which is a conâ—inuall feast a brazen wall great matter of joy in many and great afflictions 2 Cor. 1.12 This is our reioycing even the testimony of our conscience Thirdly it worketh hope which is an anchor of the soule both sure and stedfast entring into that withâ—n the vaile Heb. 6.19 and saith Though it be ill for the present it will be better hereafter In the world is no comfort but in Heaven there is enough and enough Men are enemies but God a friend and will appeare in time for us and against them all And if our selves should miscarry yet our posterity shall see the fruit of all these stirres our children shall enter into the good land A great stay to the heart when almost overwhelmed with caâ—es and feaâ—es Psal 27.13 I had fainted unlesse I had beleeved to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the lâ—ving Fourthly faith works patience to endure any thing in the way and for the cause of God therefore we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God 1. Tim. 4.10 And by patience the Christian hath power over his owne spirit and can possesse his soule Luk. 21.19 which otherwise would be lost as it were by impatience and other distempers When patience hath its perfect worke Jam. 1.4 he shall be altogether invincible and shall hold out unto victory and to the enjoying of all mercies promised Heb. 6.12 old Beleevers through faith and patience inherited the promises Fiftly faith can pray the prayer of faith Jam. 5.15 16. Oratio fidei Omnipoten◠〈◊〉 which availeth much and after a sort is Omnipotent as Luther said And specially by prayer the Beleever can get hearâ—s-ease in every sâ—d qualitie the setling of unquiet affections heavy passions of unbelief frightfull apprehensions of evill to come Lord help my miâ—châ—fe Maâ— 9.24 Ps 109.4 for my love they are my adversaries bâ—t I 〈◊〉 my selfâ— unto prayer mark the force of that phrase And it is said of Jehosaphat in that great danger that he set himselfâ— to seek the Lord which both qualified his feare and obtained a victory 2 Chron. 20.3 V. In respect of the enemies both in the world and from hell Enemâ—es dâ—sabled in the â—aâ—ne Rom. 8.33 Faith seeth them disabled in the maâ—ne Who can aâ—â—â—â—st or condemâ—e or separate from the love of God Well they may kill the body but not hurt the soule or rifle the estate but not prejudice the goodnes of his estate toward God Therefore feare them not saith our Saviour Luk 12.4 5. Neither can they do that til the Lord give them leave 2 Sam. 16.11 as he bad Shimeâ— to curse David and satan could not touch Job nor enter into the Swine of the Gadaâ—â—â—ns till he had commission Enemies are a sharp rod but in the hand of God to lay on or take off as he pleaseth Isa 10.5 Nor yet can they vex us one moment longer then the Lord will As we see in Israels comming out of Egypt Exod 12.41 The selfe same day wherein the 430. yeers were expired The rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous Ps 125.3 In due time the rod must be cast into the fire VI. In respect of the proper â—nd of faith Faith ends of not but â—n salvation which is salvation 1 Pet. 1.9 Faith never leaves the soul but in endlesse unspeakable blessednes There indeed it self endeth having done its office but the effect benefit of it never endeth Now they say all is well that ends well and in present all is well because the end shall be good thence the heart is fixed and the Beleever fainteth not whatever he suffers in this life see 2 Cor. 4.16 17 18. The Ordinance of God VII In respect of Gods grant and ordinance to a Beleever walking humbly with him as here in the Text this stands aâ— a priviledge of the godly described 〈◊〉 1. to be onâ— that fâ—a â—t God and dâ—lâ—gâ—â—â—â—â—g earth 〈◊〉 Commâ—â—dâ—ments God â—ath past over to him such in humâ—nity He shâ—â— not b◠〈…〉 dâ—gâ—◠〈…〉 in the Lord. Having taken his part of sorrow and feare before-hand Hab. 3 16. he shall rest in the day of evill And having come to Gods termes of beleeving repenting obeying zeale and the like he shall now enjoy the sweetnesse of it One that hath served his time faithfully shall have the priviledges of a Townsman or Citizen These are the grounds whereon faith setleth the heart in evill 〈◊〉 All this while we say nothing â—f a Stoicall or Câ—n call resolution that a Christian should either be voyd of affections Heb. 12.5 oâ— despâ—se the crosse by a dogged stomacke or that he needs worldly wisdome and policy to help himselfe or that he must shift and shâ—rk for himsâ—lfe in an indirect way or goe over to the enemies of God and Religion or on the other side seeke his owne revenge upon them All