Selected quad for the lemma: mercy_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
mercy_n	good_a	sin_n	sinner_n	3,410	5	7.5691	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A85733	The buddings and blossomings of old truths: or, Severall practicall points of divinity, gathered out of that sacred evangelist, St. John, chap. the third, from verse 22. ad finem. By that worthy light and lamp of heaven, Alexander Gross, Bach. of Divinity, and late preacher of Ashberton, in Com. Devon.	Grosse, Alexander, 1596?-1654.	1656 (1656)	Wing G2068; Thomason E1577_2; ESTC R209389	251,205	463

in causing a light to shine to them who sat in darknes Mat. 4.16 In opening the eyes of the spiritually blind as it is in Isa 35.5 6. In turning men from iniquity as it is in Acts the 3. verse 26. In teaching them to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts Tit. 2.12 13 14. In making us the Sons and Daughters of God as you have it in 1. Iohn 3.1 In washing us from the spirituall filthyness of sin Eze. 6.7 9 10. And in this manner must we shew our love towards our bretheren that it may appear we love the Jewel and not the casket the soul and not the carkase that our love may be fastned on Gods image and not on that which is but dust and ashes that the fruit of our love may be everlasting Prov. 13.24 What Solomon speaks there he that spareth his rod hateth his son but he that loveth him chastneth him betimes So in this case he that loveth his field manureth it he that loveth his tree pruneth it 3. That we have not unfained love to God No better argument of love to God than in seeking to take from men that sin which God doth hate to restore them to holiness wherein God doth delight and therefore this is made an argument to demonstrate Peters love to Christ his feeding his sheep Iohn 21.17 by this we shall gather them home to Gods fold make them Members of Christs body heires of Gods Kingdom servants in Gods family Trees in Gods Orchard souldiers fighting Gods battles and so shall shew our love to God by being a means of bringing much honour to him and to them that seek not the good of there bretherens Souls I may say as in the 1. Joh. 3.17 How dwelleth the love of God in him 4. That we have no feeling of the goodness of God in our Souls of the lively opperation of his word of our happiness in being in Christ had we the sence of this we would with David in Psa 66.16 Invite men to us and say Come and hear all ye that fear God and we will tell you what he hath done for our Souls and we would being converted strengthen our bretheren as you have it in Luk. 22.32 Wee would say as the Samaritan Woman Ioh. 4.29 come see a man which told me all things that ever I did is not this the Christ and as they that were sent to spye out the Land when they saw it and how good it was incouraged the rest to go to it saying in Iud. 18.9 Arise that we may go up against them for we have seen the Land and behold it is very good and are ye still be not sloathfull to go and to enter to possess the Land Even so those that have felt and seene the goodness of the Lord are ready to incourage others Saying to those that stand still arise why ly ye still why are ye slothfull come into the way of God that is so good so pleasant 5. That we have no feeling of their misery did we feel there sin as a heavy burden upon our Souls as a thorne in our sides as a burning fire in our own bowels it would make us mightily to awaken them out of sin as the Woman of Canaan having her Daughter vexed with a divell cryed out have mercy on me O Lord thou Son of David for my Daughter is grevously vexed with a devill Math. 15.22 So will it be with a soul that hath had any feeling of the misery of sin it will cry out in the behalf of poor sinners have mercy O Lord for we have bretheren greivously vexed with sinnes and devills 6. That we are not greived to see Gods Law transgressed as David was in Psal 119.136 rivers of tears run down my eyes because they keep not thy law the wayes of God neglected as Lam. 1.4 that the name of God is dishonoured 7. That we are not troubled at the beholding of their sinfull conversation as 2. Pet. 2.8 That they are not as Cananites to Israel Iud. 2.2 3. as the men of Mesech to David Psal 120.4 as the Daughters of Heth to Sara Gen. 27.46 Were they such a grief we would pray to God to convert them as we would to cure a man of the plague in our Families to roote thornes and bryars out of our vineyard 8. That we do not fear the provocations of the Lords wrath against the place where the Kingdom and Church wherein we live by their sin did we consider how for the adultery of one Zimri and Cosby the plague might fall on all the people Num. 25.8 