Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity,…

But as Grace raises men much higher; so it maintains it even when there is nothing to encourage without; when forsaken of all Creatures, and visible supports, 2 Tim. 4.10. and this it doth three ways: (1) By giving him that hath it a view of far greater things, which shrinks up all temporary things, and makes them appear but trifles and small matters, Rom. 8.18. 2 Cor. 4.18. By Grace a man rises with Christ, Col. 3.1. It sets him upon his high places, and thence he looks down upon things below, as very poor and inconsiderable. The great Cities of Campania seem but little spots to them that stand on the top of the Alps. (2) By teaching him to value and measure all things by another Rule than he was wont to do. He did once measure life, liberty, riches, honours, by sense and ⟨p. 44⟩time; and then they seemed great things, and it was hard to deny them; or thus to slight them; but now he values and measures all by Faith and Eternity; and esteems nothing great and excellent, but what hath a reference to the Glory of God, and an influence into Eternity. (3) Grace raises and ennobles the Spirit thus, because it is the Divine Nature; 'tis the Spirit of Christ infused into a poor Worm, which makes a strange alteration on him, transforms him into another manner of person; as much difference betwixt his Spirit now, and what it was, as betwixt the Spirit of a Child that is filled with small matters, and taken up with Toys; and of a grave States-man, that is daily employed about the Grand Affairs of a Kingdom.

But as Grace raises men much higher; so it maintains it even when there is nothing to encourage without; when forsaken of all Creatures, and visible supports, 2 Tim. 4.10. and this it doth three ways: (1) By giving him that hath it a view of far greater things, which shrinks up all temporary things, and makes them appear but trifles and small matters, Rom. 8.18