EccleC4..6. What it is tolivebyFaith concerning ranger to the comforts of godlineffe, terrified with the remembrance ofdeath, ready to faintat the apprehenfìon of trouble and danger, and continually difquieted with afeares and doubts touching mine owne falvation, ifthe worldwith the things thereof have not cal me into the fleepeoffecurity for a feafon. The flothfùll man isjuflly condemned, whohad rather ftarve in Summer for lacke ofbread, thenplough in winter becaufe ofthe cold : We cenfure him that had rather goe lame and crooked as long as he liveth, then be at a little paine to movean aking joynr. He is worthilyaccounted improvident, who neg_ letting togather in his writings, or fue out fine and reco- verie, will hazard the loffe ofhis owne inheritance. My folly bath exceeded herein, who to live in peace andquiet with finne, have impoveri(hed my foule, impairedmy ffocke ofgrace, wounded my confcience, deprivedmy felfeof many rich priviledges ofgrace, which I might have enjoyed, weakened my title tomine everlafting in- heritance, and beetle contented to creepe feebly towards . the heavenly Canaan ; thinking it better to keepe where I was with quiet, then to make my condition, by f}ill dealing with my felfe too too refileffe. The fluggards fhameleffe excufe bath fearfully bewitched me; Better is anbandftili with e e, fe, then both handsfall with travefl and vexation of fpirit. The more excellent the inheritanceI hope for is, the more deteflable is my fluggifhneffe and folly, that Ihave not earnestly fought to make it fure unto my felfe, and entred pofietfion thereof fo farm as in this life is givenofgrace. Secondly, Wemutt incite andflirre up our felves to re- ceive thepromifesofeverlaf'cing life, by confideration of the freeand richgrace of God, his troth and faithfulneffe; thefafficiencieof Chrifls merits;and greatneffe, excellen. cie, and worth of the benefit promifed. Awake, my foule, why fleepeff thou ; arife, and lay hold upon the promifes oflife, which Godofhis great mercy in Jefus Chrift doth offer unto thee in the Cofpell. be not dif- aaaayed
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=