A55752:1038
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...
London: printed by J.T., 1658
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.
The fifth means we must add, which ought to take place before any other, and that is it which the Apostle speaks of, Ephes. 6 10. be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might: What is that? that is account and esteem the power of the Lord as your own. Now if a man had so much strength, and power of his own as the Lord hath, he would make no question that any man should be able to encounter with him, or any trouble or temptation in the world. Now if we were persuaded that the power and strength that God hath, were ours, that he would be ready to put it out for our comfort and deliverance that would stablish our hearts; as David saith, be strong and he shall stablish your hearts: be strong, and rely on him, and then that will strengthen, and stablish your hearts.
The fifth means we must add, which ought to take place before any other, and that is it which the Apostle speaks of, Ephes. 6 10. be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might: What is that? that is account and esteem the power of the Lord as your own. Now if a man had so much strength, and power of his own as the Lord hath, he would make no question that any man should be able to encounter with him, or any trouble or temptation in the world. Now if we were perswaded that the power and strength that God hath, were ours, that he would be ready to put it out for our comfort and deliverance that would stablish our hearts; as David saith, be strong and he shall stablish your hearts: be strong, and relie on him, and then that will strengthen, and stablish your hearts.
And here before we enter into conflict with trouble, take heed that we do not strengthen our selves in other things: this breeds a man much vexation of spirit in the day of fear and danger; because he gives his heart to rely upon a broken staff, the arm of flesh, and when these come to break, and disappoint him, he falls to the ground. Therefore, my brethren, however we be provided in regard of second means against the time of trial, as for example, it may be we have healthful bodies, good estates, and are full of friends in this country, and in foreign countries, where we may betake our selves whatever may happen; yet we must look on these things as David did on his sword and his bow when he went to the battle, I