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

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.

But as to those who desire it most, and who therefore are most concerned in this advice; It may possibly become a doubt; how, since there is sin in our present ignorance of God, and unlikeness to him, this can be the matter of any patience.

We must therefore know, that as our knowledge of God, and conformity to him are both our duty, and blessedness; the matter both of our endeavour, and of Gods vouchsafement. So our ignorance of him, and unlikeness to him, are both our sin, and our misery; which misery, though God have graciously removed it in part, yet also he continues it upon us in part (as our sad experience tells us) by his just, and wise dispensation, which we cannot except against.