A Divine Cordial

5. Desertion works for good, as it gives us a sight of what Jesus Christ suffered for us. If the sipping of the Cup be so bitter, how bitter was that which Christ drank upon the Cross? He drank a Cup of deadly poison, which made him cry out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? None can be so sensible of Christs sufferings, none can be so fired with love to Christ, as those who have been humbled by desertion, and have been held over the flames of Hell for a time.

5. Desertion works for good, as it gives us a sight of what Jesus Christ suffered for us. If the sipping of the Cup be so bitter, how bitter was that which Christ drank upon the Crosse? He drank a Cup of deadly poy•on, which made him cry out, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? None can be so sensible of Christs sufferings, none can be so fired with love to Christ, as those who have been humbled by desertion, and have been held over the flames of Hell for a time.

6. Desertion works for good, as it prepares the Saints for future com•ort: The nipping frosts prepare for spring flowers. 'Tis God's way, first to cast down, •hen to comfort, 2 Cor. 7.6. When our Saviour had been fasting, then came the Ang••• and ministered to him. When the Lord hath kept his people long fasting, then he sends the Comforter, and feeds them with the hidden Manna, Psal. 97.11. [Greek or Hebrew] Light is sown for the Righteous. The Saints comforts may be hid like seed under ground, but the seed is ripening, and will increase, and flourish into a Crop.

6. Desertion works for good, as it prepares the Saints for future com•ort: The nipping frosts prepare for spring flowers. 'Tis God's way, first to cast down, hen to comfort,