Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part…

1. To uphold and support them, when their own strength fails, Isa. 41. 10. Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. And which of the Saints have not sensibly felt these everlasting arms, underneath their spirits, when afflictions have pressed them above their own strength? So runs the promise to Paul in 2 Cor. 12. 9. My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness; i. e. It is made known in thy weakness. Our weakness adds nothing to Gods power, it doth not make his power perfect, but it hath the better advantage of its discovery, and puts forth it self more signally and conspicuously in our weakness; as the stars which never shine so gloriously, as in the darkest night.

2. To preserve them in all their dangers, to which they lie exposed in Soul and Body. 1 Pet. 1. 5. You are kept (saith the Apostle) by the mighty power of God. Kept as in a Garrison; this is their arm every morning, as it is Isa. 33. 2. O Lord be gracious unto us, we have waited for thee, be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. The Arm is that member which is fitted for the defence of the body, and for that end so placed by the God of Nature, that it may guard every part above and below it; but as good they were bound behind our backs, for any help they can give us in some cases: It is Gods Arm that defends us, and not our own. This invisible power of God makes the Saints the worlds wonder. Psal. 71. 7. I am as a wonder to many, but thou art my strong refuge. To see poor defenceless Creatures preserved, in the midst of furious enemies, that is just matter of wonder; but God being their invisible refuge, that solves the wonder; to this end the Power of God is by promise engaged to his people,