A cordiall for the afflicted Touching the necessitie and utilitie of afflictions. Proving unto us the happinesse of those that thankfully receive them: and the misery of all that want them, or profit not by them. By A. Harsnet, B.D. and Minister of Gods word at Cranham in Essex.
         Harsnett, Adam, 1579 or 80-1639.
      
       
         
           1638
        
      
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             A cordiall for the afflicted Touching the necessitie and utilitie of afflictions. Proving unto us the happinesse of those that thankfully receive them: and the misery of all that want them, or profit not by them. By A. Harsnet, B.D. and Minister of Gods word at Cranham in Essex.
             Harsnett, Adam, 1579 or 80-1639.
          
           
             The second edition enlarged, with direction touching spirituall afflictions.
          
           [42], 594 p.
           
             Printed by Ric. Hodgkinsonne, for Ph. Stephnes [sic, i.e. Stephens] and Chr. Meridith, at the Golden Lion in Pauls Churchyard,
             London :
             1638.
          
           
             Printer's actual name from STC.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           A
           CORDIALL
           FOR
           THE
           AFFLICTED
           .
           Touching
           The
           Necessitie
           and
           Utilitie
           of
           Afflictions
           .
           Proving
           unto
           us
           The
           happinesse
           of
           those
           that
           thankfully
           receive
           them
           :
           AND
           The
           misery
           of
           all
           that
           want
           them
           ,
           or
           profit
           not
           by
           them
           .
        
         
           By
           A.
           HARSNET
           ,
           B.
           D.
           and
           Minister
           of
           Gods
           Word
           at
           Cranham
           in
           Essex
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Second
             Edition
             enlarged
             ,
             with
             direction
             touching
             Spirituall
             Afflictions
             .
          
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             Ric.
             Hodgkinsonne
          
           ,
           for
           
             Ph.
             Stephnes
          
           and
           
             Chr.
             Meridith
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Golden
           Lion
           in
           Pauls
           Churchyard
           .
           1638.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           HONOrable
           Lady
           ,
           the
           Lady
           JOHAN
           BARRINGTON
           ,
           The
           Wife
           of
           that
           Noble
           ,
           and
           renowned
           Sr.
           FRANCIS
           BARRINGTON
           ,
           late
           of
           Barrington
           Hall
           :
           and
           to
           the
           Right
           Worshipfull
           ,
           The
           Lady
           MARY
           EDEN
           ,
           the
           Wife
           of
           Sr.
           THOMAS
           EDEN
           ,
           late
           of
           Ballingdon
           Hall.
           
        
         
           
             Much
             honored
             Ladies
             :
          
        
         
           IT
           is
           too
           true
           a
           saying
           ,
           that
           Greatnes
           ,
           and
           
           Goodnesse
           seldom
           go
           together
           ;
           for
           not
           many
           mighty
           ,
           not
           many
           noble
           are
           called
           .
           Yet
           (
           blessed
           be
           God
           ,
           for
           his
           mercies
           to
           you-wards
           )
           wee
           finde
           both
           of
           these
           ,
           in
           both
           of
           you
           .
           For
           your
           Greatnesse
           (
           next
           
           under
           God
           )
           yee
           are
           beholding
           unto
           your
           Parents
           ,
           out
           of
           whose
           loynes
           you
           came
           .
           For
           your
           Goodnesse
           ,
           yee
           are
           in
           in
           some
           measure
           beholding
           unto
           Affliction
           ,
           by
           which
           The
           Lord
           hath
           done
           you
           good
           :
           so
           as
           I
           make
           
           no
           question
           but
           that
           ye
           may
           both
           of
           you
           say
           with
           
             David
             ,
             It
             is
             good
             for
             mee
             that
             I
             have
             beene
             afflicted
             .
          
           Hereupon
           (
           worthy
           Ladies
           )
           I
           have
           adventured
           to
           put
           forth
           this
           small
           Treatise
           ,
           touching
           the
           
             Necessitie
             ,
             and
             utility
             
             of
             Affliction
             ,
          
           under
           your
           Ladiships
           names
           ,
           and
           Patronage
           :
           joyning
           you
           both
           together
           ,
           because
           God
           hath
           already
           conjoyned
           you
           so
           neere
           in
           affinity
           ,
           by
           the
           marriage
           of
           your
           Pious
           and
           Religious
           children
           :
           beseeching
           
           your
           Ladyships
           to
           accept
           of
           these
           my
           poore
           labors
           ,
           being
           such
           as
           tend
           to
           the
           furtherance
           ,
           and
           increase
           of
           your
           comfort
           in
           present
           ,
           or
           future
           trials
           .
           For
           allbeit
           yee
           bee
           good
           proficients
           in
           the
           
           School
           of
           Affliction
           ;
           Yet
           (
           peradventure
           )
           yee
           may
           have
           forgotten
           some
           good
           lessons
           which
           Affliction
           hath
           formerly
           taught
           you
           ;
           or
           else
           have
           not
           attained
           (
           as
           yet
           )
           to
           that
           good
           ,
           wherein
           it
           may
           hereafter
           instruct
           
           you
           .
           To
           help
           you
           in
           either
           ,
           or
           both
           of
           these
           ,
           be
           pleased
           (
           I
           heartily
           beseech
           your
           Ladiships
           )
           seriously
           to
           peruse
           ,
           what
           is
           here
           tendered
           unto
           you
           :
           and
           then
           I
           doubt
           not
           ,
           but
           (
           by
           Gods
           blessing
           )
           yee
           shall
           be
           able
           
           to
           make
           that
           good
           use
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           that
           yee
           shall
           not
           only
           blesse
           God
           ,
           the
           Father
           of
           mercies
           ,
           and
           God
           of
           all
           comfort
           (
           who
           as
           hee
           hath
           afflicted
           ,
           so
           hath
           hee
           comforted
           you
           ,
           in
           all
           your
           tribulations
           )
           but
           yee
           
           shall
           also
           be
           able
           to
           comfort
           others
           ,
           which
           are
           in
           Affliction
           ,
           by
           the
           cōfort
           wherewith
           yee
           your selves
           have
           been
           comforted
           of
           God.
           Which
           fruit
           that
           yee
           may
           reape
           ,
           I
           shall
           sow
           my
           Prayers
           before
           
           
           throne
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           for
           ever
           rest
           ,
        
         
           
             your
             Ladyships
             to
             be
             commanded
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               AD.
               HARSNET
            
             .
          
           
             Cranham
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           CHRIstian
           Reader
           ;
           Increase
           of
           Faith
           ,
           Hope
           ,
           and
           Patience
           .
        
         
           SVch
           is
           our
           blindnesse
           ,
           and
           ignorance
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           too
           ready
           to
           judg
           amisse
           of
           our selves
           :
           as
           may
           appeare
           by
           two
           extreames
           ,
           into
           which
           the
           most
           runne
           .
           The
           one
           is
           self-conceitednesse
           ,
           or
           flattering
           our selves
           ,
           in
           ,
           and
           about
           our
           spirituall
           estate
           :
           perswading
           our selves
           that
           wee
           are
           in
           the
           estate
           of
           Grace
           ,
           and
           that
           wee
           have
           the
           love
           and
           favor
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           as
           it
           is
           neither
           so
           ,
           nor
           
           so
           .
           For
           the
           redressing
           of
           which
           mischiefe
           ,
           I
           have
           heretofore
           undertaken
           the
           discoverie
           of
           true
           and
           sound
           grace
           ,
           from
           false
           &
           counterfeit
           ;
           that
           so
           we
           may
           no
           longer
           be
           deluded
           by
           an
           overweening
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           too
           high
           an
           opinion
           of
           our
           goodnesse
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           that
           which
           wee
           are
           not
           ,
           or
           were
           not
           that
           which
           wee
           are
           .
           The
           other
           extream
           is
           a
           diffidence
           ,
           and
           distrust
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           happines
           ,
           through
           the
           sense
           ,
           and
           smart
           of
           some
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           wherewith
           it
           pleaseth
           the
           Lord
           in
           mercy
           and
           wisdom
           to
           exercise
           and
           trie
           us
           .
           Whence
           it
           commeth
           to
           passe
           ,
           that
           too
           many
           
           of
           Gods
           deere
           ones
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           cēsure
           themselves
           as
           out-casts
           (
           or
           at
           the
           best
           )
           as
           a
           people
           ,
           but
           meanly
           beloved
           ,
           or
           regarded
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           that
           they
           are
           so
           sorely
           afflicted
           .
           For
           the
           healing
           of
           which
           error
           ;
           that
           there
           may
           be
           no
           mistaking
           ,
           that
           we
           neither
           charge
           the
           Lord
           with
           any
           want
           of
           love
           to
           us
           ward
           ,
           or
           hard
           dealing
           with
           us
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           nor
           surcharge
           our selves
           with
           unnecssary
           ,
           &
           needles
           feares
           ,
           and
           cares
           ;
           nor
           yet
           causelesly
           increase
           our
           griefe
           ,
           by
           adding
           of
           more
           sorrow
           to
           our
           affliction
           ,
           I
           have
           now
           undertaken
           this
           Treatise
           .
           Wherein
           my
           desire
           ,
           and
           ayme
           
           is
           to
           minister
           some
           comfort
           to
           such
           as
           are
           in
           affliction
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           not
           cast
           off
           their
           hope
           of
           hapines
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           exercised
           with
           judgments
           upon
           earth
           :
           but
           rather
           beleeve
           that
           the
           Lord
           it
           now
           refining
           and
           pollishing
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           bee
           the
           fitter
           for
           that
           glory
           which
           is
           prepared
           for
           thē
           .
           I
           know
           it
           is
           a
           hard
           thing
           to
           obey
           in
           suffering
           :
           yet
           because
           it
           is
           that
           which
           maketh
           for
           our
           good
           ,
           we
           should
           with
           the
           more
           willingnes
           ,
           and
           cheerfulnes
           ,
           undergo
           whatsoever
           afflictiōs
           it
           shal
           please
           the
           Lord
           to
           exercise
           us
           with
           .
           If
           our
           afflictions
           brought
           God
           out
           of
           love
           
           with
           us
           ,
           or
           us
           more
           in
           love
           with
           that
           which
           God
           hates
           and
           is
           hurtfull
           unto
           us
           :
           or
           if
           our
           afflictions
           were
           sent
           unto
           us
           as
           curses
           ,
           wee
           had
           great
           cause
           to
           mourn
           in
           them
           :
           but
           seeing
           they
           make
           so
           much
           for
           our
           good
           (
           being
           sanctified
           unto
           us
           )
           and
           the
           word
           of
           truth
           telleth
           us
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           blessed
           in
           thē
           ,
           have
           wee
           not
           great
           cause
           to
           bee
           thankfull
           to
           God
           for
           them
           ?
           the
           Lord
           sees
           how
           ready
           we
           are
           to
           plunge
           our selves
           into
           perils
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           but
           a
           while
           exempted
           from
           afflictions
           :
           therefore
           that
           wee
           may
           not
           be
           too
           bold
           with
           sin
           ,
           the
           Lord
           wil
           have
           us
           to
           fall
           into
           affliction
           ,
           least
           (
           being
           let
           alone
           )
           wee
           
           
           
           
           
           fall
           into
           condemnation
           .
           For
           where
           God
           is
           most
           silent
           in
           threatning
           ,
           and
           most
           patient
           in
           sparing
           ,
           there
           is
           he
           most
           inflamed
           with
           anger
           ,
           and
           purpose
           of
           revenge
           .
           And
           seeing
           we
           are
           willing
           to
           receive
           (
           being
           sick
           or
           diseased
           )
           any
           medicine
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           can
           truely
           say
           ,
           
             probatum
             est
          
           ,
           good
           experience
           hath
           been
           made
           of
           the
           worth
           ,
           &
           working
           of
           it
           ;
           let
           my
           counsel
           
             (
             good
             reader
          
           )
           be
           acceptable
           unto
           thee
           ,
           &
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           tell
           thee
           ,
           how
           much
           good
           thou
           maist
           gain
           by
           afflictiō
           ,
           if
           through
           thine
           unbelief
           ,
           and
           impatience
           thou
           doest
           not
           put
           it
           from
           thee
           .
           I
           assure
           thee
           (
           by
           
           good
           experience
           (
           that
           howsoever
           afflictiō
           be
           untoothsome
           ,
           and
           unpleasing
           to
           the
           flesh
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           soveraign
           ,
           and
           profitable
           unto
           the
           soul
           as
           in
           the
           Treatise
           following
           ,
           I
           have
           made
           plaine
           unto
           thee
           .
           Now
           if
           the
           stile
           ,
           and
           phrase
           dislike
           any
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           so
           plain
           ,
           and
           homelike
           ;
           let
           him
           know
           that
           I
           prepared
           this
           provision
           for
           poore
           and
           hungry
           souls
           ,
           unto
           whom
           course
           &
           mean
           things
           are
           welcome
           ,
           and
           bitter
           things
           are
           sweet
           ;
           not
           for
           queasie
           ,
           and
           full
           stomacks
           ,
           which
           despise
           an
           hony-combe
           .
           He
           that
           is
           falne
           into
           a
           pit
           ,
           wil
           refuse
           no
           hand
           that
           may
           help
           him
           out
           of
           it
           .
           He
           that
           
           hath
           a
           wound
           in
           his
           body
           ,
           will
           be
           glad
           of
           any
           plaister
           that
           may
           heal
           or
           ease
           him
           .
           Accept
           then
           ,
           of
           these
           my
           poore
           labors
           ,
           which
           (
           I
           desire
           )
           may
           be
           as
           a
           hand
           to
           help
           thee
           out
           of
           affliction
           ,
           or
           as
           balsume
           to
           heal
           those
           gashes
           which
           afflictiō
           hath
           ,
           or
           may
           make
           in
           thee
           ,
           or
           to
           give
           thee
           some
           ease
           &
           comfort
           in
           them
           .
           Read
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           receive
           in
           love
           ,
           what
           is
           heer
           tendered
           unto
           thee
           .
           If
           any
           comfort
           ,
           or
           content
           may
           hereby
           accrue
           unto
           thine
           afflicted
           soul
           ,
           and
           grieved
           minde
           ,
           let
           God
           have
           thy
           praises
           ,
           and
           let
           me
           have
           thy
           praiers
           ,
           who
           desireth
           to
           rest
        
         
           
             Thy
             servant
             in
             the
             Lords
             Worke.
             A.
             H.
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           An
           Alphabeticall
           Table
           of
           the
           chiefe
           things
           contained
           in
           this
           BOOKE
           .
        
         
           
             A.
             
          
           
             AFfliction
             the
             portion
             of
             all
             Gods
             children
             .
             Pag.
             12.
             
          
           
             Affliction
             is
             physick
             for
             the
             soul
             .
             40.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             are
             instructions
             .
             52.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             fit
             us
             for
             Gods
             service
             .
             70.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             weane
             us
             from
             the
             World.
             78.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             conform
             us
             unto
             Christ
             .
             110.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             of
             the
             godly
             ,
             and
             the
             wicked
             differ
             .
             190.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             are
             ordered
             by
             God.
             348.
             
          
           
             
             Afflictions
             do
             not
             satisfie
             the
             Justice
             of
             God.
             546.
             
          
           
             Afflictions
             serve
             to
             better
             us
             .
             554.
             
          
           
             Affliction
             must
             not
             be
             added
             unto
             the
             afflicted
             .
             564.
             
          
        
         
           
             B.
             
          
           
             Beleevers
             though
             they
             be
             weake
             in
             faith
             ,
             are
             not
             rejected
             .
             486.
             
          
           
             Benefits
             of
             God
             never
             so
             much
             prized
             as
             in
             affliction
             .
             74.
             
          
        
         
           
             C.
             
          
           
             Censure
             not
             afflicted
             ones
             .
             122.
             
          
           
             Children
             of
             God
             can
             not
             spare
             afflictions
             .
             
               228.
               230.
            
             
          
           
             Children
             of
             God
             ,
             why
             under
             long
             afflictions
             .
             293.
             
          
           
             Children
             of
             God
             oft
             sad
             in
             trialls
             .
             424.
             
          
           
             Children
             of
             God
             may
             be
             in
             horror
             of
             conscience
             .
             442.
             
          
           
             Chance
             ,
             how
             understood
             .
             275.
             
          
           
             Comfort
             for
             the
             afflicted
             .
             211.
             
          
           
             
             Conquerors
             ,
             how
             wee
             are
             so
             .
             142.
             
          
           
             Conscience
             when
             it
             accuseth
             ,
             is
             a
             sore
             affliction
             .
             438.
             
          
           
             Contented
             with
             our
             condition
             .
             494.
             
          
           
             Covenant
             of
             God
             stands
             firme
             .
             455.
             
          
           
             Creatures
             at
             Gods
             command
             .
             271.
             
          
        
         
           
             D.
             
          
           
             David
             ,
             his
             afflictions
             .
             17.
             
          
           
             Death
             ,
             how
             it
             may
             be
             desired
             .
             237.
             
          
           
             Death
             frees
             us
             from
             evills
             .
             
               238.
               241.
            
             
          
           
             Deliverance
             out
             of
             trouble
             is
             Gods
             worke
             .
             363.
             
          
           
             Despairing
             is
             a
             sad
             condition
             .
             440.
             
          
           
             Devotion
             quickned
             by
             affliction
             .
             102.
             
          
        
         
           
             E.
             
          
           
             Our
             Enemies
             are
             Gods
             rods
             .
             313.
             
          
        
         
           
             F.
             
          
           
             Failings
             do
             not
             nullifie
             Gods
             Covenant
             .
             455.
             
          
           
             
             Faith
             makes
             affliction
             profitable
             .
             490.
             
          
           
             Feare
             of
             God
             wrought
             in
             us
             by
             affliction
             .
             536.
             
          
           
             Feare
             of
             God
             is
             profitable
             .
             540.
             
          
           
             Fortune
             a
             meere
             Fancy
             .
             274.
             
          
           
             Francis
             Spira
             ,
             his
             Condition
             .
             439.
             
          
        
         
           
             G.
             
          
           
             God
             in
             afflicting
             us
             ,
             loves
             us
             .
             387.
             
          
           
             God
             will
             doe
             us
             good
             by
             our
             afflictions
             .
             397.
             
          
           
             Good
             things
             are
             most
             prized
             in
             the
             time
             of
             afflicton
             .
             74.
             
          
           
             Grace
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             it
             tryed
             by
             affliction
             .
             59.
             
          
           
             Grace
             ,
             the
             strength
             of
             it
             tryed
             by
             affliction
             .
             299.
             
          
           
             Grace
             weakens
             sinne
             ,
             but
             doth
             not
             wholy
             destroy
             it
             .
             480.
             
          
           
             A
             gracious
             heart
             will
             be
             thankfull
             for
             afflictions
             .
             504.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             H.
             
          
           
             Hand
             of
             God
             in
             all
             our
             afflictions
             .
             257.
             
          
           
             Hard
             hearts
             softned
             by
             afflictions
             .
             294.
             
          
           
             Heart
             if
             good
             ,
             grieves
             more
             for
             sinne
             ,
             then
             for
             punishment
             .
             499.
             
          
           
             Heathens
             ignorant
             of
             the
             Divine
             Providence
             .
             262.
             
          
           
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             filled
             with
             Gods
             presence
             .
             267.
             
          
        
         
           
             I.
             
          
           
             Injuries
             and
             wrongs
             ,
             must
             bee
             put
             up
             .
             317.
             
          
           
             Inward
             and
             spirituall
             afflictions
             are
             very
             necessary
             .
             437.
             
          
           
             Job
             his
             afflictions
             .
             15.
             
          
           
             Joy
             succeeds
             sorrow
             .
             301.
             
          
        
         
           
             K.
             
          
           
             Wee
             come
             to
             know
             our selves
             by
             afflictions
             .
             5●4
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             L.
             
          
           
             Love
             of
             God
             seen
             in
             affliction
             .
             387.
             
          
           
             Perswasion
             of
             Gods
             Love
             will
             help
             us
             to
             be
             are
             affliction
             .
             488.
             
          
           
             God
             loves
             us
             if
             our
             afflictions
             do
             bring
             us
             neerer
             unto
             him
             .
             496.
             
          
        
         
           
             M.
             
          
           
             Man
             ,
             how
             author
             of
             his
             owne
             woe
             .
             265.
             
          
           
             No
             misery
             can
             make
             a
             childe
             of
             God
             miserable
             .
             401.
             
          
           
             Mourning
             for
             sinne
             is
             profitable
             .
             445.
             
          
           
             Mourning
             for
             sinne
             doth
             make
             way
             for
             comfort
             .
             466.
             
          
        
         
           
             O.
             
          
           
             Offer
             of
             God
             is
             free
             .
             448.
             
          
        
         
           
             P.
             
          
           
             Patience
             needfull
             in
             affliction
             .
             287
          
           
             
             Patience
             ,
             how
             it
             is
             helped
             forward
             .
             303.
             
          
           
             Patience
             ,
             how
             attained
             unto
             .
             330.
             
          
           
             By
             Patience
             wee
             possesse
             our selves
             .
             339.
             
          
           
             Patience
             conformeth
             us
             to
             Christ
             .
             341.
             
          
           
             Perplexity
             in
             affliction
             ,
             from
             whence
             it
             groweth
             .
             411.
             
          
           
             Pray
             in
             time
             of
             affliction
             .
             90.
             
          
           
             Prayer
             helpfull
             in
             affliction
             .
             197.
             
          
           
             Divers
             objections
             against
             Prayer
             in
             affliction
             ,
             answered
             .
             
               204.
               207.
            
             
          
           
             Prayers
             of
             Gods
             children
             oft
             interrupted
             by
             Satan
             .
             464.
             
          
           
             Whither
             wee
             may
             pray
             for
             affliction
             or
             not
             .
             585.
             
          
           
             Prepare
             for
             afflictions
             .
             
               134.
               140.
               147.
            
             
          
           
             How
             to
             prepare
             for
             afflictions
             .
             157.
             
          
        
         
           
             R.
             
          
           
             Relapsing
             is
             dangerous
             .
             474.
             
          
           
             Childe
             of
             God
             may
             relapse
             ,
             if
             God
             leave
             him
             .
             477.
             
          
           
             Repentance
             preventeth
             affliction
             .
             175.
             
          
           
             Repentance
             purgeth
             out
             sinne
             .
             444.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             S.
             
          
           
             Sadnesse
             in
             affliction
             hurtfull
             .
             379.
             
          
           
             Sadnesse
             oft
             in
             Gods
             children
             .
             429.
             
          
           
             Satan
             must
             be
             resisted
             .
             457.
             
          
           
             Satans
             assaults
             shall
             not
             hurt
             us
             ,
             if
             wee
             cry
             to
             God
             against
             them
             .
             459.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             found
             out
             by
             affliction
             .
             29.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             purged
             by
             affliction
             .
             37.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             prevented
             by
             affliction
             .
             46.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             not
             hurtfull
             ,
             if
             not
             doubted
             in
             .
             484.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             causeth
             trouble
             .
             176.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             disliked
             by
             afflictions
             .
             296.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             is
             beaten
             by
             afflictions
             .
             511.
             
          
           
             Sinne
             rightly
             judged
             of
             in
             time
             of
             affliction
             .
             518.
             
          
           
             Sinners
             are
             oft
             met
             withall
             in
             their
             own
             kinde
             .
             524.
             
          
           
             Strength
             to
             beare
             affliction
             is
             from
             God.
             356.
             
          
           
             Spirituall
             simonie
             .
             448.
             
          
           
             Stubbornnesse
             causeth
             the
             rod.
             550.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             T.
             
          
           
             Tempests
             are
             ordered
             by
             God.
             283.
             
          
           
             Thankfull
             for
             afflictions
             .
             502.
             
          
           
             Thirsting
             shall
             be
             satisfied
             .
             449.
             
          
        
         
           
             U.
             
          
           
             Virgin
             Mary
             ,
             her
             afflictions
             .
             20.
             
          
           
             Vnbeliefe
             a
             childe
             of
             God
             is
             subject
             unto
             .
             446.
             
          
           
             Vnbeliefe
             a
             breach
             of
             Gods
             Commandment
             .
             450.
             
          
           
             Vnbeliefe
             robs
             the
             heart
             of
             all
             sound
             joy
             and
             peace
             .
             486.
             
          
           
             Vnthankfulnesse
             hurtfull
             .
             470.
             
          
        
         
           
             W.
             
          
           
             Want
             of
             affliction
             is
             wofull
             .
             243.
             
          
           
             Weaknesse
             supported
             by
             God.
             462.
             
          
           
             Weaned
             from
             the
             world
             b●
             affliction
             .
             78.
             
          
           
             Wicked
             ones
             ,
             though
             long
             spared
             ,
             yet
             at
             last
             soundly
             punished
             .
             216.
             
          
           
             
             Will
             of
             God
             works
             all
             things
             .
             269.
             
          
           
             Word
             of
             God
             able
             to
             comfort
             us
             in
             all
             our
             afflictions
             .
             163.
             
          
           
             Word
             of
             God
             is
             most
             effectuall
             in
             time
             of
             affliction
             .
             519.
             
          
        
         
           
             Z.
             
          
           
             Zeale
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             .
             8.
             
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
         
           A
           TABLE
           ,
           OF
           the
           Contents
           of
           this
           BOOKE
           .
        
         
           
             Doctr.
             I.
             
          
           
             AFfliction
             is
             the
             lot
             ,
             and
             portion
             of
             Gods
             best
             children
             .
             Pag.
             12.
             
          
           
             Confirmed
             by
             the
             example
             of
             Job
             .
             15.
             
          
           
             Of
             David
             ,
             17.
             
          
           
             Of
             the
             Virgin
             Mary
             .
             20.
             
          
           
             And
             of
             Christ
             himselfe
             .
             26.
             
          
        
         
           
             Reason
             .
             I.
             
          
           
             1
             Affliction
             helpeth
             us
             to
             finde
             out
             sinne
             .
             29
          
           
             2
             Affliction
             serveth
             to
             purge
             out
             sinne
             .
             37.
             
          
           
             
             3
             Affliction
             preventeth
             sinne
             .
             46.
             
          
           
             4
             Affliction
             teacheth
             us
             many
             good
             lessons
             .
             52.
             
          
           
             5
             Affliction
             tryeth
             the
             truth
             of
             grace
             in
             us
             .
             59.
             
          
           
             6
             Affliction
             fitteth
             us
             for
             Gods
             service
             .
             70.
             
          
           
             7
             Affliction
             helpeth
             us
             to
             prize
             Gods
             benefits
             .
             74.
             
          
           
             8
             Afflictions
             weaneth
             us
             from
             the
             world
             .
             78.
             
          
           
             9
             Affliction
             stirs
             us
             up
             to
             prayer
             .
             90.
             
          
           
             10
             Affliction
             quickens
             our
             devotion
             .
             102.
             
          
           
             11
             Affliction
             conformeth
             us
             to
             Christ
             .
             110.
             
          
           
             12
             Affliction
             prepareth
             us
             for
             glory
             .
             114.
             
          
        
         
           
             Uses
             .
          
           
             1
             Censure
             not
             the
             afflicted
             .
             122.
             
          
           
             2
             Prepare
             for
             afflictions
             .
             134.
             
          
           
             3
             Store
             thy selfe
             with
             comfort
             out
             of
             Gods
             Word
             .
             163.
             
          
           
             4
             Break
             off
             thy
             sinnes
             by
             repentance
             .
             175.
             
          
           
             5
             Seek
             unto
             God
             by
             prayer
             .
             197.
             
          
           
             6
             Comfort
             for
             the
             afflicted
             .
             211.
             
          
           
             
             7
             Desire
             to
             be
             with
             Christ
             .
             236.
             
          
           
             8
             Woe
             to
             such
             as
             are
             not
             afflicted
             .
             243.
             
          
        
         
           
             Doctr.
             II.
             
          
           
             2
             All
             trialls
             and
             afflictions
             come
             from
             God.
             256.
             
          
        
         
           
             Reasons
             .
          
           
             1
             God
             filleth
             both
             heaven
             and
             earth
             .
             267.
             
          
           
             2
             God
             worketh
             all
             things
             as
             he
             will.
             269.
             
          
           
             3
             All
             creatures
             are
             at
             Gods
             command
             .
             271.
             
          
        
         
           
             Uses
             .
          
           
             1
             Away
             with
             Fortune
             .
             273.
             
          
           
             2
             God
             disposeth
             of
             all
             tempests
             .
             283.
             
          
           
             3
             Patient
             in
             affliction
             .
             287.
             
          
           
             Long
             afflictions
             upon
             the
             godly
             for
             divers
             speciall
             
             end
             .
             293.
             unto
             302.
             
          
           
             Helpes
             to
             the
             patient
             bearing
             of
             affliction
             .
             339.
             
          
           
             4
             Comfort
             for
             the
             afflicted
             .
             344.
             
          
           
             God
             doth
             order
             our
             afflictions
             .
             348.
             
          
           
             5
             Seek
             to
             God
             by
             prayer
             .
             355.
             
          
           
             Sadnesse
             in
             affliction
             doth
             much
             hurt
             .
             379.
             
          
        
         
           
             Doctr.
             III.
             
          
           
             The
             perswasion
             of
             God
             ,
             love
             will
             help
             us
             to
             beare
             our
             afflictions
             ,
             387.
             
          
        
         
           
             Reasons
             .
          
           
             1
             God
             will
             then
             help
             us
             to
             beare
             them
             .
             396.
             
          
           
             2
             God
             will
             do
             us
             good
             by
             our
             afflictions
             .
             397.
             
          
           
             3
             No
             misery
             can
             make
             us
             miserable
             ,
             if
             God
             love
             us
             .
             401.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             Uses
             .
          
           
             1
             Whence
             it
             comes
             to
             passe
             that
             many
             are
             so
             perplexed
             in
             their
             afflictions
             .
             411.
             
          
           
             Of
             inward
             and
             spirituall
             afflictions
             .
             432.
             
          
           
             Divers
             objections
             from
             feare
             and
             unbeliefe
             answered
             .
             462.
             
          
           
             2
             Be
             perswaded
             of
             Gods
             love
             .
             488.
             
          
           
             Tokens
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             of
             us
             in
             love
             .
             493.
             
          
           
             1
             If
             he
             gives
             us
             a
             contented
             minde
             .
             494.
             
          
           
             2
             If
             affliction
             brings
             us
             neerer
             to
             God.
             496.
             
          
           
             3
             If
             they
             worke
             godly
             sorrow
             in
             us
             .
             498.
             
          
           
             4
             If
             thankfull
             for
             afflictions
             .
             502.
             
          
        
         
           
             Doctr.
             IIII.
             
          
           
             The
             chiefe
             end
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             of
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             bettering
             of
             us
             .
             508.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             Reasons
             .
          
           
             1
             By
             affliction
             wee
             come
             to
             know
             our selves
             .
             514.
             
          
           
             2
             By
             affliction
             wee
             come
             to
             judge
             aright
             of
             sinne
             .
             518
          
           
             How
             wee
             may
             find
             out
             that
             sinne
             ,
             for
             which
             wee
             are
             afflicted
             .
             524.
             
          
           
             3
             Affliction
             makes
             us
             to
             feare
             God.
             536.
             
          
        
         
           
             Uses
             .
          
           
             1
             Satisfaction
             is
             not
             made
             to
             God
             by
             our
             affliction
             .
             546.
             
          
           
             2
             Our
             stubbornnesse
             provokes
             God
             to
             afflict
             us
             .
             550.
             
          
           
             3
             Amend
             by
             little
             ,
             else
             greater
             affliction
             will
             
             come
             .
             554.
             
          
           
             4
             Adde
             not
             affliction
             to
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             but
             rather
             comfort
             them
             .
             564.
             
          
           
             5
             Bee
             thankfull
             for
             afflictions
             .
             578.
             
          
           
             Whether
             wee
             may
             pray
             for
             afflictions
             .
             585.
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           Errata
           .
        
         
           PAge
           91.
           line
           14.
           for
           complaining
           ,
           read
           complaineth
           .
           p.
           92.
           l.
           17.
           
           Esa
           .
           64.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           p.
           96.
           l.
           13.
           for
           their
           r.
           they
           .
           p.
           105.
           l.
           12.
           r.
           set
           to
           .
           p.
           159.
           l.
           16.
           r.
           so
           much
           .
           p.
           190.
           l.
           3.
           r.
           it
           may
           .
           p.
           199.
           l.
           9.
           r.
           as
           ready
           .
           p.
           217.
           l.
           1.
           for
           ,
           and
           with
           r.
           for
           .
           p.
           333.
           l.
           7.
           for
           originally
           r.
           organically
           .
           p.
           340
           l.
           5.
           r.
           makes
           him
           .
           p.
           341.
           l.
           13.
           r.
           and
           disquiet
           .
           p.
           453.
           l.
           16.
           r.
           drawest
           back
           .
           p.
           456.
           l.
           4.
           so
           much
           ,
           
             put
             out
             .
             p.
          
           461.
           l.
           6.
           r.
           as
           is
           implied
           .
           p.
           480.
           l.
           13.
           for
           ever
           r.
           never
           .
           p.
           489.
           l.
           12.
           for
           being
           r.
           be
           .
           p.
           524.
           l.
           ult
           .
           for
           baiting
           r.
           biting
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           CORDIALL
           FOR
           THE
           AFFLICTED
           .
           Touching
           the
           Necessity
           and
           Utilitie
           of
           Afflictions
           .
        
         
           
             
               
                 REVEL
                 .
                 3.19
              
               .
            
             
               As
               many
               as
               I
               love
               ,
               I
               rebuke
               ,
               and
               chasten
               :
               be
               zealous
               therefore
               ,
               and
               amend
               .
            
          
        
         
           THese
           words
           are
           a
           part
           of
           that
           Epistle
           which
           was
           written
           unto
           the
           Laodiceans
           .
           In
           which
           Epistle
           
           there
           is
           set
           down
           first
           ,
           the
           Inscription
           ,
           or
           ,
           Superscription
           of
           the
           party
           unto
           whom
           it
           was
           sent
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           
             The
             Angel
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             Laodiceans
             ,
          
           vers
           .
           14.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           Description
           of
           the
           person
           from
           whom
           it
           was
           sent
           ,
           set
           forth
           by
           a
           twofold
           property
           .
           The
           first
           is
           his
           fidelity
           and
           truth
           ,
           from
           whence
           he
           is
           intituled
           Amen
           ,
           or
           according
           to
           the
           originall
           ,
           the
           ,
           or
           that
           Amen
           ;
           which
           is
           an
           Hebraisme
           ,
           and
           signifies
           as
           much
           as
           Truly
           ,
           or
           
             Trueth
             it selfe
          
           ,
           explicated
           in
           the
           next
           words
           ,
           
             That
             faithfull
             and
             true
             witnesse
          
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           is
           his
           Eternity
           or
           Power
           ,
           noted
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             The
             beginning
             of
             the
             Creatures
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           there
           is
           laid
           down
           the
           Narration
           or
           matter
           of
           
           the
           Epistle
           ,
           wherein
           there
           is
           
           first
           of
           all
           a
           
             Conviction
             of
             the
             Angel
             his
             sinnes
             :
          
           the
           first
           whereof
           is
           Lukewarmnesse
           ,
           verse
           15.
           which
           is
           such
           a
           temper
           as
           is
           neither
           hot
           ,
           nor
           cold
           .
           He
           was
           (
           as
           all
           hypocrites
           are
           )
           good
           only
           in
           outward
           shew
           and
           appearance
           ;
           for
           he
           wanted
           both
           the
           mettall
           ,
           and
           making
           of
           zeal
           ,
           and
           piety
           .
           He
           had
           only
           an
           outside
           ,
           and
           face
           of
           religion
           ,
           but
           wanted
           both
           the
           power
           of
           Gods
           word
           ,
           and
           the
           zeal
           of
           his
           Spirit
           :
           in
           this
           allyed
           to
           the
           
             Cretians
             ,
             who
             professed
             that
             they
             knew
             God
             ,
             but
             by
             their
             works
             they
             denied
             him
             ,
             being
             abominable
             ,
             disobedient
             ,
             and
             unto
             every
             good
             work
             reprobate
             .
          
           Titus
           1.16
           .
        
         
           
           Then
           follows
           a
           Commination
           ,
           or
           the
           Punishment
           which
           the
           Lord
           threatned
           to
           inflict
           
           upon
           him
           for
           this
           sinne
           of
           Lukewarmenes
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           Rejection
           ,
           in
           the
           end
           of
           the
           16.
           vers
           .
           
             I
             shall
             spite
             thee
             out
             of
             my
             mouth
             .
          
        
         
           The
           second
           sinne
           for
           which
           the
           Angel
           (
           and
           in
           him
           the
           whole
           
             Church
             of
             Laodicea
          
           )
           is
           taxed
           ,
           is
           his
           Pride
           or
           Boasting
           ,
           vers
           .
           17.
           
           
             For
             thou
             sayest
             I
             am
             rich
             ,
             and
             increased
             with
             goods
             ,
             and
             have
             need
             of
             nothing
             .
          
        
         
           The
           third
           sinne
           was
           Ignorance
           of
           his
           wretchednesse
           ,
           and
           misery
           ,
           
             And
             knowest
             not
             that
             thou
             art
             wretched
             ,
             and
             miserable
             .
          
           Which
           misery
           consisted
           in
           three
           particulars
           ,
           
             Poverty
             ,
             Blindnesse
             ,
             and
             Nakednesse
             ,
          
           in
           the
           end
           of
           the
           17.
           verse
           .
        
         
           
           The
           third
           thing
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           the
           Epistle
           ,
           is
           a
           Remedy
           prescribed
           for
           the
           
           curing
           of
           these
           three
           fore-named
           miseries
           ;
           unto
           each
           misery
           a
           severall
           remedy
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           bringing
           of
           him
           out
           of
           his
           Poverty
           the
           Lord
           counsells
           him
           ,
           verse
           18.
           
           
             To
             buy
             of
             him
             gold
             tryed
             by
             the
             fire
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             made
             rich
             .
          
           For
           the
           covering
           of
           his
           Nakednesse
           ,
           he
           adviseth
           him
           to
           furnish
           himself
           with
           
             White
             rayment
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             clothed
             .
          
           And
           for
           the
           healing
           of
           his
           Blindnesse
           ,
           he
           would
           have
           him
           to
           
             Annoint
             his
             eyes
             with
             eye-salve
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             see
             .
          
        
         
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sets
           down
           a
           way
           ,
           and
           course
           ,
           which
           he
           usually
           takes
           with
           his
           best
           beloved
           ones
           for
           the
           reclaming
           and
           amending
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           
             Rebuking
             and
             chastening
             of
             them
          
           ,
           in
           these
           words
           which
           I
           have
           read
           unto
           you
           ,
           vers
           .
           19.
           
           
           
             Whom
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           Which
           words
           are
           as
           a
           comfortable
           cordiall
           prescribed
           by
           a
           wise
           and
           loving
           Physitian
           unto
           his
           sick
           diseased
           patient
           ;
           to
           whom
           hee
           hath
           formerly
           administred
           some
           bitter
           pills
           ,
           or
           unpleasing
           potions
           .
           The
           Lord
           before
           threatned
           to
           reject
           the
           Laodiceans
           for
           their
           lukewarmnes
           ,
           whereupon
           lest
           they
           should
           altogether
           despaire
           of
           regaining
           his
           love
           and
           favor
           ,
           he
           doth
           prevent
           their
           fear
           ,
           by
           telling
           of
           them
           that
           his
           correcting
           of
           them
           was
           no
           argument
           either
           of
           his
           hatred
           ,
           or
           of
           their
           rejection
           ,
           but
           an
           evidence
           of
           his
           love
           ;
           beating
           them
           ,
           that
           hee
           might
           better
           them
           .
           
             Whom
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
             :
             bee
             zealous
             therefore
             
             and
             amend
             .
          
        
         
           These
           words
           consist
           of
           two
           parts
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           acquaints
           us
           with
           the
           Lords
           practice
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           layes
           down
           the
           drift
           ,
           and
           end
           of
           his
           practice
           .
        
