The peace and joy of the soul procured and preserved

The First Part.

My dear Friends,

WE can never sufficiently adore the goodness of God, in making the Con∣ditions of our everlasting undistur∣bed Rest, so effectual for our pre∣sent

Comfort. While we serve, we please him; we ease and gratifie our own Minds; are made partakers of the Divine Nature, by imitating the Divine Perfections, in Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, and so become acceptable to him, and our selves too. Notwithstanding the rude Treatment Religion finds from an ungrateful World, there's no∣thing on Earth so conducive to our Satisfaction and Delight in it, as making that our Business: And there∣fore, to procure and preserve the Peace and Joy of our Souls,

In the first Place; let us discard e∣very evil Thing, and so keep our selves in the Love of God a 1.1 by doing that which is well-pleasing in his fight. Sincerity is the only way to assure, and secure us in the Divine Favour, and to free us from all doubts con∣cerning it. The work of Righteousness shall be Peace, and the effect of Righte∣ousness,

quietness and assurance for Ever b 1.2. The Primitive Chistians were never troubled with Writing or Reading Cases of Conscience; being true to their own, maintain'd their Joy in a world of trouble; so that they were but as sorrowful, yet always rejoycing—as having nothing, and yet possessing all things c 1.3. The straight way to Heaven is very plain and pleasant; Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody d 1.4. But Men may thank themselves for misgiving fears in forbidden, dark, or doubtful paths. It's not Religion, but the want of it, or superstitious mistakes about it, that disquiets Minds. An honest innocent Man knows the pu∣nishments the Laws of his Country denounces against Thieves, Mur∣derers, or the like Offenders, with∣out being terrified, or dismayed at

them. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them e 1.5. Be glad in the Lord, and re∣joyce ye righteous, and shout for joy all ye that are upright in heart f 1.6.

(2.) The good state of the Body is no small advantage to the Mind. Let us therefore use the abilities and assistances God hath given us for our Health; under a grateful sense, that we, and all the accidents and unea∣siness of our Sickness, are in his hands who errs not in bringing about his gracious purposes for the good of our Souls or Bodies; even by others Errors and Oversights, as well as by their Care and Kind∣ness. To be peevish with our Dis∣ease, Medicines, Food, Atten∣dance; fretful and uneasie on e∣very little mistake, error, slowness, or forgetfulness; when things are not done as, or when we would; to make Burdens which are not too

heavy (by Divine Assistance) to be born, at present Intolerable, by pu∣sillanimous, anxious fears and mi∣strusts of what they may be in a little time; renders us troublesome to our selves, and others; deprives us of that Composedness, Quiet, Peace and Comfort, which is the result of Patience, Resignation, hope in God, and a thankful sense of all his past and present Undeserved Mercies, They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee, O Lord my God: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbred g 1.7.

(3.) Avoid solitariness, and being un∣imployed.

Retirement, to melancholy Con∣stitutions, is the Food and Element of Discontent, where no joy was ever found; sutable Society rouzes and revives the dull and clowdy, the listless and unactive; chears and refreshes the disconsolate Soul; Iron sharpeneth Iron, so a Man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend h 1.8; chaces away those sullen, black, and dismal Imaginations, which are such Enemies to, and hinder us from maintaining a constant chear∣fulness of Heart, and lightsomness of Spirit, so advantagious, so well∣becoming us in our Pilgrimage. Good Company animate and encourage one another in most dismal times, divert from sad and melancholy Musings, exhilerate the drooping Spirit, lift up the Hands that hang down, and the feeble knees; have had their Hearts burn within them, as they walkt together and were sad, whil'st talking of our Redeemer, who hath done so much for us, is coming to take us to himself, and so shall we be ever with the Lord, wherefore comfort one another with these words i 1.9.

