A Saint Indeed

Object. But these Promises imply conditions, ⟨p. 93⟩if they were absolute they would afford more satisfaction.

Sol. What are those tacit conditions you speak of, but these. (1) That either he will supply, or sanctify your wants; (2) That you shall have so much as God sees fit for you, and doth this trouble you? would you have the mercy whether sanctified or no? whether God sees it fit for you or no? Methinks, the appetites of Saints after earthly things should not be so ravenous, to seize greedily upon any enjoyment, not caring how they have it.

Sol. What are those tacite conditions you speak of, but these. (1) That either he will supply, or sanctifie your wants; (2) That you shall have so much as God sees fit for you, and doth this trouble you? would you have the mercy whether sanctified or no? whether God sees it fit for you or no? Methinks, the appetites of Saints after earthly things should not be so ravenous, to seize greedily upon any enjoyment, not careing how they have it.

But Oh, when wants pinch, and we see not whence supplies should come, then our faith in the promise shakes, and we like murmuring Israel cry, He gave bread, can he give water also? O unbelieving hearts! when did his promise fail? who ever trusted them, and was ashamed? may not God upbraid thee with thine unreasonable infidelity, as Jer. 2. 31. Have I been a wilderness unto you, &c. or as Christ said to the Disciples, Since I was with you, lacked ye any thing? Yea, may you not upbraid your selves, may you not say with good old Polycarp, thus many years I have served Christ, and found him a good Master; indeed he ⟨p. 94⟩