But now, when a man sees his mercies come in by the special and assiduous care of God for him, there is a double sweetness in those mercies; the natural sweetness which comes from the creature it self, every one, even the beasts can taste that as well as thee; but besides that, there is a spiritual sweetness, far exceeding the former, which none but a ⟨p. 40⟩believer tastes: and much of that comes from the manner in which he receives it, because it comes (be it never so course or little) as a Covenant mercy to him. He hath given bread to them that fear him, he is ever mindful of his Covenant, Psal. 111. 5. Luther, who made many a meal upon a broiled Herring, was wont to say, Mendicato pane hic vivamus, an non hoc •ulchre sarcitur in eo, quod pascimur pane cum angelis & vita aeterna, Christo & Sacramentis; Let us be content with course fare here, have we not the bread that came down from heaven? do we not feed with Angels; a pregnant instance of the sweetness of such mercies is given us by a worthy Divine of our own,1 Mr. Isaac Ambrose, For mine own part (saith he) however the Lord hath seen cause to give me but a poor pittance of outward things (for which I bless his name) yet in the income thereof, I have many times observed so much of his peculiar providence, that thereby they have been very much sweetened, and my heart hath been raised to admire his grace. When of late under an hard dispensation (which I judge not meet to mention, wherein I suffered with inward peace conscientiously) all streams of wonted supplies being stopped, the waters of relief for my self and family did run low. I went to bed with some staggerings and doubtings of the fountains letting out its •elt for our refreshing, but ere I did awake in the morning, a Letter was brought to my bedside, which was signed by a choice friend, Mr. Anthony Ash, which reported some unexpected breakings out of God's goodness for my comfort. There are some of his lines—Your God, who hath given you an heart thankfully to record your experiences of his goodness, doth renew experiences for your encouragement. Now I shall report one which will raise your spirit towards the God of your mercy. &c. whereupon he sweetly concludes, One morsel of God's Provision, (especially if it come unexpected, and upon Prayer, when wants are most) will be more sweet to a spiritual relish, than all former full enjoyments were.
But now, when a man sees his mercies come in by the special and assiduous care of God for him, there is a double sweetness in those mercies; the natural sweetness which comes from the creature it self, every one, even the beasts can tast that as well as thee; but besides that, there is a spiritual sweetness, far exceeding the former, which none but a ⟨p. 40⟩believer tasts: and much of that comes from the manner in which he receives it, because it comes (be it never so course or little) as a Covenant mercy to him. He hath given bread to them that fear him, he is ever mindful of his Covenant, Psal. 111. 5. Luther, who made many a meal upon a broiled Herring, was wont to say, Mendicato pane hic vivamus, an non hoc •ulchre sarcitur in eo, quod pascimur pane cum angelis & vita aeterna, Christo & Sacramentis; Let us be content with course fare here, have we not the bread that came down from heaven? do we not feed with Angels; a pregnant instance of the sweetness of such mercies is given us by a worthy Divine of our own,1 Mr. Isaac Ambross, For mine own part (saith he) however the Lord hath seen cause to give me but a poor pittance of outward things (for which I bless his name) yet in the income thereof, I have many times observed so much of his peculiar providence, that thereby they have been very much sweetned, and my heart hath been raised to admire his grace. When of late under an hard dispensation (which I judge not meet to mention, wherein I suffered with inward peace conscienciously) all streams of wonted supplies being stopt, the waters of relief for my self and family did run low. I went to bed with some staggerings and doubtings of the fountains letting out its •elt for our refreshing, but ere I did awake in the morning, a Letter was brought to my bedside, which was signed by a choice friend, Mr. Anthony Ash, which reported some unexpected breakings out of God's goodness for my comfort. There are some of his lines—Your God, who hath given you an heart thankfully to record your experiences of his goodness, doth renew experiences for your encouragement. Now I shall report one which will raise your spirit towards the God of your mercy. &c. whereupon he sweetly concludes, One morsel of God's Provision, (especially if it come unexpected, and upon Prayer, when wants are most) will be more sweet to a spiritual relish, than all former full injoyments were.
- 1Epistle to the Earl of Bedford ante ultima.
