A37208:131
The saints anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests preached in sundry sermons, and published…
The saints anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests preached in sundry sermons, and published for the support and comfort of Gods people, in all times of trial / by John Davenport ...The saints anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests preached in sundry sermons, and published for the support and comfort of Gods people, in all times of tryal / by John Davenport ...
London: printed by W.L. for Geo. Hurlock, 1661
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But that sorrow for sin which is accompanied with hope of mercy, quickeneth to prayer of faith, Job 7. 20. and to reformation, Ezra 10. 2, 3 ⟨p. 127⟩5. If it be from an apprehension that God is your enemy, and fighteth against you, as he is and doth sometimes, Isa. 63. 10. this hope is of necessary use; whether your apprehension be right, or wrong. If it be so indeed, it will quicken you to make all speed to be reconciled unto God, in Christ. Hereunto this hope encourageth: 1. From the mercy and grace of God in forgiving repenting sinners, Psal. 130. 4. 2. From his willingness to deal so with you, declared sundry ways. 1. By sending his Son to make atonement for lost sinners. 2. By sending his Ambassadors to beseech you to be reconciled unto him, 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20. 3. By his never refusing Rebels, that sought his favour in Christ, upon Gospel terms. 4. By his commanding us to forgive such as repent, though they have sinned against us unto seventy times seven times; and himself will not be behind us in mercy and kindness. 2. But if it be not so indeed; if God be not our enemy; this hope will awe the soul from wronging God, by our mis-apprehensions. ⟨p. 128⟩It is an injury to a man, that is our friend, and hath approved himself so to be, by many kindnesses, if we should charge him with enmity, and say to him, you do not love me, you hate me, you are mine enemy, when you cannot prove it. Hoping in God will arm the soul against such conclusions, by former experiences of sundry effects of Gods favour towards you, in pardoning some sins, subduing some lusts, healing some distempers, scattering some temptations, working some spiritual good in you; as, faith in the Lord Jesus, and love to all the saints, granting some prayers. Say not, I know not, whether God hath done thus, in mercy and favour toward me, and whether he will continue them unto me, or not; for these are Covenant mercies; and therefore sure mercies, even the sure mercies of David,