But then it is required, that there be the same Spirit in us as was in them, whose Examples are proposed unto us. Let the examples of persons Valiant and Heroical, in their great and noble Actions be set before men of a weak and pusillanimous nature or temper, and you will amaze or affright but not at all encourage them. Now the Spirit and Principle wherewith the Worthies of God, whose Example is set before us were acted withal, was that of Faith. In vain should we encourage any unto a following or imitation of them, who hath not the same Spirit and Principle. This the Apostle requireth hereunto, 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of Faith according as it is written, I believed and therefore have I spoken; we also believe and therefore speak. Had we not the same Spirit of Faith with them, we could not do as they did. And we may take a Trial hereby whether our Faith be genuine or no. For if their Examples move us not, excite us not, unto the like Duties of Obedience with them, it is an evidence that we have not the same Spirit of Faith with them. As the Courage of a Valiant man is inflamed by a noble Example, when a Coward shrinks back and trembles at it. On this supposition there is great force in that direction, Jam. 5. 10. Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an Example of Suffering, ⟨p. 133⟩Affliction and Patience. Let a Minister of the Gospel who is made partaker in his measure of the same Spirit, consider how Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, and the rest of those Holy Souls who spake in the name of the Lord, carried themselves under their Afflictions and Trials, and it will inflame his Heart to engage cheerfully in the like Conflicts. (3) These Examples are so represented unto us, as plainly to discover and point out where our Dangers lye on the one hand, and where our Assistance and Relief lye on the other. These two rightly considered and understood in all our Duties, will give us the best directions we can possibly receive. When we know our Dangers and our Reliefs aright, we are half way through our Difficulties. When these are out of mind, when we know them not, on every occasion we fall under surprisals and troubles.
But then it is required, that there be the same Spirit in us as was in them, whose Examples are proposed unto us. Let the examples of persons Valiant and Heroical, in their great and noble Actions be set before men of a weak and pusillanimous nature or temper, and you will amaze or affright but not at all encourage them. Now the Spirit and Principle wherewith the Worthies of God, whose Example is set before us were acted withall, was that of Faith. In vain should we encourage any unto a following or imitation of them, who hath not the same Spirit and Principle. This the Apostle requireth hereunto, 2 Cor. 4. 13. We having the same Spirit of Faith according as it is written, I believed and therefore have I spoken; we also believe and therefore speak. Had we not the same Spirit of Faith with them, we could not do as they did. And we may take a Trial hereby whether our Faith be genuine or no. For if their Examples move us not, excite us not, unto the like Duties of Obedience with them, it is an evidence that we have not the same Spirit of Faith with them. As the Courage of a Valiant man is enflamed by a noble Example, when a Coward shrinks back and trembles at it. On this supposition there is great force in that direction, Jam. 5. 10. Take my Brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an Example of Suffering, ⟨p. 133⟩Affliction and Patience. Let a Minister of the Gospel who is made partaker in his measure of the same Spirit, conside how Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, and the rest of those Holy Souls who spake in the name of the Lord, carried themselves under their Afflictions and Trials, and it will inflame his Heart to ingage chearfully in the like Conflicts. (3) These Examples are so represented unto us, as plainly to discover and point out where our Dangers lye on the one hand, and where our Assistance and Relief lye on the other. These two rightly considered and understood in all our Duties, will give us the best directions we can possibly receive. When we know our Dangers and our Reliefs aright, we are half way through our Difficulties. When these are out of mind, when we know them not, on every occasion we fall under surprisals and troubles.