         
           His
           practice
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
             .
          
           The
           end
           and
           drift
           of
           his
           practice
           in
           the
           latter
           part
           of
           the
           verse
           ,
           
             Be
             zealous
             ,
             &c.
          
           
        
         
           I
           will
           briefly
           unfold
           the
           sence
           of
           the
           words
           ,
           and
           then
           (
           the
           Lord
           willing
           )
           collect
           
             Instructions
             out
             of
             them
          
           .
        
         
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             .
          
           
           This
           word
           rebuke
           in
           the
           originall
           signifies
           not
           a
           bare
           and
           fingle
           reproof
           ,
           but
           even
           such
           a
           reproof
           as
           is
           uttered
           with
           some
           strong
           arguments
           ,
           and
           
           reasons
           to
           convince
           the
           party
           reproved
           ,
           implying
           unto
           us
           ,
           that
           when
           the
           Lord
           rebukes
           man
           for
           sinne
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           argument
           of
           his
           dislike
           and
           hatred
           of
           sinne
           .
           
             And
             chasten
          
           .
           This
           also
           must
           not
           be
           understood
           of
           ordinary
           correction
           ,
           but
           such
           a
           chastisement
           ,
           as
           a
           loving
           father
           gives
           unto
           the
           child
           of
           his
           love
           :
           
           for
           the
           originall
           is
           taken
           from
           a
           word
           which
           signifies
           a
           child
           :
           that
           as
           a
           father
           useth
           to
           teach
           and
           instruct
           his
           child
           ,
           so
           the
           Lord
           correcting
           all
           those
           he
           loveth
           ,
           intendeth
           thereby
           to
           teach
           and
           instruct
           them
           .
        
         
           
           
             Bee
             zealous
             therefore
          
           .
           These
           words
           are
           in
           opposition
           to
           their
           luke-warmnes
           ,
           and
           therefore
           Beza
           well
           renders
           it
           ,
           
             be
             hot
             .
             Zeal
          
           or
           spirituall
           heat
           ,
           is
           an
           affection
           compounded
           of
           two
           qualities
           ,
           
           
             love
             and
             hatred
          
           .
           The
           love
           of
           God
           and
           his
           truth
           ,
           and
           the
           hatred
           of
           every
           evill
           which
           tendeth
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           clouding
           ,
           or
           eclisping
           of
           his
           truth
           :
           against
           which
           evils
           when
           the
           childe
           of
           GOD
           shall
           any
           way
           bestirre
           himself
           ,
           hee
           is
           said
           to
           be
           zealous
           for
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           So
           that
           to
           
             be
             zealous
          
           ,
           is
           to
           shew
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           hatred
           of
           error
           ,
           and
           false
           wayes
           ;
           to
           be
           grieved
           at
           those
           things
           which
           may
           dishonour
           God
           ,
           or
           crosse
           his
           truth
           ,
           to
           oppose
           them
           with
           might
           and
           main
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           utmost
           of
           our
           power
           to
           resist
           them
           .
        
         
           
             And
             amend
          
           ,
           or
           repent
           .
           These
           words
           have
           relation
           to
           their
           Lukewarmnesse
           .
           The
           Lord
           will
           have
           them
           to
           leave
           off
           their
           Lukewarmnesse
           ,
           to
           
           repent
           them
           of
           their
           sinfull
           temper
           ,
           being
           negligent
           ,
           and
           carelesse
           in
           good
           duties
           and
           promoting
           the
           glory
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           it
           may
           be
           demanded
           why
           the
           Lord
           doth
           here
           put
           zeal
           before
           repentance
           ,
           when
           as
           zeal
           is
           by
           Paul
           set
           down
           as
           a
           fruit
           and
           effect
           of
           repentance
           .
           For
           writing
           unto
           the
           penitent
           Corinthians
           ,
           2.
           
           Cor.
           7.11
           .
           He
           saith
           ,
           
             Behold
             this
             thing
             ,
             that
             you
             have
             been
             godly
             sorry
             ,
             what
             care
             it
             hath
             wrought
             in
             you
             ,
             yea
             what
             zeal
             :
          
           making
           zeal
           an
           effect
           of
           repentance
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           The
           meaning
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           this
           place
           is
           to
           exhort
           the
           Laodiceans
           to
           the
           practice
           of
           that
           duty
           ,
           which
           they
           had
           altogether
           neglected
           ,
           being
           a
           lukewarme
           ,
           a
           remisse
           ,
           and
           carelesse
           people
           .
           Therefore
           
           having
           before
           reproved
           them
           for
           their
           sinne
           of
           Lukewarmnesse
           ,
           he
           doth
           now
           exhort
           them
           to
           be
           zealous
           ;
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           to
           repent
           them
           of
           their
           former
           remisnesse
           .
           The
           words
           of
           the
           verse
           may
           be
           thus
           metaphrased
           .
        
         
           
             Those
             that
             are
             my
             dearest
             children
             ,
             my
             best
             beloved
             ,
             I
             do
             rebuke
             ,
             and
             convince
             of
             their
             sinnes
             ,
             yea
             as
             a
             loving
             father
             tendering
             their
             good
             ,
             I
             do
             in
             mercy
             correct
             ,
             and
             chastise
             them
             :
             therefore
             see
             you
             be
             not
             so
             Lukewarme
             as
             heretofore
             you
             have
             been
             ,
             but
             shew
             more
             love
             to
             mee
             and
             my
             word
             ,
             and
             more
             hatred
             to
             error
             and
             evill
             wayes
             ,
             be
             grieved
             and
             sorry
             for
             your
             olde
             courses
             ,
             and
             amend
             your
             lives
             .
          
        
         
         
           Come
           wee
           now
           to
           the
           raysing
           of
           some
           Instructions
           out
           of
           the
           words
           .
           In
           that
           the
           Lord
           telleth
           the
           Laodiceans
           ,
           that
           he
           rebuketh
           and
           chasteneth
           as
           many
           as
           he
           loveth
           ,
           wee
           may
           in
           the
           first
           place
           from
           hence
           learn
           ,
           that
           
             None
             ,
             no
             not
             the
             best
             of
             Gods
             dear
             children
             are
             without
             their
             trials
             &
             afflictions
             .
             Man
             is
             born
             unto
             trouble
             ,
             as
             the
             sparkes
             flie
             upward
             ,
          
           
           Job
           .
           5.1
           .
           Affliction
           is
           the
           lot
           and
           portion
           of
           all
           Gods
           children
           .
           It
           was
           a
           cup
           which
           Almighty
           God
           did
           temper
           and
           put
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           Christ
           his
           best
           beloved
           Sonne
           .
           
             Shall
             I
             not
             drink
             of
             the
             cup
             which
             my
             father
             hath
             given
             me
             ?
             John
          
           18.11
           .
           And
           in
           this
           cup
           Christ
           will
           have
           all
           his
           members
           to
           pledg
           him
           ,
           as
           appeareth
           ,
           Mat
           20.23
           .
           
             Ye
             shall
             drink
             indeed
             ,
             
             of
             my
             cup
             ,
             and
             be
             baptized
             with
             the
             baptisme
             that
             I
             am
             baptized
             with
             .
          
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           Tryals
           and
           afflictions
           are
           by
           Paul
           called
           the
           
             marks
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
             Gal.
          
           6.17
           .
           
             I
             bear
             in
             my
             body
             the
             marks
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
          
           The
           crosse
           is
           Christ
           his
           badge
           ,
           and
           cognizance
           .
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             be
             my
             follower
             ,
             let
             him
             denie
             himself
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             his
             crosse
             daily
             ,
             and
             follow
             me
             ,
             Luke
          
           9.23
           .
           The
           way
           wherein
           Christ
           went
           to
           glory
           was
           affliction
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           path
           all
           that
           shall
           be
           glorified
           with
           him
           must
           foot
           it
           after
           him
           ,
           for
           ,
           Acts.
           14.22
           .
           
             Thorow
             many
             afflictions
             wee
             must
             enter
             into
             tho
             Kingdom
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           The
           way
           to
           heaven
           ,
           and
           happinesse
           is
           not
           strewed
           with
           rushes
           ,
           or
           set
           with
           violets
           and
           roses
           ,
           but
           with
           briars
           
           and
           thorns
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           a
           milky
           ,
           but
           a
           thorny
           way
           ;
           not
           a
           faire
           ,
           broad
           ,
           smooth
           ,
           and
           easie
           ,
           but
           a
           narrow
           ,
           cragged
           ,
           crooked
           and
           crosse
           way
           ,
           through
           many
           difficulties
           and
           troubles
           .
           As
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           were
           evill
           intreated
           in
           Egypt
           ,
           groaned
           under
           heavy
           burdens
           ,
           sighed
           ,
           and
           cried
           for
           their
           bondage
           ,
           before
           they
           could
           be
           possessed
           of
           that
           land
           which
           flowed
           with
           milk
           and
           hony
           ;
           so
           must
           we
           know
           what
           troubles
           ,
           and
           sorrows
           mean
           ,
           before
           we
           come
           at
           our
           place
           of
           rest
           ,
           our
           spirituall
           ,
           and
           Heavenly
           Canaan
           .
        
         
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           some
           have
           but
           a
           few
           tryals
           in
           comparison
           of
           others
           ,
           yet
           the
           most
           have
           many
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           (
           yea
           all
           )
           have
           some
           ,
           
             for
             all
             that
             will
             live
             godly
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             shall
             suffer
             persecution
             ,
          
           
           2.
           
           Tim.
           3.12
           .
           Do
           you
           desire
           examples
           for
           the
           better
           setling
           and
           confirming
           you
           in
           the
           trueth
           of
           this
           point
           ?
           Sooner
           may
           I
           find
           where
           to
           begin
           ,
           then
           where
           ,
           or
           how
           to
           make
           an
           end
           ;
           therefore
           out
           of
           an
           heap
           ,
           and
           a
           cloud
           of
           witnesses
           I
           will
           take
           but
           an
           handfull
           ,
           some
           few
           drops
           .
           Job
           was
           a
           holy
           man
           as
           the
           Lord
           
             himself
             hath
             witnessed
             of
             him
             .
             Job
          
           1.8
           .
           
             An
             upright
             ,
             and
             just
             man
             ,
             one
             that
             feared
             God
             and
             eschewed
             evill
             .
          
           Yet
           how
           great
           were
           his
           tryals
           ;
           how
           sharp
           and
           bitter
           were
           his
           afflictions
           ?
           Stript
           of
           all
           his
           outward
           means
           ,
           brought
           unto
           a
           morsell
           of
           bread
           ;
           bereaved
           at
           one
           time
           of
           all
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           sudden
           death
           ,
           yea
           whiles
           they
           were
           eating
           ,
           and
           drinking
           ,
           not
           having
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           breathing
           
           time
           to
           call
           and
           cry
           for
           mercy
           .
           Wee
           should
           take
           it
           to
           be
           a
           heavy
           judgement
           ,
           and
           think
           that
           the
           Lord
           were
           highly
           displeased
           with
           us
           ,
           if
           out
           of
           ten
           children
           ,
           some
           two
           ,
           or
           three
           of
           them
           ,
           should
           be
           made
           away
           by
           an
           untimely
           and
           sudden
           death
           ;
           but
           to
           be
           at
           one
           blow
           bereaved
           of
           all
           our
           children
           ,
           to
           lose
           ten
           at
           one
           clap
           ,
           where
           is
           the
           man
           that
           would
           lay
           his
           hand
           upon
           his
           mouth
           in
           so
           great
           a
           tentation
           ,
           and
           not
           murmurre
           against
           the
           Lord
           ?
           Besides
           ,
           the
           Lord
           came
           neerer
           to
           Job
           ,
           fighting
           against
           him
           with
           many
           personall
           terrors
           ,
           afflicting
           his
           body
           with
           aches
           ,
           and
           botches
           ,
           vexing
           his
           soul
           in
           the
           day
           time
           either
           with
           the
           words
           of
           a
           foolish
           woman
           his
           wife
           ,
           or
           with
           the
           biting
           ,
           and
           taunting
           speeches
           
           of
           some
           which
           came
           to
           visit
           him
           ,
           whereas
           in
           truth
           (
           like
           
             miserable
             comforters
             ,
             Job
          
           16.2
           .
           )
           they
           came
           to
           vex
           ,
           and
           gall
           him
           :
           And
           in
           the
           night
           time
           how
           was
           he
           tumbled
           ,
           and
           tossed
           up
           and
           down
           ?
           Job
           7.4
           .
           for
           when
           he
           said
           ,
           
             My
             couch
             shall
             relieve
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             bed
             shall
             bring
             mee
             comfort
             ;
             then
             was
             hee
             feared
             with
             dreams
             ;
             and
             astonished
             with
             visions
             ,
             Job
          
           7.13.14
           .
           So
           that
           he
           was
           a
           burthen
           to
           himself
           ,
           grew
           weary
           of
           his
           life
           ,
           cursing
           the
           day
           wherein
           he
           was
           born
           ,
           wishing
           that
           he
           had
           died
           in
           his
           birth
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           not
           have
           lived
           to
           see
           and
           feel
           the
           miseries
           and
           sorrows
           which
           he
           sustained
           .
        
         
           David
           also
           was
           
             a
             man
             after
             Gods
             own
             heart
          
           1.
           
           Sam.
           13.14
           .
           Yet
           how
           sorely
           did
           the
           Lord
           (
           almost
           all
           his
           life
           time
           )
           
           exercise
           and
           afflict
           him
           ?
           Hee
           was
           daily
           
             punished
             and
             chastned
             every
             morning
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           73.14
           .
           So
           as
           he
           roared
           day
           and
           night
           through
           extremity
           of
           grief
           :
           his
           bones
           were
           consumed
           with
           sorrow
           ;
           and
           his
           moysture
           was
           like
           the
           drought
           in
           summer
           .
           Betrayed
           by
           his
           false-hearted
           friends
           ,
           persecuted
           ,
           and
           pursued
           from
           place
           to
           place
           by
           Saul
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           26.20
           .
           
             As
             one
             would
             hunt
             a
             partridge
             in
             the
             mountains
             .
          
           And
           ,
           which
           went
           neerer
           him
           then
           any
           other
           troubles
           (
           his
           sins
           excepted
           )
           what
           heart-breaking
           sorrows
           did
           he
           sustain
           through
           the
           wickednesse
           of
           his
           children
           ?
           defiling
           each
           other
           ,
           murdering
           each
           other
           ,
           yea
           and
           (
           most
           unnaturally
           )
           seeking
           to
           depose
           him
           from
           the
           Kingdom
           .
           It
           would
           fill
           a
           volume
           to
           set
           down
           the
           
           manifold
           afflictions
           ,
           which
           are
           recorded
           of
           GODS
           children
           .
           I
           will
           therefore
           speak
           but
           of
           one
           or
           two
           moe
           ,
           which
           I
           cannot
           omit
           ,
           because
           their
           examples
           will
           tend
           much
           to
           our
           satisfaction
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           compare
           our
           tryals
           and
           afflictions
           with
           theirs
           ,
           and
           consider
           how
           farre
           theirs
           have
           exceeded
           ours
           .
        
         
           One
           would
           think
           that
           if
           any
           upon
           earth
           should
           scape
           scot
           free
           (
           as
           they
           say
           )
           and
           be
           without
           afflictions
           ,
           the
           
             Virgin
             Mary
          
           ,
           the
           mother
           of
           our
           Lord
           might
           ,
           she
           being
           a
           woman
           
             so
             freely
             beloved
             of
             God
             ,
             Luke
          
           1.28
           .
           and
           so
           neere
           unto
           Christ
           .
           But
           if
           God
           would
           have
           the
           mother
           to
           be
           exercised
           ,
           because
           a
           sinner
           ,
           yet
           (
           mee
           thinks
           )
           her
           sonne
           (
           
             being
             the
             onely
             begotten
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             
             without
             sinne
             ,
             and
             one
             in
             whom
             the
             Father
             was
             well
             pleased
             .
             Mat.
          
           3.17
           .
           )
           should
           go
           untouched
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           it
           might
           not
           be
           ;
           both
           these
           drunk
           deep
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           as
           I
           shall
           make
           it
           evident
           unto
           you
           .
        
         
           First
           concerning
           Mary
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           what
           old
           Simeon
           said
           unto
           her
           ,
           Luk.
           2.35
           .
           
             A
             sword
             shall
             pierce
             through
             thy
             Soul.
          
           Shee
           under-went
           not
           onely
           out-ward
           ,
           and
           bodily
           afflictions
           ,
           but
           also
           in-ward
           and
           spirituall
           tryalls
           even
           such
           as
           pierced
           her
           very
           Soul.
           
             A
             sorrowfull
             spirit
             drieth
             up
             the
             bones
             ,
             saith
             Solomon
             ,
             Pro.
          
           17.22
           .
           And
           Prov.
           18.14
           .
           
             the
             spirit
             of
             a
             man
             will
             sustaine
             his
             infirmities
             ,
             but
             a
             wounded
             spirit
             ,
             who
             can
             bear
             it
             ?
          
           It
           was
           not
           then
           any
           pinching
           poverty
           ,
           nor
           the
           rough
           handling
           
           of
           the
           
             Romane
             exactors
          
           ,
           who
           forced
           her
           (
           being
           bigge
           with
           child
           )
           ,
           to
           take
           a
           painefull
           journey
           to
           Bethlehem
           ;
           nor
           the
           poore
           entertainment
           ,
           which
           she
           and
           her
           tender
           babe
           found
           in
           the
           Inne
           ;
           nor
           Herods
           blood-thirsty
           rage
           which
           made
           her
           (
           with
           her
           tender
           little
           one
           )
           to
           flie
           into
           Egrpt
           ,
           where
           being
           a
           stranger
           no
           doubt
           )
           she
           indured
           adversity
           her
           bellie
           full
           ;
           nor
           the
           fear
           of
           Archelaus
           after
           her
           return
           ;
           nor
           her
           long
           deferred
           hopes
           all
           the
           while
           that
           Christ
           lived
           a
           private
           life
           (
           
             though
             Hope
             deferred
             bee
             the
             fainting
             of
             the
             heart
             .
             Prov.
          
           13.12
           .
           nor
           yet
           the
           malice
           or
           hatred
           of
           those
           bloody
           people
           ,
           the
           
             high
             Priests
             ,
             the
             Scribes
             and
             Pharisees
             ,
          
           who
           not
           only
           opposed
           her
           son
           ,
           but
           blasphemed
           his
           person
           ,
           and
           doctrine
           ;
           no
           nor
           
           
           
           
           
           the
           paines
           and
           torments
           of
           his
           bitter
           passion
           ,
           of
           which
           she
           was
           an
           eye
           witnesse
           ,
           and
           spectator
           ;
           none
           of
           all
           these
           were
           the
           sword
           that
           pierced
           her
           Soul
           ,
           though
           these
           were
           great
           burthens
           for
           a
           poore
           woman
           to
           bear
           ,
           and
           the
           last
           more
           grievous
           then
           all
           the
           rest
           .
        
         
           How
           did
           Jacob
           take
           on
           when
           hee
           beheld
           but
           the
           bloody
           coat
           of
           his
           sonne
           
             Joseph
             ?
             Jacob
             rent
             his
             cloths
             ,
             and
             put
             on
             sack-cloth
             about
             his
             loynes
             ,
             and
             sorrowed
             for
             his
             son
             a
             long
             season
             .
             Gen.
          
           37.34
           .
           How
           did
           David
           lament
           the
           death
           of
           his
           trayterous
           son
           Absolom
           ,
           though
           hee
           heard
           but
           the
           report
           of
           his
           slaughter
           ?
           2.
           
           Kings
           18.33
           .
           
             O
             Absolom
             my
             son
             ,
             O
             my
             son
             Absolom
             ,
             would
             God
             I
             had
             died
             for
             thee
             ,
             O
             Absolom
             my
             sonne
             ,
             my
             sonne
             .
          
           
           And
           reade
           wee
           not
           that
           Agar
           went
           aside
           at
           her
           childs
           fainting
           ,
           her
           mothers
           heart
           not
           enduring
           to
           behold
           the
           death
           of
           an
           
             Ismael
             .
             Gen.
          
           21.16
           .
           How
           then
           (
           thinke
           we
           )
           was
           Mary
           affected
           at
           the
           sight
           of
           so
           many
           and
           so
           great
           miseries
           which
           befell
           her
           son
           ?
           And
           yet
           all
           these
           (
           as
           I
           take
           it
           )
           were
           but
           the
           beginnings
           ,
           and
           occasions
           of
           greater
           internall
           heart-breakings
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           agonies
           ,
           with
           which
           her
           soul
           conflicted
           .
           For
           what
           perplexed
           thoughts
           (
           may
           we
           think
           )
           did
           assault
           her
           soul
           ,
           nay
           what
           did
           not
           ,
           when
           she
           saw
           every
           thing
           directly
           to
           thwart
           ,
           and
           crosse
           her
           preconceived
           hopes
           grounded
           upon
           the
           warrant
           and
           truth
           of
           Divine
           Oracles
           ?
           Might
           not
           Mary
           have
           thus
           complained
           ,
           
             What
             ,
             is
             this
             he
             that
             
             should
             be
             the
             Saviour
             and
             Redeemer
             of
             Israel
             ?
             the
             horn
             of
             Salvation
             unto
             them
             ,
             to
             be
             thus
             maligned
             and
             crucified
             ?
          
           And
           yet
           while
           he
           lived
           ,
           there
           was
           some
           hope
           (
           though
           no
           likelyhood
           )
           that
           God
           might
           work
           miraculously
           for
           his
           advancement
           ,
           and
           by
           means
           unknown
           ,
           make
           good
           his
           promises
           ;
           but
           now
           that
           he
           is
           done
           to
           death
           ,
           that
           shamefull
           and
           accursed
           death
           of
           the
           crosse
           ,
           what
           hope
           is
           left
           ?
           
             I
             thought
             that
             he
             should
             have
             restored
             the
             Kingdom
             again
             to
             Israel
             .
          
           But
           alas
           how
           can
           that
           bee
           ,
           he
           being
           now
           dead
           ,
           and
           laid
           in
           his
           grave
           ?
           Surely
           Mary
           had
           sunk
           under
           this
           burthen
           ,
           her
           faith
           ,
           her
           patience
           had
           failed
           her
           ,
           had
           she
           not
           with
           Abraham
           (
           the
           father
           of
           the
           faithfull
           )
           above
           hope
           ,
           beleeved
           under
           hope
           ,
           
           not
           regarding
           the
           outward
           miserable
           condition
           of
           her
           sonne
           ,
           but
           fastning
           the
           eye
           of
           her
           faith
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           true
           of
           his
           Word
           ,
           and
           just
           of
           his
           promise
           ;
           yet
           for
           all
           her
           faith
           and
           patience
           ,
           behold
           and
           see
           if
           any
           sorrow
           were
           like
           unto
           Mary
           her
           sorrow
           ?
           The
           mourning
           of
           a
           mother
           for
           her
           sonne
           ,
           her
           only
           sonne
           ,
           the
           sonne
           of
           her
           hopes
           ,
           her
           hearts
           delight
           :
           nay
           that
           son
           ,
           in
           whom
           shee
           expected
           that
           all
           the
           kindreds
           ,
           and
           nations
           of
           the
           world
           should
           be
           blessed
           ,
           and
           yet
           now
           dying
           ,
           dying
           a
           most
           ignominious
           ,
           shamefull
           &
           accursed
           death
           ,
           now
           perishing
           without
           hope
           of
           recovery
           .
           Loe
           here
           was
           the
           sword
           that
           pierced
           her
           soul
           thorow
           and
           thorow
           :
           wherupon
           the
           Fathers
           dispute
           the
           case
           whether
           Mary
           
           were
           not
           a
           Martyr
           ;
           and
           they
           conclude
           that
           she
           was
           more
           then
           a
           martyr
           ,
           because
           in
           martyrs
           ,
           the
           more
           fervent
           their
           love
           is
           to
           Christ
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           lesseneth
           the
           paines
           of
           their
           sufferings
           ,
           but
           Maries
           love
           the
           more
           intense
           ,
           and
           the
           greater
           it
           was
           towards
           her
           son
           ,
           the
           more
           it
           augmented
           her
           sorrows
           .
           But
           let
           us
           leave
           the
           mother
           and
           (
           last
           of
           all
           )
           take
           a
           view
           of
           her
           sonne
           his
           sufferings
           .
           Who
           though
           he
           were
           the
           prince
           of
           our
           
             salvation
             ,
             yet
             was
             he
             consecrated
             by
             afflictions
             .
             Heb.
          
           2.10
           .
           Was
           he
           not
           in
           this
           world
           reputed
           as
           an
           abject
           amongst
           men
           ?
           lived
           he
           not
           in
           penurie
           ,
           in
           povertie
           ?
           Mat.
           8.20
           .
           
             The
             foxes
             have
             holes
             ,
             and
             the
             birds
             of
             the
             heaven
             nests
             ,
             but
             he
             had
             not
             whereon
             to
             rest
             his
             head
             .
          
           How
           was
           he
           reviled
           and
           rayled
           
           upon
           by
           those
           foul-mouth'dJewes
           ?
           who
           called
           him
           a
           Wine-bibber
           ,
           a
           Pot-companion
           ,
           a
           friend
           of
           Publicans
           and
           sinners
           ,
           a
           Conjurer
           ,
           one
           that
           wrought
           by
           the
           helpe
           of
           Belzebub
           :
           was
           he
           not
           buffeted
           ,
           spit
           on
           ,
           whipped
           ,
           crowned
           with
           thornes
           ,
           &
           last
           of
           all
           despitefully
           crucifyed
           ?
           
           Besides
           all
           these
           ,
           hee
           did
           inwardly
           sustaine
           farre
           more
           heavy
           crosses
           ,
           then
           that
           which
           was
           laid
           upon
           his
           shoulders
           (
           though
           the
           weight
           of
           that
           made
           him
           to
           faint
           with
           wearinesse
           )
           for
           he
           was
           all
           his
           life
           time
           assaulted
           by
           Satan
           ,
           and
           towards
           his
           end
           brought
           into
           such
           an
           agony
           ,
           as
           it
           wrung
           even
           drops
           of
           blood
           from
           his
           forehead
           ;
           before
           his
           death
           his
           soul
           was
           heavy
           unto
           the
           death
           ,
           through
           those
           feares
           
           and
           terrors
           which
           had
           seazed
           upon
           him
           ,
           conflicting
           with
           the
           wrath
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           undergoing
           the
           curse
           with
           greatest
           extremity
           :
           all
           which
           made
           him
           (
           as
           one
           rejected
           and
           given
           over
           of
           the
           Lord
           )
           in
           a
           most
           heavy
           and
           dolefull
           manner
           to
           cry
           out
           ,
           
             My
             God
             ,
             my
             God
             ,
             why
             hast
             thou
             forsaken
             me
             ?
             Matt.
          
           27.46
           .
        
         
           If
           then
           
             Job
             an
             upright
             and
             just
             man
             ,
             one
             that
             feared
             God
             and
             eschewed
             evill
          
           ;
           If
           
             David
             a
             man
             after
             Gods
             own
             heart
             ,
             one
             that
             walked
             before
             the
             Lord
             in
             truth
             and
             righteousnes
             ,
             and
             uprightnesse
             of
             heart
             with
             God
          
           ;
           1.
           
           King.
           3.6
           .
           If
           Mary
           ,
           the
           mother
           of
           our
           Lord
           ,
           a
           woman
           so
           freely
           beloved
           of
           God
           ;
           And
           to
           conclude
           ,
           if
           Christ
           the
           only
           begotten
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           could
           not
           come
           to
           glory
           but
           through
           many
           tribulations
           ,
           
           and
           afflictions
           :
           I
           hope
           the
           doctrine
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           delivered
           standeth
           without
           contradiction
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           is
           a
           most
           undoubted
           and
           undeniable
           truth
           ,
           that
           ,
           
             None
             ,
             no
             not
             the
             best
             of
             Gods
             children
             ,
             are
             without
             their
             trials
             and
             affflictions
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             1
          
           
           And
           if
           any
           should
           demand
           a
           reason
           ,
           why
           the
           Lord
           doth
           thus
           deal
           with
           his
           dear
           ones
           ,
           many
           may
           be
           rendered
           :
           some
           whereof
           respect
           the
           sinnes
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           either
           as
           they
           are
           past
           ,
           present
           ,
           or
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           Sometime
           the
           Lord
           afflicteth
           his
           children
           that
           so
           they
           may
           ransack
           and
           search
           their
           own
           hearts
           and
           consciences
           ,
           and
           so
           find
           out
           some
           sinnes
           which
           have
           a
           long
           time
           lurked
           in
           their
           breasts
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           as
           yet
           repented
           
           of
           :
           Lament
           .
           3.39
           ,
           40.
           
           
             Man
             suffereth
             for
             his
             sinne
             ,
             let
             us
             search
             and
             try
             our
             wayes
             .
          
           The
           heart
           is
           deep
           ,
           yea
           ,
           
             deceitfull
             and
             wicked
             above
             all
             things
             ,
             who
             can
             know
             it
             .
             Jere.
          
           17.9
           .
           It
           hath
           many
           turnings
           and
           secret
           corners
           ,
           many
           holes
           for
           sinne
           to
           sculk
           and
           lurk
           in
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           will
           very
           hardly
           be
           found
           out
           unlesse
           a
           privie
           watch
           be
           set
           ,
           a
           narrow
           search
           be
           made
           .
           In
           the
           examination
           of
           a
           craftie
           ,
           a
           cunning
           thief
           ,
           the
           Justice
           or
           Judge
           had
           need
           to
           gather
           his
           wits
           together
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           his
           eyes
           in
           his
           head
           ,
           least
           he
           be
           not
           able
           to
           find
           out
           that
           villany
           which
           will
           never
           be
           confessed
           ,
           though
           the
           evidence
           be
           cleer
           against
           it
           .
           Affliction
           will
           quicken
           our
           wits
           ,
           and
           cleer
           our
           eye-sight
           ,
           so
           as
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           finde
           
           out
           those
           sins
           which
           otherwise
           (
           peradventure
           )
           would
           never
           have
           beene
           discovered
           .
           That
           person
           that
           cannot
           by
           affliction
           be
           wrought
           upon
           to
           search
           what
           is
           amisse
           in
           him
           ,
           will
           never
           do
           it
           .
           If
           the
           conscience
           which
           hath
           been
           rockt
           asleep
           in
           the
           cradle
           of
           prosperity
           ,
           cannot
           bee
           awakned
           by
           affliction
           ,
           it
           is
           in
           a
           deep
           ,
           if
           not
           a
           deadly
           sleep
           .
           Josephs
           brethren
           could
           be
           touched
           in
           their
           consciences
           for
           their
           unnaturall
           ,
           and
           cruell
           usage
           of
           their
           brother
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           in
           some
           straights
           ,
           suspected
           (
           as
           they
           conceived
           )
           to
           be
           spies
           ,
           and
           one
           of
           their
           brethren
           taken
           ,
           and
           bound
           before
           their
           eyes
           .
           Genes
           .
           42.21
           .
           Whereas
           for
           divers
           yeares
           before
           ,
           they
           had
           no
           check
           of
           conscience
           for
           their
           sinne
           .
        
         
         
           Iob
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           adversitie
           could
           call
           to
           mind
           old
           sinnes
           ,
           afflictions
           could
           bring
           them
           fresh
           to
           his
           remembrance
           :
           
             Thou
             writest
             bitter
             things
             against
             me
             ,
             and
             makest
             me
             to
             possesse
             the
             iniquities
             of
             my
             youth
             .
             Iob.
          
           13.26
           .
        
         
           
           Elihu
           hath
           an
           excellent
           speech
           to
           this
           purpose
           ,
           
             If
             they
             be
             bound
             in
             fetters
             ,
             and
             tyed
             with
             the
             cords
             of
             affliction
             ,
             then
             will
             he
             shew
             them
             their
             worke
             and
             their
             sinnes
             .
          
        
         
           Teaching
           us
           hereby
           ,
           that
           until
           such
           time
           as
           the
           Lord
           by
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           doth
           hamper
           and
           shackle
           us
           ,
           wee
           have
           no
           list
           to
           finde
           out
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           but
           had
           rather
           cover
           ,
           and
           daube
           them
           over
           .
           Whereas
           affliction
           (
           like
           unto
           a
           prospective-glasse
           )
           will
           shew
           us
           things
           a
           farre
           off
           ;
           and
           discover
           unto
           us
           many
           
           corruptions
           ,
           which
           wee
           have
           either
           buried
           ,
           or
           else
           slighted
           over
           .
           In
           affliction
           wee
           can
           see
           our
           formalitie
           ,
           barrennesse
           ,
           loosnesse
           ,
           dead-heartednesse
           ,
           lithernesse
           in
           good
           duties
           ,
           pride
           ,
           hypocrisie
           ,
           earthly-mindednesse
           ,
           uncharitablenesse
           ,
           and
           many
           moe
           old
           ,
           and
           new
           sinnes
           ,
           which
           before
           we
           took
           little
           ,
           or
           no
           notice
           of
           .
           Therefore
           if
           thou
           beest
           now
           under
           the
           rod
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           hereafter
           mayst
           be
           ,
           say
           unto
           thy
           heart
           ,
           surely
           there
           lieth
           some
           wedge
           of
           gold
           ,
           or
           Babylonish
           garment
           hid
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           would
           have
           me
           search
           ,
           and
           find
           out
           ,
           certainly
           there
           is
           some
           Ionah
           that
           hath
           raysed
           this
           storme
           ,
           there
           is
           some
           sinne
           or
           other
           that
           hath
           caused
           all
           this
           affliction
           to
           befall
           me
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           found
           out
           ,
           
           yea
           ,
           and
           cast
           out
           of
           my
           heart
           ,
           (
           as
           Ionab
           was
           thrown
           out
           of
           the
           ship
           )
           before
           this
           storm
           will
           be
           calme
           ,
           before
           the
           Lord
           will
           take
           off
           his
           hand
           from
           afflicting
           me
           .
           Therefore
           do
           not
           repine
           at
           the
           Lords
           wise
           and
           righteous
           dealing
           ,
           but
           let
           thine
           anget
           and
           indignation
           reflect
           upon
           thine
           own
           vile
           heart
           ,
           cast
           thy selfe
           with
           all
           humilitie
           ,
           at
           the
           feet
           of
           God
           ,
           begge
           some
           of
           his
           eye-salve
           ,
           whereby
           the
           eyes
           of
           thy
           understanding
           may
           be
           enlightned
           ,
           that
           thou
           mayst
           be
           the
           more
           able
           to
           gage
           and
           search
           the
           bottom
           of
           thy
           heart
           ,
           find
           out
           that
           ,
           or
           those
           sinnes
           which
           have
           provoked
           the
           Lord
           against
           thee
           ,
           lest
           thou
           perish
           through
           impenitency
           .
           St.
           Paul
           writing
           unto
           the
           Corinthians
           ,
           about
           their
           prophaning
           of
           the
           Lords
           ordinance
           ,
           
           their
           abuse
           of
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           telleth
           them
           that
           for
           this
           cause
           
             many
             are
             weake
             and
             sick
             among
             you
             :
             and
             many
             sleep
             ,
             for
             if
             wee
             would
             judge
             our selves
             ,
             wee
             should
             not
             be
             judged
             .
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           11.30.31
           .
           implying
           thus
           much
           ;
           that
           Gods
           hand
           lay
           upon
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           might
           search
           out
           ,
           see
           and
           confesse
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           that
           so
           God
           might
           pardon
           them
           .
           Therefore
           as
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           so
           especially
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           wee
           should
           narrowly
           sift
           ,
           and
           search
           our
           hearts
           ,
           lest
           any
           corruption
           lye
           lurking
           there
           to
           do
           us
           a
           mischief
           .
           And
           if
           ever
           we
           bee
           brought
           to
           a
           sight
           and
           confession
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           while
           the
           rod
           is
           upon
           our
           backe
           :
           when
           the
           Lord
           had
           throughly
           jerked
           Ephraim
           ,
           he
           could
           
             smite
             on
             his
             thigh
             ,
             bee
             ashamed
             
             and
             confounded
             ,
             because
             he
             did
             bear
             the
             reproach
             of
             his
             youth
             .
             Jerem.
          
           31.19
           .
           Old
           sinnes
           could
           bleed
           afresh
           before
           them
           when
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           did
           crush
           them
           .
           The
           Lord
           by
           the
           Prophet
           Ezekiel
           ,
           told
           Jerusalem
           ,
           that
           
             he
             would
             judge
             her
             after
             the
             manner
             of
             harlots
             ,
             and
             would
             give
             her
             the
             blood
             of
             wrath
             and
             jealousie
             .
             Ezek.
          
           16.38
           .
           
             Because
             thou
             hast
             not
             remembred
             the
             dayes
             of
             thy
             youth
             ,
             but
             hast
             provoked
             me
             with
             all
             these
             things
             ;
             behold
             ,
             therefore
             I
             also
             have
             brought
             thy
             way
             upon
             thine
             head
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             :
             yet
             hast
             thou
             not
             had
             consideration
             of
             all
             thine
             abominations
             .
          
           Vers
           .
           43.
           
           Teaching
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           end
           of
           Gods
           correcting
           them
           ,
           was
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           a
           consideration
           and
           sight
           of
           their
           sinnes
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             2
          
           
           A
           second
           reason
           of
           the
           
           Lords
           dealing
           sharply
           with
           his
           children
           ,
           is
           ,
           to
           purge
           them
           ,
           and
           cleanse
           
             them
             from
             all
             their
             filthinesse
             of
             the
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             .
          
           This
           appeares
           by
           divers
           places
           of
           Scripture
           .
           
             I
             I
             will
             turn
             my
             hand
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             purely
             purge
             away
             thy
             drosse
             ,
             and
             take
             away
             all
             thy
             sinne
             .
             Esa
             .
          
           1.25
           .
           
             And
             some
             of
             them
             of
             understanding
             shall
             fall
             to
             trie
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             purge
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             them
             white
             .
             Dan.
          
           11.35
           .
           And
           so
           in
           Esa
           ,
           4
           ▪
           4.
           
           
             When
             the
             Lord
             shal
             have
             washed
             away
             the
             filth
             of
             the
             daughters
             Sion
             ,
             and
             shall
             have
             purged
             the
             blood
             of
             Jerusalem
             from
             the
             midst
             thereof
             ,
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             judgement
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             burning
          
           And
           Esay
           .
           27.9
           .
           
             By
             this
             shall
             the
             iniquitie
             of
             Jacob
             be
             purged
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             all
             the
             fruit
             ,
             even
             the
             taking
             away
             of
             his
             sinne
             :
          
           not
           by
           justifying
           ,
           
           
           
           
           
           but
           by
           sanctifying
           them
           ;
           by
           the
           rod
           of
           affliction
           beating
           sinne
           out
           of
           its
           old
           corners
           ;
           for
           as
           Elihu
           said
           ,
           Iob
           36.10
           .
           
             He
             openeth
             their
             ear
             to
             discipline
             ,
             and
             commandeth
             them
             that
             they
             return
             from
             iniquity
             .
          
           when
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           us
           ,
           he
           doth
           really
           call
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           charge
           us
           to
           turne
           from
           our
           evill
           wayes
           .
           
             Hee
             knoweth
             my
             way
             ,
             and
             trieth
             me
          
           (
           saies
           Iob
           23.10
           .
           )
           
             and
             I
             shall
             come
             forth
             like
             the
             gold
             .
             Behold
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             fined
             thee
             ;
             I
             have
             chosen
             thee
             in
             the
             fornace
             of
             affliction
             .
             Esa
             .
          