9. How for the disobedience of one Ionah the whole ship might be in danger of miscarrying Ionah 1. How for the theft of one Achan the whole army might be defeated Ios 7. did we consider and lay to heart how many evils may befull us for the sin of them that dwell about us we would do as Ezra did Exra 10.1 and according to our best abilities by prayers teares intreaties endevour their reformation Vse 2 Therefore let us all humble our selves for our past default in this behalf and for the time to to me let us labour to do more good let us in all places in all companies so manage all occasions so dispatch all busines so husband our time that we do some good if it be possible to the Souls of our bretheren that we help them a little forward in the way to heaven As Iron sharpens Iron as it is in Prov. 27.17 So let us sharpen the Souls of our bretheren Let us be to them as the rock to Peter Math. 26.75 as Philip to Nathaniel Iohn 1.45 let us be to them as Horse men and Chariots to stirre them up to drive and draw them forward as bellows to kindle and blow up the gifts of Gods Spirit within them let us communicate what we have received like good stewards feeding Gods family like fruitfull trees yeilding some fruit like shining stars casting out some light As Mary opened her box of alabaster and perfumed the house therewith Luk. 7.37 So let us with our gracious speeches holy instructions and pious discourse leave a gracious savour behind us and impresse some good in them that are with us As wicked men sleep not untill they do some mischief Prov. 4.16 No more let us take rest unles we do some good as Iacob would not let the Angel go till he blessed him Gen. No more let us depart from our bretheren without leaving some blessing behind us And to the end we may do good in all places companies consider these things 1. Let us make a spirituall use of earthly things As our Saviour by the water which the Samaritan Woman drew took occasion to speak of the water of life by fishing with nets in the Sea took occasion to speak of catching and drawing out of the Sea of sin by the draw-net of the Gospell by the pearle took occasion to speak of the pretious pearle of the Gospell by sowing of

difficult the change of the heart how hardly the image of God is restored the light of Gods face peace of conscience assurance of the forgiveness of sin is gotten had they ever known this they would never presume upon their owne strength but would with Paul Rom. 4.27 Had they beheld the deep dye filthy spots of sin they would with David Psa 51.1 2. Had they been in this storme they would with the Disciples Mat. 8.25 26. Had they ever felt this burden they should have found it more easy to shake off a mountaine from their backs to pull their skin over their heads as to cast away there sin as easy to withstand a deluge of water or a furious Horse rushing into the battle as to withstand their lusts they should have found that all the water in the bucket of their humane abilities would not quench one spark of this fire that all the arrowes in their quiver would not make this enemy remove one foot that all the ingredients in their shop all the herbs in their garden would do nothing towards the cure of his wound But they should find as Matth. 17.10 the woman spent all upon Physicians and could not be cured so they Mar. 5.26 Vse 2 This must therefore humble us and make us all looke upon our selves as upon gardens wherein groweth not one wholesome Herb not one savoury flower as on trees bearing no good fruit as on wells void of water on dead men void of strength as on beggers having nothing of our owne but the menstruous garments of sinne confessing our selves with Iacob to be lesse than the least of Gods Mercies to be altogether unfit for any good duty unable to performe any worke pleasing in the sight of God Isa 64.6 Gen. 32.10 Not boasting of our owne abilities as once Goliah did of his strength least the Lord overthrow us as he overthrew him 1 Sam. 17.10 Not presuming like the Sonnes of Sheva to cast out Satan by humane art and the powers of nature least he leape on us as he did on them Acts 19.15 19. Not striving with the builders of Babel to ascend the glorious rest of heaven by a Babel of our owne building least the Lord confound us as he did them Gen. 14.4 8. Let us not glory with the Pharisee that we are not as the Publican Luc 18.11 Let us not grow insolent of a few morall endowments a little gilded brasse a few painted flowers as once Rabseca boasted of his Masters victories having overcome a few nations whose God were stocks and stones least as the Lord gave him and his Master so he give us a shamefull overthrow at the last 2 King 18.33 34 35. But