This I write, beloved in the Lord, that ye knowing the Word of God not only to be that,1 whereby were created heaven and earth, but also to be the power of God to salvation,2 to all that believe; the bright lantern to the feet of those that by nature walk in darkness; the life to those that by sin are dead; a comfort to such as be in tribulation; the tower of defence to such as be most feeble; the wisdom and great felicity of such as delighteth in the same; and to be short, You know Gods Word to be of such efficacy and strength, that thereby is sin ⟨p. 64⟩purged, death vanquished, tyrants suppressed, and finally, the devil the author of all mischief, overthrown and confounded. This (I say) I write, that ye, knowing this of the holy Word, and most blessed Gospel and voice of God (which once you have heard, I trust, to your comfort) may now in this hour of darkness, and most raging tempest, thirst and pray, That ye may hear yet once again this amiable voice of your Saviour Christ, Be of good comfort, it is I, fear not. And also that ye may receive some consolation by that blessed Gospel which before you have professed, assuredly knowing, That God shall be no less merciful unto you, then he hath been to other afflicted for his Names sake before you. And albeit that God speedily removeth not this horrible darkness, neither suddenly pacifieth this tempest, yet shall he not suffer his tossed Ship to be drowned.
This I write, beloved in the Lord, that ye knowing the Word of God not onely to be that,1 whereby were created heaven and earth, but also to be the power of God to salvation,2 to all that believe; the bright lantern to the feet of those that by nature walk in darknesse; the life to those that by sinne are dead; a comfort to such as be in tribulation; the tower of defence to such as be most feeble; the wisedom and great felicity of such as delighteth in the same; and to be short, You know Gods Word to be of such efficacy and strength, that thereby is sin ⟨p. 64⟩purged, death vanquished, tyrants suppressed, and finally, the devill the author of all mischief, overthrown and confounded. This (I say) I write, that ye, knowing this of the holy Word, and most blessed Gospel and voyce of God (which once you have heard, I trust, to your comfort) may now in this hour of darknesse, and most raging tempest, thirst and pray, That ye may hear yet once again this amiable voyce of your Saviour Christ, Be of good comfort, it is I, fear not. And also that ye may receive some consolation by that blessed Gospel which before you have professed, assuredly knowing, That God shall be no lesse mercifull unto you, then he hath been to other afflicted for his Names sake before you. And albeit that God speedily removeth not this horrible darknesse, neither suddenly pacifieth this tempest, yet shall he not suffer his tossed Ship to be drowned.
- 1Rom. 1. Psal. 119.
- 2The power and effectual operation of Gods Word.The power and eff•ctuall operation of Gods Word.
