A44666:344
The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /
The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 / by John Howe ...The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 / by John Howe ...
printed by Sarah Griffin for Samuel Thomson, 1668
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 we know that our God doth whatsoever ⟨p. 143⟩pleaseth him both in heaven and earth; and that he doth all according to the wise counsel of his holy will; freely, not fatally upon the eternal prevision, and foresight of all circumstances and events, so that nothing can occur that is new to him; nothing that he knows not how to improve to good; or that can therefore infer any alteration of his counsels; or occasion to him the least perturbation, or disquiet in reference to them.
Holy souls begin, herein, to imitate him; as soon as they first give themselves up to his wise and gracious conduct. 'Tis enough that he is wise for himself and them. Their hearts safely trust in him. They commit themselves with unsolicitous confidence, to his guidance, knowing he cannot himself be mis-led, and that he will not mis-lead them. As Abraham followed him, not knowing whether he went: and thus by faith, they enter into his rest.
Holy souls begin, herein, to imitate him; as soon as they first give themselves up to his wise and gracious conduct. 'Tis enough that he is wise for himself and them. Their hearts safely trust in him. They commit themselves with unsollicitous confidence, to his guidance, knowing he cannot himself be mis-led, and that he will not mis-lead them. As Abraham folled him, not knowing whether he went: and thus by faith, they enter into his rest.
They do, now, in their present state, only enter into it; or hover about the borders. Their future assimilation to God in this; gives them a stated settlement of Spirit in this rest. They before did owe their tranquillity to their faith, now to their actual fruition. Their former acquiescence, and sedate temper was hence, that they believed God would deal well with them at last; their present, for that he hath done so. Those words have now their fullest sense (both as to the rest it self, which they mention; and the season of it) Return to thy rest,