let us seriously consider how we have no beauty in us for which the Lord should set his love upon us Ezek. 16.6 No strength whereby to vanquish the enemies that rise against us Rom. 5.8 No understanding to discerne the things which differ Prov. 30.2 3. No ability to comprehend the deep things of God more than a blind eye to discerne colours 1 Cor. 2.14 No quickness of sight to discry the snares of Satan to find out the corruption of our hearts but that as Agar said Prov. 30.18 19. So may I say of him that we have no aptness in our selves to any good duty more than the thorne to beare figs the bitter fountaine to send forth sweet waters Mat. 7.17 And when we are thus low in our owne eyes then we shall be capable of matter of the highest and most eminent nature Acts 9.3 When Paul was cast from his Horse brought low made blind then he was fit to receive instruction then we shall long after the light of Gods face Luc. 15. the dewes of Gods grace when the prodigall saw himselfe a companion of swine then a place in his fathers house was much desired then we shall complaine with much feeling of the sin of our Souls of the iniquity of our hearts as Isa 6.5 Then we shall be to pour out our Souls feelingly and cry mightily to the Lord as Ionah did Ion 2.1 He slept while he was above the water then the Lord will be favourable unto us Isa 57.15 and shall vouchsafe salvation unto us Iob 22.29 Iob 33.19 to 28. Vse 3 Therefore this must cause us so much the more carefully to use all holy and sanctified means for the supplying of our wants the filling of our emptiness the fitting of us for all good duties the more we see our owne weakeness the more let us seek to be made strong by Christ Iesus the lesse we have in our selves the more earnestly let us beg to partake of his abundance let the sence of our hunger cause us to feed the more frequently with the milk which cometh from the breast of the Scriptures let our dulnes cause us the more carefully to apply this light to our feet and this Lanterne to our paths Let our barrenness cause us with Hanna to pray with teares for grace as she did for a Child let our inability to resist the enemies of our Souls cause us to pray for Gods presence and assistance as Moses did for Gods assistance with Israel in their journey to Canaan the greater stormes of affliction do arise the more strongly let us fasten the anchor of our faith upon the Rock Christ Jesus let our nakednes cause us to long the more to be apparelled with the royall robes of Christs righteousness Let our uncleanness make us desire the more earnestly to be washed in the Jordan of Christs blood the heavy burthen of our sin cause us the more to desire to be unloaden the more the hart is chased the more the water brooks are desired the more the torment of the disease is felt the more the healing Medicine is longed for the more the force fury and near approach of the enemy is beheld the more aid is desired so the more sence we have of our owne weakenes unmorthines the more feeling we have of our sin of the arrows of Gods displeasure wounding our consciences the strength of our corruption and the violence of Satan the more earnestly humbly feelingly let us addresse our selves unto God and so the Lord of his fulness will supply our wants communicate the riches of his grace his goodnes is the Fountaine whence we must draw the treasure whence we must fetch all spirituall riches as the next thing to be observed plainely teacheth Doctr. That whatsoever good blessing is enjoyed by any person or people is the free gift of God as all the waters come from the Sea and all the branches receive nourishment from the roote so all the favours which like streams flow down for the watering of our Souls or bodies have their originall from the Ocean of Gods goodness they are all as beames issueing from the Sun of Gods Love Iac. 1.17 No Merchandise sold at so easy a rate as that which after Solomons estimate is more precious than Rubies and Prov. 3.14

15. for Isa 55.1 As the cloud freely poureth down his raine upon the thirsty ground so doth God his blessings upon the thirsty Souls of men blessings of every kind both spirituall and temporall of the right hand and of the lest are freely bestowed touching blessings of the most eminent nature our Saviour speaketh Rev. 22.17 touching favours of inferiour condition Psal 104.28 Yea the very wicked drink of the water of this Fountaine and are relieved by the bounty of this hand Iob 22.18 So that the Apostles question may well be proposed to every person 1 Cor. 4.17 and the reason hereof is Reas 1 Because God is the Fountaine of all goodness all blessings are in his store house he is the vine whereon all the