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

2. His protection and preservation of it is more peculiar and emphatical; The weaker and more infirm thou art, the greater is Gods power and grace manifested in thee; Thus Paul said, the power of God was perfected in his infirmities, and when he was weak, then he was strong, 2 Chro. 22.10. This is Christs usual way to magnify his power and strength most in those that are the weakest of believers, and therefore it is that many times he leaveth those that are strong and eminent to their own selves, that so feeling their own infirmities they may be the fitter objects to glorify Christs power; Hence when Peter was in his failing and decaying condition, then Christ prayeth, that his faith may not fail; God that owneth himself to be the judge of the Widows, and the Father of the Fatherless, because they are most exposed to necessities, will much more show this in a spiritual way to such as have not the hopes or the encouragements as other godly men have.

2. His protection and preservation of it is more peculiar and emphaticall; The weaker and more infirm thou art, the greater is Gods power and grace manifested in thee; Thus Paul said, the power of God was perfected in his infirmities, and when he was weak, then he was strong, 2 Chro. 22.10. This is Christs usuall way to magnifie his power and strength most in those that are the weakest of beleevers, and therefore it is that many times he leaveth those that are strong and eminent to their own selves, that so feeling their own infirmities they may be the fitter objects to glorifie Christs power; Hence when Peter was in his failing and decaying condition, then Christ praieth, that his faith may not fail; God that owneth himself to be the judge of the Widows, and the Father of the Fatherlesse, because they are most exposed to necessities, will much more shew this in a spiritual way to such as have not the hopes or the encouragements as other godly men have.

3. He doth commonly vouchsafe more inward comforts and evidences of his love to such, giveth them more cheerfulness and joy; Even as you see in nature, a Child is not exercised with those cares and troubles that do molest when they come to years, but mind their sport and play; Thus to new Converts God many times, revealeth much comfort and joy; They may have more then than ever afterwards in their life time; Then is the time of the Souls marriage to Christ, and no wonder if a Feast be provided for them, and their water be turned into wine.