this is but Sauâ—â— Armour not sit for Davâ—d to fight in Therefore we leave them to Maâ—â—â—â—vel and his disciples Men of this world Job 36.21 who choose sinne rather then affliction And we goe out against the enemies of God as David against Goliah 1 Sam. 17.45 in the name of the Lord. Grounds of faith suffice the heires of faith who are ever happiest and most at ease when they hold them to their grounds Section III. Improve Faith for setling thy heart in these evill times Make use of Faith at these times of need Every one wisheth the times were setled and if the times were setled he would doe thus and thus to make gaine and live a merry life But Christians the setling of the times is not in your power the setling of your hearts is and ye see how Other may passe away as fruitlesse wishes and lost endeavours but this is feisable and will be to good purpose The Just is an everlasting foâ—ndation saith Solomon Prov. 10. that is being fixed by faith otherwise he is weak as another man this is the Samsons look which holds all our strength together this keeps life in the heart and steddinesse whereas without it the soule staggers like a drunken man Now live by faith Hab. 2.4 While the naturall man lives the life of nature do you live the life of grace and of faith Make use of this privilege as Townsmen doe of theirs to enrich themselves and keep out forreigners No man hath a commodity lying by him but he will make use of it when it shall be most for his advantage And so should a Christian of his faith in these times of need Never in all our dayes had we such times and occasions as these and therefore now more then ever we should put our faith to the proofe Godly men have no exemption from troubles dangers or evill tidings but onely an Antidote to fence their poore hearts against the venome of them And they
is the fourth day Ah said Christ to Martha said I not unto thee that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God Joh. 11.40 Mans reason is a short measure to esteem the power and wisdome of God These are some meanes to act faith in these times of need Now put your faith to it 2 Tim. 1.6 stirre up the gift of God that is in you Wherefore should a man have riches and not have the use of them Know it is a fault and matter of reproofe in Beleevers to give way to those feares Isa 8.12 13. Feare not their feare nor be afraid sanctifie the Lord of hosts himselfe and let him be your feare and your dread why did ye doubt Mat. 8.26 O ye of little faith He is a coward who hath a sword by his side and will not use it against a theefe And he is a Miser who hath store of riches and yet wanteth necessaries in his sicknesse Apply it to thy selfe and think Who would be so clogged and turmoyled with feares when he may be rid of them Onely if ye stand to your owne Principles and remember your grounds None so merry as a true Christian if he hold his owne indeed none but he Others glory in the face not in heart 2 Cor. 5.12 Section IV. Benefits of acting thy Faith in these evill times These benefits are many and great Seven benefits of Faith well acted First what a sweet life would it be to be past these torturing fears which now lye gnawing upon your hearts Vâ—tanâ—n vitalis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Origen and drinking up your spirâ—t that your life is scarce worthy to be called a life Oh these heavy and groâ—ning passions of unbelief How doe they keep a man in boâ—dage all the dayes of his life Heb. 2.15 A man shall through these feares want what he hath aswell as what he hath not Onely because he brings not his faith into exercise Secondly the acting of faith would be great glory to God whom we serve and in whom we professe to beleeve shewing actually that the Lord is sufficient matter of joy when all other comforts faile Hab. 3.17 18. Although the Figge-tree shall not blossome yet will I reioyce in the Lord I will be glad in the God of my salvation It is honour to any Master to see his Servant cheerfull at his businesse and stick to him in great hazards a signe he is a good Master So here God is honoured while his servants wait upon him cheerfully And joy of heartes one part of our Masters allowance My servants shall reioyce Isa 65.13 Thirdly it would be a good credit to our holy profession and draw others to it as being a fountaine of comfort in the saddâ—st streights and difficulties Psal 46.4 There is a River the streames whereof shall make glad the City of God And who would not enter upon so comfortable a course of life All seeme willing to live a fine and joyfull life which is never done compleatly till faith be both gotten and