           48.10
           .
           The
           Lord
           compares
           affliction
           unto
           a
           fornace
           ,
           into
           which
           the
           Gold-smith
           doth
           cast
           his
           metals
           to
           fine
           them
           ,
           to
           purge
           them
           from
           that
           dirt
           and
           drosse
           which
           is
           mingled
           with
           them
           .
           Prosperitie
           ,
           health
           ,
           ease
           ,
           libertie
           ,
           are
           occasions
           
           of
           contracting
           ,
           and
           gathering
           soyle
           ,
           and
           drosse
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           (
           who
           loves
           to
           see
           his
           children
           clean
           )
           will
           bring
           
             them
             thorow
             the
             fire
             ,
             and
             will
             fine
             them
             as
             Silver
             ,
             and
             trie
             them
             as
             Gold
             is
             tryed
             .
             Zach.
          
           13.9
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           
             that
             the
             Apostle
             Peter
             saith
             Wee
             are
             in
             heavinesse
             through
             manifold
             temptations
             ,
             that
             the
             trial
             of
             our
             faith
             being
             much
             more
             precious
             then
             gold
             that
             perisheth
             ,
             might
             be
             found
             to
             our
             praise
             .
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.6.7
           .
           
             He
             doth
             chasten
             us
             for
             our
             profit
             ,
             that
             wee
             might
             be
             partakers
             of
             his
             holinesse
             .
             Hebr.
          
           12.10
           .
           Which
           we
           cannot
           be
           unlesse
           wee
           be
           washed
           and
           clensed
           from
           the
           filth
           of
           sinne
           .
           
             Let
             us
             clense
             our selves
             from
             all
             filthinesse
             of
             the
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             ,
             and
             grow
             up
             into
             full
             holinesse
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           7.1
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           
           that
           David
           Professeth
           ,
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
             that
             I
             have
             been
             afflicted
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           119.71
           .
        
         
           
           Afflictions
           oft
           times
           make
           a
           bad
           man
           good
           ,
           they
           always
           make
           a
           good
           man
           better
           .
           Therefore
           take
           this
           for
           a
           sure
           ground
           ,
           That
           the
           Lord
           never
           afflicts
           the
           body
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           souls
           good
           ,
           he
           never
           brings
           any
           evill
           upon
           our
           bodies
           ,
           but
           with
           an
           intent
           to
           better
           the
           soul
           .
           When
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           us
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Physick
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           purge
           out
           those
           malignant
           humors
           ,
           which
           in
           the
           daies
           of
           our
           prosperity
           wee
           have
           contracted
           unto
           our selves
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           as
           wee
           are
           content
           to
           receive
           bitter
           pils
           ,
           sick
           vomits
           ,
           and
           unpleasing
           potions
           for
           our
           bodily
           health
           ,
           striving
           to
           take
           them
           down
           ,
           
           though
           they
           go
           sore
           against
           our
           stomack
           :
           As
           wee
           endure
           sharpe
           salves
           ,
           and
           strong
           eating
           plaisters
           ,
           and
           powders
           to
           be
           applied
           to
           bodily
           sores
           ,
           for
           the
           taking
           down
           of
           our
           proud
           ,
           and
           eating
           out
           our
           dead
           flesh
           ;
           so
           must
           wee
           be
           patient
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           ,
           seeing
           it
           is
           a
           means
           of
           helping
           ,
           and
           curing
           our
           sick
           distempered
           souls
           .
           Sinne
           is
           the
           souls
           sicknesse
           ,
           and
           affliction
           is
           that
           physick
           which
           the
           Lord
           that
           wise
           and
           good
           Physician
           sees
           meet
           to
           be
           applied
           unto
           us
           for
           our
           health
           ,
           and
           recovery
           .
           Therefore
           as
           that
           mans
           body
           is
           in
           a
           dangerous
           (
           if
           not
           desperate
           )
           case
           upon
           which
           physick
           will
           not
           work
           ,
           or
           working
           but
           a
           little
           ,
           doth
           little
           ,
           or
           no
           good
           unto
           him
           ,
           so
           as
           still
           the
           dissease
           prevaileth
           ,
           and
           the
           body
           
           languisheth
           :
           even
           so
           it
           fareth
           with
           our
           souls
           ,
           if
           afflictions
           cannot
           better
           us
           ,
           our
           case
           is
           desperate
           .
           Eze.
           24.13
           .
           
             Thou
             remainest
             in
             thy
             filthinesse
             and
             wickednesse
             ,
             because
             I
             would
             have
             purged
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             wast
             not
             purged
             :
             thou
             shalt
             not
             be
             purged
             from
             thy
             filthinesse
             ,
             till
             I
             have
             caused
             my
             wrath
             to
             light
             upon
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           Gods
           corrections
           are
           for
           our
           reformation
           ,
           and
           amendment
           ,
           but
           if
           they
           cannot
           reform
           us
           ,
           they
           make
           way
           either
           for
           greater
           judgements
           ,
           as
           Levit.
           26.21
           .
           Where
           the
           Lord
           telleth
           us
           that
           ,
           
             if
             wee
             walk
             stubbornly
             against
             him
             ,
             &
             will
             not
             obey
             him
             ,
             he
             will
             then
             bring
             seven
             times
             moe
             plagues
             upon
             us
             ,
             according
             to
             our
             sinnes
             .
          
           Or
           else
           they
           prepare
           us
           for
           confusion
           &
           destruction
           ;
           
             for
             he
             that
             hardneth
             his
             neck
             when
             he
             
             is
             rebuked
             ,
             shall
             suddenly
             be
             destroyed
             ,
             and
             cannot
             bee
             cured
             .
             Prov.
          
           29.1
           .
           Some
           by
           accustoming
           themselves
           to
           sinne
           ,
           are
           brought
           at
           last
           into
           an
           incurable
           condition
           ;
           so
           that
           wee
           may
           say
           of
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           him
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           spoken
           to
           the
           King
           of
           Ashur
           ,
           
             There
             is
             no
             healing
             of
             thy
             wound
             .
             Nahum
          
           3.19
           .
           To
           be
           never
           the
           better
           for
           affliction
           ,
           is
           to
           bear
           the
           brand
           of
           a
           wicked
           person
           .
           
             This
             is
             King
             Ahaz
             ,
             who
             in
             the
             time
             of
             his
             tribulation
             did
             yet
             trespasse
             more
             against
             the
             Lord.
          
           2
           Chro.
           28.22
           .
           And
           this
           will
           seal
           up
           unto
           all
           incorrigible
           persons
           ,
           Gods
           heavier
           judgements
           ,
           which
           he
           will
           one
           day
           bring
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           many
           are
           so
           farre
           in
           league
           with
           sinne
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           those
           blowes
           which
           God
           giveth
           them
           will
           
           break
           that
           cursed
           league
           betwixt
           them
           and
           their
           sinne
           ;
           all
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           unto
           them
           is
           little
           enough
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           a
           sight
           of
           sin
           :
           But
           God
           will
           have
           sinne
           out
           of
           request
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           us
           out
           of
           love
           with
           it
           ,
           that
           sinne
           may
           stink
           in
           our
           nostrills
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           unpleasing
           to
           the
           Lord.
           Many
           having
           a
           stinking
           disease
           in
           them
           or
           upon
           them
           ,
           seek
           not
           out
           for
           cure
           because
           it
           savors
           not
           amisse
           to
           them
           ,
           the
           smell
           thereof
           is
           not
           offensive
           unto
           them
           :
           but
           when
           once
           they
           begin
           to
           be
           annoyed
           with
           their
           own
           stinck
           ,
           then
           they
           seek
           out
           for
           helpe
           and
           remedy
           :
           Affliction
           searcheth
           sinne
           to
           the
           quick
           ,
           stirres
           up
           the
           bottome
           of
           our
           corruption
           ,
           makes
           it
           stink
           in
           our
           nostrils
           ,
           so
           as
           wee
           begin
           to
           grow
           out
           
           of
           love
           with
           that
           evill
           which
           somtime
           hath
           been
           most
           delightful
           and
           pleasing
           unto
           us
           .
           Therefore
           if
           iniquitie
           
             be
             in
             thy
             hand
             ,
             put
             it
             far
             away
             ,
             and
             let
             not
             wickednesse
             dwell
             in
             thy
             tabernacle
             ,
          
           said
           
             Zophar
             .
             Iob.
          
           11.14
           .
           This
           was
           good
           counsell
           given
           to
           Job
           in
           his
           affliction
           :
           he
           must
           purge
           his
           hand
           &
           house
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           heart
           too
           of
           all
           wickednes
           ,
           then
           he
           should
           lift
           up
           his
           face
           without
           spot
           ,
           he
           should
           be
           stable
           ,
           and
           not
           feare
           .
           Job
           11.15
           .
           then
           should
           he
           be
           justified
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           freed
           from
           the
           staine
           of
           his
           sinne
           ,
           and
           be
           without
           all
           feare
           of
           judgement
           ,
           yea
           ,
           saith
           
             Zophar
             ,
             Thou
             shalt
             forget
             thy
             misery
             :
          
           Not
           onely
           be
           an
           end
           of
           troubles
           ,
           but
           ease
           and
           joy
           shall
           come
           in
           the
           place
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             3
          
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           as
           affliction
           
           serves
           to
           finde
           out
           sinne
           past
           ,
           and
           to
           purge
           sinne
           present
           ,
           so
           also
           to
           prevent
           sinne
           to
           come
           :
           which
           the
           Lord
           (
           who
           knows
           us
           better
           thē
           we
           know
           our selves
           )
           seeth
           wee
           would
           run
           into
           .
           Hence
           it
           was
           that
           a
           
             thorne
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             the
             messenger
             of
             Satan
             was
             sent
             to
             buffet
             Paul
             ,
             lest
             he
             should
             be
             exalted
             above
             measure
             .
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           12.7
           .
           The
           Lord
           was
           pleased
           so
           highly
           to
           honor
           Paul
           ,
           as
           to
           take
           him
           up
           into
           Paradice
           where
           he
           heard
           words
           which
           cannot
           be
           spoken
           ,
           which
           are
           not
           possible
           for
           man
           to
           utter
           ;
           whereupon
           ,
           least
           Paul
           should
           grow
           too
           high
           in
           the
           instep
           ,
           and
           thinke
           better
           of
           himself
           ,
           then
           there
           was
           cause
           ,
           the
           Lord
           in
           wisedom
           takes
           him
           down
           a
           peg
           ,
           sendeth
           a
           satanicall
           messenger
           to
           buffet
           him
           ,
           that
           so
           hee
           might
           not
           be
           exalted
           .
           
           The
           Lord
           sees
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           cast
           our selves
           into
           some
           perils
           and
           dangers
           ,
           or
           to
           run
           into
           some
           evils
           ,
           which
           would
           tend
           to
           the
           dishonor
           of
           his
           name
           ,
           or
           the
           scandall
           of
           our
           profession
           ;
           therefore
           ,
           by
           affliction
           (
           as
           with
           a
           bit
           ,
           or
           bridle
           put
           into
           our
           mouthes
           )
           he
           doth
           restrain
           us
           ,
           and
           so
           ,
           wisely
           ,
           prevents
           those
           sins
           ,
           which
           (
           if
           affliction
           were
           not
           )
           we
           should
           fall
           into
           .
           God
           in
           his
           afflicting
           of
           his
           children
           lookes
           not
           alwayes
           ▪
           backward
           upon
           their
           sinnes
           past
           ,
           but
           sometimes
           forward
           upon
           sinnes
           to
           come
           ?
           and
           makes
           them
           his
           principall
           aime
           and
           end
           of
           afflicting
           his
           children
           .
           There
           is
           a
           preventing
           Phisicke
           ,
           for
           preservation
           of
           our
           health
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Phisick
           for
           recovery
           ,
           out
           of
           some
           desease
           already
           
           grown
           upon
           us
           .
           And
           yet
           I
           would
           have
           none
           to
           be
           mistaken
           in
           this
           particular
           ;
           as
           though
           God
           did
           at
           any
           time
           afflict
           any
           without
           cause
           .
           Although
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometimes
           afflict
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           sinne
           ;
           yet
           never
           without
           sinne
           ,
           either
           inherent
           ,
           or
           imputed
           .
           God
           is
           so
           farre
           from
           picking
           holes
           in
           our
           coat
           ,
           so
           far
           from
           afflicting
           any
           without
           just
           cause
           ,
           that
           hee
           may
           see
           enough
           in
           the
           best
           of
           us
           ,
           yea
           even
           in
           our
           best
           services
           ,
           &
           performances
           to
           afflict
           us
           .
           The
           best
           of
           us
           brought
           with
           us
           into
           the
           world
           so
           much
           corruption
           ,
           and
           do
           carry
           about
           us
           such
           bodies
           of
           sinne
           ,
           as
           may
           expose
           us
           to
           all
           the
           plagues
           of
           this
           and
           another
           life
           .
           Every
           one
           of
           us
           hath
           in
           himselfe
           sufficient
           fewell
           for
           the
           fire
           of
           
           Gods
           wrath
           to
           work
           evermore
           upon
           him
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           justice
           would
           be
           pleased
           to
           kindle
           it
           .
           Let
           no
           man
           therefore
           question
           Gods
           justice
           in
           afflicting
           the
           best
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           because
           (
           as
           I
           have
           said
           )
           he
           somtimes
           afflicteth
           us
           to
           prevent
           some
           evill
           to
           come
           ,
           which
           through
           our
           naturall
           propension
           ,
           through
           some
           violent
           occasion
           ,
           or
           through
           some
           strong
           temptation
           wee
           may
           be
           drawne
           into
           .
        
         
           Ephraim
           was
           mad
           upon
           sinne
           ,
           therefore
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Hos
           .
           2.6
           .
           
             I
             will
             stop
             thy
             way
             with
             thornes
             ,
             and
             make
             an
             hedge
             ,
             that
             she
             may
             not
             find
             her
             paths
             .
          
           Too
           much
           sun-shine
           will
           dazle
           our
           eyes
           .
           Too
           much
           honey
           turnes
           to
           gall
           :
           so
           too
           much
           prosperity
           and
           ease
           breeds
           security
           ,
           and
           
           makes
           us
           proud
           ,
           or
           wanton
           ;
           therefore
           lest
           our
           ranck
           blood
           should
           cause
           some
           inflamation
           ,
           it
           pleaseth
           God
           (
           our
           wise
           and
           loving
           Physitian
           )
           to
           open
           a
           veine
           ,
           to
           cool
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           us
           in
           good
           temper
           .
           Horses
           that
           are
           full
           fed
           ,
           and
           pampered
           ,
           grow
           (
           many
           times
           )
           restif
           :
           Vessels
           unused
           do
           quickly
           grow
           rusty
           :
           even
           so
           our
           nature
           would
           soon
           contract
           some
           evill
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           not
           now
           and
           then
           take
           us
           into
           affliction
           's
           scouring
           house
           .
           The
           Lord
           sees
           ,
           that
           prosperity
           and
           immunity
           from
           affliction
           blunts
           the
           edge
           of
           our
           devotion
           ,
           cools
           the
           fire
           of
           our
           zeal
           ,
           and
           dulleth
           our
           eager
           pursuit
           after
           Heaven
           and
           Heavenly
           things
           ,
           and
           therefore
           he
           afflicts
           us
           to
           prevent
           these
           evils
           ,
           as
           hee
           took
           away
           Jeroboams
           
           sonne
           by
           death
           ,
           lest
           if
           he
           had
           lived
           longer
           ,
           he
           might
           have
           trod
           in
           the
           steps
           of
           his
           wicked
           father
           ,
           and
           been
           tainted
           with
           his
           sinnes
           .
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           seeth
           that
           wee
           would
           run
           into
           some
           danger
           ,
           if
           he
           should
           let
           us
           alone
           ,
           therefore
           as
           he
           snached
           Lot
           out
           of
           Sodom
           ,
           lest
           he
           should
           have
           perished
           in
           their
           flames
           ,
           so
           he
           catcheth
           hold
           of
           us
           by
           affliction
           ,
           thereby
           to
           deliver
           us
           from
           some
           sinne
           wee
           are
           falling
           into
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           whatsoever
           triall
           and
           affliction
           ,
           doth
           befall
           thee
           ,
           lay
           thy
           hand
           upon
           thy
           mouth
           ,
           murmure
           not
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           be
           thankfull
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           O
           Lord
           thou
           knowest
           the
           distemper
           of
           my
           soul
           ,
           thou
           knowest
           how
           prone
           I
           am
           to
           sinne
           and
           wickednesse
           ,
           and
           thou
           (
           who
           
           seest
           things
           to
           come
           as
           if
           they
           were
           present
           )
           seest
           ,
           I
           was
           inclining
           to
           some
           evill
           ,
           but
           in
           mercy
           hast
           by
           this
           affliction
           prevented
           mee
           ,
           keep
           mee
           therefore
           from
           falling
           into
           evill
           ,
           by
           what
           means
           thou
           pleasest
           ,
           suffer
           mee
           not
           to
           sin
           against
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             4
          
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           us
           ,
           to
           teach
           us
           some
           good
           lesson
           ,
           which
           (
           without
           affliction
           )
           hee
           sees
           wee
           shall
           hardly
           learn.
           Psal
           .
           119.71
           .
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
             that
             I
             have
             been
             afflicted
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             learn
             thy
             statutes
             .
          
           Corrections
           are
           instructions
           .
           
           God
           will
           have
           none
           of
           his
           to
           perish
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           instruction
           .
           he
           sendeth
           his
           word
           amongst
           us
           ,
           to
           teach
           us
           his
           wayes
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           walk
           in
           his
           truth
           .
           Psal
           .
           86.11
           .
           But
           outward
           prosperity
           so
           thickens
           
           our
           eare
           ,
           and
           so
           hardens
           our
           heart
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           ,
           wee
           will
           not
           heare
           to
           our
           profit
           :
           Jerem.
           22.21
           .
           
             I
             spake
             unto
             thee
             when
             thou
             wast
             in
             prosperitie
             ,
             but
             thou
             saidst
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             hear
             :
             this
             hath
             been
             thy
             manner
             from
             thy
             youth
             ,
             that
             thou
             wouldest
             not
             obey
             my
             voice
          
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           
             openeth
             the
             ear
             of
             men
             ,
             even
             by
             their
             corrections
             ,
             Job
          
           33.16
           .
           For
           such
           as
           will
           not
           hear
           the
           word
           ,
           shall
           
             hear
             the
             rod
             ,
             Mica
          
           .
           6.9
           .
           Manasses
           learned
           that
           lesson
           in
           the
           school
           of
           affliction
           ,
           which
           could
           never
           be
           taught
           him
           in
           the
           school
           of
           the
           Prophets
           .
           2
           Chron.
           33.12
           .
           
             In
             his
             tribulation
             he
             humbled
             himself
             greatly
             before
             the
             God
             of
             his
             fathers
             .
          
           He
           that
           was
           prowd
           ,
           and
           could
           set
           himselfe
           against
           the
           Lord
           and
           his
           truth
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           professed
           it
           ,
           all
           the
           while
           he
           was
           
           in
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           upon
           his
           throne
           ;
           when
           the
           Lord
           caused
           him
           to
           be
           cast
           in
           prison
           ,
           and
           put
           chaines
           of
           iron
           upon
           his
           leggs
           ,
           in
           stead
           of
           a
           chaine
           of
           Gold
           about
           his
           neck
           ,
           hee
           could
           then
           learn
           to
           be
           humble
           ,
           and
           obedient
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           Nabuchadnezzar
           being
           pulled
           out
           of
           his
           Babel
           ,
           driven
           from
           men
           ,
           to
           have
           his
           dwelling
           amongst
           the
           beasts
           ,
           could
           at
           length
           come
           to
           
             praise
             ,
             extoll
             &
             magnifie
             the
             King
             of
             heaven
             ,
             whose
             works
             are
             all
             truth
             ,
             and
             able
             to
             abase
             those
             that
             walk
             in
             pride
             .
             Dan.
          
           4
           34.
           
           Our
           hearts
           are
           very
           hard
           and
           sturdy
           ,
           so
           as
           the
           word
           will
           not
           break
           them
           ,
           untill
           the
           Lord
           by
           affliction
           subdues
           ,
           and
           humbles
           these
           hearts
           of
           ours
           ,
           making
           them
           soft
           and
           yeelding
           ,
           so
           as
           the
           word
           may
           take
           some
           impression
           
           in
           us
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           Solomon
           tells
           us
           ,
           Prov.
           15.32
           .
           
             Hee
             that
             obeyeth
             correction
             ,
             gets
             understanding
             .
          
           Some
           say
           ,
           that
           many
           (
           and
           I
           have
           found
           it
           true
           in
           some
           )
           children
           after
           a
           sicknesse
           grow
           both
           in
           ripenesse
           of
           understanding
           ,
           and
           in
           stature
           of
           body
           :
           so
           it
           is
           with
           the
           Lords
           children
           :
           affliction
           bringeth
           them
           to
           a
           better
           understanding
           of
           heaven
           ,
           and
           heavenly
           things
           (
           as
           Nebuchadnezzar
           confessed
           ,
           Dan.
           4.33
           .
           
             Mine
             understanding
             was
             restored
             unto
             me
          
           )
           and
           causeth
           the
           inner
           man
           to
           grow
           more
           then
           before
           .
           It
           teacheth
           us
           to
           walk
           in
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           as
           Psal
           .
           119.67
           .
           
             Before
             I
             was
             afflicted
             I
             went
             astray
             :
             but
             now
             I
             keep
             thy
             word
             .
          
           What
           havock
           did
           Paul
           (
           before
           the
           Lord
           met
           with
           him
           )
           
           make
           of
           Christs
           flock
           ?
           
             entring
             into
             every
             house
             hee
             drew
             out
             both
             men
             and
             women
             ,
             and
             put
             them
             into
             prison
             ,
             Acts.
          
           8.3
           .
           And
           being
           armed
           with
           malice
           ,
           and
           authority
           ,
           he
           posteth
           to
           Damascus
           ,
           to
           put
           in
           execution
           his
           bloody
           commission
           :
           but
           the
           Lord
           meets
           him
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           unhorseth
           this
           persecutor
           ,
           strikes
           him
           down
           to
           the
           ground
           ,
           and
           smites
           him
           with
           blindnesse
           ;
           and
           what
           followed
           ?
           Paul
           was
           now
           a
           new
           man
           :
           Act.
           9.6
           .
           
             He
             then
             both
             trembling
             ,
             and
             astonied
             ,
          
           said
           ,
           
             Lord
             what
             wil
             thou
             that
             I
             do
             ?
          
           What
           had
           become
           of
           Paul
           ,
           if
           affliction
           had
           not
           beene
           ?
           Which
           of
           Gods
           children
           cannot
           say
           as
           David
           said
           ,
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
             that
             I
             have
             been
             afflicted
             ?
          
           Nay
           ,
           what
           affliction
           hath
           at
           any
           time
           befalne
           us
           ,
           which
           wee
           
           could
           have
           spared
           ?
           Nay
           (
           let
           me
           go
           a
           little
           further
           )
           is
           it
           not
           best
           with
           us
           ,
           when
           wee
           are
           under
           the
           rod
           ?
           Would
           it
           not
           be
           better
           with
           us
           (
           thinke
           you
           )
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           afflict
           us
           more
           ?
           If
           thou
           beest
           the
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           appeale
           to
           thy
           conscience
           ,
           whether
           thy
           case
           had
           not
           been
           farre
           worse
           ,
           then
           now
           it
           is
           if
           affliction
           had
           not
           been
           .
           Many
           are
           like
           unto
           those
           kind
           of
           fishes
           which
           seldom
           or
           never
           (
           without
           much
           difficulty
           ,
           and
           labour
           )
           can
           be
           caught
           but
           when
           the
           water
           is
           troubled
           .
           So
           before
           troubles
           do
           befall
           many
           ,
           they
           cannot
           be
           caught
           with
           the
           net
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           all
           the
           cost
           that
           is
           bestowed
           upon
           them
           ,
           all
           the
           pains
           that
           are
           taken
           with
           them
           ,
           do
           them
           little
           or
           no
           good
           .
           All
           the
           good
           that
           the
           most
           of
           us
           learn
           
           is
           in
           the
           school
           of
           affliction
           .
           So
           that
           affliction
           may
           say
           (
           concerning
           the
           good
           wee
           have
           )
           as
           Laban
           in
           another
           case
           said
           to
           
             Jacob
             ,
             Gen.
          
           31.43
           
             All
             that
             thou
             seest
             is
             mine
             .
          
           So
           in
           some
           sence
           may
           affliction
           say
           ,
           Thy
           humility
           ,
           thy
           faith
           ,
           thy
           charity
           ,
           thy
           obedience
           ,
           &c.
           all
           mine
           :
           from
           whence
           hadst
           thou
           them
           ?
           of
           whom
           didst
           thou
           learn
           them
           ,
           but
           of
           me
           ?
           and
           therefore
           mayest
           thank
           me
           for
           them
           ,
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             man
          
           (
           saies
           David
           to
           the
           Lord
           :
           Psal
           .
           94.12
           .
           )
           
             whom
             thou
             chastisest
             and
             teachest
             him
             thy
             Law.
          
           If
           we
           can
           pick
           no
           good
           out
           of
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           learn
           nothing
           from
           them
           ,
           woe
           will
           be
           unto
           us
           ,
           that
           ever
           we
           were
           corrected
           .
           The
           judgements
           which
           are
           upon
           others
           should
           better
           us
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           of
           Esay
           .
           26.
           
           9.
           
           
             Seeing
             thy
             judgements
             are
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             the
             inhabitants
             of
             the
             world
             shall
             learn
             righteousnesse
             .
          
           If
           God
           will
           have
           us
           to
           profit
           by
           the
           calamities
           ,
           and
           miseries
           ,
           which
           do
           befall
           others
           ,
           how
           much
           more
           by
           those
           afflictions
           ,
           which
           touch
           our
           own
           skin
           ,
           or
           come
           into
           our
           own
           bowels
           ?
           But
           ,
           alas
           such
           blocks
           ,
           such
           non-proficients
           wee
           are
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           may
           justly
           complain
           of
           us
           ,
           as
           he
           did
           of
           Israel
           ,
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           Amos
           ,
           I
           have
           thus
           ,
           and
           thus
           corrected
           you
           ,
           
             Yet
             have
             you
             not
             returned
             unto
             mee
             saith
             the
             Lord.
             Amos.
          
           4.8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             5
          
           
           Fiftly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometime
           afflict
           his
           children
           ,
           to
           try
           the
           truth
           of
           grace
           in
           them
           :
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.6
           ,
           7.
           
           
             Ye
             are
             in
             heavinesse
             through
             manifold
             tentations
             ,
             that
             the
             triall
             of
             
             your
             Faith
             ,
             being
             much
             more
             precious
             then
             gold
             that
             perisheth
             ,
             might
             be
             found
             unto
             your
             praise
             .
             Apoc.
          
           2.10
           .
           
             Some
             of
             you
             shall
             be
             cast
             into
             prison
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             be
             tried
             .
             The
             Lord
             thy
             God
             led
             thee
          
           (
           saies
           Moses
           to
           
             Israel
             ,
             Deut.
          
           8.2
           .
           )
           
             this
             forty
             yeere
             in
             the
             wildernesse
             for
             to
             humble
             thee
             ,
             and
             to
             prove
             thee
             ,
             to
             know
             what
             was
             in
             thine
             heart
             .
          
           Why
           ,
           doth
           not
           God
           know
           the
           secrets
           of
           al
           hearts
           ?
           doth
           not
           he
           understand
           our
           thoughts
           afarre
           off
           ?
           Psal
           .
           139
           1.
           
           Why
           then
           should
           hee
           afflict
           his
           children
           ,
           to
           prove
           what
           is
           in
           their
           hearts
           ?
           That
           we
           being
           afflicted
           ,
           may
           know
           our
           own
           hearts
           the
           better
           ,
           and
           that
           others
           also
           may
           discern
           the
           truth
           of
           grace
           in
           us
           .
           Every
           one
           almost
           will
           bee
           good
           whiles
           all
           things
           goe
           according
           to
           their
           hearts
           desire
           ;
           
           as
           the
           old
           saying
           is
           ,
           The
           devill
           is
           good
           while
           hee
           is
           pleased
           .
           Even
           the
           wicked
           whiles
           there
           is
           nothing
           to
           thwart
           and
           crosse
           them
           ,
           will
           carry
           themselves
           temperatly
           ,
           and
           smoothly
           ;
           But
           let
           the
           Lord
           set
           fire
           upon
           their
           hedge
           of
           prosperity
           ,
           let
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           a
           little
           ,
           lay
           his
           hand
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           see
           that
           verified
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           Satan
           maliciously
           ,
           and
           falsly
           layd
           unto
           Jobs
           charge
           .
           They
           will
           curse
           God
           to
           his
           face
           ,
           they
           will
           in
           a
           blasphemous
           manner
           ,
           spit
           out
           their
           venome
           ,
           and
           poison
           against
           the
           Lord.
           There
           is
           a
           bottomlesse
           gulfe
           of
           self-deceit
           in
           the
           hearts
           even
           of
           Gods
           children
           ,
           whence
           it
           comes
           to
           passe
           ,
           that
           they
           can
           hardly
           be
           brought
           to
           beleeve
           ,
           there
           is
           so
           much
           corruption
           in
           
           them
           ,
           as
           indeed
           there
           is
           :
           but
           affliction
           ,
           yea
           sometime
           the
           fear
           of
           danger
           doth
           discover
           it
           unto
           us
           :
           as
           appeares
           in
           Peter
           ;
           who
           (
           hearing
           Christ
           say
           ,
           that
           all
           his
           
             Apostles
             should
             be
             offended
             that
             night
             ,
             and
             flie
             from
             him
             ,
             Matt.
          
           26.31
           .
           )
           utterly
           disclaimes
           such
           unfaithfulnesse
           ,
           and
           therefore
           telleth
           Christ
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           became
           of
           the
           rest
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           forsake
           him
           ;
           whereas
           the
           very
           fear
           of
           some
           danger
           or
           trouble
           ,
           made
           him
           denie
           ,
           and
           forsware
           his
           master
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           knew
           him
           not
           .
           Little
           do
           wee
           beleeve
           what
           filthy
           stuffe
           lurketh
           in
           these
           wicked
           hearts
           of
           ours
           ,
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           the
           Lord
           stirreth
           ,
           and
           provoketh
           us
           by
           afflictions
           .
           A
           mans
           strength
           is
           never
           known
           ,
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           it
           be
           tried
           ,
           and
           he
           have
           some
           
           enemie
           to
           resist
           him
           .
           Afflictions
           are
           tentations
           to
           try
           both
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           the
           strength
           of
           grace
           in
           us
           :
           our
           faith
           ,
           our
           patience
           ,
           our
           humilitie
           ,
           our
           obedience
           ,
           our
           love
           ,
           our
           courage
           ,
           and
           heavenly
           mindednesse
           then
           appeareth
           ,
           when
           affliction
           (
           which
           is
           so
           contrary
           unto
           our
           nature
           )
           doth
           encounter
           us
           .
           For
           that
           corruption
           which
           dwelleth
           in
           us
           ,
           being
           exasperated
           ,
           and
           provoked
           by
           affliction
           ,
           will
           then
           or
           never
           shew
           it self
           in
           its
           proper
           colours
           .
           Our
           frowardnesse
           ,
           impatience
           ,
           and
           infidelity
           will
           then
           appeare
           ,
           when
           wee
           are
           pained
           or
           pinched
           by
           affliction
           ;
           for
           then
           the
           flesh
           begins
           to
           kick
           ,
           and
           winch
           ,
           because
           Heb.
           12.11
           .
           
             No
             chastening
             for
             the
             present
             seemeth
             to
             be
             joyous
             ,
             but
             grievous
             ,
             
             though
             afterward
             it
             bringeth
             the
             quiet
             fruit
             of
             righteousnesse
             unto
             them
             which
             are
             thereby
             exercised
             .
          
           So
           that
           by
           affliction
           every
           one
           comes
           to
           have
           an
           experimentall
           knowledge
           of
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           measure
           of
           any
           grace
           in
           him
           .
           Whence
           hee
           may
           say
           of
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           others
           may
           beleeve
           ,
           and
           report
           of
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           said
           to
           Abraham
           ,
           when
           hee
           saw
           how
           ready
           and
           willing
           he
           was
           to
           offer
           up
           his
           onely
           son
           Isaac
           ,
           whom
           hee
           so
           dearely
           loved
           ,
           Genes
           .
           22.12
           .
           
             Now
             I
             know
             that
             thou
             fearest
             God.
          
           Whiles
           the
           Gospel
           doth
           go
           with
           a
           fair
           ,
           and
           calme
           gale
           ,
           whiles
           ease
           ,
           liberty
           and
           prosperity
           doth
           attend
           upon
           the
           profession
           thereof
           ,
           every
           one
           will
           be
           a
           Gospeler
           ,
           as
           Ester
           8.17
           .
           
             Many
             of
             the
             people
             of
             the
             land
             became
             Jews
             ,
             when
             the
             
             fear
             of
             the
             Jews
             fell
             upon
             them
             .
          
           But
           trouble
           and
           persecution
           tries
           the
           sound-hearted
           ,
           from
           false
           and
           hypocritical
           professors
           .
           So
           that
           as
           Paul
           speaketh
           of
           heresies
           ,
           1.
           
           Cor.
           11.19
           .
           
             There
             must
             be
             heresies
             among
             you
             ,
             that
             they
             which
             are
             approved
             among
             you
             may
             be
             known
             .
          
           So
           I
           may
           say
           of
           affliction
           ,
           there
           must
           bee
           afflictions
           among
           you
           ,
           that
           the
           truth
           of
           grace
           may
           be
           known
           in
           you
           .
        
         
           Affliction
           saith
           
             Paul
             ,
             brings
             forth
             patience
             .
             Rom.
          
           5.31
           .
           which
           words
           to
           a
           carnall
           ear
           may
           sound
           like
           
             Samsons
             riddle
             ;
             Judges
          
           14.14
           .
           
             Out
             of
             the
             eater
             came
             meat
             .
             Patience
          
           to
           come
           out
           of
           affliction
           ,
           it
           may
           seem
           a
           paradox
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           a
           most
           divine
           truth
           ;
           not
           that
           afflictions
           do
           beget
           patience
           in
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           man
           ,
           but
           by
           
           them
           this
           gift
           ,
           and
           grace
           of
           patience
           is
           exercised
           and
           manifested
           in
           us
           ;
           and
           in
           our
           afflictions
           wee
           come
           to
           make
           experience
           of
           our
           patience
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           is
           said
           Heb.
           5.8
           .
           
             To
             have
             learned
             obedience
             by
             the
             things
             which
             he
             suffered
             .
          
           Not
           that
           Christ
           was
           then
           to
           learn
           obedience
           ,
           but
           that
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           passions
           ,
           himself
           ,
           and
           others
           mighr
           see
           and
           discerne
           his
           obedience
           ,
           who
           preferred
           the
           will
           of
           his
           Father
           ,
           in
           drinking
           of
           that
           cup
           which
           was
           given
           him
           ,
           though
           it
           were
           never
           so
           bitter
           and
           unpleasing
           unto
           him
           .
           Wee
           are
           all
           of
           us
           too
           prone
           to
           think
           better
           of
           our selves
           then
           there
           is
           just
           cause
           ;
           wee
           can
           promise
           our selves
           great
           things
           ,
           and
           build
           castles
           in
           the
           ayre
           all
           the
           while
           wee
           
           stretch
           our selves
           upon
           our
           beds
           ,
           and
           drink
           wine
           in
           bowles
           ,
           live
           at
           ease
           and
           in
           fulnesse
           :
           but
           these
           paper
           buildings
           ,
           these
           clay
           walls
           of
           ours
           ,
           are
           quickly
           shaken
           ,
           and
           beaten
           downe
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           do
           but
           shoot
           one
           arrow
           of
           affliction
           out
           of
           his
           quiver
           against
           us
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Lord
           in
           love
           ,
           and
           wisedome
           exerciseth
           his
           children
           ,
           that
           the
           truth
           and
           strength
           of
           grace
           may
           be
           tryed
           ,
           and
           seen
           in
           us
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           throughly
           know
           our selves
           .
           The
           skill
           of
           the
           Pilot
           is
           then
           best
           discerned
           ,
           when
           the
           windes
           blow
           :
           when
           the
           waves
           &
           billows
           rise
           ,
           mounting
           the
           ship
           as
           it
           were
           up
           to
           heaven
           ,
           from
           whence
           down
           it
           falls
           again
           into
           the
           deep
           ;
           every
           gust
           of
           winde
           threatning
           to
           turn
           it
           over
           ,
           every
           wave
           of
           
           the
           sea
           comming
           over
           the
           ship
           ,
           and
           gaping
           to
           swallow
           it
           up
           :
           In
           these
           tempestuous
           times
           ,
           in
           these
           great
           perils
           to
           keep
           the
           ship
           up-right
           ,
           and
           to
           save
           it
           from
           drowning
           ,
           this
           doth
           manifest
           ,
           both
           the
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           the
           paines
           of
           the
           Pilot
           :
           whereas
           every
           skuller
           will
           be
           able
           to
           crosse
           the
           seas
           in
           a
           calme
           ,
           and
           when
           there
           be
           no
           waves
           to
           crosse
           him
           .
           So
           every
           one
           will
           hold
           up
           his
           head
           ,
           and
           be
           cheerfull
           whiles
           prosperity
           blowes
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           nothing
           to
           crosse
           him
           :
           but
           adversity
           tryes
           the
           man
           ,
           and
           the
           truth
           and
           strength
           of
           grace
           in
           him
           .
           For
           Prov.
           24.10
           .
           
             If
             thou
             be
             faint
             in
             the
             day
             of
             adversity
             ,
             thy
             strength
             is
             small
             .
          
           Saint
           John
           having
           spoken
           of
           that
           warre
           which
           the
           beast
           should
           make
           with
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           
           should
           be
           led
           into
           captivity
           ,
           and
           be
           killed
           by
           the
           sword
           ,
           ads
           presently
           after
           ,
           Revel
           .
           13.9
           .
           
             here
             is
             the
             patience
             and
             faith
             of
             the
             Saints
             :
          
           as
           if
           he
           should
           say
           ,
           By
           these
           afflictions
           will
           the
           Lord
           both
           exercise
           ,
           and
           manifest
           the
           faith
           and
           patience
           of
           the
           Saints
           .
           Many
           drugs
           ,
           and
           spices
           have
           an
           excellent
           savor
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           wee
           cannot
           smell
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           they
           be
           either
           grated
           ,
           or
           stamped
           to
           powder
           ,
           or
           burnt
           in
           the
           fire
           :
           so
           when
           we
           are
           grated
           by
           trouble
           ,
           stamped
           in
           the
           morter
           of
           affliction
           ,
           or
           cast
           in
           the
           fornace
           ,
           and
           fire
           of
           tentation
           ,
           then
           (
           more
           then
           before
           )
           the
           fragrant
           ,
           and
           sweet
           smell
           of
           grace
           is
           discerned
           in
           us
           .
           
             Arise
             O
             North
          
           (
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           Cant.
           4.16
           .
           )
           
             and
             blow
             on
             my
             garden
             ,
             that
             the
             spices
             thereof
             may
             flow
             out
             .
          