grapes grow which nourish our Souls bodies he is the Sun which giveth us light the nurse whose breasts afford us refreshment the Olive tree which filleth our Lamp full of Oile this Nehemiah doth acknowledge Neh. 9.25 Psal 68.9 10. and thus the Prophet ascribeth all the welfare of Gods people to his goodnes Zach. 9.15 16 17. Reas 2 Because we cannot claime nor challenge any blessing or favour at the hands of God we have forfeited all by our sin Ephes 2.12 All things are become impure Tit. 1.15 We have broken the Covenant and have made forfeyture of all we did enjoy so that we can lay claime to nothing by vertue of any promise from God till we be in Christ according to that of the Prophet Hos 2.19 20 21 22. Reas 3 Because the whole praise of all we enjoy belongeth unto God Rom. 11.36 1 Cor. 1.30 31. so 1 Cor. 4.6 7. This is a jewell of which God will not suffer himselfe to be robbed the onely thing that God aimeth at in all his works Isai 42.5 6 7 8. Use This therefore overthroweth the proud and insolent Babel of Popish merit challenging eternall life and glory as a wages due to their labours as a fruit growing upon the trees of their owne planting a harvest arising from a vineyard of their owne manuring for thus they teach Opera bona justorum ex seipsis absque ullo pacto acceptatione digna esse remnueratione vitae eternae 2. Operibus iustorum nullum dignitatis accrementum provenire ex meritis aut persona Christi c. Whereas the Baptist a man of a more sanctified Spirit and profound judgment than any sly and subtle Jesuite taught his disciples that a man could receive nothing unles it were given not merited and whatsoever these Rom●sh Doctours do now teach their Apostatized Romans yet Paul a chosen vessel of God a man that was extraordinarily converted richly endued with the grace of the Spirit in labour more abundāt than any other Apostle taught the Romans of his time that the wages of sin was death but the gift of God was eternall life Rom. 6.23 and our Saviour taught his Disciples Luc. 17.10 Whereupon Hierome si inutilis qui fecit omnia quid de illo dicendum qui explere non potuit and St Paul teacheth that not onely the actions but the passions also added thereunto hold no proportion of condignity with life eternall Rom. 8.18 For should we be able to merit eternall life by our works win the crowne by our owne strength then we should turne the fountaine of Gods favour into a well without water where should there be any place for Gods bounty If we could merit and make salvatiō a due debt then Christ should have spent his labours borne the heavy burthen of afflictiōs undergone the ignominy of the crosse shed his blood in vaine Gal. 2.21 Then there should be no more place for grace Rom. 11.6 Non est in quo gratia intret ubi meritum jam occupavit Bernard in Cant. Ser. 67. therefore Ephes 2 8. and yet we do not take away the reward because we deny the merit of good works for in the keeping of Gods commandements Psa 19.11 and Prov 11.18 But the question is whence he that soweth must expect to reape so great and sure a harvest whether from Gods justice which he must do if he stand upon merit or from his mercy as a recompence freely bestowed out of Gods gracious bounty and not injustice due for the worth of the work performed which question the Prophet Hosea hath sufficiently resolved Hos 10.12 The Lord doth crowne his graces adding an encrease to that which he hath given and inabled us well to use Psal 62.12 giving an encrease of glory according to the measure of grace bestowed so that originally and in it selfe this reward proceedeth merely from Gods free bounty mercy but accidentally in regard God hath bound himselfe by his Word and promise to comferr such a reward so it proveth after a sort an act of justice as 1 Joh. 1.9 The thing promised is free and by us undeserved and if God should faile in performance yet do us no wrong but wrong himselfe and therefore Canaan was called a Land of promise not of merit Dut. 9.5 Neh. 9 8. Ja. 1.12 2 Tim. 4.8 Not just because of our merit but because of Gods promise therefore Augustine fidelis homo est credens promittenti Deo fidelis Deus exhibens quod promisit homini teneamus fidelissimu debitorem quia tenemus misericordissimum promissorem Vse 2 Is every good blessing Gods gift doth it all come from heaven then in all our wants let us addresse our selves to God Whatsoever we want let us seek it at the Lords hand let us not go to Endor Baalzebub Aegypt or Assyria as if there were no God in Israel as if there were no Oile in Gods Lamp no strength in Gods arme no light left in the Sun or his favour let us not go to broaken cisternes but say with Peter Ioh. 6.68 this is that we are