420 The trueRemedy againfi Vol.I1. become one ofus, will upon all occafions moft heartily be concerned for us, and ready to help us. 2. Confidering that he huh already given the greateft demonftration of his kindnefs and compaffion to us. We may be fure that he who hath done and fuffered fuch things for our fakes, hath a very tender love and affeEtion for us; he who was contented to die for us, will do for us any thing elfe that may do us good. 3. And that we might have no doubt of his forwardnefs and inclination to pity and relieve us, he fuffered the molt grievous things himfelf that any Man could fuffer, that from the Experience and Remembrance of our own fuffe- rings, he might learn to compaffionate us. And this the Apoftle particular- ly infifts upon, as a very comfortable confideration to us in all our trials and fufferings, Heb. 4. 15, r6. For we have not an high priefi, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are ; yet without fin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne ofgrace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. And Chap. a. 17, r 8. Wherefore in all things it behaved him to be made like unto his bre- thren, that he might be b merciful and faithful high Prieli : for in that he him- fuffered being tempted, he is able to fuccour them that are tempted. So that we may reft affured of his pity and fupport in all out affliftions and tryals, who knows both the infirmity of our Nature, and hath himfelf had experi- ence of greater fufferings than any of us either (hall or can ever be exercifed withal. And as for the general concernment of his Truth and Religion and Church upon Earth, that which all good Men are with fo much reafon follicitous a- bout, this is his proper care, and the great buftnefs that he is intent upon, now that he is in Heaven,, to protect and defend his Truth and Religion, and the Church which profeffeth it, fo that the Gates of Hell fhall not prevail a- gaisj1 it. This is his Kingdom, for the effe lual adminiftration whereof all power in Heaven and Earth is committed to him. And as he intercedeth with his Father for every particular Chriftian, fo much more for his Church which is his Body ; to preferve her from all dangers that threaten her ruin, and toguard her againft the power and malice of all her Enemies. For to this end was he advanced at the right hand of God, that he might continue there, till he had made his enemies his foot/iool. And this Kingdom of his fhall continue in his hands, till he have put down all rule, and all authority andpower that fets its Pelf againft him : for he mull reign, till he have put all things under his feet. So that tho' Truth may be obfcur'd and clouded for a time, and the Profef- fors of it grievoufly harrafs'd and oppreft , yet it fhall not finally be born down, but fhall at length prevail againft all oppofition; becaúfe he who hath undertaken the prote&ion of it is mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, the chief Favourite of Heaven, who is continually at the right hand of God, and lives for ever to make interceffion for us. And thus I have, as briefly as I well could, reprefented to you, what force and virtue there is in the two Remedies here prefcribed by our Saviour, for the mitigating and allaying of our troubles, viz. Faith in God, the great Creator and Governour of the World; and Faith likewife in himfelf, the Son of God and Saviour of Men. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God ; believe al fo in me. And now to apply this Difcourfe to our felves ; the Inferences I !hall make from it ¡hall be thefe three. I. That in all our Troubles and Adverfities, of what kind foever, we lhould fupport and comfort our felves with the firm belief of the Providence ofAlmighty God, and of his tender and compaffionate care of Mankind, efpecially of thoft that fear him, andput their truli in his mercy. Il. We
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=