The fading of the flesh and flourishing of faith, or, One cast for eternity…

That the comfort of a Christian in his saddest condition is this; That God is his portion. The Psalmists condition was very sad, his Flesh failed him. ¹Mans Spirit often decays with his flesh: The Spirits and blood are let out together. His Heart fell with his flesh; but what was the strong cordial which kept him from swooning at such a season? Truly this, But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Aristotle affirmeth of the Tortoise that it liveth when its heart is taken away. The holy man here liveth when his heart dyeth. As the Sap in winter retreateth to the root, and there is preserved, so the Saint in crosses, in death retireth to God, the Fountain of his life, and so is comforted. David when his Wives were captivated, his wealth plundered, and his very life threatened (for the Soldiers talked ⟨p. 106⟩of Stoning him) was doubtless in a very dreadful estate; one would have thought such an heavy burden, must needs break his back; but behold, the joy of the Lord was his strength; But David encouraged his heart in the Lord his God. 1 Sam. 30.6. When the Table of earthly comforts (which for a long time at best, had been but indifferently spread for him) was quite empty, he fetcheth sweet-meats out of his Heavenly Closet. But David encouraged his heart in the Lord his God. Methodius reporteth of the Plant Pyragnus that it flourisheth in the flames of Olympus. Christians (as the Salamander) may live in the greatest fire of affliction, at this day; And (as the three Children) may sing when the whole world shall be in a flame at the last day. They are by the Spirit of God compared to Palm-trees (Psalm. 92.12.) which though many weights are hanging on the top, and much drought be at the bottom, are neither (say some Naturalists) born down nor dried up. This nightingale may warble out her pleasant notes with the sharpest thorn at her breast.

That the comfort of a Christian in his saddest condition is this; That God is his portion. The Psalmists condition was very sad, his Flesh failed him. ¹Mans Spirit often decayes with his flesh: The Spirits and blood are let out together. His Heart fell with his flesh; but what was the strong cordial which kept him from swooning at such a season? Truly this, But God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Aristotle affirmeth of the Tortoys that it liveth when its heart is taken away. The holy man here liveth when his heart dyeth. As the Sap in winter retreateth to the root, and there is preserved, so the Saint in crosses, in death retireth to God, the Fountain of his life, and so is comforted. David when his Wives were captivated, his wealth plundred, and his very life threatned (for the Souldiers talked