Idleness is one of the most tedious irksome things in the World; rack∣ing the Soul with melancholly Con∣ceits, with troublesome distracting Amusements; starving it for want of satisfactory Entertainment; cau∣sing it to feed on its own heart, by doleful Considerations; infesting it with crowds of stinging Thoughts; gauling it with the sense of shame∣ful Sloth and Laziness. Every one should consider the World as the Fa∣mily of that great House-keeper, of whom the whole Family of Hea∣ven and Earth is named (k). And himself as an Officer or Servant pla∣ced by God in his Station, to confer in his order and way (or rather in God's, wherein he hath set him) somewhat towards a Provision for the maintenance of himself, and Fel∣low-Servants. And when we ••••e bu〈…〉〈…〉

are prepossess'd, and have no room or vacancy for frivolous pensive I∣maginations. A sedulous Applicati∣on to Business, chears the Spirit with wholesome Diversion, with pleasant Entertainment; quickens, inflames our Activity; diverts us from the sense of Pain, and anxious Perplexi∣ties; preserves the vigour of our Minds, and health of our Bodies; from a dull Listlesness, a heavy Un∣weildiness seizing on us. Industry hath an innate satisfaction, which tempereth all Annoyances; redeems us from the molestations of Idleness, that lies on others hands as a pester∣ing Incumbrance; even ingratiates the Pains going with it; delighting us, that we are not squandring a∣way precious Time; not burying, or abusing, but using the Oppor∣tunities, Abilities, and Advantages he hath given us for our selves, and him that needeth; whereas, he that doth not Earn, can hardly own his own Bread, and in St. Paul's judg∣ment,

should be debarr'd of Food l 1.10.

(4) Let's endeavour to keep our selves in a calm, serene, even State, which is the State of Peace; and upon any breach of it, without the least delay, return to it again, through him who is the great Mediator between God and Man. When we would have, or do any thing, lets stand ex∣actly even and indifferent as to the Event, that whatsoever that be, our Happiness may be the same, even as if we had desir'd nothing at all: Without being transported on ac∣count of any good or bad Success, be it what it will. Avoiding all Dissatis∣faction, Sorrow, Fear, and Anger, Peevishness, and immoderate Care, Heaviness, Grudging, and Com∣plaints, with all occasions of them. Inuring our selves to bear Repulses, Abuses, Injuries, Contempts, Scoffs, Reproaches, Slanders, Losses, Cros∣ses; those Calamities, which are

so grievous Discontents to others, with composed, sedate, unconcern∣ed Minds; diverting, refreshing, recreating them by contrary pleasing Objects. Not dwelling upon me∣lancholly Prospects, sad Remem∣brances, and recitals of our Miseries; but on the best, most pleasing part of our Condition. Eying, not those above, but below us, not him in the Chair, but those that carry it: Not what we want, but enjoy, and others are without: What God hath done, and provided for us. Let our Thoughts, our Hearts be where we profess our Treasure, our Country is: Let our Blessedness, our Reward, (which it's possible to make sure of, and Christ hath told us how) m 1.11 be always rolling in our Minds, and we shall have a perpetual Antidote against all dejection, which is fed by disobedience and unbelief. While we look not at the things that are seen,

but at the things which are not seen; Ours appear light Afflictions, and but for a moment, and working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory n 1.12. Its too much pondring on this World makes our Minds uneasie, which if imploy'd on Divine Objects (alone capable of sa∣tisfying our immortal Appetites) would support and comfort us, when nothing else could o 1.13. And there∣fore, lets think as little as may be on things below, and not at all on any thing that's apt to make us sad; which the Prophet owns his fault, and for which he chides his Soul, and chases away with delightful Thoughts of God, (his Goodness, Grace and Mercy) and Psalms of Praise p 1.14. And so should we, fre∣quently raising up our Souls in pious Ejaculations; saying continually, the Lord be magnified; Blessed be God q 1.15. In our Devotion exercising Acts of

Resignation, and expressions of our Trust and Confidence in him, (the most effectual way to obtain it.) But thou O Lord art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength ••n whom I will trust; my Buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall •• be afraid? Though an host should en∣••amp against me, my heart shall not fear; ••hough war should rise against me, in this ••ill I be confident. For in the time of trouble, he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me up upon a Rock r 1.16. And therefore,

(5.) Let nothing make us stagger, or ••e able to shake our stedfast trust and confidence in God; his promises to us, his providence over us, doing what

we are able for our own Salvation, Relief and Safety; and then humbly, and faithfully recommending, and intirely delivering up our selves, Souls, and Bodies, and all our con∣cerns into his hands; under a quiet composure of Mind, that he takes care of us, will make good his word unto us. Mankind in general are invited to depend continually upon him, from the care he takes of all his Creatures, his whole Family. But there's more∣over, not only his particular Love, but his multiplyed Promises to his Children; to those devoted to his Service. And he'll sooner dissolve the whole frame of Nature, than break his word, which he never hath done, nor never can.

