CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Thirdly, The consideration of this Preservation will make us readily and willingly set upon all those duties God calls us to. We will not shrink from them, saying, Oh they are too hard, too difficult! We cannot go through with them! What made the Israelites dispond upon new dangers? but because they remembered not the miraculous power of Gods presence with them, they thought every thing great but God. Their enemies they looked upon as great enemies, but not on God as a great God. We see this sinful fear in Moses also, How many excuses did he pretend, that he might not be employed in that embassage to Pharaoh, till Gods wrath was kindled at him? Therefore if we did with faith consider Christs power, though our duties were great, though never so contrary to flesh and blood, yet in the name of God we would go out and do valiantly.

Thirdly, The consideration of this Preservation will make us readily and willingly set upon all those duties God cals us to. We will not shrink from them, saying, Oh they are too hard, too difficult! We cannot go through with them! What made the Israelites dispond upon new dangers? but because they remembred not the miraculous power of Gods presence with them, they thought every thing great but God. Their enemies they looked upon as great enemies, but not on God as a great God. We see this sinfull fear in Moses also, How many excuses did he pretend, that he might not be imployed in that embassage to Pharaoh, till Gods wrath was kindled at him? Therefore if we did with faith consider Christs power, though our duties were great, though never so contrary to flesh and bloud, yet in the name of God we would go out and do valiantly.

Fourthly, The powerful meditation of this would prevent a thousand doubts and fears that we usually make about what may be. We do not remember our Saviours Rule, That sufficient to the day is the evil thereof, and therefore we excruciate our selves with supposed future conditions, not considering, that as our necessities and infirmities shall abound: so Gods preservation will: The godly man thinks, What if I should be bereaved of such sensible helps, an Husband, or some able friend, or my estate lost? How should I subsist with many children? Or how if I should be called to Martyrdom, to be imprisoned, to lose my life? Such is my weakness (saith the believer) that I fear I should with Peter deny and forswear, do any thing rather then endure extremity? Oh but whence are all the confusions of thy soul, but because we remember not Christs protection and presence is with us!