A55752:1071
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.
Again, whereas you say, you have not that great strength of spirit wrought in you. It is no great matter; for the present, the Lord doth not call you to these troubles, he puts you not upon that service. You must know that such things as these, that strengthen the spirit, God gives them not to boast of. If a man had them now, what would he do? he would boast of them; such excellent gifts as these are not for this purpose, but for our use and Gods glory. We must look for this to be done in the day of necessity, when we have need of it. Then we shall be just in the case of Sampson, Judg. 16. after his hair was cut off, the Lord departed from him, and he 1was as another man: yet when the Lord had another piece of business for him, at that time the Lord restored his strength, and so he pulled the beams, and supports, and pillars of the house upon the Philistines heads. So the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour, Mat. 10. It is said, In that very hour, when you are brought before Rulers, be not careful what you shall answer, for in that hour it shall be given you. Now if a man had come before that hour and time, surely the Apostles had been but like other men, they could have said no more for themselves, they could no more have convinced their adversaries, &c. but the Lord promised to give it in that hour. So brethren, this is a ground of comfort, God will work strength in that hour, in the time of affliction, the Lord sees we may do him service in that day, and therefore he will make us strong.
Again, whereas you say, you have not that great strength of spirit wrought in you. It is no great matter; for the present, the Lord doth not call you to these troubles, he puts you not upon that service. You must know that such things as these, that strengthen the spirit, God gives them not to boast of. If a man had them now, what would he do? he would boast of them; such excellent gifts as these are not for this purpose, but for our use and Gods glory. We must look for this to be done in the day of necessity, when we have need of it. Then we shall be just in the case of Sampson, Iudg. 16. after his hair was cut off, the Lord departed from him, and he 1