The fiery trial no strange thing delivered in a sermon preached at Charlestown February…The fiery tryal no strange thing delivered in a sermon preached at Charlestown February…

These words are introductory to the discourse, and taken by ⟨p. 2⟩themselves (and we need not at present look further) do contain an Exhortation or Direction, how to entertain the great Trials that were like to come upon them; or rather a caution and negative injunction, or a prohibition, respecting the observation they should make of, and inference they might draw from those troubles. In the words observe.

These words are introductory to the discourse, and taken by ⟨p. 2⟩themselves (and we need not at present look further) do contain an Exhortation or Direction, how to entertain the great Tryals that were like to come upon them; or rather a caution and negative injunction, or a prohibition, respecting the observation they should make of, and inference they might draw from those troubles. In the words observe.

1. The Compellation, Beloved: The afflictions of the Saints should not alienate our affections from them, or render them any whit less amiable in our eyes: there is no reason why our love should abate, or hearts grow strange to the people of God, because they are persecuted and hated by the World. Jesus Christ loves them, and declares them blessed, Mat. 5. 10. and if they are beloved by Christ, they deserve it of us, if we would be like him: nay their sufferings are for Christ, and on that score ought they to be dear to us, as they stand up for his honour: nay and they are for the Church of Christ too, Col. 1. 24. we have our share in the benefit, which challengeth for them a share in our love.