An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

1. They are in a great manner ignorant of what foundations and sure grounds they have of comfort. They do not know what fountains of living water they may abundantly bathe themselves in. They are as Elisha's servant, who though there was a great host of Angels to help him, yet he did not see them. So that the Spirit of God doth not only illuminate us in the matter of duty, but also in matter of comfort; hence he is called, The Comforter. Or

2. Though they know many arguments of comfort, yet their memory faileth them, that in the very hour of their temptations, in the midst of their furious assaults, they forget what comfortable supports they might make use of. So that it is good to preach of these principles of consolation, that thereby we may be remembrancers to you, and put you in mind of that joy, which in the midst of your afflictions, your corruptions, and the Devils temptations are so apt to strike out. As the Disciples were sometimes blamed for their forgetfulness, they did not remember the miracle of loaves. Thus also the children of God, may often rebuke themselves, and with David say, Why wast thou cast down, O my soul? And why wast thou so troubled within thee? Hadst thou thought on such a promise, such a place of Scripture? Hadst thou remembered such a precious and sweet truth, the temptation had not prevailed so much upon thee.¹

2. Though they know many arguments of comfort, yet their memory faileth them, that in the very hour of their temptations, in the midst of their furious assaults, they forget what comfortable supports they might make use of. So that it is good to preach of these principles of consolation, that thereby we may be remembrancers to you, and put you in mind of that joy, which in the midst of your afflictions, your corruptions, and the Devils temptations are so apt to strike out. As the Disciples were sometimes blamed for their forgetfulness, they did not remember the miracle of loaves. Thus also the children of God, may often rebuke themselves, and with David say, Why wast thou cast down, O my soul? And why wast thou so troubled within thee? Hadst thou thought on such a promise, such a place of Scripture? Hadst thou remembred such a precious and sweet truth, the temptation had not prevailed so much upon thee.