commanded to do Amos 5.4 5 6. It is at the Lords gate that we must knocke one begger doth not make supplication at another beggers doore but at the gates of the rich what are all creatures in respect of God but beggars they have no water in their owne wells but what distilleth from the cloud of Gods bounty therefore Mat. 7.7 8. the Lords eares open to heare his hands are open to relieve Exo. 22.23 Though Baal be deafe and cannot heare his suppliants yet the God of Israel will surely attend to the cry of his people let us silence out crying sins let us turne our feet into the path of Gods precepts and the Lord shall heare our requests Job 22.23 to 28. Let us in the sence of our wants in the humility of our Souls draw nigh unto the Lord and then Psa 102.17 Let us pour out our Souls before the Lord as the full clouds do their raine let us cry out as a woman in travell and though we were as dead men yet we shall live Isa 26.16 17 19. Let us not waver but believe we shall obtaine Ia. 16. Let us come

accord This you may descerne 1. By the soundnesse the fulnesse holiness of their knowledge in the matter of life and salvation for as the Sun ruling the world is full of light the Sea watring the earth is full of Waters so must the Ministers of God be full of knowledge therefore called starres Rev. 1.16 And light Mat. 5.14 Guides Acts. 8.31 Shepheards Ephes 4.11 Captaines 2 Tim. 2.3 Stewards Lu. 13.52 And it is Gods ordinance Mal. 2.7 Gods promise Jer. 3.15 The contrary to this is an argument men are not sent Hos 4.6 Jer. 2.8 2. By the holinesse and integrity of their conversations Kings send not rebels to reclaim others they who are tainted with the Plague themselves are very dangerous Physitians no man will willingly take Physick from them but Lu. 4.23 therefore God doth purify and cleanse his Messengers from iniquity Mal. 2.5 6. And 1 Tim. 4.12 And therefore our Saviour Matth. 5.16 and Isaiah was cleansed Isa 6.5 And Paul proposeth himselfe and the rest for an example Phil. 3.17 The contrary to this argueth want of commission Jer. 23.14 1 Sam 2.17 Mat. 5.3 3. By the fervency of their Zeal affections they must be full of courage comming forth as it is said of the Sun like Bridegrooms out of their Chamber rejoycing like mighty men to run the race which God hath set them being like burning iron warming them that are about them thus the word as fire shut up in Jeremy his bones Jer. 20.9 Examples hereof wee have in Eliah 1 Kings 18.21 Zacharias 2 Chron. 24 20. In the Baptist Mat. 3.7 In Stephen Acts. 7.51 In Paul Acts. 34 20. The want of this is taxed Matth. 7.29 and Rev. 3.16 4. By their sincere and Heavenly Doctrine such as God sendeth delivereth Gods message good nurses give wholesome milke to the children good Stewards give not gravell but good bread to the family thus 2 Tim. 2.15 They give every man his portion out of Gods word knowledge to the ignorant reproofe to the obstinate comfort to the afflicted encouragement to the opposed and 1 Pet. 4.11 Tit. 1.9 And then Jer. 23.22 But the contrary hereunto Mica 2.11 Lam. 2.24 5. By their industry in their calling expressed by the similitudes of Husband-men builders 1 Cor. 3.6 9. Souldiers 2 Tim. 2.3 It was prophesied Isa 62.5 Charged 2 Tim. 4.2 1 Tim. 4.15 Practised 1 Cor. 15.10 But the want of this discovereth want of commission Isa 56.10 6. By their griefe to see men sinfull as a good Physitian to see his patient diseased a loving Nurse to see her childe sick thus 2 Pet. 2.8 Jer. 9.1 Jer. 13.17 Psa 119.136 But Acts. 4.2 7. By their seeking of the Glory of God and the good of his Church more then themselves or their owne good 2 Cor. 4.5 2 Cor. 12.14 1 Cor. 10.33 1 Thes 2.19 But 2. Pet. 2.3 These meeting together in a Minister are assured evidence that God hath sent such one in mercy to his servants 8. By their constancy in their calling and religious and holy conversation such as God sendeth are not like a broken Bow that starteth back in the day of battle like the sluggard that would not walke because there was a Lion in the Street like the sloathfull man that would not sow because it was cold they grow not weary of the work of the Lord their calling is a delight no trouble their work is pleasant no iron yoke to them and therefore as Eccles 11.6 So they sow in the morning in the Evening are constant in imbracing every occasion looking unto God for a blessing though they fish long with Peter catched nothing yet at Christs command they cast forth the net in hope of a good draught at last they know that God hath severall houres for mens conversion some at the third some at the sixth hour some at the ninth hour some at the last hour of the day so must they continue constant to