C H A P.4. Epipe to the Tbcffalonians. VaR. a I .12. more good by profefon, or hurt by vnholy life, is h and to determine: or rather eafie to proue, they bring more prejudice be their licencioulnefre to the proceedings of the Gofpell, then thoufarids of' other can procure furthe- rance by their gracious behauiour. I lay not but it is Gods iudgement on them that are offended, and farther eftranged ; but it is the fearful! (Inne of thole that occafi- on their alienation ; and g woe to that man by whom the of- fence commeth. And that yee may base lacke of nothing. A fecond fruit of diligence; preuention ofwant, comfortable furni thing our felues with all expedient comforts of life : Such blef- fngfollows diligence, by the ble ling and promife of God. The hand of the diligent , faith Salomon, h fall hale plenty, at leaft fufficiency , plenty proportionate to his efîate like promifes Solomon hash many to incourage to Paine. fulneffe. Their accompli(hment,as all other made of temporal - ties, is ordinary cnely ; it may bee fayling in fome few particulars. Truth is, thebleflings of this life,fihft,are not promifedabfolutely, but with limitation to expedience: fecondly, with referuation of power to the promiler. Firíi , tochaf en our fieppings alide. Secondly, to try our faith: patience, linceriry in obedience. Thirdly, are ac- complifhed, not alwayes in the particular promifed, but fòmerimes in the eguinalent, and by a commutation itt melirea. Howbeit, ordinarily it is true : the diligent are fedde with i food conuenientfor them; and rare are the ex- amples of men ,diligent in their bufinefTe,that haue beene deftitute of necefrary prouifions. No howl:$ calling fo meane, but faithfully applyed, bath yeelded competency to thofe that hue in it. It is amongft our gnotidiana mira- cula, as Astfline termes them; to lee hardeft Labourers, with coorleui dyer, fupplyed with greateft ftrength and more folid health; then thole that daily feed on deli - cares, euen to fatietic. This is the Lords doing, and it is mar- 315 gMat,t8,7- l Pre.ro.4. i Tro.3o>8,
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