$ertn 5 when 'Inward And outward Troubles meet ? 363 2. Some Cordials, Refloratives, and Therapenticksfor the Cure 'of the malady when it is come ; 1 fhall endeavour by the Grace of God to help you in thefe two Cafes, and conclude. r. Then for Direction by way of Preparation. I. Labour to be well feen in points of faving knowledge, efpecial- Direct. I. ly Fundamentals. Ignorance I told you was the caufe of Soul- diftrefs, and it is fo : the impregnableimpediment of comfort moll -what in the Godly ; they are not thraughly 'informed , they do not underfland themfelves well in the matter of theCovenant of Grace, the Do- &rive, way, benefit, terms, of it, and the miflakes about it ; if they were clear in thefe things, they would have a fairer way to comfort, and more eafïlygoto the wells of Salvation to draw water of life at any even the darkefl time our Saviour prefcribes this receipt in john 16. 3 3 Thefe things have I toldyou, &c. ( viz,. the great things of the Gofpe', fuch as tho fe, verf 28. That I came from the Father, i.e. to purchafe all, and Igo to the Father, i. e. to procure and apply all) thefe things fay the Difciples thou haft fpoken plainly , thou haft given us clear evidence and full information of thefe, &c. points of know- ledge : And what advantage did Chrifls teaching and their learning and underftanding of thefe great matters tend to ? Thar is me ye might have peace (when) in the World ye fhall have tribulation. Chrifl had promiled he would not leave them comfortlefs, 7012. 14. 18. and this is the courfe he takes, and the way he puts the Difciples into, to pre- vent or prepare for Tribulation, that it might not fpoil them of their inward peace, viz. Inf}ru &ion and know lédge. O I the Lord give you with utmoft diligence to follow on to know, and to work in what you know into your hearts ; So (hall you have that within you, which (in dependence on Chrifl in the many points well underflood) will be of fingular ufe, and advantage, to quiet and compofe your Spirits in all your Troubles and Languifhments; grounds of knowledge are grounds of fupport and comfort. z. In order to the forenamed fecond caufe of this diftemper, be Pure Direéf. 2 you be dole with, and often taking bold on God by renewed ads of Faith. My Brethren, Faith is not to be ailed only at fini, for our en- trance into the State of Grace, but 'cis our duty and wifdom, to carry on the exercife of Faith for our continuance , and progrefs in that fiate, and paffage through all chofe temptations, difficulties, oppofiti- ons, difcouragements we are to meet withall therein : Faith and Pray- er mull be as the breathing of our Souls in and out,to keep the heart in life, the juff ¡hall live (i. e. tvery part, degree, and at of life) by his A a a Faith;
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