanctuary there? How would God be dishonoured, Religion reproached, the People discouraged, the weak scandalized, and the wicked emboldened to insult and triumph over me! saying, Is this the man that is called by God, and qualified by God for this work and service? Is this the man that is countenanced and encouraged by the King to build the walls, and gates, and city of Jerusalem? Is this the man, that is the chief Magistrate and Governor ⟨p. 160⟩5of the City? Is this the man, that is sent and set for the defence of the People, and that should encourage them in their work? O what a mouth of blasphemy would be opened should I make a base retreat into the Temple to save my life? This is a work that I will rather dye, than do. I have found the face of God, the presence of God, in bowing the heart of King Artaxerxes, to contribute his Royal aid, and commission me to the work; and in the bending of the hearts of the Elders of the Jews to own my authority, and to rise up as one man to build; and therefore I will rather dye upon the spot, than go into the Temple to save my life.