when we be exerciy.withnaitny long dfflte-lions. 317 quickens and puts life into him. By faith the Saints have enduredcruell moc, ings andfeour ings,bondsaandimprifön- rrserits,tortures anddeath andin all theft weremore then con- querostrt, Faith is the fhieldof the fotile, ïvhereby it is defended againil all the fiery darts of the L.evili. W hen we are afiiaed , we (hall be tempted to i-rpatience , defpaire, doubting cifGods love, andthe ufe ofwicked meanes to helpe our(elves out oftrouble. The worldwill fòllowus with fcornes and taunts, as if God had forfaken us and would not arife for our helpe : Our owne corrupt hearts will be ready to ifart afide, repine, faint, queflion the Lordstruth and mercy : and * Sathanwill not bewanting to his opportunitywithall his might, malice, and fubtiltie to (educe, difcourage, or terrifie. When our Saviour was an hungred in the wildernefle, the tempter came unto him, andfail, If thou be the Sonne of God, command that theft /cones be madebread. Now feeing theburdenof afßic`fions is made moreheavyby temptations accompa- nying, we had neede to be well widerpropped with a lively faith, that wemight withf}and and repell the force of the Enemy. Faith onely fupplieth all our wants in afili6lion. He that pofï'effeth allearthly things in greaten profperity, and bath not fàith,hath nothingindeede much leffe the man that liveth in rnifery : but he that lives by faith wants no-' thing that is good, when miferies befet him on every fide. For the prefent riches ofa Chrifltian are the gracious and faithful' promifes of God, which faith poífeffeth, not looking to what wehave inhand, but what the Lord bath laidup in (lore ; and expe6leth to receive from God in fittea feafon, more afiuredly, then Wilehad it in his owne power toufe. \The Menofthis world trues their friends with their (locke or monk, and make account it is as ready at hand,as iftheyhad it in their owne potfewon:and fore it is, the true believer bath ju;f and good caufe to truR God rather then himfelfe, and to relie upon his word Helma,35,36 EpheE6,16, Pfa1.3.s.& 3 aJ: t.&3 5.15,116 Job.3o. I. *.i Thef.;. ç. Match. 4,. 3..
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