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Digr. 1. Of miracles, not ceased: tho, from the decay of holiness in general, and particularly, of great mortification and frequent devotions, they are much rarer than formerly; And (since a strong faith, and confidence in God's power, and goodness is required on our parts to the doing of them) in some places the opinion that they are ceased (which is op∣posite to such a faith) is a great cause that they are ceased.
Digr. 2. And these done all by Jesus Christ. And
usually by the instrumency of his Saints, or Angels; which Angels if there were not a particular providence (upon the Saints prayers and necessities) controling sometimes the common course of Nature, and some things executed here by these other agents, different from it, why are they said to be ministring Spirits, sent forth for to minister to the heirs of Salvation? (Heb. 1.14.)
Digr. 3. Of a special Faith, with respect to the effect, ordinarily required to render us capable of receiving any miraculous or supernatural effect (perhaps that faith; viz. for receiving miraculous favours named 1. Cor. 12.9. the faith of doing miracles being set down verse 10.) which faith though it seems to be a more extraordinary gift of the spirit; yet as all other gifts (1. Cor. 12.31.—14.1.) it is to be requested, and to be pursued, and fortified, with our en∣deavors; the concurrence of which (in a manner we know not) God requires to his graces (See Mark. 11.24. Matt. 21, 22.—1. Tim. 6.8. &c.) else the exhortations, unto it, were vain; the reprehensions, for the defect thereof, causeless.
Digr. 4. Of the Faith of one (in respect of these mi∣raculous effects) very beneficial to another; as, of Pa∣rents for their Children, or one Relation for another (See Matt. 8.8, 13. Jo. 4.50. Mark. 2.4, 5. Matt. 15.28. Jam. 5.15.) those who are to receive such favour at least non ponentibus obicem by strong acts of unbelief.