A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

III. How it is dispensed on God's part, and how far it is required on ours; because every Heir of Promise cannot speak of these lively Comforts, those sweet and strong Consolations of the Spirit.

First, On God's part. There is a great deal of difference between Christians in respect of God's Dispensations.

1. Consider, Christ, though he loved all his Disciples, yet he did not use them all alike familiarly; some were more intimate with him, and were more in his Bosom. In his Transfiguration he takes with him Peter, James and John, Mat. 17.1. And when his Agonies came upon him in the Garden, he took the same Disciples with him, Mat. 26.37. Tho they were all dear to Christ, yet these were chosen out above others to be Witnesses of his Agonies and Transfiguration. So though all the Elect are dear to Christ, yet there are [Greek or Hebrew], the Elect of the Elect, some chosen out above others, with whom God will be more intimate and familiar. All the Saints, with respect to the substance of the Covenant, are alike beloved. Those poor Christians who were scattered throughout Pontus, Asia, Galatia, Cappadocia, ⟨p. 215⟩and Bithynia, had [Greek or Hebrew], like precious Faith with Peter the Apostle, 2 Pet. 1.1. A Jewel in the hand of a Man and of a Child is of the same value, though a Man holds it more firm and faster: So Faith being conversant about the same Object, the Righteousness of Christ, as to Acceptance with God, is alike precious; tho because some have a greater Faith, and hold the Jewel faster, God may more manifest himself to them, and be more intimate and familiar with them. We are all saved by the same Mercy, redeemed by the same Merit, and called to the same Grace and Glory for the substance of it; yet in degrees of Grace, and dispensations of Comfort, there is a vast difference: some are feasted with Loves, while others are exercised with Sorrows, trained up in a way of Duty without Comfort, their Apprehensions being more sad and doubtful, and their Comforts more dark and litigious: For Comfort is not absolutely necessary to Salvation, tho we should all aim at it. The highest degree of Comfort pleaseth Christ best; when our Joy is full, then Christ's Heart is most delighted;