           
           When
           persecution
           blew
           upon
           the
           blessed
           Martyrs
           ,
           in
           those
           bloody
           times
           of
           Popery
           ,
           how
           sweetly
           did
           grace
           smell
           in
           them
           ?
           how
           meekly
           ,
           how
           patiently
           and
           cheerfully
           did
           they
           go
           under
           their
           crosse
           ,
           and
           undergo
           whatsoever
           malice
           and
           crueltie
           could
           inflict
           upon
           them
           ?
           The
           rage
           and
           violence
           of
           their
           enemies
           was
           so
           farre
           from
           daunting
           ,
           and
           putting
           out
           the
           light
           of
           grace
           in
           them
           ,
           that
           it
           more
           increased
           it
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             6
          
           
           Sixthly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometime
           afflict
           his
           children
           to
           fit
           and
           prepare
           them
           for
           some
           speciall
           work
           and
           service
           wherein
           they
           are
           to
           be
           imployed
           .
           When
           wee
           see
           a
           Carpenter
           tumbling
           and
           rowling
           any
           piece
           of
           timber
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           wee
           
           may
           conceive
           that
           he
           overlooks
           it
           ,
           to
           see
           whether
           it
           will
           serve
           his
           turn
           or
           no
           :
           but
           when
           hee
           strikes
           his
           axe
           into
           it
           ,
           when
           he
           falls
           to
           hewing
           ,
           squaring
           ,
           and
           sawing
           of
           it
           ,
           then
           wee
           know
           for
           certain
           it
           is
           for
           some
           use
           ,
           and
           service
           .
           All
           the
           while
           the
           wheat
           lies
           still
           upon
           the
           mowe
           ,
           it
           serves
           for
           no
           use
           ;
           before
           it
           can
           be
           used
           it
           must
           be
           threshed
           ,
           and
           fanned
           or
           winnowed
           ,
           or
           cast
           up
           and
           down
           .
           Even
           so
           the
           Lord
           deales
           with
           his
           children
           ,
           before
           he
           imployes
           them
           in
           any
           speciall
           service
           .
           Affliction
           is
           the
           axe
           ,
           the
           saw
           ,
           the
           chissell
           which
           heweth
           and
           pollifheth
           us
           ;
           the
           fan
           which
           winnoweth
           and
           cleanseth
           us
           ,
           making
           us
           fit
           for
           that
           work
           which
           he
           hath
           appointed
           us
           unto
           .
           Before
           Joseph
           can
           be
           promoted
           
           in
           Pharaohs
           Court
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           sway
           (
           as
           it
           were
           of
           his
           Kingdom
           )
           that
           he
           may
           store
           up
           provision
           for
           Jacob
           ,
           and
           his
           family
           ,
           he
           must
           endure
           much
           hard-ship
           ;
           he
           must
           be
           sold
           as
           a
           slave
           unto
           strangers
           ;
           carryed
           (
           by
           men
           unknown
           )
           away
           from
           his
           fathers
           house
           ,
           into
           a
           farre
           countrey
           ;
           and
           there
           he
           must
           bee
           cast
           into
           prison
           ,
           Psal
           .
           105.17.18
           .
           
             They
             held
             his
             feet
             in
             the
             stocks
             ,
             and
             he
             was
             laid
             in
             irons
             .
          
           Before
           Moses
           is
           sent
           unto
           Pharaoh
           to
           charge
           him
           to
           let
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           depart
           out
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           before
           he
           is
           appointed
           to
           bee
           the
           captain
           and
           commander
           of
           that
           great
           and
           mighty
           people
           of
           Israel
           ,
           hee
           must
           be
           banished
           from
           house
           and
           home
           ,
           from
           kindred
           ,
           and
           acquaintance
           ,
           and
           as
           Heb.
           11.25
           .
           
             suffer
             adversity
             with
             the
             
             people
             of
             God.
          
           Before
           David
           could
           have
           the
           scepter
           of
           the
           kingdome
           put
           into
           his
           hands
           ,
           and
           the
           crown
           set
           upon
           his
           head
           ,
           hee
           must
           endure
           many
           a
           hard
           brunt
           :
           go
           thorow
           many
           difficulties
           ,
           and
           perills
           ,
           be
           tossed
           up
           and
           down
           from
           post
           to
           pillar
           ,
           banished
           from
           wife
           and
           children
           ,
           with
           a
           world
           of
           other
           troubles
           ,
           wherewith
           it
           pleased
           the
           Lord
           to
           exercise
           him
           .
           Yea
           ,
           Christ
           himselfe
           was
           by
           affliction
           fitted
           ,
           and
           prepared
           for
           that
           great
           worke
           of
           our
           redemption
           :
           For
           
             it
             became
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             consecrate
             the
             Prince
             of
             their
             salvation
             through
             afflictions
             .
             Heb.
          
           2.10
           .
           Therefore
           whensoever
           thou
           art
           exercised
           with
           any
           kind
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           say
           thus
           with
           thy self
           :
           I
           perceive
           the
           Lord
           hath
           some
           
           work
           to
           set
           me
           about
           ,
           some
           service
           to
           imploy
           me
           in
           ,
           and
           therefore
           makes
           tryall
           of
           me
           before-hand
           ,
           that
           so
           I
           may
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           do
           him
           service
           ,
           in
           that
           work
           hee
           shall
           set
           me
           about
           ,
           and
           call
           mee
           unto
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             7
          
           
           Seaventhly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           somtime
           withdraw
           from
           his
           children
           these
           outward
           and
           earthly
           comforts
           ,
           lest
           through
           their
           long
           ,
           and
           plentifull
           enjoying
           of
           them
           ,
           they
           begin
           either
           to
           grow
           wanton
           in
           the
           abuse
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           else
           begin
           to
           underprize
           ,
           if
           not
           contemne
           them
           .
           The
           Lord
           sees
           that
           wee
           would
           not
           esteem
           aright
           of
           the
           comforts
           which
           we
           reap
           from
           his
           love
           ,
           and
           bounty
           ,
           if
           sometimes
           (
           more
           or
           lesse
           )
           wee
           should
           not
           feel
           the
           smart
           of
           his
           displeasure
           for
           abusing
           his
           benefits
           .
           
           Plenty
           (
           oft
           times
           )
           causeth
           satietie
           :
           as
           appeareth
           by
           those
           full
           fed
           Israelites
           ,
           who
           grew
           to
           a
           lothing
           of
           that
           food
           which
           the
           Lord
           (
           in
           abundance
           )
           provided
           for
           them
           .
           Wee
           can
           see
           nothing
           but
           this
           
             Manna
             ,
             Numb
          
           .
           11.6
           .
           The
           prodigall
           mentioned
           Luk.
           15.
           grew
           weary
           of
           his
           fathers
           house
           ;
           their
           diet
           ,
           and
           fare
           too
           coorse
           ,
           and
           homely
           ,
           not
           fine
           enough
           for
           his
           dainty
           tooth
           :
           their
           society
           ,
           and
           company
           too
           plain
           and
           rude
           for
           such
           a
           gallant
           as
           he
           was
           :
           abroad
           hee
           must
           ,
           and
           from
           his
           father
           he
           would
           ,
           to
           see
           fashions
           ,
           or
           to
           trie
           conclusions
           ;
           so
           long
           that
           at
           length
           the
           begger
           meets
           with
           him
           ,
           poverty
           pincheth
           him
           ,
           and
           hunger
           biteth
           him
           ;
           then
           he
           could
           looke
           backe
           from
           
           whence
           he
           came
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           could
           prize
           the
           priviledges
           of
           his
           fathers
           family
           .
           
             How
             many
             hyred
             servants
             of
             my
             fathers
             have
             bread
             enough
             ,
             and
             I
             die
             for
             hunger
             .
             Luke
          
           15.17
           .
           He
           should
           now
           think
           himselfe
           a
           happy
           man
           ,
           if
           (
           upon
           any
           conditions
           )
           he
           could
           but
           get
           into
           his
           fathers
           house
           againe
           ;
           though
           he
           were
           put
           unto
           any
           service
           ,
           though
           but
           as
           one
           of
           his
           hired
           servants
           ,
           Luke
           15.19
           .
        
         
           Absence
           and
           intermission
           of
           any
           outward
           benefits
           ,
           and
           desireable
           comforts
           ,
           adde
           a
           great
           deale
           of
           life
           to
           the
           love
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           waight
           to
           their
           worth
           and
           valuation
           .
           The
           goodnesse
           of
           any
           thing
           wee
           enjoy
           ,
           is
           better
           perceived
           by
           vicissitude
           of
           want
           ,
           then
           continuall
           fruition
           .
           Sleep
           is
           never
           so
           much
           longed
           for
           and
           
           desired
           ,
           as
           after
           the
           tediousnesse
           of
           some
           wakefull
           ,
           and
           wearisom
           nights
           of
           restlesse
           tossings
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           or
           turning
           too
           and
           fro
           in
           our
           tedious
           bed
           .
           The
           light
           (
           if
           it
           were
           alwayes
           day
           with
           us
           )
           would
           never
           be
           so
           acceptable
           ,
           were
           it
           not
           for
           the
           usuall
           intercourse
           of
           darknesse
           .
           The
           Spring
           would
           never
           be
           so
           welcome
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           had
           wee
           not
           a
           cold
           biting
           and
           frosty
           Winter
           .
           Wee
           never
           come
           to
           know
           the
           benefit
           of
           health
           ,
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           the
           Lord
           cast
           us
           upon
           our
           sick
           bed
           .
           We
           know
           not
           what
           our
           liberty
           is
           ,
           untill
           wee
           bee
           thrown
           into
           prison
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           Therefore
           because
           wee
           are
           so
           ready
           to
           underprize
           the
           good
           benefits
           of
           God
           and
           to
           rob
           him
           of
           those
           prayses
           wee
           should
           yeeld
           unto
           him
           for
           
           them
           :
           the
           Lord
           in
           wisedome
           afflicts
           us
           ,
           cuts
           us
           short
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           know
           the
           price
           ,
           and
           worth
           of
           them
           ,
           by
           the
           want
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             8
          
           
           Eightly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometime
           afflict
           us
           to
           we●●
           us
           from
           this
           world
           .
           Such
           is
           the
           corruption
           of
           our
           vile
           and
           stinking
           hearts
           ,
           that
           the
           things
           of
           this
           life
           sit
           too
           cloce
           unno
           them
           ,
           cooling
           the
           fervor
           of
           our
           first
           love
           ,
           and
           by
           little
           and
           little
           stealing
           away
           our
           mindes
           from
           the
           practise
           and
           pursuit
           of
           heavenly
           things
           .
           Whence
           it
           comes
           to
           passe
           ,
           that
           too
           many
           Christians
           like
           moules
           ,
           are
           alwayes
           rooting
           and
           scraping
           in
           the
           earth
           :
           yea
           ,
           doting
           upon
           the
           world
           ,
           with
           immoderation
           ,
           and
           carking
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           disgrace
           of
           their
           persons
           ,
           and
           the
           foul
           reproach
           of
           their
           
           profession
           ,
           and
           calling
           ;
           opening
           the
           mouths
           of
           unregenerate
           ones
           to
           blaspheme
           the
           wayes
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           saying
           ;
           These
           are
           such
           as
           make
           not
           godlinesse
           their
           gain
           ,
           but
           rather
           ,
           their
           gain
           their
           godlines
           .
           Nay
           too
           often
           the
           world
           by
           its
           subtil
           insinuations
           lulls
           them
           so
           long
           upon
           her
           lap
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           cast
           into
           a
           deep
           slumber
           ,
           even
           of
           carnall
           securitie
           :
           that
           though
           the
           Lord
           cry
           aloud
           in
           their
           eares
           by
           the
           voice
           of
           his
           ministers
           ,
           and
           speak
           to
           their
           consciences
           by
           the
           inward
           motions
           of
           his
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           intreat
           them
           to
           give
           over
           their
           eager
           pursuit
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           let
           earthly
           things
           fall
           out
           of
           their
           mindes
           ,
           and
           to
           mind
           heavenly
           things
           to
           better
           purpose
           ;
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           they
           will
           not
           knock
           off
           ,
           but
           forge
           and
           
           frame
           many
           shifts
           ,
           excuses
           ,
           and
           delaies
           ,
           as
           the
           Church
           in
           the
           Cantic
           .
           5.3
           .
           
             I
             have
             put
             off
             my
             coat
             ,
             how
             shall
             I
             pat
             it
             on
             ?
             I
             have
             washed
             my
             feet
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Whereupon
           her
           blessed
           Lord
           ,
           so
           unworthily
           repelld
           ,
           departs
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           and
           suffers
           her
           to
           be
           taken
           by
           the
           watchmen
           of
           the
           citie
           ,
           who
           smote
           her
           ,
           and
           wounded
           her
           :
           which
           shee
           might
           have
           escaped
           ,
           had
           shee
           not
           loved
           her
           ease
           too
           well
           .
           A
           thousand
           pitties
           it
           is
           ,
           to
           see
           how
           fast
           the
           mindes
           of
           many
           are
           locked
           to
           outward
           things
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           never
           knew
           what
           joy
           ,
           or
           delight
           in
           heavenly
           things
           meant
           :
           hence
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Lord
           afflicts
           them
           ,
           to
           beat
           them
           off
           from
           resting
           upon
           ,
           and
           too
           much
           delighting
           in
           these
           transitory
           vanities
           .
           In
           our
           prosperity
           wee
           are
           ready
           
           to
           think
           wee
           shall
           never
           be
           removed
           :
           and
           with
           the
           rich
           fool
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           encourage
           our selves
           to
           ease
           ,
           and
           liberty
           ,
           because
           (
           as
           wee
           think
           )
           
             wee
             have
             enough
             for
             many
             yeeres
             ,
             Luke
          
           12.9
           .
           If
           all
           things
           go
           well
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           set
           up
           our
           rest
           ,
           and
           (
           with
           Peter
           )
           to
           say
           ,
           Mark
           9.5
           .
           It
           is
           good
           for
           us
           to
           be
           heere
           ;
           nay
           as
           the
           Laodicean
           said
           ,
           Wee
           be
           rich
           and
           increased
           with
           goods
           ,
           wee
           think
           wee
           have
           need
           of
           nothing
           :
           wee
           fear
           no
           colours
           ,
           
             for
             the
             rich
             mans
             riches
             are
             his
             strong
             citie
             ,
             and
             as
             an
             high
             wall
             in
             his
             imagination
             ,
             Prov.
          
           18.11
           .
           whereupon
           lest
           wee
           should
           leane
           too
           much
           upon
           these
           outward
           things
           ,
           and
           so
           have
           our
           hearts
           ,
           our
           hope
           ,
           and
           trust
           drawn
           away
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           he
           in
           wisedom
           ,
           and
           
           mercy
           withdrawes
           from
           us
           these
           weak
           crutches
           ,
           and
           stilts
           of
           ours
           :
           We
           are
           ready
           to
           make
           prosperity
           our
           bulwarke
           to
           shelter
           and
           defend
           us
           from
           all
           harmes
           :
           and
           those
           things
           which
           wee
           hold
           of
           the
           free
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           good
           pleasure
           ,
           wee
           are
           ready
           to
           think
           wee
           have
           them
           in
           our
           own
           right
           ,
           and
           so
           wee
           make
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           a
           rent
           charge
           of
           all
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           affords
           us
           of
           his
           free
           bountie
           .
           Whereupon
           least
           wee
           should
           challenge
           Gods
           gifts
           as
           our
           own
           right
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           let
           us
           know
           of
           whom
           wee
           hold
           them
           ,
           by
           taking
           them
           away
           from
           us
           .
           To
           please
           ,
           or
           flatter
           our selves
           with
           any
           outward
           things
           ,
           is
           to
           reckon
           without
           our
           host
           :
           those
           things
           are
           not
           ours
           either
           by
           fee-tayle
           ,
           or
           fee-simple
           ;
           
           but
           as
           tenants
           at
           will
           ,
           we
           must
           hold
           them
           of
           him
           ,
           who
           may
           every
           day
           take
           them
           from
           us
           ,
           or
           us
           from
           them
           .
           If
           God
           should
           let
           us
           alone
           ,
           suffer
           us
           alwayes
           to
           abound
           and
           swimme
           in
           plenty
           ,
           wee
           should
           be
           ready
           to
           take
           our selves
           to
           be
           some
           petty
           Gods
           ,
           and
           wee
           would
           not
           care
           for
           any
           life
           but
           this
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           lest
           wee
           should
           dote
           too
           much
           upon
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           take
           too
           much
           content
           in
           these
           outward
           things
           ,
           as
           Jonas
           did
           in
           his
           gourd
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           blast
           them
           ,
           and
           smite
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           see
           the
           vanity
           of
           them
           .
           If
           the
           things
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           begin
           to
           steal
           away
           our
           hearts
           from
           beter
           things
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sees
           it
           is
           high
           time
           ,
           either
           to
           trust
           us
           no
           longer
           
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           takes
           them
           from
           us
           :
           as
           parents
           take
           a
           knife
           from
           their
           childe
           ,
           lest
           he
           should
           hurt
           himselfe
           ,
           or
           others
           withall
           .
           Or
           else
           (
           if
           the
           Lord
           suffers
           us
           still
           to
           enjoy
           them
           )
           hee
           will
           cast
           in
           some
           bitter
           thing
           amongst
           them
           (
           as
           nurses
           when
           they
           would
           wean
           their
           children
           ,
           rub
           their
           nipples
           with
           some
           unpleasing
           thing
           )
           to
           wean
           our
           mindes
           and
           affections
           from
           them
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           send
           Jacob
           a
           Benjamin
           ,
           he
           will
           take
           away
           a
           Rachel
           .
           If
           there
           be
           a
           Ziba
           to
           meet
           David
           ,
           2.
           
           Sa.
           16.1
           .
           
             with
             two
             hundred
             cakes
             ,
             an
             hundred
             bunches
             of
             raisins
             ,
             dryed
             figgs
             ,
             and
             a
             bottle
             of
             wine
             to
             comfort
             him
             :
          
           there
           will
           be
           a
           Shimei
           at
           his
           heeles
           to
           cast
           stones
           at
           David
           and
           curse
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           tell
           him
           
             that
             he
             was
             taken
             in
             his
             
             wickednesse
             ,
             because
             he
             was
             a
             murderer
             .
          
        
         
           Certainly
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           not
           thus
           remember
           us
           with
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           ,
           wee
           would
           quickly
           forget
           both
           God
           and
           our selves
           .
           For
           being
           full
           ,
           wee
           be
           ready
           
             to
             deny
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           as
           Agar
           said
           ,
           Prov.
           30.9
           .
           
             Man
             in
             prosperity
             is
             so
             proud
             ,
             that
             hee
             seeketh
             not
             for
             God.
             Psal
             .
          
           10.4
           .
        
         
           Hence
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           complained
           of
           Israel
           ,
           by
           
             Hoseah
             ,
             They
             were
             filled
             ,
             and
             their
             hearts
             were
             exalted
          
           ;
           therefore
           ,
           
             they
             have
             forgotten
             me
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           13.6
           .
           Prosperity
           and
           abundance
           doth
           even
           intoxicate
           many
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           like
           drunken
           men
           :
           so
           besotts
           and
           befools
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           no
           thoughts
           of
           heaven
           ,
           or
           heavenly
           things
           :
           no
           hearts
           to
           be
           thankfull
           (
           as
           they
           
           should
           )
           to
           God
           the
           giver
           of
           every
           thing
           they
           enjoy
           .
           Such
           is
           the
           corruption
           of
           our
           wicked
           nature
           ,
           that
           the
           more
           of
           these
           temporall
           blessings
           wee
           receive
           from
           God
           ,
           the
           lesse
           wee
           think
           ,
           wee
           need
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           seldomer
           wee
           think
           upon
           him
           .
           If
           once
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           17.10
           .
           
             wee
             bee
             inclosed
             in
             our
             own
             fat
          
           (
           twenty
           to
           one
           but
           )
           
             we
             shall
             speak
             proudly
             with
             our
             mouth
             :
          
           and
           be
           ready
           to
           aske
           (
           as
           did
           proud
           Pharaoh
           )
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             obey
             his
             voice
             ?
             Exod.
          
           5.2
           .
           Therefore
           to
           prevent
           the
           manifold
           mischiefs
           which
           ease
           ,
           and
           prosperity
           (
           as
           was
           formerly
           said
           )
           may
           bring
           upon
           us
           ;
           to
           beat
           us
           out
           of
           our
           earthly
           trenches
           ,
           and
           to
           draw
           up
           our
           minds
           ,
           and
           affections
           unto
           better
           objects
           :
           that
           wee
           
           may
           seek
           better
           things
           then
           this
           life
           can
           afford
           us
           ,
           and
           make
           heavenly
           things
           our
           chiefest
           treasure
           ,
           and
           portion
           ;
           the
           Lord
           will
           have
           us
           to
           feed
           upon
           this
           world
           ,
           as
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           did
           eate
           the
           Passeover
           ,
           not
           only
           with
           sowre
           hearbs
           ,
           to
           allay
           the
           sweetnesse
           of
           their
           bread
           ,
           but
           also
           with
           their
           staves
           in
           their
           hands
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           were
           ready
           to
           go
           towards
           Canaan
           ,
           their
           place
           of
           rest
           .
           
             For
             wee
             are
             strangers
             and
             pilgrims
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             here
             wee
             have
             no
             continuing
             citie
             ,
             Hebr.
          
           13.14
           .
           This
           world
           is
           but
           a
           bayting
           place
           ,
           as
           an
           Inne
           to
           rest
           our selves
           in
           for
           a
           while
           .
           Therefore
           God
           will
           have
           us
           so
           to
           use
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           wee
           used
           it
           not
           ,
           
             because
             the
             fashion
             of
             this
             world
             goeth
             away
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           7.31
           .
           They
           that
           set
           their
           affections
           
           on
           things
           below
           ,
           do
           not
           live
           as
           those
           that
           lay
           up
           for
           themselves
           treasures
           in
           heaven
           ,
           seeking
           better
           and
           more
           durable
           riches
           ,
           then
           the
           world
           is
           able
           to
           afford
           them
           ;
           but
           as
           those
           that
           make
           their
           belly
           ,
           or
           their
           Mammon
           their
           God.
           These
           may
           well
           be
           compared
           to
           a
           swinish
           sot
           ,
           who
           travelling
           towards
           the
           place
           of
           his
           inheritance
           is
           content
           to
           become
           an
           hostler
           in
           some
           base
           or
           obscure
           Inne
           ,
           to
           give
           content
           unto
           the
           tapster
           thereof
           .
           Little
           do
           wee
           know
           ,
           how
           the
           Lord
           takes
           it
           (
           and
           well
           hee
           may
           )
           to
           heart
           ,
           to
           see
           us
           so
           dote
           upon
           the
           things
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           set
           our
           hearts
           so
           much
           upon
           them
           as
           wee
           do
           .
           God
           would
           have
           his
           children
           to
           live
           by
           faith
           ,
           to
           trust
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           rest
           and
           bear
           
           themselves
           upon
           his
           promises
           .
           Remember
           (
           saith
           
             David
             Psal
          
           .
           119.49
           .
           )
           
             thy
             promise
             made
             to
             thy
             servant
             ,
             wherein
             thou
             hast
             caused
             mee
             to
             trust
             .
          
           How
           can
           wee
           trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           if
           wee
           make
           outward
           things
           our
           confidence
           ?
           Therefore
           it
           is
           just
           with
           the
           Lord
           to
           strip
           us
           ,
           and
           spoile
           us
           of
           these
           base
           props
           ,
           that
           so
           our
           hope
           ,
           and
           confidence
           ,
           our
           joy
           and
           delight
           may
           be
           chiefly
           in
           the
           Lord.
           It
           is
           said
           that
           Zeno
           having
           suffered
           shipwrack
           ,
           addicted
           himselfe
           to
           the
           study
           of
           Philosophy
           ,
           the
           sweetnesse
           whereof
           after
           he
           had
           once
           tasted
           ,
           hee
           accounted
           that
           an
           happy
           shipwrack
           ,
           which
           caused
           him
           to
           affect
           such
           excellent
           knowledge
           .
           So
           first
           ,
           or
           last
           ,
           hath
           ,
           and
           will
           every
           regenerate
           childe
           of
           God
           say
           ,
           
             O
             blessed
             
             be
             that
             affliction
             ,
          
           whether
           it
           be
           sicknesse
           ,
           poverty
           ,
           reproch
           ,
           or
           contempt
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           persecution
           ,
           imprisonment
           ,
           &c.
           which
           weaned
           my
           wicked
           heart
           from
           delighting
           in
           these
           transitory
           things
           ,
           and
           brought
           my
           mind
           and
           affections
           to
           pitch
           upon
           heaven
           and
           heavenly
           things
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             9
          
           
           Ninthly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           many
           times
           afflict
           his
           children
           to
           bring
           them
           unto
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ;
           and
           to
           make
           them
           more
           ready
           and
           desirous
           to
           seek
           his
           face
           ,
           and
           to
           call
           upon
           his
           name
           ,
           who
           are
           too
           seldom
           upon
           their
           knees
           before
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           to
           make
           those
           which
           do
           daily
           seek
           him
           ,
           seek
           him
           more
           earnestly
           ,
           with
           greater
           ardency
           ,
           and
           affection
           then
           formerly
           they
           have
           done
           .
        
         
           Many
           of
           Gods
           children
           
           are
           too
           great
           strangers
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           they
           visit
           him
           not
           so
           often
           as
           hee
           would
           have
           them
           ,
           and
           therefore
           he
           is
           constrained
           to
           send
           for
           them
           by
           affliction
           ,
           a
           messenger
           ,
           which
           doth
           its
           errand
           ,
           so
           well
           ,
           as
           he
           brings
           along
           with
           him
           those
           (
           for
           the
           most
           part
           )
           unto
           whom
           he
           is
           sent
           .
           
             In
             trouble
             they
             have
             visited
             thee
             :
             they
             powred
             out
             a
             prayer
             when
             thy
             chastning
             was
             upon
             them
             .
             Esay
             .
          
           26.16
           .
           The
           Prophet
           complaining
           of
           the
           sins
           of
           his
           time
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           sencelesse
           stupiditie
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           who
           as
           it
           seems
           were
           not
           moved
           nor
           affected
           at
           the
           first
           with
           their
           misery
           ;
           but
           when
           troubles
           came
           thicke
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           grew
           heavie
           ;
           then
           they
           could
           cry
           out
           upon
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           call
           and
           cry
           to
           
           God
           ,
           
             Our
             iniquities
             like
             the
             winde
             have
             taken
             us
             away
             :
             There
             it
             none
             that
             called
             upon
             thy
             name
             ,
             neither
             that
             stirreth
             up
             himself
             to
             take
             hold
             of
             thee
             :
             for
             thou
             hast
             hid
             thy
             face
             from
             us
             ,
             and
             hast
             consumed
             us
             because
             of
             our
             iniquities
             .
             But
             now
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             thou
             art
             our
             father
             :
             wee
             are
             the
             clay
             ,
             and
             thou
             art
             our
             potter
             ,
             and
             wee
             are
             all
             the
             work
             of
             thine
             hands
             :
             Be
             not
             angry
             O
             Lord
             above
             measure
             ,
             neither
             remember
             iniquity
             for
             ever
             :
             loe
             wee
             beseech
             thee
             behold
             ,
             wee
             are
             all
             thy
             people
             .
             Ha.
          
           6.4.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           Manasses
           ,
           who
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           had
           never
           offered
           up
           prayer
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           being
           so
           grosse
           an
           idolater
           ,
           one
           
             that
             made
             Judah
             ,
             and
             the
             inhabitants
             of
             Jerusalem
             to
             erre
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             worse
             then
             the
             heathen
             whom
             the
             Lord
             had
             destroyed
             before
             the
             children
             of
             
             Israel
             .
          
           2.
           
           Chro.
           33.9
           .
           Yet
           this
           monster
           of
           men
           ,
           who
           brought
           vengeance
           upon
           Judah
           ,
           and
           Jerusalem
           ,
           for
           his
           sinne
           ,
           as
           appeares
           ,
           Jere.
           15.4
           .
           
             When
             he
             was
             in
             tribulation
             prayed
             unto
             the
             Lord
             his
             God
             ,
             and
             humbled
             himselfe
             greatly
             before
             the
             God
             of
             his
             fathers
             .
          
           2.
           
           Chro.
           33.12
           .
           Wee
           are
           naturally
           like
           to
           those
           proud
           poor
           people
           ,
           who
           are
           loth
           to
           aske
           any
           almes
           till
           very
           need
           and
           necessitie
           drives
           them
           out
           of
           doores
           ,
           to
           make
           their
           wants
           known
           ,
           and
           to
           beg
           relief
           :
           but
           need
           will
           make
           the
           old
           wife
           trot
           .
           Want
           many
           times
           brings
           proud
           stout
           rebells
           upon
           their
           knees
           .
           Psal
           .
           107.5.6
           .
           
             They
             were
             hungry
             and
             thirsty
             ,
             their
             soul
             fainted
             in
             them
             ,
             then
             they
             cryed
             unto
             the
             Lord
             in
             their
             trouble
             .
          
           When
           they
           
           were
           in
           any
           straights
           through
           oppression
           ,
           or
           in
           any
           heavinesse
           ,
           
             then
             they
             cried
             unto
             the
             Lord
             in
             their
             trovble
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           107.12.13
           .
           When
           sicknesse
           hath
           brought
           them
           low
           ,
           and
           made
           them
           so
           weak
           ,
           that
           their
           
             soul
             abhorreth
             all
             manner
             of
             meat
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             brought
             to
             deaths
             doore
             ,
             then
             they
             cry
             unto
             the
             Lord.
             Psal
             .
          
           107.18
           ,
           19.
           
           When
           Jonah
           was
           shipt
           for
           
             Tarshish
             ,
             the
             Lord
             sent
             out
             a
             great
             winde
             into
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             there
             was
             a
             mighty
             tempest
             in
             the
             sea
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             ship
             was
             like
             to
             be
             broken
             ,
             Jon.
          
           1.4.5
           ,
           6.
           
           
             Then
             the
             Mariners
             were
             afraid
             ,
             and
             cryed
             every
             man
             unto
             his
             god
             .
             And
             Jonah
             being
             asleep
             ,
             they
             awaken
             him
             ,
             and
             bid
             him
             a
             rise
             ,
             and
             call
             upon
             his
             God
             ,
             that
             they
             perish
             not
             .
          
           It
           may
           be
           Jonah
           being
           conscious
           to
           
           himselfe
           of
           his
           stubbornnesse
           and
           disobedience
           ,
           did
           not
           seek
           to
           the
           Lord
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           storme
           ;
           or
           if
           hee
           prayed
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           it
           was
           not
           in
           faith
           ,
           for
           none
           of
           their
           prayers
           could
           aswage
           the
           storme
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           Jonah
           was
           cast
           into
           the
           sea
           :
           and
           of
           this
           thing
           was
           Jonah
           perswaded
           ;
           whereupon
           said
           
             Jonah
             ,
             Take
             mee
             and
             cast
             me
             into
             the
             sea
             ,
             so
             shall
             the
             sea
             be
             calme
             unto
             you
             ,
             for
             I
             know
             that
             for
             my
             sake
             this
             great
             tempest
             it
             upon
             you
             .
             Jon.
          
           1.12
           .
           And
           howsoever
           the
           Mariners
           at
           first
           abhorred
           the
           fact
           ,
           yet
           when
           they
           saw
           that
           there
           was
           no
           remedy
           ,
           into
           the
           sea
           they
           cast
           Jonah
           .
           Where
           the
           Lord
           prepared
           a
           Whale
           to
           swallow
           him
           up
           .
           Then
           Ionah
           prayed
           unto
           the
           Lord
           his
           God
           out
           of
           the
           fishes
           belly
           ,
           and
           said
           ,
           
             I
             
             cryed
             in
             mine
             affliction
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             &
             he
             heard
             me
             .
             Ion.
          
           2.1
           ,
           2.
           
        
         
           Which
           places
           (
           with
           many
           moe
           )
           do
           teach
           us
           how
           affliction
           drives
           people
           unto
           prayer
           ;
           and
           makes
           them
           as
           well
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           to
           lift
           up
           hands
           and
           eyes
           toward
           heaven
           ,
           to
           fall
           upon
           their
           knees
           ,
           intreat
           the
           Lord
           to
           save
           them
           ,
           to
           spare
           them
           ,
           or
           to
           deliver
           them
           from
           that
           evill
           ,
           their
           fear
           is
           comming
           towards
           them
           :
           in
           the
           time
           of
           a
           tempest
           at
           sea
           ,
           when
           every
           wave
           threatens
           to
           swallow
           up
           the
           ship
           ;
           or
           in
           the
           time
           of
           any
           terrible
           thunder
           ,
           and
           lightning
           ,
           how
           godly
           ,
           how
           holy
           ,
           will
           the
           prophanest
           be
           ?
           out
           of
           their
           beds
           they
           must
           ,
           and
           to
           prayer
           they
           will
           (
           if
           they
           be
           able
           )
           themselves
           ,
           if
           not
           ,
           as
           Pharaoh
           intreated
           
             Moses
             ,
             Exod.
          
           9.28
           .
           
             Pray
             unto
             
             the
             Lord
             that
             there
             be
             no
             more
             mighty
             thunders
             and
             hail
             .
          
           So
           they
           will
           intreat
           those
           that
           can
           ,
           to
           pray
           for
           them
           .
           But
           what
           sayes
           holy
           Job
           of
           such
           hypocrites
           as
           these
           are
           ?
           
             Will
             God
             hear
             his
             cry
             when
             trouble
             commeth
             upon
             him
             ?
             will
             be
             set
             his
             delight
             on
             the
             Almighty
             ?
             will
             hee
             call
             upon
             God
             at
             all
             times
             ?
             Job
          
           27.9
           ,
           10.
           
           Is
           hee
           like
           to
           speed
           that
           seldome
           or
           never
           goes
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           when
           want
           ,
           &
           necessity
           drives
           him
           ?
           for
           if
           affliction
           were
           not
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           come
           at
           God.
           It
           fares
           with
           many
           as
           with
           young
           chickins
           ,
           in
           á
           faire
           ,
           calme
           ,
           sun-shine
           day
           ;
           you
           may
           see
           them
           all
           stragling
           from
           the
           hen
           ,
           one
           heere
           and
           another
           there
           :
           the
           hen
           desirous
           to
           have
           her
           young
           ones
           neere
           here
           ,
           clucks
           and
           
           clucks
           again
           for
           them
           ,
           as
           having
           some
           provision
           for
           them
           :
           but
           they
           regard
           not
           her
           call
           ,
           untill
           at
           length
           the
           kyte
           draws
           neer
           them
           ,
           ready
           to
           catch
           one
           of
           them
           up
           :
           then
           they
           cry
           and
           runne
           with
           all
           speed
           to
           their
           dam
           for
           shelter
           .
           Even
           so
           the
           Lord
           seeing
           us
           to
           straggle
           too
           farre
           from
           him
           ,
           calls
           us
           unto
           him
           ,
           but
           wee
           regard
           not
           his
           call
           ;
           whereupon
           he
           lets
           flie
           at
           us
           ,
           hee
           causeth
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           to
           terrifie
           us
           ,
           and
           then
           wee
           speed
           it
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           then
           wee
           can
           lay
           on
           tongue
           ,
           Help
           Lord
           ,
           &c.
           
           So
           that
           the
           Lord
           deales
           with
           us
           as
           Absalom
           did
           with
           Joab
           ,
           because
           we
           deal
           with
           the
           Lord
           as
           Joab
           did
           with
           
             Absalom
             .
             Absalom
             sends
             for
             Ioab
             ,
             but
             hee
             would
             not
             come
             to
             him
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           14.29
           .
           Absalom
           sends
           again
           ,
           
           and
           Ioab
           was
           the
           same
           man
           still
           ,
           he
           stirs
           not
           a
           foot
           ,
           hee
           would
           not
           come
           .
           Whereupon
           Absalom
           commandeth
           his
           servants
           to
           set
           fire
           on
           a
           field
           of
           barley
           which
           Ioab
           had
           ;
           Ioab
           then
           needs
           no
           more
           messengers
           ,
           hee
           can
           then
           arise
           ,
           and
           come
           in
           haste
           to
           Absalom
           without
           any
           more
           sending
           for
           .
           Thus
           it
           is
           with
           us
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sends
           for
           us
           by
           the
           mouth
           of
           his
           Ministers
           ,
           he
           would
           have
           us
           come
           and
           appeare
           continually
           before
           him
           ,
           Cant.
           2.14
           .
           
             Shew
             me
             thy
             sight
             ,
             let
             me
             hear
             thy
             voice
             :
          
           but
           wee
           have
           little
           or
           no
           minde
           this
           way
           :
           he
           may
           send
           in
           haste
           ,
           but
           wee
           take
           time
           ,
           and
           will
           goe
           at
           our
           own
           leisure
           ,
           whereupon
           the
           Lord
           sets
           on
           fire
           something
           wee
           have
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           spoiles
           us
           of
           some-thing
           ,
           that
           is
           pleasing
           ,
           
           and
           delightfull
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           then
           wee
           can
           run
           with
           open
           mouth
           ,
           Save
           us
           Lord
           ,
           &c.
           
           So
           that
           it
           is
           meere
           need
           drives
           many
           unto
           God
           by
           prayer
           :
           If
           they
           could
           have
           helpe
           elsewhere
           ,
           or
           by
           any
           other
           wayes
           be
           furnished
           ,
           or
           have
           their
           turn
           served
           ,
           they
           would
           not
           come
           at
           God.
           Davids
           words
           may
           well
           be
           applyed
           unto
           them
           ,
           Psal
           .
           142.4
           ,
           5.
           
           
             I
             looked
             upon
             my
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             beheld
             ,
             but
             there
             was
             none
             that
             would
             know
             me
             :
             all
             refuge
             failed
             mee
             ,
             and
             none
             cared
             for
             my
             soul
             :
             then
             cried
             I
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             said
             ,
             Thou
             art
             my
             hope
             and
             my
             portion
             .
          
           When
           other
           refuge
           and
           helpe
           failes
           ,
           then
           they
           can
           runne
           unto
           the
           Lord
           for
           help
           ,
           and
           succour
           .
           These
           do
           in
           a
           manner
           tell
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           many
           rogues
           do
           answere
           us
           at
           our
           doores
           .
           
           Truely
           they
           never
           asked
           any
           thing
           of
           us
           before
           :
           and
           if
           they
           could
           shift
           it
           ,
           or
           if
           great
           necessitie
           did
           not
           compell
           them
           to
           begge
           ,
           they
           would
           not
           now
           have
           troubled
           us
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Lord
           deales
           with
           these
           ,
           as
           many
           a
           wise
           ,
           and
           discreet
           tradesman
           doth
           with
           some
           pedling
           chapman
           ,
           whose
           custome
           he
           never
           had
           before
           ,
           neither
           now
           should
           have
           it
           ,
           if
           hee
           could
           elsewhere
           have
           furnished
           himselfe
           with
           wares
           and
           commodities
           for
           his
           turne
           ;
           If
           any
           wares
           be
           worse
           then
           other
           ,
           the
           tradesman
           will
           put
           them
           off
           to
           such
           a
           fellow
           ,
           because
           he
           knows
           it
           is
           not
           love
           ,
           but
           necessitie
           that
           brought
           him
           unto
           his
           shop
           .
           As
           for
           his
           choyce
           and
           best
           commodities
           ,
           those
           he
           will
           reserve
           for
           his
           best
           chapmen
           :
           whose
           
           custome
           he
           hath
           alwayes
           had
           ,
           and
           who
           will
           not
           leave
           his
           shop
           to
           go
           to
           another
           .
           Even
           so
           will
           the
           Lord
           deal
           with
           the
           wicked
           ,
           who
           do
           not
           continually
           trade
           with
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           ,
           but
           now
           and
           then
           when
           they
           are
           at
           some
           pinch
           .
           Haply
           the
           Lord
           ,
           (
           who
           is
           
             good
             unto
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             mercies
             are
             over
             all
             his
             works
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           145.9
           .
           )
           may
           put
           them
           off
           with
           some
           of
           his
           refuse
           wares
           ,
           helping
           them
           at
           their
           need
           with
           some
           outward
           worldly
           commodity
           :
           but
           as
           for
           his
           choice
           ,
           and
           rich
           wares
           ,
           his
           love
           ,
           his
           grace
           ,
           his
           Christ
           ,
           his
           salvation
           ,
           these
           shall
           those
           have
           who
           seeke
           him
           continually
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             1
          
           
           Againe
           ,
           affliction
           puts
           life
           into
           our
           devotion
           ,
           and
           maketh
           us
           more
           instant
           in
           Prayer
           .
           For
           if
           Affliction
           ,
           maketh
           
           us
           not
           importunate
           ,
           nothing
           will.
           
