An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth, forty-first, and forty-second,…

Hence note; That which is much desired, is in some cases hardly believed.

'Tis usually said, We easily believe that which we would or desire to have; yet sometimes we hardly believe that which we ⟨p. 455⟩would have; that is, when we hear 'tis so, we are full of fears and doubts that the thing is not so, we are afraid that we shall not obtain so wished and longed for an enjoyment; and do therefore not only question the reports of others concerning it (as Jacob did the report of his other sons concerning the life and high advancement of his son Joseph in Egypt (Gen. 45.26.) for as soon as he heard it, the Text saith, His heart fainted, for he believed them not, Now, not only do some (I say) in such cases hardly believe the reports of others) but even that which our own eyes behold. It is said of the disciples of Christ, when he appeared to them after his Resurrection, and showed them his hands and his feet (Luke 21.41.) They believed not for joy; they were so glad of the thing, they could not believe their own eyes. In which sense we are to understand that of Job, at the 24th verse of the 29th Chapter; If I laugh•• on them, they believed it not. When the Angel told Abraham in the Tent (Gen, 18.10.) I will certainly return to thee according to the time of life; and lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. Sarah over-hearing this good news, Laughed within her self (vers. 12.) Though it pleased her exceedingly, that she should have a son, yet she laughed also in unbelief, and was therefore reproved (vers. 15.) If she had laughed as Abraham did, at the day of Christ, who saw Christs day and rejoiced (John 8.56.) that is, he laughed in faith, in assurance that it would come; but Sarah laughed, as doubting, sure this will never be; though might she have had her wish, she would of all things in the world, have desired and wished a son. Once more (