exercised Fourthly if our faith were well acted we should walk as so many tall Gyants farre above all reach of the evill world our faith being our victory whereby we overcome the world 1 Joh. 5.4 We should not onely beare but contemne the contempt of ungodly men Heb. 12.2 As our Lord who despised the shame Threaten these things to your Courtiers said the Martyrs we have faith and thereby are growne hardy Or promise these rewards honours great advantages to them that care for them we have other matters in our heart and eye and cannot be wonne from the truth Fiftly it our faith were duly set on worke we should undertake great things for the Cause and in the way of God saying in great sufferings as the Apostle did 2 Tim. 1.12 2 Cor. 4.13 I know whom I have beleeved Having the spirit of faith we would speake and make a good confession in time of need We would part with our estates yea and lives too disburse fight apologize any thing so that our Lord and his Cause may be glorified Sixtly still as faith is acted we shall be able to make mighty prayers prayers that shall availe mâ—ch for furthering the worke of God being prayers of â—aâ—th Jam. 5.15 16. And we shall not be weary of praying though we seem to strive against the streame No saith Faith it will be to purpose therefore pray alwayâ— and fâ—â—m not Luke 18.1 Lastly if we act our faith we shall be kept from temptations which great afflictions use generally to bring along with them as namely to despaire or use indirect meanes for helping our selves He that beleeveth shall not make hast Isa 28.16 Our faith will be a shield to us whereby we shall be able to quench all the fiery daâ—ts of the wicked Eph. 6.16 It will be a meanes to keep God with us and keep us in the way of God which alwayes hath a sure recompence of reward Section V. Motives to act Faith in these dangerous times Motives Beside those benefits of acting thy faith there be divers other considerations which may move thee thereunto First the setting of thy faith on work setteth God on work to doe great things for his people According to thy faith be it unto thee Mat. 8.13 said our Lord in the Gospell and to Martha he said John 11 4â— Said I not unto thee that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God Mordecai beleeved deliverance would come one way or other and it came accordingly Est 4.14 The three Jewes beleeved God would save them in the fiery furnace and they were saved Dan. 3.17 The greatest Beleevers have been the greatest Receivers Heb. 11. The old Beleevers by faith obtained wonderfull mercies All things are possible to him that beleeveth God will doe for them that give glory to his Name which is by faith Rom 4.20 such give him the glory of his power of his wisdome mercy faithfulnesse all his Attributes and they cast themselves wholly upon him as Clyents on their Counsellour therefore shall not be disappointed yea Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is he shall be as a Tree planted by the watters c. Jer. 17.7 8. But ah this base infidelity which puts our faith so much in our eye cals it so often from our hearts too much flesh too little faith we beleeve no longer then we see signes and wonders scarce cheerfull but while we heare of a victory or discovery or other mercy mightily cast downe at a foyle or the prevailing of enemies Shake as the Trees of the Wood when Rezâ—n and Pekah are joyned together Isa 7.1 2. And it brings little home as is said of carking care God being dishonoured by unbeliefe withdraweth his hand doth not his work or not yet seeth no vessell set to receive his precious liquor and so the oyle ceaseth Israel could not
and evill shall not come but at his pleasure not till now not more not longer no farther as he saith to the proud waâ—es Thus farre shall ye go Job 38.11 but no farther And as Joseph said Ye thought evill against 〈◊〉 but God ment it unto good Gen. 50.20 And as Job The Lord giveâ—â— and the Lord taketh away blessed be the name of the Lord chap. 1.21 Pâ—â—â—â—ses Finally faith pitcheth on promâ—ses and these heard with 〈◊〉 Oath to give us 〈…〉 Heb. 6.18 And promises are farre better then all performances in this world whatever they be still there is more in a promise Isa 65.8 A blâ—ssing in the cluster destroy it not For the matter they are precious promises for the manner of makâ—ng fâ—â—e for the extent universall for the effect 2 Cor. 1.20 Isa 55.3 sure and certaâ—ne yea and amâ—n sure mercies everlasting mercies everlasting Covenant c. Faithfull is he that hath promised who will also doe it And the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Good foundations