        
         
           The
           Lord
           holds
           us
           many
           times
           at
           the
           staves
           end
           ,
           and
           seemeth
           to
           turn
           away
           from
           our
           prayers
           ,
           that
           so
           our
           prayers
           may
           grow
           more
           fervent
           :
           for
           though
           God
           knows
           our
           wants
           ,
           and
           takes
           no
           delight
           in
           our
           sorrows
           ,
           yet
           oft
           times
           hee
           seems
           not
           to
           heare
           us
           ,
           till
           our
           cries
           be
           loud
           ,
           and
           strong
           .
           God
           sees
           it
           best
           to
           let
           his
           penitent
           ones
           dwell
           for
           a
           time
           under
           their
           affliction
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           sees
           them
           sinking
           ,
           he
           lets
           them
           alone
           till
           they
           be
           at
           the
           bottome
           ,
           that
           out
           of
           the
           deep
           they
           may
           fetch
           deep
           sighes
           ,
           and
           cry
           louder
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           so
           prevail
           .
           For
           a
           vehement
           suiter
           cannot
           but
           speed
           with
           God
           ,
           whatsoever
           he
           askes
           .
           If
           our
           prayers
           want
           successe
           ,
           it
           is
           because
           they
           
           want
           mettall
           and
           heart
           ,
           their
           blessing
           is
           according
           to
           their
           faith
           and
           fervencie
           .
           In
           this
           behalfe
           affliction
           is
           very
           needfull
           for
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           :
           for
           too
           many
           of
           them
           (
           too
           often
           )
           seek
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           with
           dead
           affections
           .
           Oh
           the
           perfunctory
           ,
           cold
           ,
           drowsie
           ,
           lifelesse
           prayers
           which
           are
           made
           by
           some
           !
           Many
           (
           which
           make
           conscience
           of
           the
           duty
           ,
           and
           dare
           no
           day
           omit
           it
           )
           do
           pray
           so
           coldly
           ,
           with
           so
           little
           zeal
           ,
           and
           devotion
           ,
           all
           the
           while
           they
           are
           full
           and
           at
           ease
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           even
           compelled
           to
           lash
           them
           ,
           to
           sharpen
           their
           fervency
           ,
           and
           to
           shake
           off
           that
           lythernesse
           ,
           and
           luskishnesse
           wherewith
           they
           were
           wont
           to
           come
           before
           him
           .
           Our
           God
           that
           heareth
           prayers
           ,
           knoweth
           how
           cold
           ,
           and
           
           feeble
           ,
           how
           slight
           ,
           and
           perfunctory
           oft
           times
           wee
           be
           when
           wee
           are
           in
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           the
           rod
           of
           God
           is
           not
           upon
           us
           ,
           so
           as
           little
           or
           no
           life
           ,
           and
           power
           appeareth
           in
           them
           ;
           do
           wee
           not
           find
           by
           our
           own
           experience
           ,
           that
           trouble
           and
           affliction
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           outward
           or
           inward
           ,
           not
           onely
           drives
           us
           to
           prayer
           ,
           but
           causeth
           us
           to
           set
           all
           our
           might
           ,
           and
           strength
           ,
           when
           wee
           are
           wrestling
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           be
           the
           more
           able
           to
           prevaile
           with
           his
           Majestie
           .
           Affliction
           will
           fashion
           and
           forme
           the
           flowest
           tongue
           unto
           this
           holy
           duty
           ;
           and
           doth
           oft
           times
           furnish
           us
           with
           sighs
           and
           grones
           which
           cannot
           be
           expressed
           .
           If
           ever
           a
           Christian
           will
           tugge
           and
           wrestle
           with
           the
           Lord
           ;
           it
           shall
           be
           when
           affliction
           
           lieth
           sore
           upon
           him
           .
           All
           the
           while
           the
           childe
           feels
           the
           rod
           ,
           or
           the
           stick
           ,
           hee
           cries
           out
           ,
           hee
           layes
           on
           tongue
           ,
           hee
           doth
           with
           all
           eagernesse
           ,
           and
           earnestnesse
           intreat
           for
           pardon
           ,
           or
           no
           moe
           stripes
           :
           even
           so
           when
           wee
           feel
           the
           smart
           of
           Gods
           rod
           whipping
           of
           us
           ,
           there
           is
           an
           edge
           set
           upon
           our
           prayers
           ,
           wee
           pray
           not
           in
           that
           drowsie
           and
           sleepy
           manner
           wee
           did
           before
           .
           This
           appears
           by
           that
           which
           David
           speakes
           Psal
           .
           88.9
           .
           
             Mine
             eye
             mourneth
             by
             reason
             of
             affliction
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             I
             have
             called
             upon
             thee
             ,
             I
             have
             stretched
             out
             my
             hands
             ▪
             unto
             thee
             .
             In
             their
             affliction
             they
             will
             seek
             me
             diligently
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord.
             Hos
             .
          
           5.15
           .
           You
           may
           observe
           many
           a
           dog
           sleeping
           in
           the
           chimney
           corner
           ,
           which
           will
           not
           arise
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           spoken
           
           unto
           ;
           but
           if
           you
           spill
           but
           a
           drop
           or
           two
           of
           any
           scalding
           liquor
           upon
           him
           ,
           he
           is
           up
           ,
           and
           is
           gone
           ,
           he
           cries
           and
           laies
           on
           tongue
           .
           Thus
           the
           Lord
           by
           affliction
           awakens
           his
           children
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           call
           upon
           him
           in
           a
           more
           lively
           manner
           then
           formerly
           they
           have
           done
           .
           If
           you
           peruse
           the
           Psalmes
           of
           David
           ,
           you
           shall
           find
           that
           very
           many
           (
           if
           not
           most
           )
           of
           them
           were
           penned
           in
           the
           time
           of
           triall
           and
           affliction
           .
           And
           the
           sharper
           his
           afflictions
           were
           ,
           the
           more
           fervent
           ,
           and
           earnest
           were
           his
           petitions
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Out
             of
             the
             depths
             have
             I
             cryed
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           130.1
           .
           The
           lower
           hee
           was
           brought
           by
           affliction
           ,
           the
           higher
           was
           he
           in
           prayer
           ,
           crying
           out
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           Thus
           was
           it
           with
           his
           forefathers
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           the
           Judges
           ,
           the
           
           greater
           their
           danger
           was
           ,
           the
           more
           instant
           ,
           and
           earnest
           were
           they
           in
           prayer
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           To
           give
           you
           one
           instance
           .
           The
           children
           of
           Israel
           were
           sore
           troubled
           ,
           and
           vexed
           by
           the
           Ammonites
           ,
           whereupon
           they
           cryed
           unto
           the
           Lord
           for
           help
           ;
           but
           the
           Lord
           gave
           them
           a
           cold
           answere
           ,
           saying
           unto
           them
           ,
           
             Ye
             have
             forsaken
             me
             and
             served
             other
             Gods
             ,
             wherefore
             I
             will
             deliver
             you
             no
             more
             .
             Goe
             and
             cry
             unto
             the
             gods
             which
             ye
             have
             chosen
             ,
             let
             them
             save
             you
             in
             the
             time
             of
             your
             tribulation
             ,
             Judges
          
           10.13
           ,
           14.
           
           Whereupon
           they
           confessed
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           made
           hast
           to
           put
           away
           their
           strange
           gods
           from
           among
           them
           ,
           then
           they
           will
           lay
           on
           tongue
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           beseeching
           him
           that
           he
           would
           do
           unto
           them
           whatsoever
           he
           pleased
           :
           
             Onely
             
             wee
             pray
             thee
             deliver
             us
             this
             day
             ,
             Judg.
          
           10.15
           .
        
         
           Thus
           I
           have
           made
           it
           evident
           ,
           that
           afflictions
           are
           very
           needfull
           to
           drive
           us
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           ,
           yea
           to
           make
           us
           amend
           our
           pace
           :
           to
           double
           both
           our
           diligence
           ,
           and
           our
           fervency
           in
           prayer
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           
             If
             any
             be
             afflicted
             ,
             let
             him
             pray
             .
          
           Wee
           highly
           dishonor
           God
           ,
           and
           wrong
           our selves
           ,
           if
           wee
           seek
           not
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           our
           troubles
           ,
           
             Call
             upon
             me
             in
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             ,
             so
             will
             I
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             glorifie
             me
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           50.15
           .
           Wee
           must
           make
           our
           afflictions
           our
           arguments
           to
           move
           God
           to
           deliver
           us
           ,
           as
           David
           did
           Psal
           .
           25.16
           .
           
             Turn
             thy
             face
             unto
             mee
             ,
             and
             haue
             mercy
             upon
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             desolate
             ,
             and
             poore
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Reas
               .
            
             11
          
           
           Eleventhly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           
           doth
           thus
           afflict
           his
           deare
           children
           to
           make
           them
           conformable
           unto
           Christ
           :
           who
           though
           he
           were
           without
           sinne
           ,
           yet
           was
           he
           not
           without
           affliction
           .
           If
           then
           affliction
           be
           a
           meanes
           of
           purging
           out
           sinne
           ,
           and
           refining
           of
           us
           (
           as
           formerly
           we
           have
           heard
           )
           then
           it
           is
           needfull
           wee
           be
           afflicted
           ,
           that
           wee
           may
           be
           made
           more
           like
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           both
           in
           sufferings
           ,
           and
           in
           righteousnesse
           .
        
         
           
           The
           life
           of
           the
           crosse
           is
           the
           life
           of
           light
           ,
           Christ
           was
           the
           light
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           his
           life
           was
           in
           a
           sort
           a
           continuall
           crosse
           .
           Was
           it
           thus
           in
           the
           green
           tree
           ,
           and
           shall
           it
           not
           be
           so
           in
           the
           dry
           ?
           was
           the
           head
           thus
           continually
           exercised
           and
           should
           the
           body
           go
           free
           ?
           especially
           when
           all
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           were
           
           for
           our
           sake
           :
           either
           suffering
           for
           us
           ,
           or
           to
           teach
           us
           patience
           by
           his
           example
           ,
           or
           to
           sanctifie
           our
           afflictions
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           God
           will
           have
           all
           his
           elect
           to
           
             be
             made
             like
             to
             the
             image
             of
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.29
           .
           Not
           onely
           in
           holinesse
           and
           obedience
           ,
           but
           also
           in
           sufferings
           .
           Wee
           must
           
             know
             the
             fellowship
             of
             his
             afflictions
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             conformable
             unto
             his
             death
             ,
             Phil.
          
           3.10
           .
           Not
           any
           that
           shall
           reigne
           with
           Christ
           ,
           can
           be
           exempted
           or
           priviledged
           from
           suffering
           with
           him
           .
           
             If
             any
             man
             will
             follow
             me
             ,
             let
             him
             denie
             himselfe
             ,
             and
             take
             up
             his
             crosse
             daily
             and
             follow
             me
             .
             Luke
          
           9.23
           .
           Yea
           ,
           the
           dearer
           and
           nearer
           unto
           him
           wee
           be
           in
           love
           ,
           the
           more
           conformable
           must
           wee
           expect
           to
           be
           made
           unto
           him
           in-affliction
           .
           
           For
           the
           bearing
           of
           the
           crosse
           is
           a
           part
           of
           our
           tenure
           ,
           or
           holding
           of
           Christ
           himselfe
           ,
           as
           may
           be
           gathered
           out
           of
           that
           place
           last
           quoted
           Luk.
           9.
           
           Christ
           himselfe
           held
           by
           this
           tenure
           ,
           Luke
           24.26
           .
           
             Ought
             not
             Christ
             to
             have
             suffered
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             glory
             ?
          
           And
           as
           any
           of
           Gods
           children
           have
           obtained
           a
           more
           evident
           right
           ,
           and
           cleare
           title
           unto
           this
           inheritance
           :
           or
           as
           any
           hereafter
           shall
           obtain
           therein
           a
           greater
           portion
           of
           glory
           ,
           then
           other
           ,
           by
           so
           much
           the
           more
           strictly
           are
           they
           tied
           ,
           and
           bound
           to
           observe
           the
           custom
           of
           the
           Mannor
           .
           For
           God
           hath
           predestinated
           us
           (
           as
           I
           said
           even
           now
           )
           to
           bee
           made
           like
           to
           the
           image
           of
           his
           Sonne
           ,
           first
           in
           his
           sufferings
           ,
           then
           in
           his
           glory
           :
           
           
             for
             we
             an
             heires
             annexed
             with
             Christ
             ;
             if
             so
             be
             that
             we
             suffer
             with
             him
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             also
             glorified
             with
             him
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.17
           .
           The
           end
           of
           the
           Lord
           his
           hewing
           and
           squaring
           of
           us
           by
           affliction
           ,
           
             is
             to
             make
             us
             lively
             stones
             of
             that
             spirituall
             house
             .
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           2.5
           .
           so
           that
           we
           may
           be
           joyned
           with
           
             Christ
             the
             chiefe
             corner
             stone
          
           ,
           1.
           
           Pet.
           2.6
           .
           unto
           whom
           wee
           be
           made
           conformable
           by
           affliction
           .
           And
           againe
           ,
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.12
           .
           
             If
             we
             suffer
             ,
             wee
             shall
             also
             reign
             with
             him
             .
          
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           James
           saith
           chap.
           1.12
           .
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             man
             that
             endureth
             temptation
             ,
             for
             when
             he
             is
             tryed
             ,
             he
             shall
             receive
             the
             crown
             of
             life
             ,
             which
             the
             Lord
             bath
             promised
             to
             them
             that
             love
             him
             .
          
        
         
           Therefore
           such
           as
           go
           without
           correction
           ,
           whereof
           all
           the
           Lords
           people
           are
           partakers
           ,
           
           cannot
           be
           conformable
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           
             for
             hee
             was
             consecrated
             through
             afflictions
             .
             Hebr.
          
           2.10
           .
           
             Hee
             was
             a
             man
             full
             of
             sorrows
             ,
             and
             had
             experience
             of
             infirmities
             .
             Esa
             .
          
           53.3
           .
           He
           was
           in
           all
           things
           tempted
           as
           we
           are
           ,
           that
           so
           hee
           might
           both
           have
           a
           feeling
           of
           our
           infirmities
           ,
           and
           also
           succour
           us
           in
           them
           ,
           
             for
             in
             that
             hee
             suffered
             ,
             and
             was
             tempted
             ,
             hee
             is
             able
             to
             succour
             them
             that
             are
             tempted
             ,
             Hebr.
          
           2.18
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reas
               .
            
             12
          
           
           Lastly
           ,
           (
           not
           to
           keep
           you
           any
           longer
           in
           laying
           down
           of
           moe
           reasons
           )
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           his
           children
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           perish
           in
           another
           life
           :
           
             When
             wee
             are
             judged
             ,
             wee
             are
             chastened
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             wee
             should
             not
             be
             condemned
             with
             the
             world
             .
          
           1.
           
           Corin.
           11.32
           .
           
           Prosperity
           ,
           immunity
           ,
           and
           freedom
           from
           afflictions
           ,
           ease
           liberty
           ,
           and
           fulnes
           ,
           is
           the
           broad
           way
           which
           leadeth
           to
           death
           ,
           and
           condemnation
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           hath
           pronounced
           ,
           
             woe
             ,
             to
             those
             that
             are
             rich
             ,
             woe
             to
             those
             that
             live
             in
             fulnesse
             ,
             woe
             to
             those
             that
             live
             merriy
             ,
             &c.
             Luke
          
           6.24
           ,
           25.
           
           Now
           because
           Gods
           children
           doe
           naturaly
           linger
           after
           these
           earthly
           delights
           ,
           and
           comforts
           ;
           the
           Lord
           in
           great
           mercy
           ,
           
             doth
             hedge
             up
             our
             wayes
             with
             thornes
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           2.6
           .
           Hee
           will
           have
           us
           to
           walke
           the
           narrow
           way
           (
           which
           ,
           as
           wee
           have
           heard
           ,
           is
           the
           crosse
           way
           ,
           thorow
           manifold
           afflictions
           )
           lest
           wee
           should
           perish
           ,
           and
           be
           damned
           with
           the
           world
           .
           What
           had
           become
           of
           Manasses
           if
           he
           had
           
           not
           been
           afflicted
           ?
           He
           was
           carried
           into
           captivity
           ,
           that
           so
           he
           might
           be
           freed
           from
           the
           bondage
           of
           sinne
           ,
           and
           Satan
           .
           Hee
           was
           put
           into
           chaines
           of
           yron
           ,
           that
           so
           he
           might
           bee
           preserved
           from
           chaines
           of
           eternall
           darknesse
           .
           Hee
           was
           cast
           into
           prison
           ,
           that
           so
           hee
           might
           be
           kept
           out
           of
           hell
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           saith
           
             David
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           94.12
           ,
           13.
           
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             man
             whom
             thou
             chastisest
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             teachest
             him
             in
             thy
             Law.
             That
             thou
             maiest
             give
             him
             rest
             from
             the
             daies
             of
             evill
             ,
             whilest
             the
             pit
             is
             digged
             for
             the
             wicked
          
           Teaching
           us
           ,
           that
           affliction
           is
           very
           usefull
           ,
           and
           necessary
           to
           free
           us
           fom
           condemnation
           .
           And
           not
           onely
           so
           ,
           but
           to
           help
           us
           forward
           in
           the
           way
           to
           heaven
           :
           
             for
             our
             light
             affliction
             which
             
             is
             but
             for
             a
             moment
             ,
             worketh
             for
             us
             a
             far
             more
             exceeding
             ,
             and
             eternall
             weight
             of
             glory
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           4.
           
           The
           afflicted
           man
           must
           needs
           bee
           an
           happy
           man
           ,
           because
           glory
           ,
           because
           a
           crown
           ,
           because
           weight
           of
           glory
           ,
           be-a
           weighty
           crown
           of
           glory
           is
           not
           only
           promised
           ,
           but
           purchased
           ,
           and
           prepared
           for
           him
           .
        
         
           
             The
             tryall
             of
             your
             faith
             being
             much
             more
             pretious
             then
             gold
             that
             perisheth
             ,
             shall
             bee
             sound
             unto
             your
             praise
             :
             and
             honor
             ,
             and
             glory
             at
             the
             appearing
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.7
           .
           The
           afflictions
           and
           troubles
           which
           do
           befall
           us
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           are
           the
           Lords
           earnest
           which
           hee
           gives
           us
           of
           comfort
           ,
           and
           ease
           in
           another
           life
           .
           Whereupon
           Paul
           tells
           the
           Thessalonians
           ,
           that
           those
           persecutions
           ,
           and
           
           tribulations
           which
           they
           suffered
           ,
           were
           a
           token
           of
           the
           righteous
           judgement
           of
           God
           ,
           
             that
             ye
             may
             be
             counted
             worthy
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             which
             ye
             also
             suffer
             .
          
           2.
           
           Thes
           .
           1.4
           ,
           5.
           
           As
           the
           Israelites
           could
           not
           come
           at
           Canaan
           ,
           but
           they
           must
           first
           be
           cast
           into
           the
           desart
           ;
           and
           in
           their
           journey
           be
           set
           upon
           by
           Amalekites
           ,
           their
           enemies
           :
           So
           before
           wee
           can
           come
           to
           that
           heavenly
           Canaan
           ,
           our
           place
           of
           eternall
           rest
           ,
           wee
           must
           look
           to
           encounter
           with
           our
           deadly
           enemies
           ,
           the
           flesh
           ,
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           the
           devill
           :
           with
           tentations
           and
           afflictions
           :
           these
           stop
           us
           ,
           or
           (
           at
           the
           least
           )
           offer
           to
           stay
           us
           in
           our
           journey
           .
           But
           these
           wee
           must
           manfully
           resist
           ,
           as
           Israel
           did
           Amalek
           .
           When
           Israel
           went
           down
           into
           Egypt
           ,
           they
           
           met
           with
           no
           afflictions
           ,
           no
           rubs
           in
           the
           way
           :
           so
           the
           way
           to
           hell
           is
           easie
           ,
           and
           smooth
           .
           Wee
           read
           not
           of
           one
           block
           ,
           that
           lay
           in
           the
           rich
           gluttons
           way
           .
           But
           when
           Israel
           came
           out
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           what
           trialls
           ,
           what
           afflictions
           befell
           them
           ,
           what
           enemies
           to
           oppose
           them
           ?
           So
           when
           the
           Lord
           calls
           us
           out
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           when
           wee
           begin
           to
           set
           our
           faces
           toward
           heaven
           ,
           the
           devill
           will
           muster
           his
           forces
           against
           us
           ;
           but
           if
           wee
           fight
           the
           good
           fight
           of
           faith
           ,
           if
           we
           endure
           to
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           be
           faithfull
           unto
           the
           death
           ,
           great
           shall
           be
           our
           reward
           and
           recompence
           ;
           even
           a
           
             crown
             of
             righteousnesse
             ,
             which
             the
             Lord
             that
             righteous
             Judge
             shall
             give
             us
             at
             that
             day
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           4.8
           .
           Not
           as
           if
           we
           had
           merited
           ,
           and
           deserved
           thus
           much
           by
           our
           
           sufferings
           :
           for
           the
           greatest
           afflictions
           that
           ever
           any
           Christian
           hath
           ,
           or
           can
           endure
           ,
           are
           in
           themselves
           ,
           no
           way
           worthy
           of
           that
           glory
           which
           shall
           be
           bestowed
           upon
           him
           .
           
             For
             I
             count
             that
             the
             afflictions
             of
             this
             present
             time
             ,
             are
             not
             worthy
             of
             the
             glory
             which
             shall
             be
             shewed
             us
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.18
           .
           If
           wee
           had
           a
           thousand
           lives
           to
           sacrifice
           to
           God
           ,
           if
           wee
           had
           ten
           thousand
           rivers
           of
           oyle
           to
           offer
           up
           :
           if
           wee
           would
           give
           our
           first-born
           for
           our
           transgression
           ,
           or
           the
           fruit
           of
           our
           bodies
           for
           the
           sin
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           we
           are
           no
           way
           able
           to
           satisfie
           Gods
           justice
           ,
           much
           lesse
           merit
           heaven
           by
           all
           our
           offerings
           ,
           or
           sufferings
           .
           Were
           our
           heads
           wells
           of
           waters
           ,
           and
           our
           eyes
           fountains
           of
           teares
           ,
           and
           wee
           ten
           thousand
           eyes
           ,
           and
           would
           
           willingly
           weep
           them
           out
           for
           sorrow
           through
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           yet
           all
           were
           not
           able
           to
           expiate
           one
           sinne
           ,
           nor
           deserve
           the
           least
           corner
           in
           heaven
           ;
           yet
           because
           the
           Lord
           would
           have
           us
           bear
           our
           afflictions
           cheerfully
           ,
           and
           thankfully
           ;
           hee
           is
           pleased
           to
           promise
           us
           ,
           
             that
             if
             we
             sowe
             in
             teares
             ,
             wee
             shall
             reap
             in
             joy
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           126.5
           .
           
             if
             wee
             suffer
             ,
             wee
             shall
             reign
             with
             him
             .
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.12
           .
        
         
           The
           Lord
           puts
           none
           into
           possession
           of
           eternall
           life
           and
           glory
           in
           heaven
           ,
           before
           they
           bee
           made
           fit
           for
           it
           ,
           before
           the
           drosse
           ,
           and
           corruption
           be
           purged
           out
           of
           them
           :
           
             for
             there
             shall
             enter
             into
             heaven
             no
             uncleane
             thing
             ,
             neither
             whatsoever
             worketh
             abomination
             ,
             or
             lies
             ,
             Revel
             .
          
           21.27
           .
           Now
           the
           way
           to
           purge
           ,
           and
           refine
           us
           (
           as
           hath
           beene
           
           taught
           )
           is
           to
           be
           cast
           into
           the
           fornace
           of
           affliction
           ,
           where
           the
           drosse
           is
           purged
           out
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           so
           wee
           fitted
           ,
           and
           prepared
           for
           the
           life
           of
           glory
           .
           Thus
           have
           I
           beene
           somewhat
           large
           in
           laying
           down
           the
           reasons
           ,
           why
           the
           Lord
           should
           so
           correct
           his
           deare
           children
           ;
           let
           us
           now
           come
           to
           make
           some
           use
           of
           the
           point
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             1
          
           
           Doth
           the
           Lord
           thus
           deale
           with
           all
           his
           beloved
           ones
           ?
           then
           are
           many
           of
           the
           world
           much
           mistaken
           ,
           who
           are
           ready
           to
           censure
           those
           that
           are
           afflicted
           ;
           especially
           if
           their
           trials
           be
           more
           ,
           or
           greater
           then
           ordinary
           .
           Censoriousnes
           ,
           is
           a
           lesson
           quickly
           learned
           ,
           and
           every
           one
           (
           like
           unto
           Jobs
           miserable
           comforters
           )
           can
           make
           a
           wrong
           construction
           both
           of
           Gods
           aime
           in
           correcting
           his
           children
           ,
           
           and
           of
           their
           estate
           and
           condition
           ,
           which
           are
           by
           God
           afflicted
           .
           Whereby
           they
           do
           adde
           
             affliction
             unto
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             persecute
             him
             whom
             God
             hath
             smitten
             ,
             Ps
             .
          
           69.26
           .
           The
           rule
           of
           our
           Saviour
           is
           ,
           that
           none
           
             should
             judge
             ,
             or
             be
             judged
             according
             to
             appearance
             ,
             John.
          
           7.24
           .
           yet
           how
           ready
           are
           many
           to
           give
           their
           verdict
           ,
           and
           passe
           sentence
           upon
           those
           that
           are
           more
           then
           ordinarily
           afflicted
           ?
           They
           cannot
           believe
           but
           there
           must
           be
           some
           extraordinary
           sinne
           in
           such
           a
           person
           ,
           more
           then
           all
           the
           world
           sees
           (
           but
           known
           to
           God
           )
           in
           that
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           is
           so
           heavy
           upon
           him
           .
           Which
           error
           our
           Saviour
           rebuked
           in
           them
           which
           shewed
           him
           of
           the
           
             Galileans
             whose
             blood
             Pilate
             had
             mingled
             with
             their
             sacrifices
             .
             
             Suppose
             ye
          
           (
           saith
           Christ
           )
           
             that
             these
             Galileans
             were
             greater
             sinners
             then
             all
             the
             other
             Galileans
             ,
             because
             they
             suffered
             such
             things
             ?
             I
             tell
             you
             nay
             ,
             &c.
             
             Or
             thinke
             ye
             that
             those
             eighteene
             upon
             whom
             the
             towre
             of
             Siloam
             fell
             ,
             and
             slew
             them
             ,
             were
             sinners
             above
             all
             men
             ,
             that
             dwell
             in
             Jerusalem
             ?
             I
             tell
             you
             nay
             .
          
           Yet
           let
           the
           affliction
           of
           any
           of
           Gods
           deare
           children
           be
           more
           then
           ordinary
           ,
           then
           our
           foolish
           bolt
           is
           quickly
           shot
           and
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           judge
           of
           the
           man
           by
           the
           affliction
           :
           as
           did
           Davids
           enemies
           ,
           Psal
           .
           71.11
           .
           
             God
             hath
             forsaken
             him
             pursue
             and
             take
             him
             ,
             for
             there
             is
             none
             to
             deliver
             him
             .
          
           So
           the
           
             Barbarians
             when
             they
             saw
             a
             viper
             hang
             upon
             Pauls
             hand
             ,
             by
             and
             by
             censure
             him
             ,
             this
             man
             surely
             is
             a
             murtherer
             &c.
             
          
           This
           
           fellow
           is
           some
           villain
           ,
           some
           notorious
           beast
           ,
           whom
           (
           though
           he
           hath
           after
           shipwrack
           got
           to
           shoare
           )
           
             yet
             vengeance
             doth
             now
          
           dog
           and
           pursue
           him
           ,
           
             and
             will
             not
             suffer
             him
             to
             live
             .
             Acts
          
           28.4
           .
        
         
           Let
           Christians
           beware
           of
           rash
           censuring
           or
           judging
           of
           any
           by
           their
           affliction
           ;
           for
           so
           we
           may
           quickly
           condemne
           those
           whom
           God
           hath
           chosen
           and
           justified
           .
           And
           for
           any
           to
           condemn
           those
           whom
           the
           Lord
           will
           acquit
           ,
           is
           to
           accuse
           ,
           if
           not
           condemn
           the
           Lord
           himself
           :
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           to
           make
           themselves
           liable
           unto
           judgement
           .
           
             For
             with
             what
             judgment
             ye
             judge
             ,
             yee
             shall
             be
             judged
             ,
             and
             with
             what
             measure
             you
             mete
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             measured
             to
             you
             again
             ,
             Mat.
          
           7.2
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           
             blessed
             is
             he
             that
             judgeth
             wisely
             of
             the
             poore
             
             afflicted
             ,
             the
             Lord
             shall
             deliver
             him
             in
             the
             time
             of
             trouble
             ,
             Ps
             .
          
           41
           ▪
           1.
           
           Because
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           for
           speciall
           ends
           ,
           to
           lay
           his
           hand
           more
           heavily
           upon
           this
           man
           then
           his
           neighbour
           ,
           shall
           any
           dare
           from
           hence
           to
           conclude
           that
           he
           is
           the
           greater
           sinner
           ?
           God
           forbid
           :
           we
           may
           rather
           conclude
           ,
           that
           of
           the
           twaine
           )
           he
           is
           the
           best
           ,
           the
           most
           beloved
           of
           God
           :
           
             You
             onely
             have
             I
             known
             of
             all
             the
             families
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             therefore
             I
             will
             visit
             you
             ,
             for
             all
             your
             iniquities
             ,
             Amos
          
           3.2
           .
           Who
           were
           they
           that
           were
           tried
           
             by
             mockings
             and
             scourgings
             ,
             by
             bonds
             ,
             and
             prisonment
             ?
             or
             those
             that
             were
             stoned
             and
             hewen
             a
             sunder
             ,
             and
             slaine
             with
             the
             sword
             ?
             or
             those
             that
             wandred
             up
             and
             down
             in
             sheepes
             skinnes
             and
             goates
             skinnes
             ,
             being
             destitute
             ,
             afflicted
             ,
             
             and
             tormented
             ?
          
           Were
           they
           not
           Gods
           deare
           ones
           ,
           those
           of
           
             whom
             the
             world
             was
             not
             worthy
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.36
           ,
           37.
           
        
         
           Whose
           blood
           was
           it
           wherewith
           Manasses
           died
           the
           streets
           of
           Jerusalem
           ?
           was
           it
           not
           
             innocent
             blood
          
           ?
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           Lords
           people
           ?
           2.
           
           King
           21.16
           .
           Who
           was
           hee
           that
           dolefully
           cryed
           out
           ,
           
             Will
             the
             Lord
             absent
             himselfe
             for
             ever
             !
             and
             will
             he
             shew
             no
             more
             favor
             ?
             Is
             his
             mercy
             cleane
             gone
             for
             ever
             ?
             shall
             his
             promise
             faile
             for
             evermore
             ?
             hath
             God
             forgotten
             to
             bee
             mercifull
             ?
             and
             will
             he
             shut
             up
             his
             loving
             kindnes
             in
             displeasure
             ?
             Psal
             .
          
           77.7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           Was
           it
           not
           the
           complaint
           of
           David
           ,
           a
           righteous
           and
           holy
           man
           ,
           
             a
             man
             after
             Gods
             own
             heart
             ?
          
           What
           was
           he
           that
           cursed
           the
           time
           of
           his
           birth
           ?
           Saying
           ,
           
             Let
             the
             
             day
             perish
             wherein
             I
             was
             born
             ,
             and
             the
             night
             when
             it
             was
             said
             :
             there
             is
             a
             man
             child
             conceived
             .
             Why
             died
             I
             not
             in
             the
             birth
             ?
             or
             why
             died
             I
             not
             when
             I
             came
             out
             of
             the
             wombe
             ?
             Iob
          
           3.3.11
           .
           was
           it
           not
           
             Iob
             ,
             an
             upright
             and
             just
             man
             ,
             one
             that
             feared
             God
             &
             eschewed
             evill
             ?
          
           How
           then
           darest
           thou
           cēsure
           the
           child
           of
           God
           by
           reason
           of
           his
           affliction
           ?
           Surely
           ,
           this
           must
           needs
           proceed
           either
           out
           of
           ignorance
           ,
           not
           knowing
           the
           Scriptures
           ;
           or
           from
           the
           want
           of
           charity
           ,
           or
           else
           from
           the
           guilt
           of
           thine
           own
           conscience
           ,
           taking
           the
           length
           of
           thy
           neighbors
           foot
           by
           thine
           own
           last
           ,
           and
           measuring
           him
           by
           thy selfe
           .
           Want
           of
           judging
           of
           thy selfe
           ,
           is
           the
           cause
           why
           thou
           art
           so
           ready
           to
           judge
           another
           .
           But
           do
           not
           flatter
           thy self
           ,
           neither
           esteem
           any
           one
           to
           have
           the
           more
           
           goodnes
           because
           he
           hath
           the
           les
           affliction
           .
           For
           (
           I
           tell
           thee
           )
           a
           man
           may
           be
           a
           Dives
           ,
           clad
           in
           scarlet
           and
           fine
           linnen
           ,
           living
           and
           wallowing
           in
           all
           manner
           of
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           prosperitie
           :
           faring
           and
           feeding
           every
           day
           deliciously
           ,
           and
           yet
           bee
           a
           devill
           incarnate
           ,
           a
           man
           odious
           and
           hatefull
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           Neither
           mayest
           thou
           condemne
           any
           for
           wicked
           ,
           because
           the
           Lord
           judgeth
           him
           .
        
         
           A
           man
           may
           bee
           a
           poore
           Lazar
           ,
           not
           having
           so
           much
           as
           a
           clout
           to
           cover
           his
           nakednesse
           :
           living
           in
           want
           ,
           and
           penury
           ,
           dying
           through
           paine
           ,
           and
           misery
           ,
           and
           yet
           be
           the
           Lords
           faithfull
           servant
           ,
           and
           dearely
           beloved
           of
           him
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           thou
           goest
           by
           
           a
           wrong
           line
           ,
           when
           thou
           deemest
           thy selfe
           (
           or
           others
           )
           to
           be
           good
           :
           because
           thou
           dost
           flourish
           ,
           and
           prosper
           :
           because
           thou
           livest
           at
           ease
           ,
           and
           goest
           untouched
           :
           or
           takest
           others
           to
           be
           the
           worse
           ,
           because
           their
           dayes
           are
           dayes
           of
           sorrow
           and
           adversitie
           .
           For
           neither
           doth
           prosperitie
           declare
           a
           man
           to
           be
           godly
           ,
           nor
           adversitie
           prove
           that
           he
           is
           wicked
           ,
           but
           rather
           the
           contrary
           ;
           
             for
             whom
             the
             Lord
             loloveth
             ,
             him
             he
             chasteneth
             ,
             and
             scourgeth
             every
             sonne
             that
             he
             receiveth
             ,
             Hebr.
          
           6.8
           .
           whereas
           
             if
             yee
             be
             without
             correction
             ,
             then
             are
             yee
             bastards
             ,
             and
             not
             sonnes
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Object
               -
            
          
           But
           doe
           not
           many
           of
           Gods
           children
           live
           at
           ease
           in
           fulnesse
           and
           prosperity
           ,
           without
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           .
        
         
         
           
             
               Answer
               .
            
          
           It
           is
           possible
           that
           the
           outward
           estate
           of
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           may
           be
           smooth
           and
           prosperous
           (
           though
           this
           be
           rare
           ,
           that
           no
           rub
           comes
           in
           the
           way
           )
           yet
           there
           is
           no
           childe
           of
           God
           without
           his
           trouble
           and
           affliction
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           proved
           )
           in
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           .
           Afflictions
           are
           either
           outward
           in
           our
           persons
           ,
           our
           personall
           state
           ,
           goods
           or
           good
           name
           ;
           or
           in
           those
           that
           are
           in
           some
           neere
           relation
           unto
           us
           :
           or
           they
           bee
           inward
           in
           the
           mind
           and
           conscience
           .
           Now
           one
           of
           these
           wayes
           every
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           first
           or
           last
           ,
           more
           or
           lesse
           hath
           been
           ,
           is
           ,
           or
           shall
           be
           tried
           .
           Many
           a
           childe
           of
           God
           that
           liveth
           in
           health
           ,
           doth
           not
           prosper
           in
           his
           outward
           estate
           ,
           but
           bites
           of
           the
           bridle
           ,
           and
           hath
           short
           commons
           .
           Many
           that
           live
           in
           
           fulnesse
           ,
           and
           feel
           no
           want
           of
           outward
           necessaries
           ,
           do
           sustaine
           many
           wrongs
           and
           injuries
           through
           reproaches
           ,
           slanders
           and
           backbitings
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           which
           are
           more
           grievous
           unto
           them
           then
           the
           losse
           of
           their
           substance
           .
           many
           have
           great
           troubles
           in
           their
           family
           ,
           through
           the
           wickednesse
           either
           of
           unnaturall
           ,
           and
           disobedient
           children
           ,
           or
           else
           of
           unfaithfull
           ,
           and
           gracelesse
           servants
           .
           Many
           have
           great
           grief
           ,
           and
           trouble
           for
           ,
           or
           from
           their
           kindred
           .
           And
           many
           that
           taste
           not
           of
           any
           outward
           triall
           and
           affliction
           ,
           are
           not
           without
           some
           inward
           temptations
           ;
           either
           they
           be
           buffeted
           by
           satan
           ,
           or
           allured
           by
           the
           world
           ,
           or
           sollicited
           by
           their
           own
           concupiscence
           unto
           some
           evill
           :
           or
           else
           they
           be
           disquieted
           in
           
           their
           minds
           ,
           or
           troubled
           in
           their
           consciences
           .
           Now
           howsoever
           many
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           which
           know
           not
           what
           perturbation
           of
           mind
           meaneth
           ,
           may
           think
           these
           inward
           troubles
           to
           be
           no
           trialls
           ;
           yet
           in
           truth
           they
           are
           the
           most
           smarting
           ,
           the
           sorest
           afflictions
           of
           all
           other
           ,
           for
           the
           heart
           knoweth
           the
           bitternesse
           of
           his
           soul
           .
           Prov.
           14.10
           .
           The
           mind
           of
           a
           man
           may
           bear
           out
           with
           patience
           and
           fortitude
           ,
           outward
           and
           bodily
           evills
           ,
           but
           who
           is
           able
           (
           unlesse
           God
           strengthen
           him
           )
           to
           endure
           the
           torment
           and
           torture
           of
           a
           wounded
           conscience
           ,
           and
           a
           grieved
           spirit
           ?
           
             A
             wounded
             spirit
             who
             can
             bear
             it
             ?
             Prov.
          
           18.14
           .
           So
           that
           first
           or
           last
           ,
           in
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           ,
           outwardly
           or
           inwardly
           ,
           in
           ourselves
           ,
           or
           in
           some
           dear
           ,
           or
           neer
           unto
           
           us
           ,
           wee
           have
           had
           ,
           or
           shall
           have
           our
           troubles
           ,
           and
           trialls
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             2
          
           Againe
           ,
           Is
           it
           thus
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           his
           dearest
           children
           ?
           then
           let
           us
           put
           on
           the
           whole
           
             armor
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             wee
             may
             be
             able
             to
             resist
             ,
             and
             stand
             fast
             in
             the
             evill
             day
             ,
             Ephes
             .
          
           6.13
           .
           Let
           us
           prepare
           our selves
           for
           troubles
           :
           that
           when
           they
           come
           ,
           wee
           may
           not
           be
           amazed
           ,
           or
           over
           much
           perplexed
           ,
           
             as
             though
             some
             strange
             thing
             were
             come
             unto
             us
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           4.11
           .
           Things
           which
           wee
           hear
           not
           of
           ,
           or
           look
           not
           for
           ,
           when
           wee
           meet
           with
           them
           ,
           wee
           think
           them
           strange
           ,
           and
           wee
           know
           not
           which
           way
           to
           carry
           our selves
           ,
           or
           what
           course
           to
           bee
           undertaken
           of
           us
           ,
           whereby
           wee
           may
           either
           be
           eased
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           have
           ease
           with
           
           them
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           many
           in
           the
           day
           of
           adversitie
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           cry
           out
           ,
           they
           know
           not
           what
           to
           doe
           ,
           &c.
           
