Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

This is a great matter of comfort, and a reason why we should be strong in the Lord, because the Lord hath alway done so for others, there was never any that went away disappointed, but sped of that they sought for. Now if a man should hear a report of a fountain, that were excellent to cure such diseases: the man before he goes perhaps he hath no great conceit or opinion of it, but yet he will try: but all the way as he goes he meets with companies that come running one after another, and they tell him that they went as diseased as he, and he hears no news to the contrary at any hand, but they all agree that they are perfectly sound: this man will not imagine his case to be worse then the rest. So brethren, if you lock back and consider all the examples of the children of God in all ages, if you hear but of one man that trusted in the Lord, and was not delivered, and supported, then let all this fall to the ground, let all we have said be accounted nothing: but if the Lord have never ⟨p. 332⟩disappointed any, let it be acknowledged as a truth, and encourage us to come to him.

Again, more particularly, consider what he hath done ¹for us since we knew him, and were acquainted with him, since we came under his Government and protection. I make no question but he that hath had the hardest measure, he that hath felt the worst since he came into the world, yet he hath had some pledge of Gods mercy and favour towards him. Now this course we ought to take at all times, when we receive any favour as a pledge of Gods love, we should lay it up in our store-house and treasury. For the pledges of Gods love there is a double use to be made of them; Carnal, natural men go without that which is best, and most comfortable; for the present use it may be what they take, that is welcome; for God delivers them out of sickness, out of fear, &c. to a better estate and favour. Now a godly man besides the present comfort should lay up the things themselves. For there will be a day and time of necessity when we shall need these comforts, to strengthen our hearts. For always the Lord deals not alike, he gives not alway a full cup, now it is necessary that a man should be provided with grounds of comfort for a day of need. In