for faith to settle upon Secondly God the Sonne The Sonne of God the Câ—â—â—latiâ—e of faith and speciall Obâ—ect on which it resteth There is a world of wealth in Christ that the heart may well be fixed by beleeving on him He is the strength of a beleeving heart yea everlaâ—â—â—ng strength Isa 26.4 and new strength to be still deriâ—ed from him according to occasion chap. 40.31 He is an Advocate with the Father 1. Joh. 2.1 to non-suit our clamourous sinnes and keepe our persons in favour He is our King now governing for us though in Heaven in all that glory He is the best friend we have neerer then a Brother He is an enemy to our enemies and will curse them that curse us Gen 12.3 In all respects there is great cause to trust in Christ and trusting in him to be fixed Blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psal 2.12 He had not been Christ but to stand us in stead and give us sure footing in every slippery time and occasion The Holy Ghost Thirdly God the Holy Ghost the Spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 enabling us to speak or make confession of the truth in dangerouâ— times He is also the spirit of strength Isa 11.2 the Spirit of power of love and of a sound mind 2 Tim. 1.7 And thus he fixeth the poore heart by what he worketh in it and what he testifieth to it and what he comforteth Thence we read the seale of the spirit the earnest of the spirit Passion apâ—d Paâ—lum the liberty of the spirit the witnesse of the spirit and the first fâ—uits of the spirit all of them confirmations to an unsetled heart against its severall trials When the Holy Ghost was come upon the Apostles we see how fearlesse they stood before the Counsell and despised all threatnings O Austitâ— he is come he is come said Master Gâ—oâ—â— at the sight of the stake speaking of the comfortable presence of the Holy Ghost who had withdrawne for a while And for us he is promised to abide with us for ever Joh. 14.11 Which we professe to beleeve saying I beleeve in the Holy Ghost and so the heart is fixed This is the first and self-sufficient ground for faith to settle the heart of Gods child The rest are secondary and powerfull onely in their owne place and in order to that first II. In respect of the Word II. The Word of Faith upon which faith relyeth A neer relation there is between Faâ—â—â— and the Word thence it is called the Word of Faith Rom. 10.8 And it is a quickning Word as to David Psal 119.50 Thy 〈◊〉 hath quickned me it is a comforting Word as ver 24. Thy Testimonies are my delight It is a strengthning Word as Heb. 5. ult strong meat 2 Pet. 1.19 Mat. 5.18 It is a sure Word all to be performed in due time Heaven and earth shall passe away but my Word shall not passe away It is a store-house of promises which as they were made in mercy so they shall be made good in truth The Christian being brought into straights may read and quickly meet with a stay for his poore unstayed troubled heart and without the Word he should soon miscarry Psal 119.92 â—alâ—sse thy law had been my delights I should have perishâ—d in mâ—nâ— affliction But by help of the Word he is soon setled confident full of prayses for his good estate in Christ and triumphant over all his enemies see Ps 56.3 4 10 11. III. In respect of what faith receiveth It receiveth such mercies at the hand of God Bâ—â— fits receâ—â—â—â—d by Faith and so much that it resteth conâ—ent with and condition the heavenly Father shall a lot unto it It seeth sinne abolished forgiven nothing to be laid to his charge which is â—e blessednesse of a man Rom. 4.6 It seeth Satan disarmed the Law satisfied the curse taken away hell shut and Heaven opened to him It seeth Gods wrath pacified his justice satisfied his favour procured which is matter of great joy yea glorying in the midst of many tribulations Rom. 5.1 2 3. And this is the Kingdome of God within us 14.17 Not â—â—at and dâ—â—nke but righteousnesse and peace and 〈◊〉 the Holy Ghost Finally saith seeth all afflictions sanctified sweetned mittigated exchanged for good in wrath the Lord remembreth mercy we shall not drinke the dâ—egs of the Cup Ps 75.8 as the wicked doe and as Christ did for us but in him sing and triumph O death 1 Cor. 15.55 where is thy stâ—ng O grace where is thy victory What Agag said foolishly the Beleever saith on good grounds Tâ—e bitternesse of death is past 1 Sam. 15.32 Phil. 1.21 and Welcome lâ—fe and To dye is gain an entrance into glory IV. In respect of what faith worketh Works fâ— faith fixing the 〈◊〉 Faith is no idle grace but still sets it selfe on work about such imployments and in such manner as the Lord will mercifully according to promise succour the labouring heart in all his difficulties First it works out corruption which would hinder comfort Acts 15.9 Purifying their hearts by faith Both the guiltines of sin it is never quiet till it be clensed cleared in the blood of Christ Witnesse David a Beleever who after those great sinnes heaped up many petitions for pardon Psal 51. whereas another fals into the mire and lyes wallowing in it as in his proper clement And the filâ—hinesse of sin none is suffered to command out with it keep thy self from in as from defilement Psal 18.23 As the flesh lusteth against the spirit Gal. 5 1â— so the spirit in a Beleever lusteth against the flesh And O this body of death who shall deliver Ps 51 10. Create in me a clean heart O God renew a right spirit within me Secondly faith is an undivided companion of a good conscience 1 Tim. 1.19.3.9
enter because of unbeliefe Heb. 3.19 Good is comming but we are short-winded and wait not thence these delayes All the fault is not in wicked enemies or the sinners in Sion but some fault resideth in Gods owne children who beleeve not as they should doe Infidelity is an hatefull sinne too and reprovable it detracteth from God as if he were not wise able vigilant to fulfill his promises so he stayes his hand as one that will be better waited on Take notice of this as one cause why the work of Reformation and of our happinesse doth stick so long in the birth it is much desired but not attained and yet the Lord willing it should be done and that throughly There is cause enough for it in the unreformednesse of people who after all the terrours and humiliations yet tuâ—n not from their evil ways as the men of Ninive Jon. 3.10 But here is something in Gods owne people whose faith is so little and their feare so great If we beleeved more we should see his great works done the sooner Therefore resolve upon that in Mark 11.22 23 24. Have Faith in God And What things soever ye desire when ye pray beleeve that ye receive them and ye shall have them Secondly think thus with your selves why should not faith make couragious as well as vain-glory envy propriety of goods safety of the Country memory and emulation of Ancestors or the like carnall considerations which have mightily elevated the spirits of people heretofore as namely the old Romans who became Lords of the World Cicero pro aris focis was a great word with them entring into a fight Ovid. Horat. And Ingens gloria calcar habet and Dulce decâ—rum est pro patria mori and Imperti causâ c. But faith hath higher and stronger considerations the Cause of God the maintaining of the Gospell contending for the faith delivered once to the Saints the upholding and enlarging of the Kingdome of Christ the keeping of a good conscience the glory of Heaven in our eye and who would be a slave to Antichrist Bodily slavery is bad enough c. Consider Their Rock is not 〈◊〉 unto our Rock 〈◊〉 our enemâ— theâ—◠〈◊〉 being Judges Deut 12.31 And Thâ—s they doe for a coâ—â—â—ptible Crowne we for an 〈◊〉 â—apitole 1 Cor. 9.25 The higher the spring the higher the water will ascend at the Conduit A Beleever therefore going bâ— the highest Principles and notions should gâ—t highest in his resolutâ—ons and behaviours Thirdly we have still and a long time have had great meanes to be strong in faith a Ministery oâ— many yeeâ—s continuance which is growing food 1 Pet. 2.2 〈…〉 of the Wood that it 〈…〉 A tree planted in a goâ—â— place and there continuing mâ—nâ—eeâ—s is well rooted and so should the trees of righteousnesse be after so long standing The Martyrâ— had but few yeerâ— in King 〈◊〉 time yet they gathered strength enough to carry them through the flames A shame it will be to us not to be proficients according to our time when for the time we might be Teachers Heb. 5.11 Weaknesses of faith and other graces should have been outgrowne long agoe Adde the going so often to the Lords Supper which to a prepared soule is a batling Ordinance No feast yeeldeth so good juyâ— and nourishment to the body buâ— this yeeldeth as good to such â— soule Bread strengthneth man heart especially this bread thaâ— came downe from Heaven Psa 104.15 O the sweet communioâ— that hath been between Christ anâ— thy Soule upon due frequenting the Ordinance and O the frequent repast of thy soule upon prayer and the experience thou hast had of Gods love anâ— providence and doest thou yeâ— feare Hilarion Hieron in eius vita Septuaginta annos serviviâ—â— Christo mori times Finally the many good Books and Treatises which of late yeerâ— have been published M. Culveâ—well M. Rogers as it were of purpose to fence and furnisâ— Christians for these sad times wherein are choicest collection for fixing a poore beleeving heart in all occasions M. Ball M. Wilson God that foresaw what he was about to doe directed his Ministers so to make provision for his people as when he sent a sore famine upon Canaan he sent Joseph beforehand to provide for his Father and Brethren Fourthly in those present troubles and dangers the Lord hath all along opened a doore of hope Hos 2.13 for upholding our faith unto victory Seeing how weak weare in beleeving bare promises he hath given us somthing in hand for encouragement He hath still sent us some pawnes of more which he will doe for us in time an earnest of the whole bargaine And experience is a great help unto faith as in the Apostles 2 Cor 1.10 He hath deliveâ—ed us from great death and doth deliver and we trust also he will deliver When we began to quaile at any time presently a victory was given a discovery made a defeat of their Counsels or Forces the spirits of people raised up above all expectation in a Countâ— which was given for a lost Count a signe the Lord means to doe the work at last If he meant to dâ—stroy us he would not shew us such things as these Thus by what the Lord hath done already he doth even invite us to beleeve and not feare Fiftly it is but a while and yâ— shall see what now ye beleeve Yâ—â— a little while Heb. 10.37 and he that shall comâ— will come and his reward is with him In Heaven there will be nâ— acting of faith no use of it as now all there is in Fruition Union and Vision Joh. 20.29 In this life Blessed are they that beleeve though they see not In that life blessed are those that see what hitherto they beleeved If we strive a little we shall find our waiting was to purpose Yet two or three Closes and we shall be at our Fathers house And there we shall have neither unbeliefe to combat withall nor any other enemy no feare no molestation no imperfection whatsoever Sixtly if faith be not acted ye will lose the benefit of those comforts which are your owne Ye forsake your owne meâ—â—â—s Jonah 2.8 Ye live heavily when your estate gives you leave to live most cheerfully Hagâ—â— saw 〈◊〉 the Well and was out of heart as if no water were to be bad Mâ—â— saw not Christ 〈◊〉 eyeâ— being heldâ— and was still in perplexity A miserly niggard wants what he hâ—th as well as what he hath not And to look upon Paulum sepultae distat inertiae Celata viâ—tus what difference between an unbeleever and a Beleever not improving his faith when need requires One sighs as much as the other c. Now this is a disparagement to faith and the high calling of a Christian who alone in truth hath cause to be meâ—ry A discouragement to others to come on in such an uncomfortable profession An
hinderancâ— of prayer a dishonour to God aâ— if he made no good allowance to his Servants And doth the devils owne work who when he cannot hinder a Christian of the end of his way will doe his best to spoyle him of the comfort of his way Section VI. Objections for feare against Faith answered Oh say some we have so many things to feare that we know not how to make use of our faith But why so Faith hath a strength at all assayes to help at a dead lift That if a Christian hold his owne he shall wade well through all his feares and evils feared All things are possible to him that beleeveth to receive to doe to suffer to overcome Generall salves for the feares of Beleevers Know therefore in generall First that the Order of Grace is stronger then the Order of Nature We have many enemies or troubles but mo with us then against us They are great but the Lord greater Omnipotent And the Angels mightier to save then devils to hurt us Divine Ordinances full of solid strength and comfort and all the Treasures of Gods love full and inexhaust If a Beleever look upward he seeth an infinite advantage above them all The wavâ—s rage horribly but the Loâ—d is mightier Psal 93.3 4. Tyrants get on high and are mighty to oppresse but still he is mightier Eccles 5.8 They are crafty but he catcheth thâ— man their craftinesse 1 Cor. 3.19 Secondly faith â—â—n set the Christian farre above his own strength as the strength of others so his owne Out of weaknesse be shall be made strong Heb. 11.34 He can doe more in a certaine case then at another time As Martyrs they endured the flamâ—s as men they could never have enduâ—â—d them While Peters faith lâ—sted he walked upon the waters Thirdly in all particular fears saith hath something to say out of the Word which shall stay the heart and counterpâ—â—â—e all the burden of feares that would clog it The Word hath a quickning vertue first and last First for reâ—â—neration afterward for sustentation It is a plentifull Store-house out of which some comfort is still to be fetched And David saith he had perished unlesse the Word had comforted him 〈…〉 To give some instances of the fears of godly Christians in these 〈◊〉 dayes 1. About losing the Gospell Obiect 1. We feare we shall lose the Gospell the maine aime of the Antichristian generation that are risen up amongst us Answ 1. The Word saith that the Gospell is at Gods disposing and not mans whoever he be The Starres are in the right hand of Christ Rev. 1.16 It is God that takes away the Word of the Kingdom and gives it to others Mat. 21.43 And faithfull Ministers say they shall continue at their worke so long as God pleaseth let all the â—oâ—es and beasts of the world doe what they can Luke 13.31 32. Gâ—â— and tell that â—ox c. They were in ill case if they were at mans discretion Even in times of peace wicked men would have quite put downe good Ministers their malice and wickednesse hath not been wanting all this while No thankes to them that the Gospell hath continued as it doth 2. If there should be some resâ—â—â—t yet not wholly especially in respect of a good heart The word of God is not boâ—â—d 2 Tim. 2.9 The beleeving heart shall be mervailously fed with the old store it gathered There is an hidden Mannaâ— And Rev. â— 19 the Word of Gâ—d abideth in you As for the Elect that are not yet gathered the Word shall goe forth and reach the mall It shall have a free course and be glorified 2 Thes 3.1 When God hath a people to gather Act. 18.10 11. though there be many Adversaries yet Preachers shall both goe and continue there 1 Cor. 16.8 9. I have much people in this City abide here And Jeremies preaching did good to some though the most cursed him chap. 15.11 The Election obtainâ—th thâ—ugh the rest be hardned The Elect must be sâ—aled before â—â—y hurt can be done Rev. 7.3 3. The Word saith that if it should be suppressed a while yet it shall be restored againe Teachers shall not be removed into corners any more Isa 30.20 They must fall to their work againe Rev. 10.11 Thou must prophesie againe After three dayes and an half the two Witnesses revived and stood up chap. 11.11 And commonly the ruines of the Church are restored with much advantage the Ordinances purged from the corruptions that attended them The glory of the latter house greater then that of the former Hag. 2.9 All reduced to the rule and standard of the Word noting by Gods severity wherein they offended and provoked him to wrath Ashamed of their iniquities and all errours and so the Lord shewes them the form of the house Ezek. 43.10 11. 4. The Word saith that the enemies of it shall be utterly confounded and brought to an end spâ—cially Antichrist that grand friend of Traditions and humane Constitutions downe he must goâ— notwithstanding all his pillars and supporterâ— He goeth into peâ—ditâ—on Rev 17.11 Though he get breath a while and some lightning before death yet that is his end The end of these warres will be at the gates of Rome all in flames and everlasting desolation Obiect 2. About the dishonour of God Sect. 1. 2. God will be dishonoured and blasphemed if the wicked prevaile Answ 1. In this case your fear is most lawfull and best allowed because as we have seen before both God and godly men have ever so feared And I may tell you ye have cause to rejoyce that ye have such holy fears as the feare 2. The Word saith that God is a Jealous God and will look to his owne glory will not suffer the enemies or Idols to get it from him Isa 42.8 Yea he will get glory over them all as over the Egyptians and all their gods Ex. 12.12 and will turne all their fury to his owne pâ—aâ—se Ps 76 1â— being the more illustrious by their disappointment True it was a sword to Davids heart to heare the wicked say Where iâ— thy God Ps 42.10 but if the Lord be patient why should not we onely our duty is to mourne for such blasphemies and pray to the contrary 3. Above a forreigne invasion Obiect 3. I feare that forreigners will invade and they will shew no mercy Answ The Word tels first that the spirits and minds of men are in Gods hand Exodus 34.24 they shall not think of invading while his people are busie in his worship Or he can let them see where the Right goeth that they shall let all alone and not meddle Secondly that the Lord can make the earth to help the woman Rev. 12.16 Earthly men shall beare the burthen of one anothers malice and so his people escape it Moaâ—â—tes and Ammonites fell to cutting one another and so Jeâ—â—â—â—poaâ— escaped While they have work enough to doe at