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AS for your own fears under which you wrestle, it is not the having or wanting earthly Tran∣quility that is any proper Character of God's Love or Anger; but the discovering mark of that lies chiefly in the way of our deportment under such Trials, agreeable to the practice of the Saints, re∣commended
to us in the Scriptures by the Spirit of God. For there is no Temptation can befall us, which has not been (for substance) the Trial of them who have endured and overcome before us: And you are required to remember their faith and patience, and the issue God gave, that you do not succumb or faint; as if God had forsaken the Go∣vernment of the World, or changed the nature of the everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. I have been labouring to live upon the naked Promises of God, in reference to my outward Con∣cernments, as if I were in the want of all things; and do think if I could come at it, it were a glorious Portion. None but exercised Believers can tell tru∣ly why the Promises are called rich and precious, and how much lies in that word (RICH IN FAITH) Jam. 2. 5. and what extensive Satisfaction and Glo∣ry lies in that word (GOOD) All things shall work together for good to them that love God. You know these things, &c. As fears or outward disappoint∣ments abound, fly still a higher pitch; till you re∣joyce in manifold Trials, that God counts you wor∣thy to be listed among them, who could not be made happy by earthly things, nor miserable in the want of all things; whether Estate, Friends, Health, Credit, or any thing else, whilst they could fly to a higher Rock. The Lord direct you, and make you lanch forth upon the Power, and in the Wisdom, and un∣der the Shelter of the Lord: Infinite and abundant is that Shelter. Oh that you and I could, with Lu∣ther, sing over all our sins and fears, be they what they will, the 46th Psalm; God is a refuge for us, a present help in trouble. Here is our comfort, this World is not our Country; a few days will call us hence. The good Lord manage all your Work, and
open such a Window from Heaven, that both you and I, and all that seek the Lord may be throughly transformed to a hearty joy, even in divers Tempta∣tions; and know the reason, through his Grace, why the blessed Spirit did put that Clause into the holy Scriptures, for our patience and solid Comfort, Jam. 1. 2. We are changeable, no Rest here; and 'tis well it is so; that we might not relish any thing in this World so sweet, as to tempt away our hearts from lovely Canaan, and the desirable Fellowship of Christ, face to face. Oh the day yet hastens, I trust, in which we shall sing away Heart-melancholy for ever, &c.