he enjoys is only a dream, but outward comforts coming through the blood of Christ are solid, substantial refreshments;* again, they come

(3.) More agreeably they have not those prickles and stings that worldly things have for natural men. O the peace and quietness that a Christian enjoys with outward comforts; and further, temporal things come to a child of God,

(4.) More serviceably: the creature doth homage to its maker and master's children, so that what they have is for their good and doth them good; and comforts also come,

(5.) More satisfyingly: a godly man is more contented with his little than the men of the world can be with abundance; "a little that the righteous hath, is better than the riches of many wicked," Psalm xxxvii. 16; and then a child of God enjoys his comforts in a covenant way,

(6.) More safely he needs not fear want, "bread shall be given him, his waters shall be sure," Isaiah xxxiii. 16; God is the Christian's purse-bearer, and it is in safer hands than in his own, and they are

(7.) More lasting: we shall have temporal mercies as long as we need them, and when we need them not, they shall be swallowed up in eternal enjoyments. O, therefore, let the saints of God be truly thankful-let the high praises of God be in their mouths; this is the chief rent and reasonable tribute that God expects for these sure mercies; sacrifice these sacrifices of thanksgiving, take this cup of salvation, and give God the praise that is due unto his name. Begin that work performed by the

here in time, which shall be fully ransomed of the Lord to all eternity. This, this shall be the burden of the saint's triumphant song in the heavenly mansions; that glorious palace shall ring and

* Luke viii. 18. Psalm xxxix. 6.

echo with the blessed exclamation, Mercy! mercy endureth for ever! free grace laid the foundation, and grace only will bring forth the top-stone of saints' glory. O how will God be admired by and in all, who believe at that day! Well, sirs, begin those hosannas here, which will be seconded with hallelujah's hereafter; speak well of your gracious God, admire his new covenant design, and let him have all the glory of this blessed contrivance so shall you accomplish God's end, and evidence your covenant interest in these sure mercies of David.

Thus, though these divine graces which adorn the temple of a Christian's breast do sometimes disappear, and sin costs the soul some tears, yet the gracious soul hath abundant ground of thankfulness on the whole. Take it as expressed in divine Herbert's Poem on the Church Floor.

Mark you
the floor? that square and speckled stone,
Which looks so firm and strong, is-PATIENCE;
And the other black and grave, wherewith each one
Is chequered all along-HUMILITY;
The gentle rising, which, on either hand,
Leads to the choir above, is-CONFIDENCE.
But the sweet cement, which, in one sure band,
Ties the whole frame, is-LOVE and CHARITY.

Hither, sometimes, sin steals and stains
The marble's neat and curious veins;
But all is cleansed when the marble weeps:
Sometimes, death puffing at the door,

Blows all the dust about the floor;

But while he thinks to spoil the room, he sweeps.
Blest be the Architect, whose art

Could build so strong in a weak heart.

END OF VOL. II.

John Vint, Printer, Idle.