The Godly Man's Picture

Use 3. This Text is a spiritual honey-comb,¹ dropping consolation into all bruised hearts;² as in the body, when there is a Lipothimy, or fainting of the vital spirits, we apply cordials; so when sinners are bruised for their sins, I shall give them some cordial-water to revive them: This text is comfortable to a poor soul, who sits with Job among the Ashes, and is dejected in the sense of its unworthiness: Ah! saith the soul, I am unworthy of mercy, what am I, that ever God should look upon me? those who have greater parts and Graces, perhaps may obtain a look from God, but alas! I am unworthy; doth thy unworthiness trouble thee? what more unworthy than a bruised reed? yet there is a promise made to that, a bruised reed he will not break▪ the promise is not made to the Fig-tree, or Olive, which are fertile plants, but to the Bruised reed: Though thou art despicable in thy own eyes, a poor shattered reed, yet thou mayest be glorious in the eyes of the Lord; let not thy unworthiness discourage thee; if thou seest thy self vile, and Christ precious, this promise is thine, Christ will not break thee, but will bind up thy wounds.

Use 3. This Text is a spiritual hony-comb,¹ dropping consolation into all bruised hearts;² as in the body, when there is a Lipothimy, or fainting of the vital spirits, we apply cordials; so when sinners are bruised for their sins, I shall give them some cordial-water to revive them: This text is comfortable to a poor soul, who sits with Iob among the Ashes, and is dejected in the sense of its unworthiness: Ah! saith the soul, I am unworthy of mercy, what am I, that ever God should look upon me? those who have greater parts and Graces, perhaps may obtain a look from God, but alas! I am unworthy; doth thy unworthiness trouble thee? what more unworthy than a bruised reed? yet there is a promise made to that, a bruised reed he will not break▪ the promise is not made to the Fig-tree, or Olive, which are fertile plants, but to the Bruised reed: Though thou art despicable in thy own eyes, a poor shattered reed, yet thou mayest be glorious in the eyes of the Lord; let not thy unworthiness discourage thee; if thou seest thy self vile, and Christ pretious, this promise is thine, Christ will not break thee, but will binde up thy wounds.