the last hour in their calling and if none convert by their labours yet they know that their endeavours shall not be altogether fruitlesse Jsa 49 4 And therefore they are not like Meteors and blazing starrs shining for a season and then fall to ground but like the sun they are constant in their care this was Gods charge to Jeremy Jer. 15.19 20 21. And it was his practise Jer. 20.9.10 This was Pauls resolution Acts. 20.24 And this he verified 2 Tim. 4.7 This the Apostles also manifested it was within them as a fire not to be quenched as a streame not to be stopped Acts. 4.19.20 But Apostacy from God either in doctrine or conversation may justly call into question their commission Demas once accounted a fellow-labourer Philimon verse 24. afterward proved an Apostaticall lover of the world 2 Tim. 4.10 And Rev. 12.4 Faithfulnesse to the end in the Ministeriall calling is a gracious testimony that God hath given them a commission and that hee hath sent them for the good of his people Thus of his authority Next let us looke upon his Alsufficiency Authority without ability is like a sword without a hand ability without authority is like a hand without a sword both insufficient both of little use but where both concurre they make a man compleat to fulfill the calling hee hath undertaken therefore that the Baptist might the better move the more effectually perswade the hearts of his disciples to imbrace beleeve and build upon Christ he commendeth him not onely by his authority whom God hath sent he speaketh the word of God but also by his Alsufficiency for God hath not given the spirit by measure Some extend these words to Gods abundant common dispensation of all good things why being the fountaine of all goodnesse doth largely poure out his blessings and yet is not emptied any more then the Sun of his light by Shining or the sea of water by sending forth many streams to water the earth he that draweth out of a vessel what he giveth commeth at length to the bottome but he that dippeth out of the Sea never commeth to the bottome the abilities of the creatures are soone like a little vessell drawne dry but God never giveth so much but there is a great fulnes in him at the last as there was at the first his hand is never short that it cannot help his arme is never weary that it cannot give assistance it is never low water but alwaies full Sea with this goodnesse a singular expression of the transcendency of God beyond and above all creatures a powerfull load-stone to draw men to God from the world a singular encouragement to men to relye upon God as on a sure foundation which will never sinke to draw nigh to God as to the fountaine of living waters which will most certainely refresh us as to a tree loaden with all forts of fruit bearing new fruit every month an admirable comfort to Gods children that their God is their stay and their

for Job 34.19 it is onely true piety which maketh us dear and pretious in God's eies which moveth God to fasten his affection upon us and to delight himself in us men may bee admired by men for their endowments because men judg according to external appearance as 1 Sam. 16.6 but as vers 7. so God looketh not on men because tall in honors high in external callings great through a worldly abundance but the holy man is the object of God's affection Psal 146.8 these are God's chois Jam. 2.5 these are God's delight Pro. 11.20 these are a diademe and a crown of glory in God's hand Isa 62.3 to these doth hee look with these doth hee delight to dwell Isa 57.15 Joh. 14 23 24. these are unto Christ in stead of all others Mat. 12.50 And indeed upon whom hath the cloud of God's love distilled on whom hath the light of his countenance shined towards whom have the infallible testimonies of God's favor been manifested but onely to such as are endued with the saving gifts and graces of his Spirit to whom hath hee vouchsafed his presence as a father among his children as a shepherd among his flock as the sun among the stars in the firmament surely onely to such as fear him Psal 46.5 Zeph. 3.15 Gen. 28.12 upon whom doth hee cast forth the light of his countenanee whose soul doth hee affect with the sens of his love but onely such as by a lively faith imbrace his promises and keep their feet within the way of his commandements Psal 11.7 Rom. 5.5 to whom doth hee make his Word a joifull tidings a healing salve a sweet savour but onely to such as pass their time in his fear order their conversation in a holy manner to them the meditation thereof is sweet Psal 104.34 common favors indeed are vouchsafed to the bad as the rain falleth on the bad ground as well as the good Mat. 5.45 but the special pledges of God's