A49252:198
The natural mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man…The naturall mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man…
The natural mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man considered in both his capacities, either in the state of nature or grace / as is laid down in XVII sermons by that late truly orthodox divine, Mr. Christopher Love ... ; whereunto is annexed The saints triumph over death, being his funeral sermon, by that painful labourer in the Lords vineyard, Mr. Tho. Manton ...The naturall mans case stated, or, An exact map of the little world man considered in both his capacities, either in the state of nature or grace / as is laid down in XVII sermons by that late truely orthodox divine, Mr. Christopher Love ... ; whereunto is annexed The saints triumph over death, being his funeral sermon, by that painful labourer in the Lords vineyard, Mr. Tho. Manton ...
London: printed by E. Cotes for George Eversden, 1652
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.
4. All you that have an interest in Christ, take this for your comfort, that the having of Christ is that which will sweeten all the crosses and afflictions, and adverse conditions that you meet withal here in this world; the having of Christ will sweeten every trouble, as I told you before; what the tree was to the waters of Marah, that Christ will be to every sad and dejected soul in every troublesome condition, the waters of Marah were so exceeding 1bitter none could drink of them, but when the tree was cast into the waters then they became sweet: Why so it may be thy condition here in this world is as the waters of Marah, full of bitterness and sorrow, and trouble and affliction, but now do but cast this tree of life, the Lord Jesus, into these waters, and then ⟨p. 76⟩this will convert them from waters of Marah, bitter and troublesome, to be rivers of joy and streams of comfort. Christ will be to thy soul as the honey in the Lions belly was to Samson, it became good for food to feed upon; it may be afflictions and 2troubles may come in upon thee like a roaring Lion, but Christ is as the honey in this Lion, that sweetens all thy sorrows and makes them advantageous and comfortable for thee. I might apply to this purpose what an Author observes concerning the water of the Sea, it is very salt in its self, but when it comes to run through the bowels of the earth, it then loseth its saltness and becomes pleasant; why so though thy condition here in the world be full of sharp and sore afflictions, yet when these come to run through Christ, he sweetens them all unto thee. Great is your comfort in having an interest in Christ, for this is that which sweetens all the crosses and troubles you meet withal here in the world: and (Beloved) do but seriously consider of it, and let me a little reason the case with you, What though thou mayst feed upon the bread of sorrow, yet how canst thou be uncomfortable, when withal thou feedest upon the bread of life the Lord Jesus Christ? What though thou mayest drink the water of affliction and wine of astonishment, yet how ⟨p. 77⟩canst thou be uncomfortable, so long as thou dost drink drops of Christs blood? What though you have not a house to put your head in, yet let this be your comfort, that you have a house preserved for you, a building not made with hands, eternal in the heavens: