The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.

THE PRIVILEDGE OF ADOPTION, And Tryall thereof by REGENERATION.

Iohn 1.12, 13.

But as many as received him, to them gave hee power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his Name.

Which were borne, not of bloud, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

THe blessed Evangelist Saint Iohn in the entrance into this Gospell discour∣sing of the admirable my∣stery of mans Redempti∣on describes first, the Au∣thour of it, Christ the Son of GOD, and that accor∣ding to his two-fold Nature.

1. His deity or God head in the first verse, 〈…〉〈…〉 all are 〈…〉〈…〉.

2. His H••••anity or Man hood in the 14. ver. in time assumed unto him. Secondly, in the midst betweene both hee describes the benefit which hereby redounds to all the faithfull, partly by their adoption, in the 12. verse, partly by their Regeneration, in the 13. verse. For the former there is,

First, The persons to whom this benefit doth accrew; and they are such as entertaine Christ not outwardly, but inwardly; not into their houses, but into their hearts.

2. He shewes what manner of entertainement it must bee; not corporall but spirituall, by tru∣sting in Christ, or believing in his name, which are in effect both 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

For the other, the benefit it selfe that doth ac∣crue unto them, that is described

1. In generall, it is a priviledge or prero∣gative.

2. More particularly, they are said to be the adopted sons of God.

Now because this Adoption may be hid with God, and so may not be knowne unto themselves who are adopted; There followes therfore here∣upon a reall change in them; which change is described in the 13. verse 〈…〉〈…〉 the manner of it, that is a new casting, moulding 〈…〉〈…〉 and partly by the Authour, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereby it is wrought laid downe

First, Negatively, not a bloudy or fleshly bree∣ding, according to naturall concupiscence, as it is

in part described, Ezechiel 16.

Secondly, Positively, or affirmatively, that is, of the spirit; as our Saviour saith, unlesse a man be borne againe of water, and of the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdome of God, Iohn 3.5.* 1.1 yea the words of Peter may bee a comment on my Text, 1 Peter 1.23.* 1.2 where he saith, being borne a new not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. And so much for the summe or substance of these words, with their severall branches.

Not to stand upon the nature of faith at this time, (because wee have had occasion to speake of it formerly, and may likewise have hereafter) as also to passe by divers instructions that may be from hence observed; I will pitch only at this time upon two, which the Evangelist mainely in∣tends in this place.

First, That all the faithfull are the adopted chil∣dren of God.

Secondly, None are the children of God by adoption, but only such as are so by Regenerati∣on. The former being the summe of the 12. ver. the latter of the 13. ver.

Doct. 1. All the faithfull are the adopted chil∣dren of God.

There are saith one (who goes under the name of Gregory Nazianzene) three sorts of sonnes of God.

• 1. By Generation.
• 2. By Creation.
• 3. By Adoption.

1. By Generation, and so is Christ alone.

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* 1.32. By Creation, so Adam, Luke 3. and the Angels, Iob 1.6.

3. By Adoption, and so are all the faithfull, Gal. 3.26.

This point will more fully appeare, if we con∣sider the ground and end of our Adoption.

First, The ground of it, which is our union to Christ the naturall Sonne of God. We are alive, saith the Apostle, to God in Iesus Christ our Lord, Rom. 6.11.* 1.4 Being grafted in him, Rom. 11.23. and so we become one with Christ, 1 Cor. 12.27. as there∣fore a sienne taken out of one stock, and so inocu∣lated into another, or as a child taken out of one family and translated into another, even so we are taken out of the houshold of Sathan, and inserted into the family of God; yea into the mysticall body of Christ, for the head and the body make but one Christ, Gal. 3.16.* 1.5 he saith not to the feeds, as speaking of many, but unto thy seed, as of one, which is Christ, and so he and the faithfull make but one Christ, 1 Cor. 12.12.* 1.6 This was the end of his Incarnation, to make us the sons of God. The Son of God became the sonne of man, that wee sons of men might become the sons of God, Gal. 4. 4, 5.* 1.7

Secondly, Consider we the end of our Adop∣tion, that we might have a right and interest unto our heavenly inheritance.

The end of Christs Incarnation is our adoption; and the end of our Adoption is our right and title to that inheritance without the which wee could not have had it, that therefore which is called Adoption, Rom. 8.15.* 1.8 Is called the earnest of our in∣heritance,

Ephes. 1.14.* 1.9 Yea the inheritance it selfe is called by the name of Adoption, as Piscator ob∣serves, Rom. 8.23.* 1.10 for our Iustification restored to us is no more then Adam had before his fall. But our Adoption advanceth us to an higher estate which Adam never had, nor (for ought we know) had never promised him before his fall.

We passe now to the second point.

Doct. 2. That none are the children of God by Adoption; but such as are so by Regeneration.

There are (saith Augustine) three sorts of a∣dopted sons.

1. There are (saies he) sons of God in our ac∣count, which are not so in Gods, Gen. 6.1.* 1.11 The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were faire, and so are all false and counterfeit Christians, which are Christians in name and title only, not in deed and truth, they are so in shadow and outward semblance, and profession, and yet but a counterfeit generation; a bastardly brood.

Secondly, There are some that are sonnes in regard of God, but not in regard of us; nor may so bee in regard of their owne esteeme neither; and so are all the elect as yet uncalled and unga∣thered together, as the Evangelist speakes, Iohn 11.52.* 1.12 they are for all that (as Augustine sayes) in their fathers role, and predestinated to be adopted through Iesus Christ unto himselfe, according to the purpose of his will, Eph. 1.6.* 1.13 as a man may purpose to adopt one, and set him in his will, though it be a long time ere it be knowne to the party so adopted.

3. There are sonnes of God really, that are al∣ready

received into the family of God, and actu∣ally incorporated into the body of Christ; the former shall be, but these are so already, these are adopted, and regenerated also, and the son ship both by adoption and regeneration, we shall find conjoyned, Rom. 8.10, 11.* 1.14 where also hee makes one to argue the other.

This point also will appeare more evidently, if we consider, as before the ground and end of our Regeneration.

1. The ground of our Regeneration (as before of our Adoption) is our union with Christ our head, and this is wrought by faith on our part, and by the spirit on Gods part. First, I say, by faith on our part, which is a most holy faith, Iude ver. 20.* 1.15 to difference it from the faith of reprobates, Tit. 1.1. and from the faith of devils, Iam. 2.19. the one be∣ing holy, the other unholy. This faith of Gods Elect purifieth the heart, Acts 15.9. and Act. 26.18.* 1.16 Hereby Christ dwels in our hearts, Ephes. 3.17. and where he dwelleth there he moulds fashions, frames, and renues the heart, there he makes a new Creature, yea I may say, a new Christ. My little children, of whom I travell in birth again, untill Christ be formed in you, saith the Apostle, Gal. 4.19.* 1.17

Secondly, by the spirit on Gods part, he that is joyned unto the Lord is one spirit, 1 Cor. 6.17.* 1.18 By which spirit it he knits and fastens us to Christ, Gal. 2.20.* 1.19 I live, as the soule in the body; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the sonne of God. And marke what the Apostle saith excellently to this purpose, Rom. 8.10, 11.* 1.20 Yee are not in the flesh, but in the

spirit because the spirit of God dwelleth in you, and verse 10. If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sinne, but the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake, and ver. 11. If the spirit of him that raised up Iesus from the dead dwell in you, hee that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortall bodyes, because of his spirit that dwelleth in you. This is that seed of God, which whosoever hath abiding in him hath the power of sinne quelled and sub∣dued in him, 1 Iohn 3.9.* 1.21 And unlesse yee be borne againe by water, and the Holy Ghost, saith our Savi∣our, Iohn 3.5.* 1.22 Yee cannot enter into the kingdome of God.

The second thing that confirmes the point is the end of our Regeneration. As the end of our A∣doption is to give us a right and title to our heaven∣ly inheritance, so the end of this is to prepare and fit us for the same. For unlesse we become new Creatures, that place is not for us; that is a pure and an holy place, into the which no uncleane thing must enter, Revel. 21.27.* 1.23 If some beggarly roagne were taken up to attend upon some great man (much more if to be the adopted son to a Prince) he must be s••ript of all his ragges; and washed and purified, and even (if it could be) have a new heart put into him too; as Saul had, 1 Sam. 10.9.* 1.24 and as Rehoboam took Abijah, and set him to be ruler over the people, and for ••hat purpose inscr••cted him, that so he might deme••ne himselfe according to that state whereunto he was advanced, so when we (wretched and forlorne creatures) are admit∣ted not to be attendants only, but to bee the sons and heyres of the King of ••eaven, we should be

stript of our naturall defilements, and rid of our filthinesse;* 1.25 put off the old man, Ephes. 4.23.24. that so we may be fit to live with them, which are holy, as Acts 26.18.* 1.26 To have an inheritance among them that are sanctified, without holinesse no man shall see God, sayes the Apostle, Heb. 12.14.* 1.27 and except yee be borne againe, saith our Saviour, Iohn 3.3.* 1.28 Ye cannot see the kingdome of God; if wee cannot see God, or his kingdome without holinesse, much lesse can we enter into it, and so we see the second point also proved.

[Vse.] The Vse whereof serves first to informe us of the great dignity, the honourable estate, the won∣derfull excellency of every true believer, of every member of Christ; so great and so high, that the Apostle speakes not of it without admiration, 1 Iohn 3.1.* 1.29 Behold what love the Father hath shew∣ed us in that we are called the sonnes of God. And in∣deed, it is a wonder, that we can thinke of it with∣out wondering. When it was told David that he might be the Kings sonne in law, what (sayes Da∣vid) thinke you it a small matter to be the sonne in law to a King? 1 Sam. 18.23.* 1.30 How can we then thinke it a small thing to be not a sonne in law, but an heire, not to a mortall, but to an immortall King; the King of Kings? How can wee but deeme it a speciall and unconceivable favour for us vile, wretched, wicked, and miserable sinners, dust and ashes, silly wormes, vessels of wrath, and vassals of Sathan, to be preferred to so great a dig∣nity, as to be sonnes and heyres apparent unto the kingdom of God!

Consider it, I beseech you, by some degrees.

It is no small matter to be an Attendant unto a Prince, or to some great man under the Prince, as it is said of the prudent, He shall stand before Princes; and the Queene of Sheba accounted Solo∣mons servants happy that stood before him, 2 Chr: 9.7.* 1.31 But how much greater an honour is it to be servant to Almighty God? Which title not only the Apostle Paul tooke unto himselfe, and stiled himselfe by in the beginning of sundry his Epi∣stles; but also the blessed Psalmist entitles the 18.36. and divers other Psalmes, A Psalme of David the servant of the Lord; as a matter of excellent dignity; as Theodosius thought it a greater honour to be the servant of God, then to be Governour of the people of God.

But yet a greater honour is it to be the Kings friend, as Zabud is tearmed, 1 Kings 4.5.* 1.32 but not onely Abraham is called the friend of God, Iames 2.23. (taken out of 2 Chron. 20.7. and Isa. 41.8.) but also all the faithfull, the sonnes of Abraham. Iohn 15.14, 15.* 1.33 Ye are my friends, if ye doe what I command you.

But yet further, because the servant abides not in the house for ever, Iohn 8.35.* 1.34 but the sonne a∣bides for ever; thou art alwayes with me, and all that I have is thine; as he speakes in the parable, Luke 15.* 1.35 even this high priviledge we have also by our adoption, as the Apostle saith, Gal. 4.7.* 1.36 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a sonne: and what followes thereupon? Now if thou be a sonne, thou art also the heire of God, through Christ, Rom. 8.17.* 1.37 If we be sonnes, then are we also heyres, even the heyres of God, and heyres

annexed to Christ. And therefore as Christ is heyre of all things, Heb. 1.2.* 1.38 so also are we, Revel. 21.7. for whether they bee things present, or thing•• to come, all are yours, and ye Christs, and Christ Gods, 1 Cor. 3.22, 23.* 1.39 It is not with God as with great men, Abraham could make but one son his heyre; and ••ehoboam onely might succeede Solomon in the kingdome, 2 Chron. 11.22.* 1.40 but Christ hath made us (even all that are regenerate) Kings and Priests to God his Father, Revel. 1.6.* 1.41 God will give a crowne, a kingdome, unto every one of his chil∣dren▪ Feare not little flock▪ for it is your fathers good pleasure to give you a kingdom, Luk. 12.32.* 1.42 and Come yee blessed of my Father, receive the kingdome prepa∣red for you from the beginning of the world, Matth. 25.34.* 1.43 This is the first use, to set forth the great dignity whereunto the faithfull are advanced; so great, as greater cannot be conceived.

[Vse. 2] The which then in the second place should stir us up to receive, and embrace Iesus Christ, by a true and lively faith offered unto us in the word of God, the Gospell of salvation. We see how rea∣dy men are to creepe and insinuate themselves in∣to great mens favours where they have some hope to get somewhat by them; especially if hee be a rich man that is without posterity. But here is an inheritance beyond all in the world, and yet how few labour and strive for it! we should then check our selves for our backwardnesse; and labour for a true and a lively faith, whereby wee may be∣cause the adopted sons of God. And so should wee bee as carefull of our children, not onely to bring them unto baptisme, but that they may have

the fruit and effect of it; to labour to unite them, as to the politick body of Christ, so unto his my∣sticall body; not to teach them (as most Parents do) civilly only, but christianly too.

[Object.] But may some say, Sir; All this exhortation is needlesse, and might well have beene spared, for we are the sons of God already, and so have right unto the heavenly inheritance.

[Sol.] I could wish, it were so. But there are many so called, and conceived so to be by us, which ne∣verthelesse are not so with God.

[Vse. 3] It stands us in hand therefore (and so to passe to a third use.) to try our selves▪ and examine our Adoption by our Regeneration, for unlesse thou art regenerated, thou can••t have no assurance, or knowledge of thy Adoption.

[Quest.] But how then may we know that we are rege∣nerated?

[Answ.] I answer, by the nature of it, it is a breeding; now breeding is a producing of a living entire crea∣ture, resembling the party by whom it is produ∣ced. For in every naturall birth there are these foure things.

1. A producing of a new creature. Now it is a rule in Philosophy, that the generation of one is the corruption of another. So in the spirituall birth, the old man must be put off, before the new be put on, Rom. 6.* 1.44 There must be a death unto sinne ere there can be a life of Grace; a dying to sinne be∣fore a living to God; as the seed cast into the earth must dye, ere it can quicken, 1 Cor. 15.* 1.45 Vnlesse therefore we finde in our selves that sin is not only curbed and restrained, but even quelled and killed,

wee are not as yet borne a new.

2. Breeding is of some-living thing; so in the spirituall birth, Ephes. 2.5.* 1.46 You hath hee quickned which were dead in trespasses and sinnes, Ezek. 36.26. A new heart will I give unto you, and there will be an alteration and change in a man when hee is once regenerated; a new joy, new love, new feare, new desires; and the Sabbaths of God, which formerly were wearisome and burthensome unto him, are now delightsome; and so of the rest. In a word, he will love what before he loathed, and loath what before he loved.

3. Breeding is a producing of an entire body; children have at the first not a rude masse, but an organicall body, all the parts and lineaments of a man. So it is in this spirituall breeding likewise; put on the new man, Eph. 4.* 1.47 when men therefore shall seeme to be renued in some part alone, and not in the rest, they are not regenerate, they are not borne again, if they deny themselves in some lust, and not in others, so long as they live in any not controversed, but confessed sin.

4. Breeding must be the producing of a Crea∣ture after the image of the party producing; eve∣ry living creature begets his like; a sheepe brings not forth a wolfe, nor a Pigeon hatch a Kite. Even so GOD begetteth not young devils, but saints like himselfe. Those whom he foreknew, he predestinated to be like unto the Image of his sonne, Rom. 8.29.* 1.48 But now if God be pure, and thou a professed Impuritan (as I may say) one to whom the very name of purity is reproachfull▪ if God be holy, mercifull, humble, and thou beest

unholy, cruell, proud, thou mayest assuredly here∣by know, thou art not as yet regenerate; and so consequently canst have no assurance of thy adop∣tion.

[Vse. 4] But if upon strict examination, thou canst finde thy selfe regenerate, then in the next place learne thy duty; for every hono••r hath a burden atten∣ding upon it; This duty is described by the Apo∣stle Peter, 1 Peter 1.14.* 1.49 as obedient children, not fa∣shioning your selves according to your former lust in your ignorance, verse 15. but as he which calleth you is holy, so bee yee holy in all manner of conversation, verse 17. and if ye call God father, who without respect of persons judgeth every mans work, passe the time of your sojourning here in feare.

[ 1] First therefore, art thou called to be a sonne? then this estate requireth other manners, thou must behave thy selfe as a sonne; that is, thou must abdicate and abandon all bad company, all thy former sinnes and lusts, never to resume, or take them into thy practise againe.

It had beene a shame for Saul after he was made King to follow his fathers Asses; it had beene a shame for David after he was made King, to fol∣low the Ewes with young, as before Psalme 78.71.* 1.50 It had beene a shame also for Agathocles a Potters sonne, to bee raking in the dirt and mire, when he was a King. In like manner must it needs be a shame for us, who are heyres apparent to the kingdome of heaven, to bee groveling among things of this life with others; but as we are par∣takers of that heavenly calling, Heb. 3.1.* 1.51 So should we have our conversation in Heaven, Phil. 2.20.

[ 2] Secondly, Thou must be an obedient son; be∣cause thou art a son thou must not therefore think thy selfe exempted from duty; It is true indeed, the Apostle saith, wherefore, thou art no more a servant, but a sonne, Gal. 4.7.* 1.52 but that frees us not from Gods service, and from our obedience unto him, as many would take occasion by these words likewise of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 7.23.* 1.53 Yee are bought with a price, be not ye therfore the servants of men: to shake off all bondage and service to man; whereas on the contrary it is to be understood, that because now they are professed Christians, being redee∣med and bought by Christ, they should now serve men, not as the heathen did, but as the children of God; in singlenesse of heart as unto Christ, Ephes. 6.5.* 1.54 Even so should wee serve God now professing to bee his children, in a more free and honourable manner then heretofore; not for feare of the whip, or for hope of wages, but for love, the love of Christ constra••neth us, 2 Cor. 5.14.* 1.55 It stands us upon now therefore to be more circum∣spect over our selves, and more carefull of our courses, then ever heretofore we have beene, that ye might walke worthy of the Lord, saith the A∣postle, and please him in all things being fruitfull in every good work, and increasing in the know∣ledge of God, and giving thankes to the father who ha•• made us meete to be partakers of the inheritance, of the Saints in light, Col. 1.10, 12.* 1.56 If wee be sonnes, then must our light so shine before men, that they seeing our good works may glorifie our Father which is in hea∣ven, Matth. 5.16.* 1.57 There is a good speech of Na∣zian••em▪ If thou art a slave, then serve God for

feare of the whip, if an hirel••ng, ••hen for h••re: but if a son, then for love; more affectionately, dili∣gently, lovingly, cheerefully, and freely, then ever heretofore.

[Vse. 5] The last use then, (for I am inforced to cut off many things) is for consolation, and encourage∣ment aga••nst any misery that can befall us.

[ 1] First, Here is comfort against the sight and sense of our own unworthinesse; if a man were to ex∣pect heaven by way of merit, indeed (as the Pa∣pists teach and maintaine) then should our hope be little enough of ever comming there. But our hope is grounded on the promise of God; for ye are all one in Christ Iesus, and if yee be Christs, then are yee Abrahams seed, and heyres by promise, Gal. 3.29.* 1.58 What if a rich man will take up a rogue, and make him his heyre; who can hinder him? or what if a Prince (that hath power to dispose of his crown) should bestow it upon a Peasant wh••re he lists, what shall let him? so wha•• if it pleaseth God to take mee and thee, and bestow upon us me••rely of his owne good will, a crowne of life, an heavenly inheritance? who shal hinder him? though it were presumption in any to have moved God in it, unlesse God should meerely upon his owne free love and good will have offered it.

[ 2] Secondly, Here is comfort against outward poverty; it cannot hinder, or keepe us from hea∣ven. God hath chosen the poore of this world to be rich in faith, and heyres of eternall glory, Iames 2.5.* 1.59 and blessed bee yee poore, for yours is the kingdome of hea∣ven, Luke 6.20.* 1.60 Matth. 5.3. who would thinke much to live in a poore and low meane estate for

a while, if hee knowes hee shall soone come to a rich and wealthy estate, especially if hee knowes he shall be advanced to a kingdom: as Ioseph ther∣fore was bid to tell his brethren, that they should not regard their stuffe, for the best of all the land of Egypt was theirs, Genesis 45.20.* 1.61 So all the want and poverty which the faithfull suffer should no whit dismay them; when their thoughts are set upon their heavenly inheritance. This made the faithfull suffer with joy the losse of their goods, knowing that in heaven they had a better and an enduring substance, Heb. 10.34.* 1.62

[ 3] Thirdly, Here is comfort against contempt of worldlings, who know not the dignity which the godly have in being Gods children; nor the ac∣count which God makes of them.* 1.63 Behold, saith the Apostle, what great love the father hath shew∣ed upon us that we should be called the sonnes of God! but this the world knoweth not. Will a great man be troubled if a beggar scornes him? what if base wretches (for they are no better) should contemne and despise Gods children, what need they care? when our King went into Spaine disguised, was he troubled (thinke ye) because he was not respected according to his worth by those amongst whom he came? No surely; he knew that when he returned he should find royall enter∣tainement with his father. In like manner the faithfull need not be troubled for that the men of the world set so light by them, seeing God hath them in so high account and estimation; and see∣ing a time shall come when those persons, by whom they are so undervalued now, shall bee

trodden under their feet, as the Prophet speakes, Mal. 4.3.* 1.64

[ 4] Fourthly, Here is comfort against feare so of want; they may be sure God will provide for them. Matth. 7.7, 8, 9.* 1.65 Which of you having a childe that shall aske you bread, will ye give him a stone? or if he aske a fish, will ye give him a serpent? If ye that are evill know how to give good things unto your children that aske you, how much more will your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that aske him? As he said by Hezekiah, The King my Master can deny you nothing. So in Matth. 6.26.* 1.66 Consider the foules of the aire, for they sow not, neither doe they reape, nor gather into barnes, yet your heaven∣ly Father feedeth them: are not ye much better then they? He is but their Creatour, he is your Father. Will any man be so unnaturall, as to feed his hawkes and hounds, and suffer his children to want food? And will God our heavenly Father take care (thinke you) for crowes and ravens, and suffer his children to want?

[Quest.] But how comes it to passe then, that sometimes they doe want?

[Answ.] I answer. Dost not thou thy selfe compell thy children to fast, when as thou knowest mear would hurt them? If God should see any out∣ward and temporall good thing to be good for them, they should be sure to have it; and when∣soever he withholds it from them, he foresees, that by their enjoying it, the more hurt would redound unto them; otherwise (saith Augustine) he that will graunt a crowne will he deny a crumbe? Feare not little flocke, Luke 12.32.* 1.67 It

is as easie a matter for God to bestow upon us all the wealth in the world, as for us to bestow a crumbe upon a beggar.

[ 5] Fiftly, here is comfort against those infirmi∣ties and weaknesses that hang upon us wh••le we live here; we may be sure our Father will beare with them; as a father hath pity on his children, so will the Lord have compassion on them that feare him. Psal. 103.13.* 1.68 I will spare them as a man spareth his owne sonne that serveth him. Mal. 3.17.* 1.69 A small thing, we know, done by a sonne is more acceptable then a great deale done by a servant; a man respects his weake childe that cannot get his bread; as much as him that can earne his owne living: Will fathers thrust their children out of doores because they are not able to help themselves? No they will the more ten∣der them, and beare with them. In like manner our heavenly Father makes account of his weakest children notwithstanding their manifold infir∣mities.

[ 6] Sixtly, Here is comfort against afflictions. Can a woman forget the sonne of her wombe? (Sion thought that God had forgotten her) though she should, yet will not I forget thee, Isa. 49.14, 15.* 1.70 he will lay at no time more upon us then we are a∣ble to beare, 1 Cor. 10.13.* 1.71

[ 7] Seventhly, Here is comfort against persecuti∣ons, wrongs, and injuries offered them by the wicked; for God will be sure to right them, he will be unto them a wall of fire; and he that tou∣cheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye, Zach. 2.5, 8.* 1.72 Men are commonly as chary of their chil∣dren

as of themselves, and had rather many times suffer wrong then their children should. So sayes the Psalmist, Psal. 2.* 1.73 Kisse the Sonne lest he be an∣gry; take heed how ye offer any indignity to Gods Sonne; and what is there said of Christ, is true of all the co••heires with Christ, whosoever shall offer the least injury unto them, shall be sure to smart for it. It were better for him to have a milstone hanged about his necke, and he cast into the sea, then to offend one of Gods little ones, Mat. 18.6.* 1.74 For he that redeemed them is mighty.