And what would Men give upon the Brink, to be sure of Pardon? Good Men are as sure of it, as of their own sincerity, as of the word of God. And, As I live saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wick∣ed, but that the wicked turn from his

way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel s 1.17? Wash ye, make ye clean, put away the evil of your doings. Cease to do evil, learn to do well, (saith the Lord.) Though your sins be as scar∣let, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool t 1.18. When the wicked Man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive v 1.19. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon w 1.20. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth x 1.21. Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance y 1.22. And therefore sent his Son to be the Saviour of the

World. And he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world z 1.23. Who gave himself a ransom for all a 1.24. Tast∣ed death for every man b 1.25. Became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him c 1.26. For, the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all; He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are healed d 1.27. Herein God commended his love to∣wards us, in that while we were yet sin∣ners, without strength, Christ died for us, for the ungodly e 1.28. And the Blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin f 1.29. Then, who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that con∣demneth? It is Christ that died, yea ra∣ther that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God; who also maketh

intercession for us g 1.30. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them h 1.31. So that whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins shall have mer∣cy i 1.32. For, if we confess our sins, he is faithful (having promised) and just, (Christ having satisfied) to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un∣righteousness k 1.33.

And, he that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things l 1.34? Without question he will, who so dearly loved us. By our incredulity we dispute the good∣ness and veracity, the truth and faithfulness of God. For every un∣worthy distrust of him a good Man reproves himself; as arguing, great Ignorance, or little Faith. They are our Saviours own words, therefore can never possible deceive us, Seek ye

first the kingdom of God and his righte∣ousness, and all these things shall be added unto you m 1.35. That is, as him∣self explains it, all these things which our heavenly Father knoweth we have need of. And sure then, we have little temptation to fear want, when we are assur'd of all needful things; it may perhaps be an equal mercy to secure us from great abun∣dance, and from necessary sufferings no mercy, but a diskindness. The Psalmist thankfully acknowledges Af∣flictions among the great Blessings of his life n 1.36. And our Saviour in∣joyns us to rejoyce and be exceeding glad, instead of being cast down un∣der them o 1.37: And concludes it a great reflection on the Divine Pro∣vidence, and his constant followers, to be diffident of his fatherly goodness to us, who are his off sp••ing p 1.38; and who hath implanted such a tender care and kindness in natural Parents to

their's (q). He's the best judge of all Mens necessities; and appoints or permits nothing, but what's for our welfare, benefit, advantage; in right reason, all things consider∣ed, best for us; and what we should be sure to wish, if we rightly under∣stood our own Case. Making it our business to please him, if we af∣fect not to lay it on thick; squan∣der not away our provision; be sa∣tisfied with what Nature desires, and what infinite Wisdom and Goodness appoints; we shall have so much as is necessary to support us in our Be∣ings; not only enough to keep Life and Soul together, but a sufficient competency for industrious, mode∣rate, frugal Persons; and while we're sure of thus much, we must blame our selves only, if we be unhappy for what's not really needful for us▪

The Lord also will be a r〈…〉〈…〉¦ble.

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee r 1.39. When, and as best, keeping them from, supporting them under, deli∣vering them out of all their trou∣bles.

And now having brought our selves to a stedfast dependance upon God; we shall find, we have laid the su∣rest foundation for our own Comfort and Happiness, in this World, and that which is to come; of such un∣speakable advantage is this excellent duty to all that are rightly exercised therein. Its the best recommenda∣tion to the Divine Blessing and Pro∣tection; the best antidote against cares and fears; the best support un∣der all pressures and calamities; the best preparation against the preva∣lency of those temptations, where∣by the diffident and distrustful of God's Providence, are sure to be

over-come. This necessarily dis∣poses us, to take no thought for the morrow: To forbear tormenting our selves with direful expectations of what may happen hereafter: Ba∣nishes, chases away all doubtful Ap∣prehensions; lays us in a pleasing, delightful repose: Inables us to bid defiance to whatsoever threatens us; and not to be ruffled, or discompos'd at any inconveniences we meet with here. This is that compleat securi∣ty, that perfect safety and satisfaction mention'd by the Prophet, as annex∣ed to a steady reliance upon God, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stay'd on thee; (and for this very reason) because he trusteth in thee s 1.40.

