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

The Christian therefore is encouraged against evils, because God is his guard; he knoweth whilst he hath this buckler, he is shot-free, not to be pierced by any bullet; He covereth him with his feathers, and under his wings doth the Saint trust, Psal. 91.4. As the Hen secureth her young from the Kite and ravenous fowls by clucking them under her wing, and sheltering them there: so God doth undertake to be the protection of his people; and through his strength they can triumph over trials, and defy the greatest dangers. At destruction and famine they can laugh, Job 5, 22. and over the greatest crosses through him they are more then Conquerors, Rom. 8.35.

The Christian therefore is encouraged against evils, because God is his guard; he knoweth whilst he hath this buckter, he is shot-free, not to be pierced by any bullet; He covereth him with his feathers, and under his wings doth the Saint trust, Psal. 91.4. As the Hen secureth her young from the Kite and ravenous fowls by clucking them under her wing, and sheltering them there: so God doth undertake to be the protection of his people; and through his strength they can triumph over tryals, and defie the greatest dangers. At destruction and famine they can laugh, Job 5, 22. and over the greatest crosses through him they are more then Conquerours, Rom. 8.35.

2. As God is able to free from all evil, so to fill the soul with all good, ¹therefore is its happiness. That which beatifieth the reasonable creature, must undertake the removal of what is destructive, and the restoring to him whatsoever may be perfective. Weak nature must be supported, and empty nature must be supplied. Now the whole creation cannot be mans happiness, because it is unable both to defend him from evil, and to delight him with good. The comfort which ariseth from creatures is like the juice of some plums, which doth fill with wind, but yields no nourishment. He that sits at the worlds table, when it is most largely spread, and fairly furnished, and feedeth most heartily on its fare, is as one that dreameth he eats, and when he awakes lo he is hungry. The best noise of earthly Musicians can make but an empty sound, which may a little please the senses, but not in the least satisfy the soul. The world hath but small choice, and therefore makes us but small cheer; for as sick and squeazie stomachs, we are presently