           Another
           saith
           ,
           I
           never
           looked
           for
           this
           trouble
           .
           I
           never
           dreamed
           of
           this
           triall
           .
           No
           did
           ?
           Why
           ,
           hast
           thou
           not
           heard
           what
           is
           the
           portion
           of
           Gods
           dear
           children
           ?
           hast
           thou
           not
           read
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           every
           day
           to
           take
           up
           our
           crosse
           ?
           Why
           hast
           thou
           not
           then
           prepared
           thy
           soul
           for
           tentation
           ?
           Art
           thou
           now
           free
           from
           affliction
           ?
           now
           barrell
           up
           against
           an
           hard
           time
           ,
           the
           winter
           of
           adversity
           ;
           for
           the
           day
           of
           affliction
           is
           a
           time
           of
           living
           upon
           the
           old
           store
           ;
           spending
           ,
           or
           using
           ,
           not
           getting
           of
           spirituall
           strength
           .
        
         
           Strength
           to
           bear
           affliction
           must
           be
           provided
           before
           affliction
           come
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           
           childish
           folly
           ,
           or
           rather
           desperate
           securitie
           for
           any
           man
           that
           hath
           his
           enemie
           ready
           to
           assault
           ,
           and
           wound
           him
           ,
           to
           have
           his
           weapons
           to
           seek
           ?
           
             Wherefore
             take
             unto
             you
             the
             whole
             armor
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             yee
             may
             be
             able
             to
             withstand
             in
             the
             evill
             day
             .
             Eph.
          
           6.13
           .
           This
           evill
           day
           ,
           is
           the
           time
           of
           temptation
           ,
           and
           affliction
           ,
           which
           that
           wee
           may
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           encounter
           ,
           wee
           must
           bee
           well
           appointed
           ,
           and
           furnished
           with
           Christian
           fortitude
           ,
           and
           courage
           ,
           that
           so
           affliction
           although
           it
           may
           at
           the
           first
           daunt
           us
           ,
           yet
           it
           may
           neither
           vanquish
           ,
           nor
           foil
           us
           .
           To
           this
           purpose
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           I
           advise
           thee
           to
           be
           oft
           and
           serious
           in
           this
           meditation
           ,
           Whose
           thou
           art
           ,
           and
           whose
           all
           thou
           hast
           is
           ,
           Art
           thou
           not
           the
           worke
           of
           Gods
           hands
           ?
           hath
           
           he
           not
           formed
           and
           fashioned
           thee
           ?
           and
           may
           not
           hee
           alter
           ,
           and
           change
           thee
           at
           his
           pleasure
           ?
           So
           the
           things
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           health
           ,
           wealth
           ,
           honor
           ,
           libertie
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           doe
           they
           not
           hold
           all
           in
           chiefe
           ?
           is
           not
           the
           earth
           the
           Lords
           ,
           and
           the
           fulnesse
           thereof
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           lawfull
           for
           the
           Lord
           to
           do
           with
           his
           own
           as
           seemeth
           good
           in
           his
           eyes
           :
           Do
           not
           wee
           hold
           these
           outward
           things
           with
           condition
           of
           the
           crosse
           and
           with
           a
           limitation
           of
           Gods
           correction
           ?
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           know
           (
           as
           afterward
           you
           shall
           hear
           )
           that
           Gods
           love
           is
           immutable
           ,
           though
           our
           outward
           estate
           and
           condition
           be
           changeable
           .
        
         
           Gods
           love
           never
           changeth
           ;
           
           he
           is
           the
           same
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           love
           as
           entire
           and
           great
           when
           wee
           are
           in
           affliction
           ,
           as
           when
           wee
           are
           out
           of
           it
           .
           He
           may
           ,
           and
           doth
           (
           as
           you
           have
           heard
           )
           for
           speciall
           ends
           change
           our
           estate
           ,
           yet
           for
           his
           own
           glory
           sake
           ,
           and
           our
           comfort
           ,
           hee
           continues
           still
           the
           same
           .
           A
           loving
           father
           (
           to
           all
           that
           love
           ,
           and
           fear
           him
           )
           before
           affliction
           ,
           a
           tender
           and
           loving
           father
           in
           affliction
           ,
           and
           so
           for
           ever
           after
           ;
           for
           whom
           once
           he
           loves
           ,
           unto
           the
           end
           hee
           loves
           .
           These
           things
           setled
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           by
           the
           help
           and
           assistance
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           wee
           shall
           be
           armed
           to
           encounter
           affliction
           ,
           
             strengthned
             with
             all
             might
             through
             his
             glorious
             power
             ,
             unto
             all
             patience
             ,
             and
             long-suffering
             with
             joyfulnesse
             .
             Col.
          
           1.11
           .
        
         
           Which
           words
           do
           teach
           
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           power
           and
           strength
           by
           which
           wee
           stand
           upright
           in
           time
           of
           trouble
           ,
           and
           bear
           with
           patience
           any
           affliction
           ,
           is
           not
           of
           our selves
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           Lord
           :
           It
           is
           God
           that
           doth
           stablish
           our
           hearts
           with
           his
           grace
           ,
           hee
           it
           is
           that
           worketh
           faith
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           a
           feeling
           perswasion
           of
           his
           unchangeable
           love
           ,
           and
           a
           voluntary
           ,
           and
           cheerfull
           resignation
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           all
           wee
           have
           to
           be
           ordered
           ,
           and
           disposed
           of
           by
           God
           as
           seemeth
           good
           in
           his
           eyes
           .
           Whereupon
           saith
           Saint
           
             Paul
             ,
             I
             can
             be
             abased
             ,
             and
             I
             can
             abound
             :
             every
             where
             in
             all
             things
             I
             am
             instructed
             ,
             both
             to
             be
             full
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             hungry
             ,
             and
             to
             abound
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             want
             ;
             I
             am
             able
             to
             doe
             all
             things
             through
             the
             helpe
             of
             Christ
             which
             strengtheneth
             mee
             .
             
             Phillippians
             .
          
           4.12
           ,
           13.
           
        
         
           Wee
           say
           fore-warned
           fore-armed
           .
           Bee
           warned
           therefore
           betimes
           to
           prepare
           for
           thy
           triall
           ,
           that
           when
           it
           comes
           ,
           thou
           mayst
           be
           the
           better
           armed
           against
           it
           .
           Evils
           the
           more
           suddenly
           they
           come
           upon
           us
           ,
           the
           more
           grievous
           they
           prove
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           we
           are
           the
           lesse
           able
           to
           grapple
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           encounter
           them
           .
           Whereas
           preparation
           doth
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           pull
           out
           the
           sting
           ,
           or
           beat
           out
           the
           teeth
           of
           affliction
           ,
           that
           either
           it
           bites
           us
           not
           at
           all
           ,
           or
           else
           doth
           not
           so
           deadly
           wound
           ,
           and
           hurt
           us
           .
           When
           Agabus
           .
           had
           told
           St.
           Paul
           what
           welcome
           ,
           and
           entertainment
           hee
           should
           find
           at
           Jerusalem
           ,
           how
           they
           would
           
             manacle
             him
             ,
             and
             deliver
             him
             over
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             Acts
          
           21.11
           .
           
           Some
           of
           his
           friends
           besought
           him
           that
           hee
           would
           not
           go
           up
           to
           Jerusalem
           :
           unto
           whom
           he
           answered
           ,
           
             What
             do
             yee
             weeping
             and
             breaking
             mine
             heart
             ?
             for
             I
             am
             ready
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             bound
             onely
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             die
             at
             Jerusalem
             for
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             vers
             .
          
           13.
           
           Saint
           Paul
           being
           thus
           prepared
           for
           his
           triall
           could
           chearefully
           ,
           and
           joyfully
           undergoe
           it
           .
           Hee
           is
           like
           to
           look
           his
           enemy
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           and
           not
           like
           a
           dastard
           to
           turn
           his
           back
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           betake
           himselfe
           to
           his
           leggs
           ,
           that
           armes
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           prepares
           for
           the
           encounter
           .
           The
           life
           of
           a
           Christian
           is
           a
           continuall
           warrefare
           ,
           and
           wee
           are
           souldiers
           .
           
             Thou
             therefore
             suffer
             affliction
             as
             a
             good
             souldier
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.2
           .
           A
           good
           souldier
           in
           garrison
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           field
           ,
           
           is
           every
           day
           armed
           ,
           at
           all
           seasons
           ready
           for
           the
           assault
           which
           may
           suddenly
           come
           ,
           the
           enemie
           being
           at
           hand
           .
           Affliction
           is
           our
           common
           enemie
           ,
           which
           as
           it
           hath
           foyled
           many
           for
           want
           of
           preparation
           ;
           so
           hath
           it
           been
           vanquished
           of
           many
           of
           the
           Lords
           worthies
           ,
           being
           evermore
           armed
           against
           it
           .
           
             For
             thy
             sake
             are
             wee
             killed
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
             wee
             are
             counted
             as
             sheep
             for
             the
             slaughter
          
           ;
           Neverthelesse
           in
           all
           these
           things
           we
           are
           more
           then
           Conquerors
           .
           What
           bee
           killed
           !
           and
           yet
           be
           a
           conqueror
           ?
           This
           may
           seem
           a
           paradox
           ,
           a
           thing
           contrary
           to
           common
           reason
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           a
           divine
           truth
           .
           
           Would
           you
           know
           how
           Gods
           children
           do
           conquer
           trials
           and
           afflictions
           ?
           it
           is
           thus
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           when
           troubles
           ,
           and
           
           afflictions
           cannot
           vanquish
           or
           overcome
           them
           :
           cannot
           spoyle
           them
           of
           their
           patience
           ,
           and
           inward
           peace
           :
           cannot
           batter
           down
           their
           comfort
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           still
           
             rejoyce
             in
             tribulation
             ,
             Rom.
          
           15.3
           .
           A
           Christian
           is
           then
           beaten
           when
           his
           heart
           ,
           and
           minde
           is
           beaten
           .
           A
           man
           is
           then
           overcome
           when
           his
           heart
           failes
           ,
           when
           his
           patience
           ,
           joy
           ,
           and
           peace
           is
           vanquished
           and
           put
           to
           flight
           .
           But
           if
           these
           hold
           it
           out
           ,
           howsoever
           tribulation
           ,
           persecution
           may
           vanquish
           ,
           yea
           destroy
           the
           outward
           man
           ,
           yet
           the
           heart
           and
           minde
           being
           not
           overcome
           ,
           wee
           are
           conquerers
           ,
           though
           outwardly
           conquered
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           Haply
           you
           will
           reply
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           That
           even
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           ,
           through
           the
           
           extremity
           of
           their
           afflictions
           do
           oft
           times
           utter
           many
           rash
           and
           inconsiderate
           words
           ,
           and
           shew
           much
           impatience
           under
           their
           crosse
           ;
           how
           then
           may
           these
           be
           said
           to
           be
           conquerers
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           True
           it
           is
           that
           the
           flesh
           being
           pinched
           ,
           and
           pained
           may
           kick
           ,
           and
           winch
           ;
           but
           yet
           the
           heart
           is
           untouched
           ,
           neither
           doth
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           allow
           of
           any
           impatient
           carriage
           ,
           or
           passage
           ,
           but
           is
           ready
           to
           take
           himselfe
           in
           the
           manner
           ,
           and
           to
           reprove
           himselfe
           for
           it
           .
           As
           Job
           said
           ,
           
             I
             will
             lay
             mine
             hand
             upon
             my
             mouth
             :
             once
             have
             I
             spoken
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             answere
             no
             more
             ,
             yea
             twice
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             proceed
             no
             farther
             .
             Job
          
           40.4
           ,
           5.
           
           Now
           the
           minde
           (
           in
           Gods
           account
           )
           is
           the
           man.
           And
           so
           long
           as
           the
           heart
           is
           not
           vanquished
           ,
           
           though
           through
           the
           sence
           ,
           and
           smart
           of
           the
           affliction
           ,
           the
           outward
           man
           ,
           and
           flesh
           may
           storme
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           crowne
           such
           for
           conquerers
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Againe
           ,
           we
           are
           said
           to
           be
           conquerers
           ,
           when
           still
           we
           hold
           our
           own
           ground
           ,
           and
           cannot
           be
           beaten
           from
           the
           truth
           :
           not
           brought
           to
           deny
           the
           faith
           ,
           nor
           forced
           to
           forsake
           Christ
           .
           What
           is
           the
           devils
           ayme
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           to
           provoke
           us
           (
           not
           onely
           to
           impatience
           ,
           but
           also
           )
           to
           deny
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           to
           blaspheme
           God
           ?
           As
           he
           said
           of
           
             Job
             ,
             Stretch
             now
             out
             thine
             hand
             ,
             and
             touch
             his
             bones
             and
             his
             flesh
             ,
             to
             see
             if
             he
             will
             not
             blaspheme
             thee
             to
             thy
             face
             .
             Job
          
           2.5
           .
           But
           experience
           hath
           proved
           the
           Devill
           a
           lyer
           ,
           both
           in
           Job
           ,
           and
           other
           of
           
           Gods
           children
           .
           For
           (
           as
           we
           have
           formerly
           heard
           )
           affliction
           doth
           not
           onely
           exercise
           the
           graces
           of
           the
           spirit
           in
           their
           hearts
           ,
           but
           puts
           more
           life
           and
           vigor
           into
           them
           :
           as
           fire
           in
           an
           oven
           is
           the
           hotter
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           restrained
           ,
           and
           kept
           under
           .
           Therefore
           the
           Devill
           and
           his
           instruments
           ,
           vexing
           and
           troubling
           of
           Gods
           faithful
           servants
           ,
           thinking
           thereby
           to
           drive
           them
           out
           of
           their
           pious
           practice
           ,
           and
           to
           desist
           godly
           courses
           ,
           do
           mistake
           the
           marke
           they
           ayme
           at
           ,
           and
           misse
           of
           their
           mischievous
           purpose
           .
           It
           is
           not
           their
           subtilty
           or
           policie
           ;
           their
           rage
           or
           cruelty
           ,
           that
           can
           make
           the
           godly
           to
           shrink
           from
           their
           holy
           profession
           ,
           and
           grow
           weary
           of
           well-doing
           :
           nay
           rather
           it
           doth
           more
           and
           mere
           confirme
           
           them
           in
           their
           courses
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           lay
           faster
           hold
           of
           the
           truth
           ,
           even
           as
           a
           passenger
           ,
           the
           stronger
           the
           winde
           blows
           upon
           him
           ,
           the
           closer
           he
           sets
           his
           hat
           to
           his
           head
           ,
           the
           faster
           he
           tyeth
           or
           windeth
           his
           cloke
           about
           him
           ,
           lest
           through
           the
           rage
           and
           violence
           of
           the
           winde
           ,
           either
           of
           them
           be
           blown
           from
           him
           .
           So
           that
           a
           Christian
           is
           then
           a
           conqueror
           ,
           and
           gets
           the
           victory
           over
           affliction
           ,
           and
           persecutions
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           chearfull
           ,
           patient
           ,
           and
           constant
           in
           the
           bearing
           of
           them
           :
           which
           we
           shall
           hardly
           be
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           daily
           provide
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           look
           for
           them
           .
           But
           alas
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           trouble
           unto
           many
           to
           heare
           of
           troubles
           ,
           a
           punishment
           unto
           them
           ,
           to
           heare
           of
           affliction
           :
           but
           how
           are
           these
           like
           to
           speed
           when
           affliction
           
           cometh
           ?
           even
           as
           Amycle
           ,
           a
           Towne
           in
           Italy
           did
           ,
           the
           story
           is
           short
           ,
           and
           very
           fit
           for
           our
           purpose
           .
           News
           came
           once
           ,
           and
           again
           to
           this
           Towne
           ,
           of
           the
           enemies
           approaching
           towards
           them
           ,
           but
           whatsoever
           the
           report
           was
           ,
           the
           enemy
           did
           not
           as
           yet
           come
           ,
           whereupon
           they
           made
           a
           Decree
           amongst
           themselves
           ,
           that
           none
           should
           any
           more
           speak
           of
           the
           coming
           of
           the
           enemy
           against
           them
           .
           Not
           long
           after
           the
           enemy
           comes
           indeed
           ,
           besiegeth
           ,
           assaults
           ,
           and
           sacks
           the
           Town
           .
           Whereupon
           did
           arise
           this
           by-word
           ,
           or
           proverbiall
           Epitaph
           ,
           
             Amycle
             perished
             through
             silence
          
           .
           
           Oh
           be
           not
           therefore
           unwilling
           to
           heare
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           lest
           (
           through
           silence
           )
           they
           suddenly
           come
           upon
           you
           ,
           and
           vanquish
           you
           before
           ye
           be
           prepared
           for
           them
           .
        
         
         
           For
           affliction
           may
           not
           unaptly
           be
           likened
           unto
           the
           Basilisk
           ,
           of
           whom
           it
           is
           reported
           ,
           that
           if
           it
           sees
           a
           man
           before
           it
           be
           seene
           of
           him
           ,
           the
           man
           dyeth
           ;
           and
           so
           of
           the
           contrary
           .
           It
           is
           in
           some
           sort
           true
           of
           affliction
           ;
           if
           it
           seize
           upon
           us
           before
           we
           see
           it
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           danger
           of
           being
           wounded
           by
           it
           ,
           but
           if
           we
           look
           for
           it
           afore
           hand
           ,
           and
           arme
           our selves
           against
           it
           ,
           we
           shall
           more
           easily
           resist
           it
           ,
           and
           those
           afflictions
           which
           are
           hard
           unto
           some
           in
           suffering
           ,
           will
           prove
           easie
           unto
           us
           by
           fore-seeing
           them
           ,
           &
           preparing
           for
           them
           .
           Therfore
           in
           prosperity
           ,
           look
           for
           adversity
           .
           In
           health
           ,
           prepare
           for
           sicknesse
           .
           In
           times
           of
           plenty
           ,
           and
           fulnesse
           ,
           bethink
           your selves
           of
           a
           dearth
           and
           scarcity
           .
           In
           our
           best
           estate
           we
           should
           learne
           to
           
           put
           our selves
           in
           readinesse
           to
           suffer
           adversitie
           :
           when
           we
           are
           well
           and
           at
           ease
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           wise
           ,
           we
           would
           looke
           for
           worse
           times
           ,
           keeping
           such
           a
           watch
           ,
           that
           in
           plentie
           we
           may
           thinke
           of
           want
           ;
           and
           in
           prosperitie
           fore-see
           some
           miserie
           .
           We
           must
           not
           thinke
           alwayes
           to
           rest
           in
           our
           nest
           ,
           alwayes
           to
           enjoy
           outward
           comforts
           ,
           and
           know
           no
           crosse
           :
           but
           think
           sometimes
           to
           receive
           frowns
           ,
           and
           stripes
           as
           well
           as
           smiles
           ,
           and
           kisses
           from
           the
           Lord
           ;
           especially
           when
           our
           sinnes
           offer
           continuall
           occasions
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           exercise
           us
           with
           some
           punishments
           ,
           he
           having
           roddes
           enough
           in
           store
           to
           beate
           us
           for
           ,
           and
           from
           our
           sinnes
           .
           Therefore
           let
           us
           look
           daily
           to
           be
           assaulted
           ,
           daily
           to
           be
           humbled
           ,
           and
           cast
           downe
           ,
           
           that
           so
           we
           may
           be
           the
           better
           prepared
           ,
           and
           also
           the
           more
           willing
           to
           suffer
           affliction
           ,
           to
           partake
           of
           adversity
           ,
           thereby
           to
           glorifie
           God
           ,
           then
           to
           sleepe
           in
           a
           whole
           skinne
           ,
           to
           live
           in
           ease
           and
           prosperitie
           to
           our
           owne
           wo
           and
           shame
           .
           Force
           thy self
           daily
           to
           mind
           tryals
           ,
           and
           betake
           thy selfe
           to
           some
           serious
           thoughts
           of
           changes
           ,
           even
           when
           prosperitie
           and
           ease
           would
           most
           divorce
           thee
           from
           the
           remembrance
           thereof
           .
           If
           people
           would
           be
           thus
           wise
           ,
           they
           should
           quit
           themselves
           better
           then
           they
           do
           in
           time
           of
           affliction
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           many
           of
           Gods
           children
           do
           undergo
           their
           afflictions
           so
           chearfully
           above
           others
           .
           They
           can
           say
           (
           I
           thank
           God
           )
           it
           is
           no
           other
           then
           I
           have
           waited
           for
           .
           I
           have
           a
           long
           
           time
           looked
           for
           this
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           tryall
           .
           And
           thus
           they
           are
           able
           with
           more
           alacrity
           ,
           and
           chearfulnesse
           to
           beare
           their
           affliction
           .
           Whereas
           such
           ,
           as
           could
           not
           endure
           to
           heare
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           are
           even
           dismayed
           by
           them
           ,
           and
           at
           their
           wits
           end
           :
           oh
           what
           shall
           they
           do
           ?
           Whither
           shall
           they
           go
           ?
           they
           scarce
           know
           which
           way
           to
           winde
           themselves
           :
           or
           where
           to
           fetch
           a
           thought
           ,
           that
           may
           administer
           any
           sound
           comfort
           unto
           them
           .
           Therefore
           make
           account
           sooner
           or
           later
           ,
           to
           meet
           with
           the
           crosse
           ,
           if
           thou
           belongest
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           or
           makest
           account
           to
           come
           at
           heaven
           .
           We
           must
           not
           look
           to
           go
           to
           heaven
           (
           as
           the
           saying
           is
           )
           in
           a
           feather-bed
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           live
           in
           fulnesse
           ,
           ease
           ,
           pleasure
           ,
           and
           worldly
           delights
           here
           ,
           and
           
           then
           to
           heaven
           after
           .
           
             No
             ,
             no
             :
             thorow
             many
             afflictions
             we
             must
             enter
             into
             the
             kingdome
             of
             God
             ,
             Act.
          
           14.22
           .
           God
           will
           have
           all
           those
           that
           shall
           partake
           of
           joy
           ,
           and
           glory
           with
           him
           ;
           now
           and
           then
           here
           to
           partake
           of
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           reproach
           .
           God
           will
           have
           those
           that
           shall
           hereafter
           dwell
           in
           light
           ;
           now
           and
           then
           to
           know
           what
           it
           is
           to
           be
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           shadow
           of
           death
           .
           This
           is
           the
           way
           (
           as
           we
           have
           heard
           )
           wherein
           Christ
           went
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           godly
           have
           (
           hitherto
           )
           walked
           in
           the
           same
           path
           after
           him
           :
           then
           let
           not
           us
           thinke
           to
           make
           a
           shorter
           cut
           ,
           or
           to
           chalk
           out
           some
           easier
           ,
           or
           smoother
           way
           ,
           then
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           himself
           hath
           layed
           out
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           black
           ox
           hath
           not
           
           as
           yet
           trode
           upon
           thy
           foot
           ,
           if
           thou
           hast
           not
           as
           yet
           beene
           entred
           into
           the
           schoole
           of
           affliction
           ,
           make
           as
           full
           reckoning
           (
           if
           thou
           belongest
           to
           God
           )
           to
           have
           thy
           share
           ,
           and
           to
           beare
           thy
           part
           in
           some
           dolefull
           ditty
           ,
           or
           other
           ,
           ere
           thou
           dye
           ,
           as
           that
           thou
           now
           livest
           .
        
         
           
             
               Obje
               .
            
          
           But
           doth
           not
           Christ
           counsell
           us
           ,
           
             Not
             to
             care
             for
             the
             morrow
             ,
             Mat.
          
           6.34
           .
           The
           day
           hath
           enough
           with
           his
           own
           griefe
           .
           I
           had
           not
           need
           (
           therefore
           )
           to
           trouble
           my selfe
           with
           thoughts
           of
           troubles
           before
           they
           come
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           The
           meaning
           of
           our
           Saviour
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           is
           to
           take
           us
           off
           from
           anxiety
           ,
           and
           worldly
           distractions
           ,
           about
           outward
           necessaries
           ;
           he
           would
           not
           have
           us
           distrustfull
           ,
           or
           solicitous
           for
           the
           
           things
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           what
           we
           shall
           eate
           ,
           or
           what
           we
           shall
           drink
           ,
           or
           wherewith
           we
           shall
           be
           clothed
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           meere
           folly
           in
           us
           ,
           because
           with
           all
           our
           carking
           and
           caring
           we
           cannot
           better
           our
           condition
           :
           this
           (
           I
           say
           )
           was
           the
           scope
           of
           Christs
           words
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           beat
           us
           off
           from
           a
           provident
           and
           wise
           fore-casting
           of
           businesse
           ,
           or
           from
           fitting
           ,
           and
           preparing
           of
           our selves
           for
           afflictions
           ;
           against
           which
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           armed
           ,
           if
           we
           can
           weane
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           take
           off
           our
           affections
           from
           immoderate
           ,
           and
           inordinate
           loving
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           thereof
           .
           Whereupon
           saith
           Paul
           ,
           1.
           
           Corinth
           .
           7.32
           .
           
             I
             would
             have
             you
             without
             care
             ,
          
           .i.
           without
           setting
           your
           mindes
           and
           hearts
           upon
           the
           world
           ,
           
             for
             
             the
             fashion
             of
             this
             world
             goeth
             away
             ,
             vers
             .
          
           31.
           and
           our
           time
           here
           is
           but
           short
           ,
           this
           night
           may
           our
           souls
           be
           fetched
           away
           from
           us
           ;
           for
           which
           change
           of
           ours
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           tryals
           that
           in
           the
           meane
           time
           may
           befall
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           fitted
           and
           armed
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           prepare
           for
           them
           .
           If
           every
           morning
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           addresse
           thy selfe
           to
           meet
           with
           thy
           crosse
           ,
           and
           arme
           thy selfe
           against
           all
           assaults
           ,
           resolve
           ere
           it
           be
           night
           to
           meet
           with
           some
           trouble
           ,
           this
           (
           I
           dare
           boldly
           and
           confidently
           promise
           ,
           and
           assure
           thee
           )
           will
           be
           an
           excellent
           help
           ,
           yea
           singular
           means
           of
           carrying
           thee
           a
           great
           deale
           more
           chearfully
           thorow
           thy
           afflictions
           ,
           or
           else
           furnish
           thee
           with
           a
           great
           deale
           more
           strength
           and
           abilitie
           to
           beare
           ,
           and
           undergo
           
           them
           so
           long
           as
           it
           shall
           please
           God
           to
           lay
           them
           upon
           thee
           .
        
         
           But
           when
           I
           speake
           of
           preparing
           for
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           arming
           your selves
           against
           them
           ,
           I
           would
           have
           you
           know
           that
           there
           must
           be
           more
           then
           a
           bare
           minding
           of
           affliction
           ,
           or
           a
           resolution
           not
           to
           be
           dismayed
           or
           daunted
           with
           them
           ;
           the
           soul
           must
           lay
           in
           some
           spirituall
           provision
           ,
           we
           must
           treasure
           up
           faith
           and
           a
           good
           conscience
           .
           A
           stocke
           of
           true
           holinesse
           lying
           by
           us
           ,
           will
           alay
           the
           heat
           ,
           ease
           the
           smart
           ,
           and
           sweeten
           the
           bitternesse
           of
           any
           affliction
           that
           can
           befall
           us
           .
           It
           is
           from
           the
           want
           of
           this
           spirituall
           and
           heavenly
           provision
           ,
           that
           many
           carnall
           worldlings
           ,
           when
           any
           crosses
           or
           troubles
           befall
           them
           ,
           are
           struck
           to
           the
           very
           heart
           with
           fearfull
           amazements
           ,
           
           fears
           ,
           and
           terrors
           of
           minde
           and
           spirit
           ,
           yea
           with
           passionate
           distempers
           sometimes
           of
           rage
           and
           fury
           which
           puts
           them
           upon
           desperate
           resolutions
           .
           I
           may
           instance
           in
           Ahitophel
           ,
           a
           man
           of
           that
           brain
           and
           worldly
           wisedome
           ,
           that
           his
           counsell
           was
           esteemed
           as
           
             the
             oracle
             of
             God
          
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           16.23
           .
           This
           great
           statist
           ,
           finding
           himself
           to
           be
           over-topped
           by
           the
           counsell
           of
           Hushai
           ,
           and
           fearing
           that
           the
           rejecting
           of
           his
           counsell
           would
           be
           the
           obscuring
           of
           his
           glory
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             That
             he
             sadled
             his
             asse
             ,
             arose
             ,
             and
             went
             home
             ,
             and
             put
             his
             houshold
             in
             order
             ,
             and
             hanged
             himself
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           17.23
           .
           Would
           this
           man
           have
           laid
           a
           little
           disgrace
           so
           neere
           his
           heart
           ,
           if
           his
           heart
           had
           beene
           sound
           towards
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           his
           anointed
           ?
           
           Surely
           no.
           But
           being
           a
           traiterous
           time-server
           ,
           and
           going
           (
           as
           he
           conceived
           )
           with
           the
           strongest
           side
           ,
           making
           flesh
           his
           arme
           ,
           and
           his
           outward
           esteeme
           and
           glory
           his
           idoll
           ,
           he
           desperately
           plungeth
           himselfe
           into
           a
           sea
           of
           horror
           .
           Whereas
           holy
           Job
           ,
           having
           other
           manner
           of
           tryals
           ,
           severall
           tydings
           (
           one
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           another
           )
           of
           the
           losse
           of
           all
           his
           cattell
           ,
           substance
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           his
           children
           ;
           the
           least
           of
           which
           losses
           would
           have
           struck
           so
           cold
           to
           the
           heart
           of
           many
           a
           carnall
           worldling
           ,
           that
           it
           would
           have
           dyed
           within
           him
           like
           a
           stone
           ,
           as
           Nabals
           did
           .
           What
           was
           the
           cause
           that
           Jobs
           heart
           was
           not
           crusht
           into
           pieces
           under
           the
           wait
           of
           so
           many
           losses
           ,
           but
           that
           still
           he
           kept
           within
           compasse
           ,
           
           and
           blesseth
           God
           for
           all
           ?
           Would
           you
           know
           the
           true
           ground
           of
           his
           patience
           ,
           and
           holy
           fortitude
           ?
           Job
           was
           one
           that
           feared
           God
           ,
           one
           who
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           prosperitie
           ,
           and
           outward
           happinesse
           ,
           laid
           up
           store
           of
           spirituall
           riches
           ,
           and
           treasures
           .
           He
           had
           wisely
           layed
           in
           store
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           holinesse
           ,
           and
           uprightnesse
           ,
           upon
           which
           his
           soul
           did
           feed
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           his
           affliction
           :
           So
           as
           no
           afflictions
           which
           befell
           him
           could
           beat
           him
           from
           his
           hold
           ;
           he
           resolves
           to
           trust
           in
           God
           though
           he
           slay
           him
           ,
           Job
           13.15
           .
           The
           consciousnesse
           of
           his
           former
           gratious
           and
           righteous
           carriage
           towards
           great
           and
           small
           ,
           especially
           towards
           the
           oppressed
           ,
           the
           poore
           ,
           and
           fatherlesse
           ,
           did
           furnish
           him
           with
           strength
           to
           undergo
           the
           
           sorest
           of
           his
           sufferings
           .
           Oh
           be
           then
           taught
           by
           this
           holy
           example
           how
           to
           be
           fitted
           ,
           and
           prepared
           against
           afflictions
           .
           A
           godly
           life
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           faith
           ,
           and
           a
           good
           conscience
           ,
           will
           lay
           such
           a
           foundation
           for
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           that
           though
           never
           so
           many
           stormes
           do
           arise
           ,
           though
           the
           winde
           of
           affliction
           ,
           &
           waves
           of
           tentation
           do
           beat
           upon
           thee
           ,
           yet
           shalt
           thou
           stand
           as
           a
           tower
           impregnable
           ,
           no
           affliction
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           vanquish
           or
           overcome
           thee
           .
        
         
           It
           may
           be
           thy
           afflictions
           may
           rise
           like
           a
           spring
           of
           bitter
           waters
           ;
           yet
           the
           salt
           of
           a
           good
           conscience
           wil
           sweeten
           these
           waters
           ,
           and
           heal
           them
           .
           It
           may
           be
           afflictions
           like
           to
           over-flowing
           Jordan
           ,
           are
           come
           over
           thee
           ,
           so
           as
           thou
           cryest
           with
           
             David
             ,
             I
             am
             come
             
             into
             deepe
             waters
             ,
             and
             the
             streames
             runne
             over
             me
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           69.2
           .
           yet
           a
           good
           conscience
           like
           to
           Elias
           his
           mantle
           ,
           will
           cut
           and
           divide
           this
           Jordan
           ,
           so
           as
           thou
           shalt
           be
           able
           to
           passe
           over
           it
           .
           For
           this
           promise
           hath
           the
           Lord
           made
           to
           every
           one
           that
           is
           godly
           ,
           
             Surely
             in
             the
             flood
             of
             great
             waters
             they
             shall
             not
             come
             neere
             him
             .
          
           Psal
           .
           32.6
           .
           That
           Panoplie
           ,
           and
           whole
           armour
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           us
           to
           be
           furnished
           withall
           ,
           that
           so
           
             we
             may
             resist
             in
             the
             evil
             day
             ,
             Ephes
             .
          
           6.
           that
           is
           to
           say
           ,
           
             A
             girdle
             of
             vertue
             ,
             shooes
             of
             preparation
             ,
             the
             breast-plate
             of
             righteousnesse
             ,
             the
             shield
             of
             faith
             ,
             an
             helmet
             of
             salvation
             ,
             and
             the
             sword
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
          
           are
           all
           where
           a
           good
           conscience
           is
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           armour
           of
           righteousnesse
           on
           the
           right
           hand
           ,
           
           and
           on
           the
           left
           .
           Righteousnesse
           will
           keep
           thee
           from
           being
           shaken
           with
           afflictions
           ;
           though
           the
           earrh
           be
           moved
           ,
           and
           the
           foundations
           thereof
           totter
           ,
           though
           all
           things
           are
           in
           combustion
           about
           thine
           eares
           ,
           yet
           
             if
             iniquitie
             be
             put
             farre
             away
             ,
             and
             no
             wickednesse
             dwell
             in
             thy
             Tabernacle
             ,
             then
             truly
             shalt
             thou
             lift
             up
             thy
             face
             without
             spot
             ,
             and
             shalt
             be
             stable
             ,
             and
             shalt
             not
             feare
             ,
             Job
          
           11.14
           ,
           15.
           
           For
           
             though
             a
             just
             man
             falleth
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           into
           trouble
           ,
           and
           affliction
           )
           
             seven
             times
             ,
             yet
             he
             riseth
             again
             .
             Pro.
          
           24.16
           .
           
             For
             the
             Lord
             putteth
             under
             his
             hand
             ,
          
           Psal
           .
           37.24
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             3
          
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           thus
           ,
           let
           us
           be
           the
           more
           exercised
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           will
           teach
           us
           ,
           how
           to
           beare
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           minister
           comfort
           unto
           us
           ,
           even
           in
           the
           heat
           
           and
           extremity
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           Whiles
           means
           and
           liberty
           is
           afforded
           ,
           be
           wise
           now
           to
           store
           thy self
           with
           heavenly
           provision
           (
           that
           is
           to
           say
           )
           comfort
           out
           of
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           to
           cheare
           up
           thy
           soul
           ,
           and
           refresh
           thy
           drooping
           spirits
           in
           the
           day
           of
           affliction
           .
           
             If
             thy
             law
             had
             not
             beene
             my
             delight
             ,
             I
             should
             now
             have
             perished
             in
             mine
             affliction
             ,
          
           saies
           
             David
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           119.92
           .
           My
           affliction
           would
           have
           destroyed
           me
           ,
           and
           made
           me
           perish
           from
           the
           right
           way
           ,
           if
           it
           had
           not
           beene
           lenified
           ,
           and
           sanctified
           by
           thy
           Word
           .
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           teacheth
           us
           in
           all
           times
           of
           tryall
           to
           rest
           upon
           the
           Lord
           :
           assuring
           us
           that
           there
           is
           hope
           in
           Israel
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           balme
           in
           Gilead
           ,
           to
           asswage
           all
           griefs
           ,
           to
           cure
           all
           sores
           .
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           teacheth
           
           us
           how
           to
           construe
           God
           aright
           in
           all
           his
           dealings
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           wait
           for
           promised
           salvation
           ,
           which
           in
           due
           time
           shall
           come
           ,
           when
           it
           shall
           be
           most
           for
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           and
           best
           for
           us
           .
           How
           easily
           would
           afflictions
           batter
           down
           our
           confidence
           ,
           and
           over-turn
           our
           faith
           ,
           if
           it
           were
           not
           continually
           supported
           ,
           and
           strengthned
           by
           the
           Word
           ?
           Satan
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           buzze
           into
           our
           eares
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           wrath
           afflicteth
           us
           ,
           that
           those
           are
           most
           beloved
           ,
           which
           are
           least
           afflicted
           :
           but
           the
           sheep
           of
           Christ
           will
           not
           know
           ,
           nor
           follow
           the
           voice
           of
           a
           stranger
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           they
           will
           not
           subscribe
           ,
           nor
           yeeld
           to
           any
           temptation
           which
           tendeth
           to
           the
           withdrawing
           of
           their
           hearts
           ,
           and
           hopes
           from
           God
           ,
           but
           set
           their
           seal
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           
           and
           so
           through
           comfort
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           rest
           in
           hope
           .
           For
           the
           more
           plenteously
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           love
           and
           evidence
           thereof
           ,
           doth
           dwell
           in
           any
           man
           ,
           and
           enable
           him
           to
           prove
           all
           things
           ,
           the
           more
           stedfastly
           will
           he
           hold
           that
           which
           is
           good
           ,
           and
           stand
           immoveable
           in
           the
           mids
           of
           all
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           temptations
           that
           shall
           assault
           him
           .
           Though
           thy
           bones
           should
           be
           vexed
           ,
           and
           dryed
           like
           a
           pot-sheard
           ,
           and
           turned
           into
           the
           drought
           of
           Summer
           ;
           though
           thou
           wert
           powred
           out
           like
           water
           ,
           all
           thy
           bones
           out
           of
           joynt
           ,
           and
           thy
           heart
           melted
           like
           wax
           in
           the
           middest
           of
           thy
           bowels
           ;
           though
           Gods
           arrows
           should
           stick
           fast
           in
           thee
           ,
           and
           his
           hand
           presse
           thee
           sore
           ;
           though
           there
           should
           be
           no
           soundnesse
           in
           
           thy
           flesh
           ,
           nothing
           but
           stinch
           and
           corruption
           ;
           yea
           though
           innumerable
           evils
           should
           compasse
           thee
           about
           ,
           and
           thou
           not
           able
           to
           look
           up
           ;
           though
           fearfulnesse
           &
           trembling
           should
           come
           upon
           thee
           ,
           and
           horror
           be
           ready
           to
           over-whelme
           thee
           ,
           yet
           if
           thou
           wilt
           have
           recourse
           unto
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           beleeve
           what
           is
           there
           promised
           ,
           thou
           mayest
           
             with
             joy
             draw
             waters
          
           (
           to
           refresh
           thy
           soul
           )
           
             out
             of
             the
             wells
             of
             salvation
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           12.3
           .
           If
           thou
           desirest
           sound
           and
           solid
           comfort
           ,
           such
           as
           will
           give
           true
           content
           to
           thy
           soul
           ,
           thou
           must
           pick
           it
           out
           of
           the
           Scripture
           :
           
             Thou
             shalt
             never
             be
             truly
             satisfied
             ,
             unlesse
             it
             be
             with
             the
             breasts
             of
             her
             consolation
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           66.11
           .
           Thou
           must
           suck
           sweetnesse
           out
           of
           the
           Word
           to
           uphold
           
           thee
           ,
           
             It
             is
             my
             comfort
             in
             my
             trouble
          
           (
           saies
           David
           )
           
             for
             thy
             promise
             hath
             quickned
             mee
             ,
             Psalme
          
           119.50
           .
           When
           affliction
           commeth
           ,
           whether
           wilt
           thou
           run
           for
           comfort
           ?
           to
           thy
           honors
           ,
           thy
           revenews
           ,
           thy
           possessions
           ?
           thy
           friends
           ?
           I
           may
           say
           of
           them
           ,
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           as
           Job
           speaks
           to
           his
           friends
           ,
           
             Miserable
             comforters
             are
             ye
             all
             ,
             Job
          
           16.2
           .
           Thou
           maiest
           as
           well
           fetch
           water
           out
           of
           thy
           brick-walls
           ,
           as
           draw
           sound
           comfort
           from
           those
           outward
           things
           ,
           which
           are
           worse
           then
           vanitie
           ,
           for
           
             they
             are
             vexation
             of
             spirit
             .
             Eccl.
          