[ 8] Eightly, Here is comfort against perils, dan∣gers, and distresses, for God will guard such as be his. They that trust in him shall be as mount Sion, that cannot be removed, Psal. 125.1.* 1.75 The Angel of the Lord is about those that feare him, to guard them and keepe them continually. Nay mark that famous place in Esay, Isa. 43.1, 2.* 1.76 Thus saith the Lord, feare not, for I have redeemed thee; when thou goest thorow the water, I will be with thee, that the waves drowne thee not, that the billowes swallow thee not up: and when thou goest thorow the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Let affli∣ctions, let perils like the raging seas fall upon thee, let dangers fiery and fearefull overtake thee; here is comfort against the worst, God will be with thee. He will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iohn 3.5.
• * 1.2

  1 Pet. 1.23.
• * 1.3

  Luke 3. Iob 1.6. Gal. 3.26.
• * 1.4

  Rom. 6.11. Rom. 11.23. 1 Cor. 12.27.
• * 1.5

  Gal. 3:16.
• * 1.6

  1 Cor. 12.12.
• * 1.7

  Gal. 4:4, 5.
• * 1.8

  Rom. 8.15.
• * 1.9

  Eph. 1.14.
• * 1.10

  Rom. 8.23.
• * 1.11

  Genesis 6.1.
• * 1.12

  Iohn 11 52.
• * 1.13

  Eph. ••▪ 6.
• * 1.14

  Rom. 8.10, 11:
• * 1.15

  Iude 20. Tit. 1.1. Iam▪ 2.19.
• * 1.16

  Acts 15.9. Acts 26.18. Eph. 3.17.
• * 1.17

  Gal. 4.19.
• * 1.18

  1 Cor. 6.17.
• * 1.19

  Gal. 2.20.
• * 1.20

  Rom. 8.10, 11.
• * 1.21

  1 Ioh. 3.9.
• * 1.22

  Ioh. 3.5.
• * 1.23

  Revel. 21.27.
• * 1.24

  1 Sam. 10.9.
• * 1.25

  Eph. 4.23, 24.
• * 1.26

  Acts 26.18.
• * 1.27

  Heb. 12.14.
• * 1.28

  Iohn 3.3.
• * 1.29

  1 Iohn 3.1.
• * 1.30

  1 Sam. 18.23.
• * 1.31

  2 Chron. 9.7.
• * 1.32

  1 Kings 4.5. Iames 2.23. 2 Chron. 20.7. Isa. 41.8.
• * 1.33

  Ioh. 15.14, 15.
• * 1.34

  Iohn 8.35.
• * 1.35

  Luke 15.
• * 1.36

  Gal. 4.7.
• * 1.37

  Rom. 8. ••••
• * 1.38

  Revel. 21.7. Heb. 1.2.
• * 1.39

  1 Cor. 3.22, 23.
• * 1.40

  2 Chron. 11.22
• * 1.41

  Revel. 1.6.
• * 1.42

  Luk. 12.32.
• * 1.43

  Matth. 25.34.
• * 1.44

  Rom. 6.1.
• * 1.45

  1 Cor. 15.
• * 1.46

  Eph. 2.5. Ezek. 36.26.
• * 1.47

  Eph. 4.
• * 1.48

  Rom. 8.29.
• * 1.49

  1 Pet. 1.14, 15, 17.
• * 1.50

  Psal. 78.71.
• * 1.51

  Heb. 3.1.
• * 1.52

  Gal. 4.7.
• * 1.53

  1 Cor. 7.23.
• * 1.54

  Eph. 6.5.
• * 1.55

  2 Cor. 5.14.
• * 1.56

  Col. 1.10, 12.
• * 1.57

  Matth. 5.16.
• * 1.58

  Gal. 3.29.
• * 1.59

  Iames 2.5.
• * 1.60

  Luke 6.20.
• * 1.61

  Gen. 45.20.
• * 1.62

  Heb. 10.34.
• * 1.63

  1 Ioh. 3.1.
• * 1.64

  Mal. 4.3.
• * 1.65

  Matth. 7.9, 10.
• * 1.66

  Matth. 6.26.
• * 1.67

  Lu•• ••
• * 1.68

  Psal. 103.13.
• * 1.69

  Mal. 3.17.
• * 1.70

  Isa. 49.14, 15.
• * 1.71

  1 Cor. 10.13.
• * 1.72

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.73

  Psal. 2.
• * 1.74

  Matth. 18.6.
• * 1.75

  Psal. 125.1.
• * 1.76

  Isa. 43.1, 2.