A55748:275
The mystical match between Christ and his churchThe mysticall match between Christ and his church
The mystical match between Christ and his church by the late learned and reverend divine, John Preston ... The leading sermon to that treatise of his called The churches marriage.The mysticall match between Christ and his church by the late learned and reverend divine, John Preston ... The leading sermon to that treatise of his called The churches marriage.
London: printed for Francis Eaglesfield, 1648
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.
Thirdly, you must ask in faith, that is added 1in S. James, 1. 6. So as to rest and rely upon him. Thus he commanded his Disciples, that when they should be brought before Councils and rulers of the Synagogues, they should take no thought what to say, what was the reason but this, I will have you rest upon me, for guidance and assistance? at that time I will suggest to you whatsoever is needful upon such an occasion. ⟨p. 128⟩Now though that was extraordinary, yet it holds thus far in ordinary times and cases, that though you may use the best means you can, and take the best consultations, yet so as still to trust more to your prayers, and on God for wisdom and direction, then to your own consultations, and the means which you have used, say as Jehoshaphat did, although we use means, yet our eyes are toward thee; it is a prevalent argument which Asa used to the Lord, 2 Chron. 14. 11. Lord (saith he) it is nothing with thee to help with many, or with no power, 2help us O Lord our God, for we rest on thee, and in thy name are we come against this great multitude. As if he should say, I have provided an army, made all things ready, but I rest upon thee for help; therefore the Lord was present with him, gave him the victory: so we should go to the Lord and say, we have used the counsel of our best friends, and the best means we can, but yet our eyes are towards thee, and we rest on thee for direction in this case. If a man thus resteth upon God, he may say, if I be deceived, the Lord deceiveth me. If thou trustest not to the Lord, he may fail thee, for he is not bound to direct and to guide thee: it fareth with us, as with those that came to ask questions of our Saviour, curious ones; the Lord sent them away without an answer, kept himself reserved: so if we come to ask, not with resolution to rest upon the Lord, and in confidence he will direct us, we shall go without: Isay, 7. The Lord hath promised deliverance 3to Ahaz, yet tells him, if you will ⟨p. 129⟩