(6) Serious and devout Prayer, is the way to compose our Thoughts, to calm our Passions, to refresh our Spirits, to spiritualize and raise our Affections, to strengthen our Faith,

quicken our Hope, inflame our Love; to obtain the Divine Assistance, to discharge our Minds (unless we are very Hipocritical in our Devotion) of all cares and fears. Provided we implore him with clean Hearts and Hands; from a full Perswasion, and firm Belief, of his gracious Promi∣ses, and Christs powerful intercessi∣on; as our great Duty, and a means to obtain what we want. A care∣less, customary performance of it, breeds trouble afterwards, for not discharging it as we ought; or an insensibility, and deadness in our Souls, without any Warmth, Life, or Comfort. Being therefore, not only constant, but very solemn, and affectionate in our Devotion, with all our might, fervent in Spi∣rit, serving the Lord, pouring out our Souls unto God our exceeding Joy t 1.41, we may go away in peace, with our Countenance no more

sad v 1.42, knowing, He hath heard us w 1.43. He heareth us always x 1.44. Is nigh unto us in all we call upon him for (y). The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him, he also will hear their cry, and will save them z 1.45. The eyes of all wait upon him, and he giveth them their meat in due season. He o∣peneth his hand, and satisfieth the desire of every living thing, provideth for (Birds, and Beasts of Prey) the ra∣ven his food, when his young ones cry unto God. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God a 1.46. He heareth the prayer of the righteous b 1.47. His eyes are upon them, and his ear open to their cry c 1.48. What∣soever we ask, we receive of him d 1.49. And this is the confidence that we have* 1.50

in him, that if we ask any thing accord∣ing to his will, he heareth us e 1.51. Eve∣ry one that asketh receiveth f 1.52. And therefore, if any of you lack wisdom, (or any thing pertaining to Life and Godliness) let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and up∣braideth not, and it shall be given him g 1.53. There's a natural hope, good Men have in God, that he will hear and help them. Themselves will do all the good they can, for those that ask them. But this pro∣perty of Goodness, is most perfect in God, who is perfect and infinite in Goodness. If ye then (as our Saviour teaches us to argue) being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your Child∣ren▪ how much more shall your Father which is in Heaven, give good things to them that ask him h 1.54? But these natural Notions we have, that God is good, ready to forgive, heareth pray∣er, plentious in mercy unto all them

that call upon him i 1.55, are confirm'd by his express word, his multiplyed promises; that he saith not to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain k 1.56. And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee l 1.57. Before they call I will answer, and whiles they are yet speaking, I will hear m 1.58. Ask, and it shall be given you. All things whatso∣ever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Whatsoever he shall ask the father in my name, he will give it you, saith our Saviour n 1.59. And for this purpose he appears for us at the right hand of God, to offer up our Pray∣ers, and to make intercession for us o 1.60. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, (for pardon) and find grace to help, (and strengthen us) in time of need p 1.61.

(7.) That we may be careful, (anxious, thoughtful, solicitous,) for nothing; to our Prayers and Sup∣plications unto God, we must joyn thanksgiving. Under a grateful Re∣sentment, and thankful acknow∣ledgment of his marvellous loving Kindness, in Condescending to, hum∣bly beseeching, and stedfastly be∣lieving that he will take care of us. This is the most effectual way to commit our ways (or, in other words) to cast our Burden, and all our care upon him q 1.62. There's no better remedy against all perplexing Thoughts for the future, than that sensible experience we have had already of his good Providence to∣wards us. It being impossible to have a grateful Sense, and a solici∣tous distrust of his goodness at the same time.

