A41644:39
God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances
God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances wherein is showed, that our deliverances, not answered with reformation, will be followed with sorest destruction / by Thomas Gouge.God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances wherein is shewed, that our deliverances, not answered with reformation, will be followed with sorest destruction / by Thomas Gouge.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
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.
Our mercies are not beautiful Tombs in our way, wherewith we may delight our eyes; but Chariots to carry us on with more pleasure and cheerfulness in the ways of our gracious God. The end ⟨p. 12⟩of deliverances is plainly seen, Luke 1.74, 75. That we being delivered from the hands of our enemies, may serve him without fear, in Righteousness and Holiness all the days of our lives. We are not delivered from enemies, to continue enemies to God; but an escape is given us from the hands of enemies, that we may resign up our selves into the hands of our God.
Our mercies are not beautiful Tombes in our way, wherewith we may delight our eyes; but Chariots to carry us on with more pleasure and cheerfulness in the ways of our gracious God. The end ⟨p. 12⟩of deliverances is plainly seen, Luke 1.74, 75. That we being delivered from the hands of our enemies, may serve him without fear, in Righteousness and Holiness all the days of our lives. We are not delivered from enemies, to continue enemies to God; but an escape is given us from the hands of enemies, that we may resign up our selves into the hands of our God.
When God prevents our becoming miserable preys to unmerciful foes, 'tis to oblige us ever to praise him with thankful Hearts and obedient lives, Psal. 105.37. He brought forth that people with silver and gold; spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night, v. 39. He brought quails, and satisfied them with bread from heaven; he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness, v. 43. And what was the design of all this favour? v. 45. That they might observe his Statutes, and keep his Laws. Although our mercies are Gods gifts, yet they greatly raise our debts. The favours we receive from our gracious God, are not as payments given to servants to discharge from work, but like the encouragements tender Parents give to Children, to increase their dutiful service and obedience. 'Tis promised.