The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

Upon a twofold account, the exercise of patience is very requite in the present case, viz. both in respect of this very expectation it self, and also in respect of the concomitant miseries of this expecting state. In the former respect, an absent good, is the matter of our patience; in the latter, present and incumbent evil. It falls more directly, in our way to speak to the exercise ⟨p. 374⟩of patience upon the former account, yet as to the latter (though it be more collateral as to our present purpose) it cannot be unseasonable, briefly to consider that also.

First, Therefore, the very expectation it self of this blessedness, renders patience very requisite to our present state. Patience hath as proper and necessary an exercise, in expecting the good we want and desire, as in enduring the evil, that is actually upon us. The direction (it must be remembered) intends such only, as apprehend, and desire this blessedness as their greatest good, whose souls are transported with earnest longings, fully to enjoy what they have foretasted. I am apprehensive enough that others need it not. There is no use of patience in expecting what we desire not.

First, Therefore, the very expectation it self of this blessedness, renders patience very requisite to our present state. Patience hath as proper and necessary an exercise, in expecting the good we want and desire, as in enduring the evil, that is actually upon us. The direction (it must be remembred) intends such onely, as apprehend, and desire this blessedness as their greatest good, whose souls are transported with earnest longings, fully to enjoy what they have foretasted. I am apprehensive enough that others need it not. There is no use of patience in expecting what we desire not.