It becomes us therefore to procure and maintain perpetually such a deep

sense of all his mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful: in no wise suffering any regret to disturb our Praise, to quench our joy in God, in his Divine Excellencies, and their Beneficialness to us. Sing∣ing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord r 1.63. Composes, refreshes disordered Minds; as David's Harp, chases away the troubled Spirit, from molested Souls. It is (then) a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high: To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night s 1.64. I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear there∣of and be glad. O magnifie the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name toge∣ther t 1.65. Every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praises unto

my God, while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities: Who healeth all thy diseases. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies v 1.66.

(8.) Let's frequently, with attention and close application of mind, read and observe the holy scriptures. Making them our Counsellor, our Comfor∣ter, our Treasure, our Study, our Delight, our meditation Day and Night; we shall esteem the words of his mouth, more than our ne∣cessary Food, sweeter than Honey, and the Honey-comb: Above Gold, yea, than much fine Gold: Better unto us than thousands of Gold and

Silver w 1.67. We shall then not envy, but pity any who have the greatest insight into Arts, Sciences, Histories, and neglect this, so Ancient, that it takes rise from the first point of Time; beginning with the Original of the whole universe. So True, as attested by its very Enemies, and our own experience. So Compre∣hensive, that it informs us in all things necessary to be known, the chief Good, and Happiness of this World and the next; with the right path that infallibly leads to it; and such motives and encouragements to keep us in it, as to which nothing can be added.

Where can we find such satisfying entertainment as here? To see in the new Testament, the accomplishments of so many Types, Rites, Cere∣monies, Sacrifices, Prophesies, Pro∣mises, of the Old. The glory of infinite Wisdom. The harmony of

the Divine Attributes in the Con∣trivance, and Accomplishment of our Redemption: his Justice satisfi∣ed, without diminution to his Mer∣cy; and his Mercy, without in∣trenching on his Justice: His Holi∣ness most eminent in his Indignati∣on against Sin, and his Love in sparing Sinners.

Such strange variety of Memorable, remarkable Occurrences, heroick Actions, undaunted firmness of Mind, under, and in sight of suffer∣ing, before Kings and Judges of the Earth; such excellent Discourses; well couch'd Parables; rariety of Events; the Deliverances and Punishments, lives and ends of the Righteous, and the Wick∣ed, wherewith it abounds; at once instructing, and encouraging with a delightful Admiration. What Divine Eloquence? What moving Rhetorick? What melting Strains? What endearing, Expressions and In∣stances of the greatest Tenderness

and Love, to reconcile us at once, to God and our selves? To draw and win us to our Duty, and Hap∣piness: Who hath so many Titles to us; and by whose meer Bounty we live: Engageing to reward our Obedience, which he might, upon the utmost penalty exact; and will, if we will, enable us to perform. What moving exam∣ples of uprightness, and integrity, fervent Prayer, and Charity; un∣shaken Faith, and Constancy; in∣tire submission, and resignation to God's Will; Patience, Contented∣ness, Joyfulness under Sufferings. Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage x 1.68.

A Book that means us so much good; design'd only to make us happy; gives us the truest Judg∣ment of all worldly, and eternal Things; speaks not at our mere vain Rate, but for the most importent

Ends; tending more to the Reputa∣tion, Health, and Harmony of Man∣kind, than all the sayings of the Sages upon Earth. That great Magazine, and Store-house of Health, Help and Comfort: That hath so much in it to cure Heaviness, to extirpate Grief, to lay asleep our troublesome Thoughts and Passions; to raise and satisfie our drooping doubting Spirits, when our Feet are well nigh slipt; to administer relief un∣der all Wrongs and Injuries; to support us under all the adversities of Life, and terrours of Death. How many precious Promises for all things pertaining to Life and Godliness, are seattered through it, to fill us with all Joy and Peace in believing! That sets before us, how to be delivered from Impurity, and Inquietude: To free our selves from the Tyranny of those Lusts, Appetites, Passions, which so agitate and turmoil our Souls: How to recover our Liberty and Freedom from the vilest Bon∣dage,

by his holy Spirit, upon our asking Grace; and fresh supplies of it, upon our good improving it. That shews us our Enemies, and their snares laid before us for our Lives: Fortifies our Faith; excites our Courage; assists, furnishes us with the whole Armour of God; annimates our Souls, by assuring us, that if we will not basely surrender our selves, we can never be over∣come; if we but stand our Ground, keep close to its Conduct, follow our Leader, who hath spoiled Prin∣cipalities and Powers, we cannot miss of Victory, of a Crown of Life, for being kind to our selves, willing to be happy here.

