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

A gracious spirit is raised by opposition; the more opposition it meets with in a way of duty, the more resolute he is for it: So far is he from being afraid of the threatenings of men, of the frowns of men, or of losing this mans favour, or of incurring such a mans displeasure, that his spirit riseth far more for it. It is with such a man as it is with the fire in Winter, the fire burns the hotter, because of the coldness of the air; So it is with all the Messengers of the Lord, who are inflamed in the way of their duty. Come to David, and tell him, O there is a Goliath, and he is come out with a spear like a weavers beam, and ¹there is one that bears his target goes before him; where is he? saith David, I will fight with him, saith he. Difficulties and dangers do but whet and raise his spirit, he is not afraid of any uncircumcised Philistine. Ah, my Friends, this is a true noble spirit! Holy greatness of mind lies in this, when a mans spirit is born up upon the greatness of his God, and the goodness of his cause; and if that will not bear me out, saith such a soul, let me sink in it. I am content to perish. That's a good word, more worth than a world in a faithful Ministers eye, Ezek. 3. 8. Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. Verse 9. As an Adamant, harder than a flint, have I made thy forehead; fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. The Adamant is the hardest of stones, it is Lapis servabilis, because it keeps it self by its hardness from all injuries, no weather, no violence of hammer, or fire will break it, or conquer it. God engages himself to give the Prophet such undaunted boldness, and invincible courage and constancy, as neither shame nor fear should prevail against. Divine presence, Divine assistance does always accompany a Divine call; such whom God sends he seconds, such whom he calls, he encourages, against all difficulties and ⟨p. 45⟩discouragements, such as are called by Christ, and sent by Christ, shall never want the strengthening, comforting, corroborating, animating, and preserving presence of Christ: It is this Divine presence, that makes them stand it out, and show themselves like men; like men of courage, like men of God, and that secures them from dangers in the midst of dangers;