           1.14
           .
           These
           outward
           things
           can
           afford
           thee
           no
           comfort
           ,
           for
           
             they
             are
             nothing
             .
             Prov.
          
           23.5
           .
           He
           is
           a
           very
           simple
           and
           silly
           Arithmetician
           ,
           who
           knows
           not
           that
           of
           nothing
           comes
           nothing
           .
           
           If
           thou
           placest
           thy
           comfort
           ,
           or
           puttest
           thy
           confidence
           in
           the
           best
           of
           earthly
           things
           ,
           thou
           buildest
           upon
           the
           sands
           ,
           every
           little
           blast
           ,
           and
           tempest
           will
           overthrow
           thy
           building
           .
           The
           ground
           of
           all
           our
           comfort
           ,
           the
           onely
           anchor
           to
           stay
           our
           souls
           in
           any
           spirituall
           tempest
           ,
           the
           only
           staffe
           we
           have
           to
           rest
           upon
           in
           the
           time
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           are
           those
           sweet
           and
           precious
           promises
           made
           known
           unto
           us
           in
           the
           word
           .
        
         
           What
           ever
           other
           carnall
           comforts
           men
           may
           for
           a
           while
           rejoyce
           in
           ,
           they
           will
           prove
           but
           a
           flame
           of
           stubble
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           blaze
           of
           thorns
           ,
           which
           can
           yeeld
           no
           solid
           ,
           or
           abiding
           light
           unto
           the
           soul
           .
           A
           man
           may
           as
           soon
           drink
           up
           the
           water
           of
           the
           sea
           with
           spunges
           ,
           or
           remove
           mountaines
           with
           one
           
           of
           his
           fingers
           ,
           as
           be
           able
           (
           by
           vain
           sports
           ,
           youthfull
           recreations
           and
           pastimes
           ,
           songs
           and
           musick
           ,
           though
           hee
           adde
           to
           these
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           his
           honors
           ,
           greatnesse
           ,
           and
           riches
           )
           to
           alay
           those
           sorrows
           and
           paines
           ,
           which
           sinne
           and
           affliction
           may
           bring
           upon
           him
           ,
           All
           these
           vanities
           will
           but
           respite
           them
           for
           a
           little
           time
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           return
           the
           fiercer
           .
           I
           say
           it
           again
           ,
           solid
           and
           lasting
           comfort
           must
           be
           fetcht
           out
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           or
           no
           where
           ,
           if
           thou
           expect
           comfort
           from
           other
           things
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           be
           deceived
           .
           Every
           toy
           and
           trifle
           ,
           a
           bable
           ,
           a
           thing
           of
           nothing
           ,
           will
           cut
           the
           throat
           of
           thy
           comfort
           ,
           if
           thou
           joyest
           especially
           in
           earthly
           things
           .
           Haman
           was
           second
           to
           a
           mighty
           Monarch
           ,
           and
           wanted
           nothing
           that
           the
           
           world
           might
           afford
           a
           subject
           .
           In
           the
           5.
           of
           Ester
           ,
           at
           the
           11.
           you
           may
           read
           how
           he
           
             boasted
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             riches
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             things
             wherein
             the
             King
             had
             promoted
             him
             ,
             and
             how
             he
             had
             set
             him
             above
             the
             Princes
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           One
           would
           think
           that
           this
           mans
           condition
           was
           farre
           enough
           from
           vexation
           ,
           or
           discontent
           .
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           the
           want
           of
           a
           cap
           ,
           and
           a
           knee
           from
           poore
           Mordecai
           sitting
           at
           the
           Kings
           gate
           ,
           did
           so
           perplexe
           and
           vexe
           this
           proud
           Courtier
           ,
           that
           all
           hee
           had
           could
           avail
           him
           nothing
           ,
           as
           he
           professed
           ,
           vers
           .
           13.
           
           Ahab
           (
           you
           know
           )
           was
           King
           of
           Israel
           ,
           and
           therefore
           had
           the
           world
           at
           will
           ,
           yet
           the
           want
           of
           a
           little
           vineyard
           of
           Naboths
           ,
           which
           lay
           full
           in
           Ahabs
           eye
           ,
           because
           Naboth
           would
           neither
           sell
           it
           unto
           him
           ,
           nor
           
           yet
           exchange
           with
           him
           for
           a
           better
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           1.
           
           Kings
           21.4
           .
           
             That
             Ahab
             came
             into
             his
             house
             heavie
             ,
             and
             in
             displeasure
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             word
             which
             Naboth
             had
             spoken
             unto
             him
             ;
             he
             throwes
             himself
             down
             upon
             his
             bed
             ,
             turned
             his
             face
             ,
             and
             would
             eat
             no
             bread
             .
          
           Surely
           a
           poore
           triall
           for
           a
           rich
           man
           ,
           for
           a
           King
           to
           bee
           so
           much
           troubled
           about
           .
           Yet
           so
           it
           is
           ,
           and
           shall
           be
           ,
           with
           all
           those
           that
           set
           more
           by
           their
           outward
           glory
           ,
           their
           gardens
           ,
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           then
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           God.
           If
           they
           set
           their
           hearts
           upon
           these
           outward
           things
           ,
           as
           they
           fail
           ,
           (
           as
           fail
           they
           will
           ,
           being
           subject
           unto
           corruption
           )
           so
           their
           heart
           fails
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           all
           a
           mort
           :
           halfe
           dead
           for
           want
           of
           comfort
           .
        
         
         
           Whereas
           that
           soul
           that
           can
           truely
           say
           ,
           as
           did
           Jeremiah
           ,
           Chap.
           15.
           vers
           .
           15.
           
           
             Thy
             word
             was
             unto
             mee
             the
             joy
             and
             rejoycing
             of
             mine
             heart
             .
          
           Whatsoever
           affliction
           can
           befall
           him
           ,
           he
           shall
           be
           sure
           to
           have
           comfort
           by
           him
           ,
           yea
           within
           him
           .
           Delight
           thy selfe
           therefore
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           God.
           Now
           barrell
           up
           ,
           whiles
           these
           cunduits
           of
           comforts
           be
           full
           ,
           and
           the
           pipes
           do
           runne
           .
        
         
           Learn
           Wisedome
           of
           the
           men
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           take
           that
           oportunity
           which
           the
           Lord
           doth
           now
           afford
           thee
           .
           Make
           hay
           whiles
           the
           Sunne
           shines
           .
           The
           seasons
           (
           you
           know
           are
           not
           alwayes
           faire
           .
           After
           a
           long
           calme
           ,
           oft
           times
           there
           follows
           blustring
           stormes
           .
           As
           goodly
           gleams
           (
           as
           these
           of
           ours
           )
           are
           now
           
           clouded
           in
           other
           places
           .
           And
           little
           do
           wee
           know
           how
           soon
           
             the
             Sunne
             may
             goe
             down
             over
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             when
             night
             shall
             bee
             unto
             us
             for
             a
             vision
             ,
             and
             darknesse
             for
             a
             divination
             ,
             Mic.
          
           3.6
           .
           When
           Agabus
           had
           signified
           by
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           there
           should
           bee
           a
           great
           famine
           throughout
           the
           world
           ,
           
             Then
             the
             Disciples
             purposed
             to
             send
             succour
             unto
             the
             brethren
             which
             dwelt
             in
             Judea
             ,
             which
             thing
             they
             also
             did
             ,
             Acts.
          
           11.29
           ,
           30.
           
           Wee
           now
           (
           blessed
           be
           the
           name
           of
           our
           good
           and
           bountifull
           God
           )
           live
           in
           plenty
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           so
           as
           wee
           may
           speak
           of
           the
           food
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           as
           Moses
           doth
           of
           bodily
           ,
           Lev.
           26.5
           .
           
             Our
             threshing
             reacheth
             unto
             the
             vintage
             ,
             and
             the
             vintage
             unto
             the
             sowing
             time
             ,
             and
             wee
             eat
             our
             bread
             in
             plenteousnesse
             .
          
           But
           little
           do
           
           wee
           know
           ,
           how
           soon
           the
           Lord
           may
           send
           a
           famine
           of
           the
           word
           ,
           as
           hee
           threatned
           
             Israel
             :
             Amos
          
           8.11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             When
             wee
             shall
             wander
             from
             Sea
             to
             Sea
             ,
             from
             North
             ,
             to
             East
             ,
             too
             and
             fro
             ,
             to
             seek
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             shall
             not
             find
             it
             .
          
           Churches
           and
           people
           of
           other
           nations
           ,
           who
           (
           not
           many
           yeares
           sithence
           )
           had
           as
           little
           cause
           of
           fear
           ,
           and
           dread
           as
           wee
           ,
           do
           now
           feel
           the
           smart
           of
           this
           famine
           .
           The
           Tabernacle
           of
           David
           is
           fallen
           amongst
           them
           .
           Idolatry
           and
           superstition
           is
           in
           the
           place
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           And
           why
           may
           not
           wee
           fear
           the
           like
           judgement
           ?
           especially
           seeing
           the
           Gospel
           is
           so
           much
           contemned
           of
           many
           amongst
           us
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             4
          
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           doth
           the
           Lord
           thus
           afflict
           his
           dear
           children
           ?
           
           be
           wee
           then
           admonished
           to
           break
           off
           our
           sinnes
           by
           repentance
           :
           that
           so
           the
           Lord
           may
           either
           divert
           his
           judgements
           ,
           or
           else
           aswage
           ,
           and
           alay
           the
           heat
           of
           them
           .
           For
           if
           wee
           will
           sinne
           ,
           God
           will
           punish
           .
           Sin
           is
           that
           seed
           ,
           which
           being
           sown
           ,
           grows
           up
           unto
           a
           harvest
           of
           punishment
           .
           
             Hee
             that
             soweth
             iniquitie
             ,
             shall
             reap
             affliction
             .
             Prov.
          
           22.8
           .
        
         
           Trouble
           waits
           upon
           sinne
           ;
           
             for
             affliction
             followeth
             sinners
             .
             Prov.
          
           13.21
           .
           Yea
           ,
           it
           so
           follows
           them
           ,
           as
           it
           will
           be
           sure
           to
           catch
           hold
           of
           them
           .
           
             All
             these
             curses
             shall
             come
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             shall
             pursue
             thee
             ,
             and
             overtake
             thee
             ,
             till
             thou
             be
             destroyed
             ,
             because
             thou
             obeyedst
             not
             the
             voice
             of
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God.
             Deut.
          
           28.45
           ..
           Is
           there
           any
           thing
           under
           the
           Sunne
           that
           is
           able
           to
           make
           a
           separation
           
           between
           sinne
           and
           punishment
           ?
           If
           the
           one
           be
           welcomed
           and
           entertained
           ,
           the
           other
           will
           not
           be
           shut
           out
           .
        
         
           Paradice
           could
           not
           shelter
           nor
           priviledge
           our
           first
           parents
           from
           punishment
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           once
           sinned
           .
           How
           then
           shall
           those
           be
           able
           to
           escape
           the
           wrath
           and
           vengeance
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           make
           it
           their
           pastime
           to
           do
           evill
           ,
           into
           whose
           hearts
           and
           affections
           wickednesse
           hath
           warped
           and
           woven
           it selfe
           ?
           these
           must
           (
           if
           speedily
           they
           repent
           not
           )
           look
           to
           have
           the
           judgements
           of
           God
           to
           light
           upon
           them
           .
           For
           what
           saies
           
             Job
             ,
             Is
             not
             destruction
             to
             the
             wicked
             and
             strange
             punishment
             to
             the
             workers
             of
             iniquitie
             ?
             Iob
          
           31.3
           .
           Notorious
           offenders
           have
           (
           oft
           times
           )
           notable
           judgements
           .
           
           Wicked
           ones
           may
           revell
           and
           be
           joviall
           ,
           and
           go
           on
           in
           their
           own
           wayes
           ,
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           but
           which
           of
           them
           can
           say
           ,
           I
           will
           continue
           my
           game
           ,
           my
           sport
           ,
           my
           lusts
           unto
           the
           end
           ,
           without
           feare
           or
           danger
           ?
           little
           do
           they
           know
           how
           neer
           at
           hand
           some
           judgement
           or
           other
           is
           to
           arrest
           them
           (
           as
           it
           did
           Balshazzar
           )
           to
           interrupt
           and
           turn
           their
           jollitie
           into
           woe
           and
           miserie
           .
           Shut
           sinne
           out
           of
           dores
           ,
           if
           thou
           wouldst
           have
           that
           punishment
           either
           sanctified
           ,
           or
           taken
           away
           ,
           which
           doth
           now
           lie
           upon
           thee
           .
        
         
           To
           complain
           of
           troubles
           ,
           or
           to
           seek
           to
           be
           eased
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           mourn
           and
           be
           sorry
           for
           those
           sinns
           which
           have
           procured
           them
           ,
           is
           folly
           ,
           and
           madnesse
           .
           Do
           not
           our
           
           children
           when
           wee
           are
           correcting
           them
           ,
           confesse
           their
           faults
           ,
           and
           promise
           to
           do
           no
           more
           so
           ?
           by
           these
           words
           hoping
           to
           have
           their
           correction
           lessened
           ,
           and
           ended
           :
           Wee
           shall
           shew
           our selves
           to
           have
           lesse
           understanding
           ,
           and
           wisedome
           then
           young
           children
           ,
           if
           wee
           take
           not
           the
           same
           course
           ,
           when
           the
           rod
           of
           God
           is
           laid
           upon
           us
           :
           Repentance
           will
           make
           us
           gainers
           by
           our
           afflictions
           .
           What
           wise
           man
           will
           not
           be
           willing
           to
           take
           that
           course
           (
           albeit
           painfull
           )
           which
           may
           be
           beneficiall
           and
           profitable
           unto
           him
           ?
           Repentance
           so
           sanctifies
           our
           affliction
           ,
           or
           removes
           it
           ,
           that
           a
           blessing
           comes
           with
           it
           ,
           or
           follows
           in
           the
           room
           of
           it
           .
           If
           when
           our
           heavenly
           father
           correcteth
           us
           ,
           wee
           doe
           unfainedly
           promise
           and
           purpose
           
           to
           cast
           away
           our
           sinnes
           from
           us
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           speedily
           ,
           either
           lay
           aside
           his
           rod
           ,
           or
           else
           bestow
           upon
           us
           some
           blessing
           ,
           which
           shall
           make
           it
           evident
           that
           hee
           is
           pleased
           with
           our
           humiliation
           ,
           and
           will
           love
           us
           the
           better
           after
           it
           .
           So
           well
           is
           the
           Lord
           pleased
           to
           see
           his
           children
           stoop
           under
           his
           hand
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           so
           much
           the
           more
           gratious
           ,
           and
           mercifull
           unto
           them
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           the
           more
           he
           hath
           afflicted
           them
           ,
           so
           as
           they
           shall
           see
           the
           curse
           turned
           into
           a
           blessing
           unto
           them
           .
           Repent
           thee
           of
           thy
           transgressions
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           will
           repent
           him
           of
           his
           corrections
           .
           For
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           promiseth
           unto
           a
           Kingdom
           or
           Nation
           ,
           Iere.
           18.8
           .
           shall
           also
           be
           made
           good
           unto
           every
           person
           ,
           
             If
             wee
             will
             
             turn
             from
             our
             wickednesse
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             repent
             of
             the
             judgement
             ,
             which
             hee
             thought
             to
             bring
             upon
             us
             :
             I
             will
             cast
             them
             into
             great
             affliction
             ,
             except
             they
             repent
             them
             of
             their
             works
             ,
             Revel
             .
          
           2.22
           .
        
         
           As
           our
           impenitencie
           hastens
           judgements
           threatned
           ,
           and
           continues
           them
           being
           inflicted
           ;
           so
           our
           repentance
           diverts
           them
           being
           threatned
           ,
           and
           removes
           them
           being
           inflicted
           .
           The
           Ninivites
           repentance
           wrought
           repentance
           in
           God.
           
             God
             saw
             their
             works
             ,
             that
             they
             turned
             from
             their
             evill
             wayes
             ,
             and
             God
             repented
             of
             the
             evill
             that
             he
             said
             he
             would
             do
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             he
             did
             it
             not
             .
             Ion.
          
           3.10
           .
           Thus
           by
           their
           repentance
           ,
           the
           sentence
           pronounced
           was
           reversed
           .
           Is
           not
           this
           a
           strange
           thing
           ,
           that
           the
           repentance
           of
           condemned
           
           malefactors
           should
           repeal
           the
           Judges
           sentences
           .
           It
           were
           strange
           to
           see
           this
           in
           the
           Courts
           of
           men
           ,
           but
           with
           God
           it
           is
           not
           so
           strange
           as
           true
           :
           our
           repentance
           not
           only
           frustrates
           Gods
           condemning
           sentence
           ,
           but
           turns
           it
           into
           an
           acquitting
           sentence
           ;
           it
           turns
           away
           the
           evill
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           I
           said
           even
           now
           )
           brings
           good
           in
           the
           stead
           of
           it
           .
           Davids
           murtherous
           and
           adulterous
           marriage
           with
           Bathsheba
           ,
           brought
           many
           direfull
           curses
           ,
           but
           yet
           unfained
           repentance
           turned
           all
           those
           curses
           into
           blessings
           unto
           them
           ,
           and
           us
           ;
           for
           of
           this
           marriage
           came
           Christ
           the
           worlds
           Saviour
           .
           Therefore
           (
           as
           Daniel
           said
           unto
           the
           King.
           Dan.
           4.24
           .
           )
           
             Let
             my
             counsell
             be
             acceptable
             unto
             thee
             ,
             and
             break
             off
             thy
             sinnes
             by
             righteousnesse
             ,
             for
             
             man
             suffereth
             for
             his
             sin
             ,
             Lam.
          
           3.39
           .
           If
           wee
           will
           forsake
           Gods
           law
           ,
           and
           not
           walke
           in
           his
           judgements
           ,
           if
           wee
           break
           his
           statutes
           ,
           and
           keep
           not
           his
           commandements
           ,
           
             then
             will
             the
             Lord
             visit
             our
             transgressions
             with
             a
             rod
             ,
             and
             our
             iniquitie
             with
             strokes
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           89.31
           ,
           32.
           
           The
           more
           libertie
           that
           any
           of
           Gods
           children
           shall
           take
           to
           sinne
           ,
           the
           more
           liable
           are
           they
           to
           punishment
           .
           The
           more
           care
           the
           Lord
           takes
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           more
           love
           he
           beares
           unto
           them
           ,
           the
           readier
           will
           he
           be
           to
           chastise
           them
           offending
           .
           Is
           not
           the
           whole
           history
           of
           the
           Jewes
           ,
           (
           a
           people
           once
           as
           dear
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           ever
           any
           were
           ,
           even
           as
           the
           
             signet
             on
             his
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             apple
             of
             his
             eye
             ,
             Zach.
          
           2.8
           .
           )
           a
           pattern
           and
           example
           of
           an
           ungratious
           
           child
           continually
           exercised
           under
           the
           rod
           of
           his
           loving
           father
           ,
           evermore
           labouring
           (
           as
           he
           trespassed
           ,
           so
           )
           to
           correct
           him
           for
           his
           sinne
           ?
           The
           Scripture
           doth
           plentifully
           tell
           us
           ,
           how
           the
           Lord
           nurtured
           his
           people
           with
           severe
           discipline
           ,
           sending
           them
           one
           judgement
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           another
           ,
           and
           all
           by
           reason
           of
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           Iere.
           30.15
           .
           
             Why
             criest
             thou
             for
             thine
             affliction
             ?
             because
             thy
             sinnes
             were
             increased
             ,
             I
             have
             done
             these
             things
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           Thus
           visiting
           even
           the
           best
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           with
           the
           rods
           of
           men
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           scourging
           their
           transgressions
           with
           whips
           of
           scorpions
           ;
           which
           hath
           made
           them
           roar
           through
           anguish
           ,
           and
           to
           cry
           night
           and
           day
           ,
           through
           extremity
           of
           gtiefe
           .
           For
           if
           a
           man
           
           will
           sinne
           ,
           God
           will
           ,
           yea
           ,
           must
           punish
           ,
           unlesse
           hee
           should
           let
           us
           perish
           ,
           for
           
             hee
             that
             spareth
             the
             rod
             hateth
             his
             sonne
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             loveth
             him
             ,
             chasteneth
             him
             betimes
             ,
             Prov.
          
           13.24
           .
           Bee
           not
           therefore
           ventrous
           in
           sinning
           ,
           
             Though
             Israel
             transgresse
             ,
             yet
             let
             not
             Judah
             sinne
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           4.15
           .
           The
           Lord
           hateth
           sinne
           ,
           wheresoever
           hee
           sees
           it
           ,
           and
           will
           sooner
           punish
           it
           in
           his
           deare
           children
           ,
           then
           in
           the
           wicked
           ,
           although
           hee
           will
           not
           do
           it
           with
           that
           rigor
           ,
           wrath
           ,
           and
           severitie
           ,
           wherewith
           hee
           plagues
           the
           wicked
           .
           They
           are
           the
           people
           ,
           by
           whom
           his
           name
           is
           called
           upon
           ,
           of
           his
           houshold
           ,
           his
           servants
           ,
           friends
           ,
           sonnes
           ,
           yea
           ,
           his
           beloved
           spouse
           :
           and
           therefore
           do
           not
           only
           shame
           themselves
           by
           sinning
           ,
           but
           highly
           
           dishonour
           God
           ,
           their
           Lord
           ,
           their
           father
           .
           The
           lewd
           prankes
           ,
           which
           rogues
           commit
           in
           streets
           ,
           or
           vagrant
           persons
           by
           high-way
           sides
           ,
           do
           not
           redound
           to
           the
           reproach
           of
           the
           housholder
           :
           but
           if
           any
           of
           his
           family
           ,
           especially
           son
           ,
           or
           daughter
           ,
           do
           grow
           outragious
           ,
           hee
           thinkes
           his
           credit
           is
           neerly
           touched
           and
           it
           is
           a
           matter
           which
           much
           concerns
           him
           to
           look
           unto
           .
           Even
           so
           the
           prophane
           and
           licentious
           lives
           of
           open
           and
           notorious
           sinners
           do
           not
           so
           much
           dishonor
           God
           ,
           therefore
           many
           times
           he
           lets
           them
           have
           their
           swinge
           ,
           and
           take
           their
           course
           :
           but
           if
           such
           as
           make
           profession
           of
           piety
           and
           truth
           ,
           will
           be
           bold
           with
           sinne
           whereby
           the
           mouthes
           of
           the
           wicked
           are
           opened
           ,
           and
           the
           name
           of
           God
           blasphemed
           ,
           
           the
           Lord
           (
           if
           he
           love
           such
           ,
           and
           purpose
           to
           save
           them
           )
           will
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           go
           unpunished
           .
           For
           as
           the
           Lord
           is
           zealous
           of
           maintaining
           his
           own
           glory
           ,
           and
           will
           have
           it
           known
           to
           men
           and
           Angels
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           no
           patron
           of
           sinne
           ,
           or
           sinners
           :
           but
           will
           punish
           the
           wicked
           ,
           sinning
           ,
           be
           they
           never
           so
           great
           :
           neither
           will
           he
           give
           alowance
           unto
           iniquitie
           in
           the
           godly
           ,
           be
           they
           never
           so
           good
           :
           so
           also
           is
           he
           tender
           of
           the
           good
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           therefore
           must
           not
           suffer
           them
           to
           go
           on
           in
           sinne
           ,
           which
           they
           would
           do
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           nor
           restrain
           them
           ;
           being
           so
           ready
           to
           cast
           themselves
           into
           perils
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           but
           a
           while
           exempted
           from
           affliction
           .
           Therefore
           let
           none
           of
           Gods
           children
           say
           ,
           I
           am
           safe
           ,
           and
           farre
           
           enough
           from
           correction
           ,
           because
           sure
           of
           salvation
           .
           If
           thou
           beest
           bold
           with
           sinne
           ,
           thou
           maiest
           fall
           into
           sore
           affliction
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           though
           thou
           beest
           in
           a
           state
           of
           happinesse
           for
           the
           life
           to
           come
           .
           As
           appeareth
           by
           old
           Eli
           ,
           whose
           sonnes
           wickednesse
           (
           which
           hee
           connived
           at
           when
           as
           he
           should
           have
           sharply
           punished
           it
           )
           was
           in
           the
           eye
           and
           mouth
           of
           all
           Israel
           ;
           so
           that
           Gods
           glory
           should
           have
           been
           much
           wronged
           ,
           and
           his
           name
           as
           much
           blasphemed
           ,
           as
           his
           offerings
           were
           abhorred
           :
           if
           they
           had
           escaped
           unpunished
           .
           No
           doubt
           ,
           but
           Eli
           repented
           him
           of
           his
           sinne
           ,
           but
           this
           might
           not
           quit
           him
           from
           temporall
           judgement
           .
           The
           chastisements
           of
           the
           Almightie
           are
           (
           many
           times
           )
           deadly
           ,
           though
           the
           sinne
           be
           remitted
           ,
           
           by
           which
           the
           Lord
           was
           provoked
           ;
           God
           had
           said
           ,
           that
           
             the
             wickednesse
             of
             Elies
             house
             should
             not
             be
             purged
             with
             sacrifice
             for
             ever
             .
          
           1.
           
           Sam.
           3.14
           .
           Repentance
           doth
           not
           alwayes
           free
           us
           from
           outward
           afflictions
           .
           Freedom
           from
           damnation
           doth
           not
           free
           a
           man
           from
           affliction
           .
           What
           punishment
           unlesse
           it
           bee
           eternall
           torments
           in
           hell
           fire
           ,
           can
           any
           of
           Gods
           children
           think
           to
           escape
           ,
           unlesse
           he
           will
           forbeare
           such
           sinnes
           ,
           as
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           to
           wrath
           against
           him
           ?
           David
           was
           as
           far
           from
           damnation
           (
           if
           wee
           consider
           Gods
           purpose
           and
           decree
           )
           as
           the
           devill
           is
           from
           salvation
           ,
           yet
           you
           have
           heard
           how
           his
           afflictions
           made
           him
           roare
           and
           roare
           againe
           .
        
         
           
             
               Obje
               .
            
          
           If
           it
           be
           thus
           ,
           that
           upon
           
           every
           sinne
           the
           Lord
           is
           thus
           ready
           to
           afflict
           his
           children
           ,
           may
           bee
           demanded
           what
           priviledg
           the
           godly
           have
           ,
           more
           then
           the
           wicked
           ;
           or
           what
           difference
           there
           is
           betwixt
           them
           ;
           seeing
           the
           one
           must
           be
           corrected
           ,
           and
           punished
           as
           well
           ,
           if
           not
           before
           ,
           or
           more
           then
           the
           wicked
           ,
           if
           they
           do
           sinne
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answer
               .
            
          
           
           Surely
           the
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           hath
           no
           more
           (
           rather
           lesse
           )
           liberty
           ,
           and
           priviledge
           to
           sin
           then
           the
           wicked
           .
           Yet
           there
           is
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           difference
           in
           their
           afflictions
           .
           For
           though
           all
           things
           fall
           alike
           to
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           evills
           themselves
           ,
           as
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           may
           perish
           through
           famine
           ,
           fall
           by
           the
           sword
           ,
           die
           of
           the
           pestilence
           ,
           &c.
           
           Yet
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           effects
           and
           ends
           of
           these
           outward
           evills
           ,
           there
           
           is
           great
           difference
           betwixt
           them
           .
           For
           their
           nature
           is
           much
           altered
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           as
           much
           difference
           betwixt
           the
           afflictions
           of
           the
           Godly
           ,
           and
           the
           wicked
           ,
           as
           is
           betwixt
           poison
           corrected
           ,
           and
           rectified
           by
           the
           arte
           and
           skill
           of
           the
           Physitian
           ,
           that
           so
           it
           may
           be
           medicinable
           and
           wholsome
           ,
           and
           that
           poison
           which
           remains
           in
           its
           naturall
           temper
           .
           The
           Lord
           in
           afflicting
           his
           children
           ,
           doth
           it
           with
           a
           father-like
           heart
           ,
           and
           hand
           ,
           in
           mildnesse
           and
           mercy
           to
           amend
           ,
           and
           better
           them
           :
           Whereas
           hee
           correcteth
           the
           wicked
           with
           the
           rod
           of
           his
           wtath
           in
           justice
           ,
           and
           severity
           ,
           to
           plague
           and
           torment
           them
           .
           
             The
             wicked
             shall
             be
             cast
             away
             for
             bis
             malice
             ,
             but
             the
             righteous
             hath
             hope
             in
             his
             death
             ,
             Pro.
          
           14.32
           .
           In
           respect
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           
           the
           Prophet
           Nahum
           ,
           1.2
           .
           speaks
           thus
           ,
           
             God
             is
             jealous
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             revengeth
             ,
             even
             the
             Lord
             of
             anger
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             take
             vengeance
             on
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             he
             reserveth
             wrath
             for
             his
             enemies
             .
          
           Loe
           here
           is
           anger
           ,
           wrath
           ,
           and
           vengeance
           belonging
           to
           the
           wicked
           .
           Whereas
           in
           respect
           of
           the
           godly
           ,
           Mica
           .
           7.18
           ,
           19.
           speakes
           thus
           ,
           
             He
             taketh
             away
             iniquitie
             ,
             and
             passeth
             by
             the
             transgression
             of
             the
             remnant
             of
             his
             heritage
             .
             Hee
             retaineth
             not
             his
             wrath
             for
             ever
             ,
             because
             mercy
             pleaseth
             him
             ,
             Hee
             will
             turn
             againe
             ,
             and
             have
             compassion
             upon
             us
             :
             hee
             will
             subdue
             our
             iniquities
             ,
             and
             cast
             all
             our
             sinnes
             into
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             sea
             .
          
           By
           which
           places
           it
           appeares
           ,
           that
           afflictions
           are
           nothing
           but
           the
           messengers
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           ;
           the
           rods
           of
           
           his
           indignation
           ;
           the
           arrows
           of
           his
           vengeance
           to
           plague
           ,
           and
           punish
           the
           wicked
           for
           their
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           them
           an
           earnest
           ,
           and
           taste
           of
           those
           endlesse
           torments
           which
           they
           have
           purchased
           by
           their
           wickednes
           .
           Whence
           ariseth
           in
           them
           feare
           ,
           and
           terror
           ,
           horror
           of
           conscience
           ,
           rage
           and
           desperation
           .
           Whereas
           to
           his
           children
           ,
           afflictions
           are
           tokens
           of
           the
           tender
           ,
           and
           father-like
           care
           the
           Lord
           hath
           of
           them
           :
           they
           are
           cords
           of
           his
           love
           to
           draw
           them
           neerer
           unto
           him
           :
           Yea
           ,
           they
           be
           badges
           of
           their
           adoption
           ,
           
             For
             whom
             the
             Lord
             loveth
             ,
             hee
             chasteneth
             ,
             and
             scourgeth
             every
             sonne
             that
             hee
             receiveth
             ,
             Hebr.
          
           12.6
           .
           And
           this
           bringeth
           forth
           the
           quiet
           fruit
           of
           righteousnesse
           to
           them
           that
           are
           thereby
           exercised
           .
        
         
         
           Again
           ,
           the
           Lord
           takes
           pleasure
           in
           avenging
           the
           wickednesse
           of
           the
           wicked
           upon
           their
           own
           pates
           .
           
             I
             will
             ease
             me
             of
             mine
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             avenge
             me
             of
             mine
             enemies
             ,
             Esay
             .
          
           1.24
           .
           And
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           
             I
             will
             laugh
             at
             their
             destruction
             ,
             and
             mock
             when
             their
             fear
             commeth
             ,
             Prov.
          
           1.26
           .
           Whereas
           it
           is
           a
           grief
           unto
           him
           to
           afflict
           his
           people
           :
           
             His
             soul
             was
             grieved
             for
             the
             misery
             of
             Israel
             ,
             Judg.
          
           10.16
           .
           So
           concerning
           Ephraim
           ,
           the
           Lord
           said
           ,
           
             his
             bowels
             were
             troubled
             for
             him
             .
             Jere.
          
           31.20
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           conflict
           betwixt
           Justice
           and
           Mercie
           ,
           when
           he
           goeth
           to
           correct
           his
           children
           as
           appeares
           ,
           Hos
           .
           11.8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             How
             shall
             I
             give
             thee
             up
             O
             Ephraim
             ?
             How
             shall
             I
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             Israel
             ?
             Mine
             heart
             is
             turned
             within
             me
             :
             my
             repentings
             
             are
             rouled
             together
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             execute
             the
             fiercenesse
             of
             my
             wrath
             :
             I
             will
             not
             destroy
             Ephraim
             .
          
           When
           hee
           punisheth
           the
           wicked
           he
           doth
           it
           in
           the
           fircenesse
           of
           his
           wrath
           ,
           as
           appeareth
           ,
           Psal
           .
           78.49
           .
           
             Hee
             cast
             upon
             them
             the
             fiercenesse
             of
             his
             anger
             ,
             indignation
             and
             wrath
             .
          
           And
           to
           conclude
           ;
           The
           godly
           have
           libertie
           ,
           
             yea
             a
             command
             to
             come
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             call
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             cry
             unto
             him
             in
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             .
             Ps
             .
          
           50.15
           .
           and
           
             he
             wil
             hear
             their
             cry
             ,
             and
             will
             save
             them
             .
             Ps
             .
          
           145.19
           .
           Whereas
           ,
           
             the
             wicked
             shall
             cry
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             but
             hee
             will
             not
             heare
             them
             :
             hee
             will
             even
             hide
             his
             face
             from
             them
             at
             that
             time
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             done
             wickedly
             .
             Micah
             .
          
           3.4
           .
           For
           the
           Lord
           may
           justly
           answere
           them
           as
           Iphtah
           did
           the
           Elders
           of
           
             Gilead
             ,
             
             Judg.
          
           11.7
           .
           
             Did
             ye
             not
             hate
             mee
             ?
             How
             then
             come
             yee
             unto
             me
             now
             in
             the
             time
             of
             your
             tribulation
             ?
          
           Wicked
           persons
           are
           haters
           of
           God
           ;
           therefore
           these
           seeking
           to
           God
           in
           their
           need
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           have
           cold
           comfort
           from
           him
           .
           What
           answere
           did
           the
           Lord
           make
           to
           Israel
           ,
           when
           in
           their
           distresse
           they
           sought
           unto
           him
           ?
           
             Yee
             have
             forsaken
             mee
             ,
             and
             served
             other
             gods
             ,
             Go
             and
             cry
             unto
             the
             gods
             which
             you
             have
             chosen
             ,
             let
             them
             save
             you
             in
             the
             time
             of
             your
             tribulation
             .
             Judg.
          
           10.13
           ,
           14.
           
           So
           will
           he
           answere
           all
           those
           that
           make
           either
           their
           lusts
           ,
           or
           their
           belly
           ,
           or
           their
           Mammon
           ,
           their
           god
           ;
           you
           have
           devoted
           your selves
           unto
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           your
           lusts
           ,
           why
           then
           seek
           you
           not
           help
           and
           comfort
           from
           them
           ?
           You
           
           have
           hitherto
           observed
           ,
           and
           served
           these
           ,
           let
           them
           now
           help
           and
           save
           you
           .
           What
           hope
           have
           the
           wicked
           ?
           
             Will
             God
             hear
             his
             crie
             ,
             when
             trouble
             comes
             upon
             him
             ?
          
           saies
           Job
           27.9
           .
           By
           all
           which
           it
           appeareth
           that
           there
           is
           a
           great
           difference
           betwixt
           the
           afflictions
           which
           the
           Lord
           doth
           exercise
           his
           withall
           ,
           and
           those
           judgements
           which
           hee
           layeth
           upon
           the
           wicked
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             5
          
           
           Fiftly
           ,
           Is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           go
           not
           without
           affliction
           ?
           then
           let
           all
           that
           desire
           to
           have
           a
           good
           use
           of
           their
           affliction
           ,
           or
           a
           good
           issue
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           bee
           earnest
           suiters
           at
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           humbled
           before
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           .
           
             Is
             any
             among
             you
             afflicted
             ,
             let
             him
             pray
             .
             James
             .
          
           5.13
           :
           Of
           all
           other
           helpes
           which
           wee
           can
           
           
           
           
           
           use
           ,
           wee
           may
           say
           as
           David
           of
           Goliahs
           sword
           ,
           
             There
             is
             none
             to
             that
          
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           21.13
           .
           so
           none
           to
           prayer
           .
           As
           the
           Load-stone
           draweth
           Iron
           unto
           it
           ,
           so
           our
           prayers
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           made
           in
           faith
           ,
           and
           proceed
           from
           a
           broken
           heart
           ,
           do
           draw
           God
           unto
           us
           .
           
             Thou
             drewest
             neere
             in
             the
             day
             that
             I
             called
             upon
             thee
             .
             Lam.
          
           3.57
           .
           As
           the
           Lord
           gives
           us
           power
           to
           aske
           (
           for
           it
           is
           his
           spirit
           which
           helpeth
           our
           infirmities
           )
           so
           somtimes
           he
           gives
           us
           benefits
           without
           asking
           ,
           that
           wee
           may
           bee
           the
           more
           bound
           unto
           him
           ;
           and
           his
           benefits
           may
           be
           the
           more
           welcom
           unto
           us
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           lesse
           they
           are
           deserved
           or
           expected
           .
           When
           God
           bids
           us
           to
           call
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           pray
           unto
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           for
           that
           hee
           needs
           to
           be
           intreated
           ;
           but
           
           that
           he
           may
           make
           us
           more
           capable
           of
           blessings
           by
           desiring
           them
           :
           It
           being
           his
           own
           ordinance
           ,
           that
           
             if
             wee
             ask
             ,
             we
             shall
             have
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           And
           therefore
           he
           that
           oft
           gives
           ere
           wee
           ask
           ,
           will
           not
           fail
           us
           when
           we
           seek
           aright
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           Lord
           is
           ready
           to
           hear
           ,
           as
           wee
           are
           to
           pray
           ,
           and
           if
           wee
           send
           up
           our
           requests
           unto
           him
           ,
           hee
           is
           ready
           to
           send
           down
           comfort
           and
           help
           unto
           us
           .
           
             Call
             upon
             mee
             in
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             ,
             so
             will
             I
             deliver
             thee
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           50.15
           .
           But
           to
           whom
           (
           think
           you
           )
           is
           this
           sweet
           and
           comfortable
           promise
           made
           ?
           even
           to
           such
           as
           have
           a
           desire
           to
           glorifie
           God.
           Therefore
           (
           as
           followeth
           in
           the
           next
           verse
           )
           
             Vnto
             the
             wicked
             said
             God
             ,
             What
             hast
             thou
             to
             do
             to
             take
             my
             covenant
             in
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             seeing
             thou
             hatest
             to
             be
             reformed
             ,
             
             and
             hast
             cast
             my
             words
             behind
             thee
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           50.16
           ,
           17.
           
           Although
           the
           Lord
           be
           a
           God
           hearing
           prayers
           ;
           yet
           hee
           is
           a
           God
           
             that
             heareth
             not
             sinners
             .
             Job
          
           9.31
           .
           