A Book that takes in, the care of our secular Concerns. A q••iet Life; keeping us out of the way of many Misfortunes which turbulent, un∣ruly Spirits meet with, by living peaceably with all Men: Puts us into the fairest rode to Riches; by a dilligent Hand, and the Blessing of God. How

to preserve our Reputation; by pro∣viding things honest in the sight of all Men. To make our Enemies at peace with us; by having our ways please the Lord. How to secure an unconcern∣ed Mind, and all we really want, by relying on him. Fixing us in all Vi∣cissitudes, by satisfying us, who Rules, in whose Hands we are. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoycing of my heart y 1.69.

(9.) Let not the consolations of God be small unto us, which he hath given us in his word. Not Customarily thinking on, but ruminating, digesting of them; expatiating our closest Thoughts upon them. Amongst so many, we'll here instance but in one, which we would not be without for all the World. We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God z 1.70. A most comfortable

Truth. For (1) this gives us secu∣rity where there's most need of it, i. e. against the causes of Fear and Sor∣row, i. e. The evils of this Life. (2.) The Ʋniversallity of the expres∣sion, makes our Comfort and Secu∣rity equal to our Dangers: The number of them cannot dismay us, where, without exception to any one, Provision is made against all: where the remedy will not fail, not only, if any one, but, if every one of them should happen, that we are liable to. (3.) Its an equal Antidote a∣gainst the dread, and feeling of Sor∣row. Suffering not our Present En∣joyments to be imbittered with Fear of the future; and supplies us with Hope and Patience when e∣vils are present. That belief which supports us under present E∣vils, will not let us feel disturbance from the possibility of future ones.

There being a concurrance of our Endeavours, the Grace of God will not be wanting; for if any thing that's grievous befal us by his Providence, he will not deny us, that inward Assistance of his Spirit towards a good use of it, which is needful; be∣cause the outward means of doing us good, is not of our own chusing, but his. Whilst we unalterably resolve not to forfeit our interest in his special Grace and Providence, for abtaining any worldly Good, or avoiding any worldly Evil. For, when without Sin, we cannot a∣void Suffering, he'll turn it to a great∣er Good; because it plainly appears to be his will, that we should suffer. So that, to do evil, for a good End, is not only damnable a 1.71, but fool∣ish b 1.72, to obtain that which may be for our hurt, or prevent that which may be for our Good. And is also a dishonouring God, by dis∣trusting

his Providence, which is in nothing more concern'd, than in seeing that in the Event no Man shall be a loser by doing his Duty. laying this as a sure Foundation for us to build upon; that, though our Affairs go never so contrary to us, its best things should be as God will have them; who in chusing our Condition hath still a regard to what is best for us? so that, we may not only conclude in General, that its good for us that we are afflicted, that he in faithfulness afflicts us c 1.73, but particularly, that that Affliction we are under is more for our good, than any other would have been, not only adversity in general, but those that happen to us in parti∣cular.

And now, were it left to us, whe∣ther we would have an assured in∣terest in this Promise, and that Grace and Providence of God, which will

make it Good; or, from Time to Time have the disposal of our selves. Would we trust our selves in our own Hand, who should undo our selves, even with desiring hurtful Things; and take our selves out of God's, who will make all things that are not good in themselves, work together for good?

And, can we wish any thing more for the quieting our Minds, the giving us a profound, and lasting Peace, than to know that future Evils will as certainly work for our Good, as if they were present? And that though they are supposed and uncertain, yet the good is certain, upon supposition that the Evil hap∣pens? To reap all the comfort of present Enjoyments; and to be able to account upon Adversity, without disturbance? We know they are uncertain, and that while they last, they shall work for our Good, and when they fail, they shall do so too. And is not this a mighty Advantage,

to know, and be assured of this? And what can be wanting to an absolute Assurance of it, but that we love God? And this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments d 1.74.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Jud. v. 21.
• b 1.2

