N00802:2003
The truly blessed man
The truly blessed man: or, The way to be happy here, and for ever: being the substance of divers sermons preached on, Psalm XXXII. / By Samuel Willard, teacher of a church in Boston. N.E. ; [Five lines from Isaiah]
printed by B. Green for Michael Perry, 1700
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. See how light all outward afflictions are, compared with that which you have to rejoice in. If we look upon them alone, they will stir up aggravating thoughts of them, and the burden will grow heavy, and begin to sink us, but if we entertain thoughts of the bitterness of them, with the consideration of what is secured to us in Christ, it will outweigh them, and shrink them up, 2 Cor 4 16, 17.
1. See how light all outward afflictions are, compared with that which you have to rejoyce in. If we look upon them alone, they will stir up aggravating thoughts of them, and the burden will grow heavy, and begin to sink us, but if we entertain thoughts of the bitterness of them, with the consideration of what is secured to us in Christ, it will outweigh them, and shrink them up, 2 Cor 4 16, 17.
2. Believe that these also shall turn to your account. That although they be not joyous but grievous, yet they are profitable, and will bring forth precious fruits, Heb. 1•.11. They are bitter pills, but they will purge ⟨p. 648⟩out the malignity that is in you, Isa. 27 9. And they are managed in that hand that will govern the operation, and give them the assured good effect; so that in the issue you will have cause to acknowledge Gods goodness and faithfulness in them, Psal. 119.71, 75. Believe this for the present, and rejoice in the assured hope of it.
2. Believe that these also shall turn to your account. That al•hough they be not joyous but grievous, yet they are profitable, and will bring forth precious fruits,