Chap. 3 8. An Bxpof:tion upon the Berk.or J o a. Verf. 3. Obferve ; God is ready to revive poor and a0ed fouls when they are inany diflrefs. He knows how it is with us , and he will not fuller any tem- ptation to take hold of us , but fuch as he will give flrength to bear, and encourage us in the bearing of it. He faith to fainting ones (as here) Come gird up your loins , or as (Heb. 12.170 Lift up the hands which bang down , and the feeble knees. Secondly , Take the words in that other general notion, God calling Pb to agreat bufinefs ,, faith , Girdup thy loins, pre- pare thy Pelf. VVhence, Note ; We need of ual preparation before any, du e eìafl p eity , Y before great duties. Never go about any work without your loins girt, h an whofe mind is ungirt, is unready for any fervice , may have much outward readinefs , and all manner of accorrnoda- tions for it. VVhen we pray , we fhould gird up our lois in co payer. The Prophet complained (f 64. Surely )ñT they calls upon thy Name. VVhat none at all 2 were not come to that height of Prophanenefs, as to throw up, or to throw off prayer quite. Many among the Jews, I may fay all of them prayed , but they did not gird up their loins to prayer: That's fully the Prophets meaning , and almof} his language in the next words , There is none that ftirreth up bimfelf to toikeih ld of thee. It is not enough to have a habit of grace , flirred up to duty', or unlefs we beak our (elves in duty. of The Apoflle exhorts Timothy (2Ep. 1.6. it up th gift td , and that is in thee. if fire be not flirtedup, grows littleor noheat 'cis fowith our gifts and graces. There- fore in prayer , in hearing the VVord , &c. gird up the loins of your mind , if you would either do any good in chofe duties, or get any. He that lies upon a lick-bed , mull gird up the loins of his mind to bear his affliaion; elfe he will never profit by i , nor anfwer the ends of God init. No grace can be exercifed'by a foul ungirded : Therefore remember St. Peters counfel (t Ep. I a.), Gird up the loins of your ey,,'nd be fiber and hope to the 37
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