love are conferred onely upon the righteous Psal 50.16 But it may bee you will say That riches and honors and these external favors that they are also blessings they are water out of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from his hand 2. They are therefore very much deceived who bless themselvs as being God's dearest favorites the choisest of his beloved because they are most plenteously enriched with these common endowments because their houses are fairer their possessions larger their dignities greater their earthly delights pleasures and comforts far excelling other this is a sandy foundation to build upon a deceitfull balance to weigh themselvs in a fals rule whereby to judg of God's love who had more pleasure than the glutton faring deliciously and wearing fine apparell every day yet a fire brand of hell Luke 16. who richer than hee that builded his barns greater cheared up his soul with the thought of his great abundance yet who at the last were his attendants but the devils Luke 12. where was his dwelling but in everlasting darkness who perished in the red sea was it not Pharaoh king of Egypt Exod. 14. who was eaten up of lice was it not Herod that sate upon the throne Act. 12.22 On whom came sorrow widowed and loss of children in one day was it not upon the Babylonish Queen that lived in pleasures Isa 47.7 8. Who stand in slipery places but they who have more than heart can desire Psal 73.18 Who perish like their beasts but they that boasted of their wealth Psal 14.49 on the other side Who poorer than Lazarus who had resting place in Abraham's bosom Luke 16.8 Who had no other cradle but a manger Luke 2. Who had not where to lay his head but the Son of man Christ Jesus who of all others was most dear to God Who were in sheeps skins and goats skins in the wilderness in caves destitute afflicted tormented but the good people of God of whom the world was not worthy Who were accounted as the dung and of-scouring of the earth but the Apostles of the Lord Jesus the transgressors they have grown as the grass overtopt the righteous as the tares the corn advanced themselvs in the world like the cedars in Lebanon they have been among men as the Leviathan among the fishes of the sea as the lion buls bears among the beasts of the field as the eagle among the birds of the aër as the tree by the great waters among the trees of the forrest the most unholy have many times the greatest abundance of outward favors and therefore wee cannot but falsly conclude them to bee most happy who have most earthly plenty fatness and prosperity for having nothing but this 1. they are dead in sin and whom judg wee most happy the dead with a goodly tomb or the living that hath life in him the widow living in pleasures was very wretched because dead in sin while shee lived 2. these are destitute of God's image it is not the adorning of the body with gold and silver but the adorning of the soul with grace which is in the sight of God of great price 3. these have no communion with God it is not by wealth but by faith and holy life that wee have fellowship with God 1 Joh. 1.6 4. these are strangers to true peace it is not wordly riches but true grace that bringeth peace unto the conscience riches usually breed many troubles they have unability to appeas a stormy tempest of a troubled conscience Ez. 19.7 But it may bee you will say that riches honors and external favors are blessings also that these are waters of God's well rain out of God's cloud a gift from God's hand and therfore also a testimony of God's love to which I answer it is true they are blessings in themselvs for every creature of God in it's own kind is good Gen. 1.31 they are all from the Lord the giver of every good gift Isa 1.17 for the earth is the Lord 's Psal 24.1 riches and honor come from him 1 Chro. 29.12 the Lord setteth one and pulleth down another 1 Sam. 2.7 all cometh from God's providence but all cometh not from God's mercy and love to them who are possessors of it it is one thing to have a thing by the cours of God's Providence another thing to have it from God in love and in favor for God giveth in wrath as well as in mercy as Hos 13.11 so God giveth wealth and riches in his wrath and taketh it away in his displeasure thus Israel had quails given but it was in wrath Numb 11.33 better they had been without them Thus Solomon saw this evil under the sun riches kept for the owners thereof to their own hurt Ecles 5.13 when Absalon made a feast hee invited all his brethren prepared dainties for them som hee invited in love but Amon in hatred for hee gave charge to his servants when they should see him merry with wine that then they should fall upon him and