472 The Life of Faith. their tin ; to it is not unlike that (according to Gods ordina- ry way of punithing) it was alfa a natural ffelï of their exccfs. 8. it is a molt unfuitable thing to fuck great ¡inners as we are, whohave forfeited all our mercies, and are called fo loud topenitent humiliation ; when we thould turn to the Lord with all our hearts, with failing, weeping and mourning,to be then pleafingour heftily appetites with curiotities and excels, is'a fin that Godonce threatned in a terrible fort, Ifa.az. r 2, a ;. Fafting is in fuch cafes a duty of Gods appointment, Jae/ zj z. Lark; 2. 37. i Cor. 7.5. Cornelius hisfatting and alms-deeds came up before God, Ads-to. 30. Daniel was heard upon his fait, Lan. 9. 3. Chritt fatted when he entered folemnly on his work, Mattb. 4. And Come Devils would not be call out with- outfatting andprayer : And is luxury fit in fuch a cafe 9. Lattly, Remember what was laid before, that others are empty,while we are full: Thoufands need all that we can (pare: - And-they arc members of Chrift, and of the fame body- with us : And fo much as we wale on our appetite, or pride, fo much the lets we have togive. And he that feetb hie Brother inneed, andfhuttetb up his bowels ofcompafonfrom him (when hecannot deny fuperfluities to himfelf) bow dwelleth the Love ofGod in him ! When the poor we (hall have alwaies with us, that we may alwaies have exercife for our love : And he that glutteth his ownBeth to the full, and giveth the poor but the leavingsofhis lutt, if it were a thoufand pounda year that he giveth, mutt look for (mall reward from God, however he guy do good toothers. More particular Diret`ions may be as fslloweth. Dircei. t. Underhand well bow much thefl.fh in tbie lapfd fate is our enemy ; and how much gulofsty cloth tircngthen it agáinttus ; and howmuchof the work of grace lyeth in rejig., ing and overcoming it ; and what need we have to ferve the Spirit, and not to behelpers of the flcth : And the true conti- deration of theft things may do much, Gal. 5. t 7, t 8, t 9,a2,a3. Itom..8. 6, 7, 8,99ro,t3. Ditec . a. Set your [elves to the workof God according to your,; fcverai
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