2 90 Spiritual Perfec`fion. the pofrefs'd Perfon in the Gofpel, that the evil Spirit made tali of his Tongue to repue our Saviour, that he would not tor- ment him ; that is, not expel him from his habitation. Thus the Carnal part, incens'd by the Tempter, is often clamo- rous to obtain as a Benefit, that which would be hurtful to the Soul, and God is merciful in the denyal. We know not what to ask, but our Heavenly Father knows what to give. Sometimes God beflows equivalent or better Bleffings than what his Children pray for. If God gives Contentment with Poverty, 'tis equivalent to Riches ; if Patience withSicknefs, 'tis better than Health if eternal Life in Heaven, 'tis infinitely better than a long Life onEarth. He did not preferve the Martyrs from Afartyrns:m the Flames, nor forfake them in the eriputt, nunquid defcrtat ? Flames, but inthofe fiery Chariots con- vey'd them to Heaven. Briefly, God never denies or delays to grant the Petitions of his Children, but for a greater Good to them : He always hears their main Defires ; that is, be- flows filch Bleffings as are moll condu- cive for his Glory, and their Good. This is the principal Petition of the Saints, in conformity to Chrifl in his exigency ; he prayed to be faved from the approaching hour_of his terrible fuferings ; but fubor- dínately
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