Verfes i i,12,&e. the Epiftle to the Romanes. Secondly, their enemy Satan was crafty and firong. Thirdly, the affaults againft their faith, both many and ma- nifold.Fourthly,dangerous it was to be overcome. Fiftly, very many feeming ftrong, have bin overthrowne by Satan. From whence we may lcarne, that they which have beene confirmed by the con' - forts and exhortations of the word, have [till neede to receive Spirituali firength, to arnie them againi new en- counters. Ti M. Whence had they this firength? Or by what meaner is it attained? S i L. From the ordinance of Chrift in the Miniltery of the word, and from publike prayer to Chrift, to bleffe his owne appointment: as alto from earneft private prayer and conference with the godly. From diligent reading and me- ditation. Ti M. By subat familitude may this be ex- prefd? St L. Of Raine, which refrefheth the thirltie land:and of Meat, which chea- reth the faint bodies through Gods blef- fing upon them : fo the raine and food of heavenly do&rine, by the blefling of God, refrc(heth the Chriltian foule, be- ing made faint and weary with finnes and temptations. TI M. What ufe is there of this point? S I L, Firft, that as we delire to be in- wardly ftrengrhned, we fhould give care unto exhortation. Secondly,that exhor- tations mutt bee given with a fan&ified minde, that onely our Neighbours pro- fit be fought with Gods glory : all cor- rupt refpe&s whatfoever being aban- doned. Laftly, that we do conftantly and humbly ufe all the former good meanes, ordained to be meanes of our confirmation. Ti M. But wherefore doth the Apoffle fay, [That be wouldtake comfort from the Ro- manes, at well at gyve Confolation unto them S s L. To thew, that the ftrongeft may be edified and holpen even by the wea- kdt : and not onely to declare the great ro'odetty of theApoftle, who wrote ( as he thought) feeling a want and weake- neffe in himfelfe, both in knowledge,' Coy.' 3. and in the gifts of regenerati- on, Rom. 7.15. Ti M. What Reafons of this? Se L. Fir 'l, God dotti not give his gifts all to one, but fo as one Chriftian lhall need anothers helpe. Secondly, he will try and exerci(è the humility of the molt perfef. Thirdly, he will thereby nouri(h love among his Children,whillt one 'lands another in fuch ítead.Fourth- ly, he will get himfelfe glory, by doing his owne worke by the feebleft meanes. Laftly, he will allow, that abfolute per - fe &ion is not to be found out of heaven. Ti M. What of; is to be made of this truth? S I L. Fish, it comforteth them of the leaft gifts, feeing God can and doth ufe them,to ftrengthen men of the belt gifts, and ftrongeft Chrittians. Secondly, it ferveth to admonifh the ftronger, to fuf- fer exhortations and counfell from their inferiours : as Aloft.: did from le- tbro, Apollo' from Aquila, David from Abigail. Laftly, it reproveth fuch as fcorne the counfell and helpe of filch as be their inferiours in place and gifts. TI M. What other thing may bee taught from this twelfth verte ? S L. The Nature of faith, which is to communicate and impart it felfe to others, by the worke of love. Faith workes by love. Ga1.5.6. Ti M. By what Similitude was this fit forth? S I L. Of Leaven, ofFire, of the Sun, and of God the Author of it ; all which, doe communicate their properties to o- thers : and fo doth Faith delight to ex- preffe its inward force and virtue. T I M. What dothfollow hereof? S I L. That fuch as do not endevour to ftrengthen others according to their gifts and calling, it is a token that there is no Faith in them, but that which is dead, and like a withered Tree and dri- ed wombe, which be unable to bring forth fruite. Ti at. How mq the Faith of Paul pro- fit the Romanes? S i L. Two wayes : firft by his faith he obtained increafè of fuch fpirituall gifts as he beftowed on them, even as their owne 19
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=