  Isa. 32. 17.
• c 1.3

  2 Cor. 6. 10.
• d 1.4

  Isa. 51. 3.
• e 1.5

  Psa. 119. 165.
• f 1.6

  Psa. 32. 11.
• g 1.7

  Psa. 40. 5.
• h 1.8

  Prov. 27. 17,
• i 1.9

  Mal. 3. 13, &c. Luk. 24. 13, &c. 1 Thess. 4. 14. &c.
• l 1.10

  2 Thess. 3. 10, &c.
• m 1.11

  Mat. 5. 3, &c.
• n 1.12

  2 Cor. 4. 16, &c.
• o 1.13

  Psal. 119. 92.
• p 1.14

  Psal. 43. & 77.
• q 1.15

  Psal. 35. 27. & 40. 16.
• r 1.16

  Psal. 3. 3. & 18. 2. & 27. 1, 3, 5.
• s 1.17

  Ezek. 33. 11.
• t 1.18

  Isa. 1. 16, &c.
• v 1.19

  Ezek. 18. 23.
• w 1.20

  Isa. 55. 7.
• x 1.21

  1 Tim. 2. 4.
• y 1.22

  2 Pet. 3. 9.
• z 1.23

  1 John 4. 14. & 2. 2.
• a 1.24

  1 Tim. 2. 6.
• b 1.25

  Heb. 2. 9.
• c 1.26

  Heb. 5. 9.
• d 1.27

  Isa. 53. 5, 6.
• e 1.28

  Rom. 5. 6, 8.
• f 1.29

  1 John 1. 7.
• g 1.30

  Rom. 8. 33, 34.
• h 1.31

  Heb. 7. 25.
• i 1.32

  Prov. 28. 13.
• k 1.33

  1 John. 1. 9.
• l 1.34

  Rom. 8. 32.
• m 1.35

  Ma••. 6. 33.
• n 1.36

  Psal. 119. 71, 75.
• o 1.37

  Mat. 5. 1••, 12.
• p 1.38

  Acts 17. 28.
• r 1.39

  Psal. 9. 9, 10.
• s 1.40

  Isa. 26. 3.
• t 1.41

  Psal. 43. 4.
• v 1.42

  1 Sam. 1. 15, &c.
• w 1.43

  Psa. 65. 2. & 34. 6.
• x 1.44

  Psal. 66. 18, 19. John 9. 31. & 11. 41, 42.
• z 1.45

  Psa. 145. 18, 19.
• a 1.46

  Job 31. 41. Psal. 104. 21, 25, 27. & 145. 15, 16.
• b 1.47

  Prov. 15. 29. Isa. 5. 16.
• c 1.48

  Psal. 34. 15, 17.
• d 1.49

  1 John 3. 21, 22.
• * 1.50

  (y)
• e 1.51

  1 John 5. 14, 15.
• f 1.52

  Mat. 7. 8.
• g 1.53

  Jam. 1. 5.
• h 1.54

  Mat. 7. 11.
• i 1.55

  Psal. 65. 2. & 86. 5.
• k 1.56

  Isa. 45. 19.
• l 1.57

  Psal. 50. 15.
• m 1.58

  Isa. 65. 24.
• n 1.59

  Mat. 7. 7. & 21. 22. John 15. 7. & 16. 23.
• o 1.60

  John 14. 16. & 16. 26. Rom. 8. 34. Rev. 8. 3.
• p 1.61

  Heb. 4. 16.
• q 1.62

  Phil. 4. 6. Psal. 37. 5. & 55. 22.
• r 1.63

  Eph. 5. 19.
• s 1.64

  Psal. 92. 1, 2.
• t 1.65

  Psal. 34. 1, 2, 3.
• v 1.66

  Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3, 4. & 104. 34. & 145. 2. & 146. 2.
• w 1.67

  Job 23. 12. Psal. 1. 2. & 19. 8. & 119. 24, 50, 72, 99, 127.
• x 1.68

  Psal. 119. 54.
• y 1.69

  Psal. 119. 111.
• z 1.70

  Rom. 8. 28.
• a 1.71

  Rom. 3. 8.
• b 1.72

  Deut. 4. 6. 1 Sam. 13. 13.
• c 1.73

  Psal. 119, 71, 75,
• d 1.74

  1 John 5. 3.