             Let
             every
             one
             that
             calleth
             upon
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             depart
             from
             iniquitie
             .
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.19
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           not
           obedience
           ,
           but
           impudencie
           for
           such
           as
           in
           their
           health
           and
           prosperitie
           have
           not
           harkned
           unto
           God
           speaking
           unto
           them
           in
           his
           Word
           and
           Works
           ,
           to
           presse
           upon
           him
           in
           their
           need
           ,
           and
           affliction
           ,
           for
           help
           and
           comfort
           ;
           if
           their
           hearts
           be
           not
           more
           rent
           and
           broken
           by
           repentance
           and
           godly
           sorrow
           for
           their
           sinne
           then
           their
           estate
           or
           bodies
           are
           hurt
           or
           wounded
           by
           their
           punishment
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           protested
           against
           such
           .
           
             When
             
             affliction
             and
             anguish
             shall
             come
             upon
             you
             :
             Then
             shall
             they
             call
             upon
             mee
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             not
             answere
             :
             they
             shall
             seek
             me
             early
             ,
             but
             they
             shall
             not
             find
             mee
             .
             Prov.
          
           1.27
           ,
           28.
           
        
         
           If
           hee
           that
           stoppeth
           his
           eare
           at
           the
           crying
           of
           the
           poore
           ,
           
             shall
             also
             cry
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             heard
             ?
             Prov.
          
           21.13
           .
           How
           much
           lesse
           hee
           that
           stops
           his
           eares
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           calling
           and
           crying
           unto
           him
           in
           his
           holy
           Word
           ?
           
             His
             prayers
             shall
             bee
             abhominable
             .
             Pro.
          
           28.9
           .
           O
           how
           miserable
           and
           lamentable
           must
           his
           case
           needs
           be
           ,
           unto
           whom
           that
           exercise
           becomes
           sinne
           ,
           by
           which
           the
           godly
           ,
           and
           penitent
           obtain
           remedy
           against
           sinne
           ,
           and
           comfort
           in
           affliction
           ?
           Therefore
           let
           us
           be
           humbled
           under
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           sight
           and
           sence
           of
           
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           then
           as
           our
           troubles
           will
           bee
           a
           motive
           to
           stirre
           us
           up
           to
           prayer
           ,
           so
           will
           they
           be
           a
           motive
           to
           procure
           ease
           and
           comfort
           from
           the
           Lord.
           
             O
             Lord
             turn
             unto
             mee
             according
             to
             the
             multitude
             of
             thy
             tender
             mercies
             ,
             hide
             not
             thy
             face
             from
             thy
             servant
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             in
             trouble
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           69.16
           ,
           17
           Such
           is
           the
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           toward
           sinners
           ,
           that
           all
           that
           seek
           unto
           him
           by
           prayer
           ,
           shall
           fare
           the
           better
           for
           it
           .
           
             Whosoever
             returned
             in
             his
             affliction
             to
             the
             Lord
             God
             of
             Israel
             ,
             and
             sought
             him
             ,
             hee
             was
             found
             of
             him
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Chron.
           15.4
           .
           Jonah
           did
           behave
           himselfe
           stubbornly
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           was
           even
           with
           him
           for
           his
           stoutnesse
           ,
           he
           was
           thrown
           into
           the
           sea
           ,
           and
           swallowed
           up
           of
           a
           Whale
           ,
           
             Then
             Jonah
             prayed
             unto
             the
             
             Lord
             his
             God
             out
             of
             the
             fishes
             belly
             ,
             and
             hee
             heard
             him
             .
             Jon.
          
           2.1
           ,
           2.
           
           Wee
           have
           heard
           what
           a
           vile
           and
           wicked
           man
           Manasses
           was
           ,
           
             Hee
             had
             done
             evill
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             like
             the
             abominations
             of
             the
             heathen
             :
             hee
             built
             the
             high
             places
             ,
             which
             Hezekiah
             his
             father
             had
             broken
             down
             ;
             he
             set
             up
             Altars
             for
             Baalim
             ,
             and
             worshipped
             all
             the
             hoast
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             served
             them
             .
             And
             he
             caused
             his
             sonnes
             to
             passe
             thorow
             the
             fire
             :
             hee
             gave
             himselfe
             to
             witch-craft
             ,
             to
             charming
             ,
             and
             to
             sorcery
             :
             hee
             did
             very
             much
             evill
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Lord
             to
             anger
             him
             ,
             shedding
             exceeding
             much
             innocent
             blood
             .
          
           Yet
           for
           all
           these
           abominations
           ,
           
             when
             hee
             was
             in
             tribulation
             ,
             hee
             prayed
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             God
             was
             intreated
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             heard
             his
             prayer
             ,
          
           
           2.
           
           Chron.
           33.13
           .
           
             For
             God
             is
             neer
             unto
             all
             that
             call
             upon
             him
             in
             truth
             ,
             hee
             will
             fulfill
             the
             desire
             of
             them
             that
             feare
             him
             :
             hee
             also
             will
             heare
             their
             cry
             ,
             and
             will
             save
             them
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           145.18
           ,
           19.
           
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           Oh
           but
           my
           troubles
           are
           such
           ,
           as
           there
           is
           no
           possibility
           of
           being
           delivered
           out
           of
           them
           :
           therefore
           I
           feare
           it
           will
           bee
           but
           lost
           labor
           for
           mee
           to
           pray
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             Though
             it
             bee
             impossible
             in
             thine
             eyes
             ,
             should
             it
             therefore
             bee
             impossible
             in
             my
             sight
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             ,
             Zach.
          
           8.6
           .
           
             Is
             there
             any
             thing
             too
             hard
             for
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Jerem.
          
           32.27
           .
           Is
           thy
           condition
           worse
           then
           Manasses
           was
           ?
           Is
           thy
           case
           more
           desperate
           then
           Jonahs
           was
           ?
           yet
           hee
           
             prayed
             out
             of
             the
             deepe
          
           ,
           and
           was
           helped
           .
           
           Therefore
           be
           not
           dismayed
           ,
           but
           
             draw
             neere
             with
             a
             true
             heart
             in
             assurance
             of
             faith
             .
             Hebr.
          
           10.22
           .
           It
           is
           a
           hard
           taske
           ,
           I
           confesse
           to
           beleeve
           ,
           that
           God
           will
           deliver
           us
           out
           of
           al
           our
           troubles
           ;
           but
           as
           hard
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           faith
           makes
           it
           easie
           ,
           by
           apprehending
           Gods
           power
           ,
           and
           truth
           in
           all
           his
           promises
           .
           Thy
           troubles
           thou
           sayest
           are
           great
           .
           But
           faith
           tells
           thee
           that
           God
           is
           greater
           ,
           and
           mightier
           to
           helpe
           thee
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           then
           the
           devill
           and
           all
           his
           instruments
           are
           able
           to
           keepe
           thee
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           have
           a
           long
           time
           prayed
           and
           hoped
           ,
           but
           cold
           comfort
           appeares
           for
           all
           my
           prayers
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           It
           may
           be
           there
           lieth
           some
           sinne
           secretly
           in
           thy
           bosom
           unrepented
           of
           ,
           and
           so
           long
           ,
           
           never
           look
           that
           God
           should
           heare
           thee
           in
           mercy
           ,
           
             Your
             iniquities
             have
             separated
             between
             you
             and
             your
             God
             :
             and
             your
             sinnes
             have
             hid
             his
             face
             from
             you
             ,
             that
             hee
             will
             not
             hear
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           59.2
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           
             Let
             every
             one
             that
             calleth
             upon
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             depart
             from
             iniquitie
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.19
           .
           For
           
             God
             heareth
             not
             sinnrrs
             .
             John.
          
           9.31
           .
        
         
           It
           was
           a
           curse
           laid
           upon
           
             Moab
             ,
             That
             hee
             shall
             come
             into
             the
             Temple
             to
             pray
             ,
             but
             hee
             shall
             not
             prevail
             .
             Hab.
          
           16.12
           .
           It
           was
           a
           token
           of
           Gods
           heavie
           displeasure
           ,
           and
           judgement
           upon
           Saul
           ,
           That
           he
           sought
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           hee
           would
           no
           way
           answere
           him
           ,
           
             neither
             by
             dreames
             ,
             nor
             by
             Vrim
             ,
             nor
             yet
             by
             Prophets
             .
          
           1.
           
           Samv
           .
           28.6
           .
           Thus
           will
           the
           Lord
           deal
           with
           all
           ungodly
           persons
           .
           
           
             When
             you
             shall
             stretch
             out
             your
             hands
             ,
             I
             will
             hide
             mine
             eyes
             from
             you
             :
             and
             though
             you
             make
             many
             prayers
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             heare
             :
             for
             your
             hands
             are
             full
             of
             blood
             .
          
           Isay
           .
           1.5
           .
           
             Mine
             eye
             shall
             not
             spare
             them
             ,
             neither
             will
             I
             have
             pittie
             ,
             and
             though
             they
             cry
             in
             mine
             eares
             with
             a
             loud
             voice
             ,
             yet
             will
             I
             not
             heare
             them
             .
             Eze
             ,
          
           8.18
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           have
           searched
           my
           heart
           ,
           and
           sorrowed
           for
           my
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           yet
           God
           answeres
           not
           my
           prayers
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answer
               .
            
          
           It
           may
           bee
           thou
           art
           not
           instant
           ,
           and
           earnest
           enough
           in
           prayer
           ;
           thou
           must
           be
           fervent
           ,
           and
           wrestle
           with
           God
           in
           thy
           prayers
           if
           thou
           wouldest
           speed
           .
           
             The
             prayer
             of
             a
             righteous
             man
             availeth
             much
             if
             it
             bee
             fervent
             .
             Jam.
          
           5.16
           .
           God
           is
           a
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           
           therefore
           will
           not
           be
           sought
           unto
           with
           dead
           ,
           and
           drowsie
           affections
           .
           Thou
           must
           cry
           and
           be
           instant
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           if
           thou
           wouldst
           have
           him
           to
           heare
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           I
           have
           been
           as
           instant
           ,
           and
           earnest
           in
           my
           prayers
           ,
           as
           I
           can
           ,
           but
           yet
           I
           have
           no
           answer
           from
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           It
           may
           be
           so
           :
           but
           it
           may
           be
           thou
           hast
           not
           prayed
           in
           faith
           ,
           which
           if
           thou
           dost
           not
           ,
           it
           is
           impossible
           ,
           that
           thou
           shouldest
           be
           able
           by
           any
           prayers
           to
           prevaile
           with
           God.
           
        
         
           
             Hee
             that
             commeth
             to
             God
             ,
             must
             beleeve
             that
             God
             is
             ,
             and
             that
             hee
             is
             a
             rewarder
             of
             them
             that
             seek
             him
             .
             Hebr.
          
           11.6
           .
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           strength
           of
           our
           wrestling
           ,
           and
           prevailing
           with
           God
           ,
           lieth
           in
           our
           prayers
           ;
           but
           how
           ?
           not
           as
           
           they
           be
           a
           forme
           ,
           and
           sound
           of
           words
           ,
           but
           as
           they
           are
           the
           worke
           or
           fruit
           of
           faith
           .
           Let
           our
           prayers
           be
           never
           so
           many
           ,
           never
           so
           loud
           ,
           never
           so
           long
           ,
           yet
           if
           faith
           be
           wanting
           ,
           they
           want
           their
           virtue
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           as
           weake
           as
           Sampson
           was
           ,
           when
           he
           wanted
           his
           haire
           .
           The
           stronger
           thy
           faith
           is
           ,
           the
           freer
           is
           thy
           accesse
           with
           boldnesse
           ,
           and
           confidence
           to
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           the
           better
           successe
           shall
           thy
           prayers
           finde
           with
           God
           ,
           though
           he
           do
           not
           by
           and
           by
           answere
           thee
           :
           for
           the
           Lord
           (
           peradventure
           )
           intendeth
           to
           exercise
           thy
           faith
           ,
           and
           make
           triall
           of
           thy
           patience
           ,
           to
           see
           whether
           thou
           wilt
           grow
           weary
           or
           no.
           For
           hee
           loveth
           to
           bee
           importuned
           ,
           as
           appeareth
           by
           that
           parable
           .
           Luk.
           11.8
           ,
        
         
         
           Let
           us
           therefore
           use
           this
           excellent
           help
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           seeing
           it
           is
           so
           prevalent
           with
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           doth
           plentifully
           witnesse
           unto
           us
           :
           Prayer
           being
           a
           service
           so
           acceptable
           ,
           and
           well
           pleasing
           unto
           God
           ,
           hee
           cannot
           but
           heare
           the
           cries
           ,
           and
           satisfie
           the
           requests
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           if
           they
           faithfully
           ,
           holily
           ,
           and
           uncessantly
           do
           seek
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           have
           all
           (
           that
           do
           thus
           pray
           )
           their
           requests
           granted
           unto
           them
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Either
           they
           have
           their
           requests
           ,
           or
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           sees
           better
           for
           them
           .
           As
           the
           Lord
           doth
           sometimes
           deferre
           ,
           so
           hee
           doth
           sometimes
           transferre
           his
           benefits
           ,
           giving
           unto
           us
           (
           in
           stead
           of
           that
           which
           wee
           aske
           )
           something
           better
           for
           us
           .
           As
           he
           
           answered
           not
           Paul
           in
           that
           particular
           he
           desired
           ,
           
             but
             in
             bestowing
             his
             Grace
             upon
             him
             ,
             which
             was
             sufficient
             for
             him
             .
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           12.9
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             6
          
           
           Sixtly
           ,
           is
           it
           thus
           ?
           Here
           then
           is
           a
           ground
           of
           admirable
           comfort
           unto
           the
           children
           of
           God
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           those
           afflictions
           which
           shall
           befall
           them
           :
           
             This
             may
             strengthen
             the
             weak
             hands
             ,
             and
             comfort
             the
             feeble
             knees
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           35.3
           .
           of
           all
           such
           as
           are
           by
           God
           afflicted
           ,
           when
           they
           consider
           ,
           that
           hee
           intendeth
           our
           great
           good
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           .
           For
           our
           afflictions
           are
           as
           eye-salves
           ro
           cleer
           our
           dim
           sight
           ,
           that
           our
           sinnes
           may
           more
           evidently
           appeare
           :
           they
           serve
           for
           sowre
           sawce
           ,
           to
           bring
           us
           out
           of
           love
           with
           our
           sweet
           sinnes
           ;
           and
           as
           sand
           to
           scoure
           off
           the
           drosse
           and
           corruption
           
           of
           our
           nature
           .
           They
           are
           occasions
           of
           preventing
           many
           evills
           ,
           which
           (
           if
           they
           were
           not
           )
           wee
           should
           be
           ready
           to
           runne
           into
           .
           They
           are
           as
           a
           School-master
           to
           teach
           and
           instruct
           us
           in
           the
           way
           of
           godlinesse
           .
           They
           serve
           to
           manifest
           unto
           the
           world
           ,
           but
           especially
           unto
           our selves
           ,
           the
           truth
           and
           soundnesse
           of
           our
           faith
           ,
           obedience
           ,
           patience
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           Gods
           graces
           ,
           to
           the
           honor
           of
           him
           that
           hath
           bestowed
           them
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           comfort
           of
           our
           own
           soules
           ,
           who
           have
           received
           them
           .
           They
           are
           instruments
           of
           fitting
           us
           for
           that
           service
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           use
           us
           .
           They
           teach
           us
           how
           to
           prize
           the
           benefits
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           more
           account
           of
           them
           ,
           then
           
           formerly
           wee
           have
           done
           .
           They
           are
           as
           wormewood
           ,
           to
           wean
           us
           from
           the
           love
           of
           this
           world
           :
           Whose
           pleasing
           delights
           ,
           and
           bewitching
           pleasures
           ,
           wee
           should
           linger
           after
           ,
           and
           be
           ever
           and
           anon
           sucking
           of
           them
           ,
           if
           our
           mouthes
           were
           not
           imbittered
           ,
           and
           so
           distasted
           with
           some
           afflictions
           .
           They
           are
           as
           cords
           ,
           to
           draw
           us
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           ,
           and
           to
           seek
           him
           more
           often
           and
           more
           diligently
           at
           the
           Throne
           of
           grace
           ;
           then
           formerly
           wee
           have
           done
           .
           They
           bring
           us
           into
           some
           conformity
           with
           Christ
           .
           Wee
           cannot
           deny
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           crosse
           is
           somthing
           an
           uncomfortable
           companion
           to
           consort
           with
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
           But
           blessed
           bee
           that
           affliction
           which
           so
           farre
           estrangeth
           
           us
           from
           the
           world
           ,
           that
           it
           changeth
           us
           into
           the
           similitude
           of
           Christ
           ,
           unto
           whom
           wee
           must
           be
           conformed
           in
           sufferings
           :
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           formerly
           delivered
           )
           bee
           like
           him
           in
           glory
           ;
           unto
           which
           glory
           wee
           are
           furthered
           by
           affliction
           ,
           it
           being
           a
           means
           of
           driving
           us
           out
           of
           the
           broad
           way
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             which
             leadeth
             unto
             destruction
          
           :
           and
           bringing
           us
           into
           the
           narrow
           ,
           and
           crosse
           way
           which
           leadeth
           to
           salvation
           .
        
         
           If
           thus
           much
           good
           comes
           by
           afflictions
           ,
           then
           
             it
             is
             good
             for
             a
             man
             to
             beare
             the
             yoke
             in
             his
             youth
             ,
             Lam.
          
           3.27
           .
           The
           sooner
           wee
           be
           afflicted
           the
           better
           for
           us
           .
           If
           these
           bee
           the
           ends
           of
           Gods
           afflicting
           us
           ,
           are
           wee
           not
           shrewdly
           hurt
           when
           the
           Lord
           corrects
           
           us
           ?
           is
           there
           any
           cause
           of
           mourning
           ?
           Vnlesse
           it
           be
           for
           our
           rebellion
           ,
           and
           stubbornnesse
           ,
           which
           puts
           the
           Lord
           as
           it
           were
           out
           of
           his
           course
           ,
           besides
           himself
           (
           if
           wee
           may
           so
           say
           ,
           with
           reverence
           to
           his
           Majestie
           )
           
             to
             do
             his
             work
             ,
             his
             strange
             work
             ,
             his
             act
             ,
             his
             strange
             act
             ,
             Esay
             .
          
           28.21
           .
           Have
           wee
           then
           any
           cause
           to
           bee
           angry
           :
           or
           
             do
             wee
             well
             to
             be
             angry
             ?
          
           as
           the
           Lord
           asked
           Jonah
           ,
           4.9
           .
           When
           as
           the
           Lord
           hath
           more
           cause
           to
           bee
           angry
           with
           us
           ,
           for
           putting
           him
           to
           that
           trouble
           ,
           and
           grieving
           him
           with
           out
           sinnes
           .
           No
           ,
           no
           ;
           let
           us
           rather
           be
           angry
           with
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           which
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           to
           afflict
           us
           ,
           and
           let
           us
           be
           comforted
           in
           all
           our
           tribulation
           ,
           
             that
             wee
             may
             bee
             able
             to
             comfort
             them
             which
             are
             in
             any
             affliction
             ,
             
             by
             the
             comfort
             wherewith
             wee
             our selves
             are
             comforted
             of
             God
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           1.4
           .
           Bee
           cheerfull
           therefore
           in
           thine
           affliction
           ,
           say
           as
           
             David
             ,
             Psalm
          
           .
           42.11
           .
           
             Why
             art
             thou
             cast
             down
             O
             my
             soul
             ?
             and
             why
             art
             thou
             disquieted
             within
             me
             ?
          
           Think
           not
           the
           worse
           ,
           but
           the
           better
           of
           thy self
           for
           the
           Lords
           correcting
           of
           thee
           ;
           Thy
           case
           is
           no
           other
           then
           the
           case
           of
           Gods
           deare
           children
           ;
           yea
           of
           Christ
           himselfe
           .
           
             There
             hath
             no
             tentation
             taken
             hold
             of
             thee
             ,
             but
             such
             as
             appertaineth
             to
             man.
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
        
         
           Affliction
           is
           the
           beaten
           path
           of
           all
           the
           Lords
           people
           .
           Which
           of
           the
           godly
           ,
           and
           faithfull
           before
           us
           have
           not
           drunk
           of
           this
           cup
           ,
           and
           been
           baptized
           with
           this
           baptisme
           ?
        
         
           This
           being
           a
           common
           
           case
           ,
           me
           thinks
           it
           should
           be
           a
           common
           comfort
           .
           Why
           should
           any
           man
           that
           loves
           ,
           or
           feares
           God
           ,
           or
           is
           any
           way
           desirous
           to
           honor
           God
           in
           that
           condition
           the
           Lord
           hath
           set
           him
           ,
           seek
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           priviledge
           above
           all
           the
           children
           of
           God
           that
           ever
           were
           ?
           yea
           above
           Christ
           Jesus
           the
           sonne
           of
           God
           himselfe
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           a
           favor
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           a
           mercie
           ,
           nay
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           an
           honor
           to
           be
           used
           and
           to
           be
           dealt
           withall
           as
           Christ
           and
           all
           the
           godly
           have
           been
           before
           us
           ?
           And
           should
           not
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           comfort
           us
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           hath
           taken
           away
           thy
           goods
           ,
           thy
           plenty
           from
           thee
           ,
           and
           brought
           thee
           to
           a
           morsell
           of
           bread
           .
           It
           may
           be
           he
           hath
           taken
           away
           thy
           health
           ,
           and
           welfare
           ,
           and
           doth
           afflict
           thee
           with
           deseases
           ,
           
           and
           sores
           ,
           and
           aches
           ,
           so
           as
           thou
           hast
           no
           rest
           ,
           day
           nor
           night
           .
           Was
           not
           this
           Jobs
           condition
           ,
           who
           lost
           more
           goods
           and
           substance
           in
           one
           day
           ,
           then
           thou
           hast
           in
           all
           thy
           life
           ?
           besides
           hee
           had
           painfull
           dayes
           ,
           and
           long
           nights
           of
           sorrow
           .
           And
           art
           thou
           better
           then
           he
           was
           ?
           It
           may
           bee
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           cast
           thee
           into
           prison
           ,
           and
           spoiled
           thee
           of
           thy
           liberty
           .
           Was
           not
           faithfull
           Joseph
           ,
           (
           unjustly
           )
           kept
           divers
           yeares
           in
           prison
           ,
           where
           they
           
             held
             his
             feet
             in
             the
             stocks
             ;
             and
             he
             was
             laid
             in
             Iron
             ,
             untill
             his
             appointed
             time
             came
             ,
             and
             the
             counsell
             of
             the
             Lotd
             had
             tried
             him
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           105.18
           ,
           19.
           
        
         
           It
           may
           be
           thou
           hast
           many
           great
           and
           malicious
           enemies
           ,
           which
           without
           any
           just
           cause
           of
           thine
           ,
           
           who
           doe
           backbite
           thee
           ,
           slander
           thee
           ,
           speake
           all
           manner
           of
           evill
           of
           thee
           ,
           and
           with
           (
           more
           then
           Vatinian
           )
           hatred
           doe
           persecute
           thee
           .
           Was
           not
           this
           the
           case
           of
           Christ
           ?
           and
           did
           not
           he
           tell
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           John
           15.18
           ,
           19.
           that
           they
           should
           meete
           with
           the
           same
           entertainment
           in
           the
           world
           that
           he
           had
           found
           amongst
           them
           ?
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           doth
           exercise
           thee
           with
           gracelesse
           ,
           stubborn
           and
           rebellious
           children
           .
           This
           cannot
           be
           but
           a
           great
           griefe
           to
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           parent
           ,
           especially
           if
           he
           be
           one
           fearing
           God
           ;
           but
           have
           not
           Gods
           deere
           children
           been
           thus
           tryed
           ?
           Had
           nor
           Noah
           that
           just
           and
           upright
           man
           ,
           a
           wretched
           Cham
           ,
           that
           discovered
           and
           scoffed
           at
           his
           fathers
           infirmities
           ,
           Gen.
           9.
           
           Had
           not
           good
           
           
             Isaack
             a
             prophane
             Esau
          
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           termed
           ,
           Heb.
           12.16
           .
           who
           of
           set
           purpose
           to
           vex
           his
           parents
           ,
           tooke
           unto
           him
           wives
           of
           other
           nations
           ,
           which
           
             was
             a
             griefe
             of
             minde
             unto
             Isaack
          
           and
           
             Reb●ckah
             ;
             Gen.
          
           26.35
           .
           What
           wicked
           
             children
             had
             Ely
             the
             Priest
             and
             judge
             of
             Israel
             ?
          
           such
           
             as
             abused
             the
             women
             that
             assembled
             at
             the
             doore
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             that
             men
             abhorred
             the
             offering
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           
           
             the
             sin
             of
             the
             sonnes
             of
             Ely
             was
             so
             great
             before
             the
             Lord.
          
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           hath
           taken
           unto
           himself
           some
           of
           thy
           children
           ,
           which
           were
           as
           deer
           and
           neer
           unto
           thee
           as
           thine
           own
           soule
           .
           But
           what
           if
           the
           Lord
           had
           taken
           them
           away
           by
           the
           sword
           of
           the
           enemies
           ?
           as
           he
           did
           Fly
           his
           sonnes
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           4.11
           .
           Or
           by
           fire
           from
           heaven
           ?
           as
           he
           
           did
           the
           sonnes
           of
           
             Aaron
             ,
             Lev.
          
           10.2
           .
           Nay
           ,
           what
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           have
           taken
           away
           ten
           of
           thy
           children
           ,
           all
           of
           thy
           children
           at
           one
           blow
           by
           overwhelming
           the
           house
           upon
           them
           where
           they
           were
           eating
           and
           drinking
           ?
           as
           he
           did
           Jobs
           children
           ,
           Job
           .
           2.19
           .
           And
           to
           conclude
           ,
           what
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           raise
           up
           evill
           in
           thy
           family
           ;
           suffering
           one
           child
           to
           defloure
           and
           to
           devoure
           each
           other
           ;
           yea
           ,
           to
           seeke
           thy
           life
           ?
           as
           Davids
           children
           did
           ?
           Were
           thy
           case
           and
           condition
           in
           any
           of
           all
           these
           ●o●e
           afflictions
           ,
           worse
           then
           those
           of
           Gods
           deer
           and
           faithfull
           servants
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           thus
           exercised
           and
           afflicted
           ?
           yea
           and
           now
           are
           ?
           
             Knowing
             that
             the
             same
             afflictions
             are
             accomplished
             in
             your
             breth●en
             that
             are
             in
             the
             world
             .
          
           1
           Pet.
           5.9
        
         
         
           Let
           us
           therfore
           learne
           to
           judge
           wisely
           of
           our selves
           conflicting
           with
           afflictions
           .
           Afflictions
           ,
           though
           they
           be
           judgements
           upon
           us
           for
           our
           sinne
           ,
           yet
           are
           they
           not
           judgements
           upon
           us
           unto
           condemnation
           .
        
         
           We
           shall
           then
           adde
           unto
           our
           affliction
           and
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           needlesly
           increase
           our
           griefe
           ,
           if
           we
           condemn
           our
           estate
           because
           the
           Lord
           corrects
           us
           for
           our
           transgressions
           .
           If
           we
           cast
           off
           our
           hope
           of
           happinesse
           in
           heaven
           because
           we
           be
           recompensed
           with
           judgements
           on
           earth
           ;
           we
           shall
           both
           wrong
           God
           and
           our selves
           :
           Therfore
           he
           will
           have
           us
           to
           rejoyce
           in
           tribulation
           ,
           Romans
           5.3
           .
           Though
           he
           visit
           our
           iniquities
           with
           rods
           ,
           Psal
           .
           89.32
           ,
           33.
           
           
             Yet
             his
             loving
             kindnesse
             
             will
             he
             not
             utterly
             take
             away
             from
             us
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             his
             faithfulnesse
             to
             faile
             .
          
           Therefore
           beware
           of
           charging
           the
           Lord
           with
           any
           hardnesse
           or
           unreasonable
           dealing
           with
           us
           ;
           as
           if
           he
           marred
           his
           gold
           by
           casting
           it
           into
           the
           fornace
           to
           refine
           it
           .
           But
           let
           us
           rather
           look
           into
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           and
           mourne
           for
           our
           own
           stubbornnes
           and
           rebellion
           ,
           which
           hath
           moved
           the
           Lord
           thus
           to
           shackle
           and
           hamper
           us
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           take
           down
           our
           proud
           hearts
           (
           O
           proud
           hearts
           of
           ours
           )
           subdue
           our
           stubborn
           and
           rebellious
           wils
           and
           make
           us
           vile
           and
           nothing
           in
           our
           own
           eyes
           .
           And
           be
           we
           thankfull
           unto
           our
           good
           God
           and
           loving
           Father
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           be
           at
           these
           paines
           to
           refine
           and
           purge
           us
           :
           that
           so
           he
           may
           make
           choice
           of
           us
           
           for
           his
           glory
           before
           others
           .
           Behold
           (
           saith
           the
           Lord
           Esay
           48.10
           .
           
             I
             have
             fined
             thee
             ,
             but
             not
             as
             silver
             ;
             I
             have
             chosen
             thee
             in
             the
             fornace
             of
             affliction
             .
          
           When
           God
           doth
           cast
           thee
           into
           the
           fornace
           to
           refine
           thee
           ,
           take
           heed
           thou
           dost
           not
           say
           or
           think
           ,
           I
           am
           cast
           out
           of
           his
           eyes
           ;
           the
           Lord
           hath
           rejected
           and
           forsaken
           me
           ;
           for
           this
           were
           to
           bring
           an
           evill
           report
           upon
           the
           waies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           turn
           his
           truth
           into
           a
           ly
           .
           Ezek.
           20.37
           .
           
             I
             will
             cause
             you
             to
             passe
             under
             the
             rod
             ,
             and
             will
             bring
             you
             into
             the
             bond
             of
             the
             covenant
             .
          
           Yet
           such
           is
           the
           peevishnesse
           of
           our
           nature
           :
           such
           is
           our
           unbeliefe
           ,
           that
           if
           any
           extraordinary
           affliction
           doth
           befall
           us
           ,
           especially
           if
           it
           be
           such
           as
           tarrieth
           and
           sticks
           by
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           mutter
           and
           murmur
           :
           
           yea
           ready
           to
           feare
           that
           God
           hath
           forsaken
           us
           .
           Whereas
           we
           should
           rather
           gather
           arguments
           of
           comfort
           to
           our selves
           ;
           that
           the
           more
           he
           afflicteth
           us
           ,
           the
           better
           he
           loveth
           us
           ;
           in
           that
           he
           carrieth
           such
           a
           straite
           hand
           and
           vigilant
           eye
           over
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           shal
           no
           sooner
           step
           aside
           ,
           but
           he
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           fetch
           us
           in
           againe
           .
           The
           Lord
           might
           give
           us
           over
           to
           our
           own
           hearts
           lust
           ,
           even
           unto
           hardnesse
           of
           heart
           ,
           to
           a
           reprobate
           minde
           :
           giving
           us
           leave
           to
           
             eate
             of
             the
             fruit
             of
             our
             own
             way
             ,
             and
             be
             filled
             with
             our
             own
             devices
             ,
             Pro.
          
           1.31
           .
           But
           his
           love
           compels
           him
           to
           take
           another
           course
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           chasten
           us
           ,
           
             That
             we
             should
             not
             be
             condemned
             with
             the
             World.
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           11.32
           .
           Whereupon
           one
           of
           the
           antient
           Fathers
           prayed
           
           Lord
           ,
           seare
           me
           here
           ,
           that
           thou
           maist
           save
           me
           hereafter
           :
           cut
           and
           wound
           me
           here
           ,
           that
           thou
           maist
           for
           ever
           heale
           and
           spare
           me
           .
           Consider
           what
           the
           wiseman
           saith
           ,
           Pro.
           3.11
           ,
           12.
           
           
             My
             sonne
             ,
             refuse
             not
             the
             chastening
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             neither
             be
             grieved
             with
             his
             correrection
             ;
             for
             the
             Lord
             corcteth
             him
             whom
             he
             loveth
             ,
             even
             as
             a
             father
             doth
             the
             child
             in
             whom
             he
             delighteth
             .
          
           Children
           will
           hardly
           be
           brought
           to
           beleeve
           thus
           much
           :
           and
           therefore
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           measure
           their
           parents
           affection
           ,
           by
           their
           correction
           :
           and
           to
           think
           there
           is
           most
           love
           ,
           where
           ther
           is
           least
           correction
           .
           But
           this
           is
           their
           error
           ,
           for
           wisedome
           telleth
           us
           Pr.
           13.24
           .
           that
           
             Hee
             which
             spareth
             the
             rod
             ,
             hateth
             his
             sonne
             ,
             but
             hee
             that
             loveth
             him
             ,
             chasteneth
             
             him
             betimes
             .
          
           Least
           if
           he
           let
           him
           alone
           with
           out
           correction
           (
           as
           too
           many
           foolish
           indulgent
           parents
           do
           )
           he
           go
           to
           Hell
           in
           the
           end
           .
           
             Therefore
             thou
             shalt
             smite
             him
             with
             the
             rod
             ,
             and
             shalt
             deliver
             his
             soul
             from
             Hell.
             Pro.
          
           23.14
           .
        
         
           So
           wee
           are
           ready
           to
           think
           wee
           might
           do
           well
           without
           affliction
           :
           but
           the
           Lord
           knowes
           us
           better
           then
           wee
           know
           our selves
           :
           and
           hee
           seeth
           we
           would
           to
           hell
           hereafter
           ,
           if
           hee
           should
           not
           afflict
           us
           here
           .
           I
           am
           sure
           it
           had
           been
           wo
           with
           some
           of
           us
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           had
           not
           afflicted
           us
           .
           Nay
           some
           of
           us
           can
           say
           (
           blessed
           bee
           God
           for
           his
           unspeakable
           mercie
           )
           that
           there
           never
           did
           befall
           us
           any
           affliction
           which
           we
           could
           have
           spared
           ,
           either
           for
           the
           nature
           and
           kinde
           ,
           or
           for
           the
           measure
           
           and
           quantity
           thereof
           .
        
         
           And
           may
           we
           not
           all
           say
           ,
           that
           ,
           wee
           are
           then
           in
           the
           best
           temper
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           afflicted
           ?
           Even
           the
           wicked
           will
           be
           somewhat
           good
           in
           affliction
           Pharaohs
           proud
           heart
           will
           stoope
           and
           yeeld
           a
           little
           :
           then
           the
           
             Israelites
             shall
             go
             and
             sacrifice
             to
             their
             God
             ,
             Exod.
          
           10.14
           .
           But
           their
           goodnesse
           lasteth
           no
           longer
           then
           their
           troubles
           last
           .
           When
           afflictions
           end
           ,
           their
           goodnesse
           ends
           :
           
             And
             they
             returne
             with
             the
             dog
             to
             their
             old
             vomit
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Pet.
           2.22
           .
        
         
           Their
           hard
           heart
           will
           be
           a
           little
           softned
           ,
           whiles
           they
           are
           in
           the
           fire
           ;
           as
           iron
           bendeth
           ,
           as
           the
           Smith
           would
           have
           it
           ,
           all
           the
           while
           the
           fire
           is
           in
           it
           .
           But
           as
           their
           affliction
           abateth
           ,
           so
           their
           hardnes
           and
           wickednesse
           returneth
           :
           as
           
           iron
           growing
           cold
           ,
           grows
           as
           hard
           as
           it
           was
           before
           ,
           nay
           oft
           times
           harder
           :
           as
           water
           waxeth
           colder
           after
           heating
           ,
           then
           it
           was
           at
           first
           .
        
         
           Therfore
           we
           have
           more
           cause
           to
           be
           thankfull
           to
           God
           for
           afflictions
           ,
           then
           for
           meate
           and
           drinke
           ;
           seeing
           the
           Lord
           doth
           us
           more
           good
           by
           them
           ,
           then
           by
           these
           .
        
         
           Which
           good
           ,
           though
           at
           the
           first
           thou
           seest
           not
           ,
           because
           thy
           physick
           is
           now
           but
           in
           working
           ;
           yet
           ,
           if
           thou
           belong
           to
           God
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           hereafter
           both
           see
           it
           and
           feele
           it
           too
           .
           And
           thou
           wilt
           justify
           the
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           in
           every
           particular
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           could
           not
           have
           spared
           any
           of
           Gods
           rods
           :
           I
           would
           not
           have
           been
           without
           this
           or
           that
           affliction
           for
           all
           the
           world
           :
           None
           could
           have
           
           been
           invented
           to
           doe
           me
           more
           good
           ,
           so
           to
           hit
           me
           in
           the
           right
           veine
           :
           I
           had
           been
           undone
           ,
           I
           had
           perished
           for
           ever
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           had
           not
           thus
           and
           thus
           afflicted
           me
           .
           Happy
           art
           thou
           who
           canst
           thus
           say
           .
           But
           this
           is
           a
           lesson
           which
           flesh
           and
           blood
           can
           hardly
           be
           brought
           to
           learne
           ,
           and
           some
           are
           more
           dull
           then
           others
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           more
           proud
           ,
           more
           stubborn
           ,
           more
           carnall
           ,
           more
           earthly
           minded
           then
           others
           ;
           and
           therfore
           the
           Lord
           keeps
           those
           longer
           in
           the
           schoole
           of
           affliction
           then
           those
           his
           children
           that
           are
           more
           tractable
           and
           teachable
           .
           But
           (
           as
           I
           said
           )
           it
           is
           a
           hard
           taske
           for
           the
           best
           ;
           and
           therfore
           ,
           if
           we
           might
           be
           choosers
           we
           would
           be
           no
           sufferers
           :
           if
           we
           could
           shift
           it
           ,
           wee
           would
           not
           be
           afflicted
           .
           
           How
           hardly
           are
           we
           brought
           to
           beleeve
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           intendeth
           or
           will
           do
           us
           good
           by
           this
           evill
           of
           affliction
           ?
           What
           ?
           meate
           to
           come
           out
           of
           the
           eater
           ?
           sweet
           out
           of
           the
           sowre
           ?
           this
           is
           a
           very
           riddle
           unto
           us
           .
           But
           faith
           makes
           it
           plaine
           and
           easie
           to
           be
           understood
           :
           for
           faith
           will
           shew
           us
           one
           contrary
           in
           another
           :
           good
           in
           evill
           :
           health
           in
           sicknesse
           :
           ease
           in
           paine
           :
           glory
           in
           shame
           ,
           and
           life
           in
           death
           .
        
         
           Without
           this
           eye
           of
           faith
           ,
           thou
           canst
           not
           possibly
           see
           the
           Lords
           goodnes
           towards
           thee
           in
           afflicting
           thee
           :
           nor
           yet
           reap
           that
           good
           by
           thine
           afflictions
           ,
           
           which
           otherwise
           thou
           maiest
           by
           beleeving
           .
           And
           for
           proofe
           herefore
           ,
           I
           wish
           the
           to
           peruse
           such
           treatises
           as
           do
           tend
           to
           this
           purpose
           .
           
           In
           the
           meane
           time
           ,
           let
           this
           which
           I
           have
           spoken
           serve
           to
           comfort
           thee
           in
           thine
           afflictions
           .
           Howsoever
           they
           may
           be
           tart
           and
           sharp
           for
           the
           present
           :
           bitter
           and
           grievous
           unto
           nature
           :
           as
           if
           the
           print
           of
           every
           stroke
           did
           pierce
           thy
           flesh
           ,
           and
           fetch
           blood
           from
           thee
           ;
           yet
           God
           is
           where
           he
           was
           ;
           yet
           God
           loves
           thee
           as
           much
           as
           ever
           he
           did
           ,
           if
           not
           more
           ;
           and
           loving
           thee
           will
           lay
           no
           more
           upon
           thee
           ,
           
             nor
             suffer
             thee
             to
             be
             tempted
             above
             that
             which
             thou
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             beare
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
           Some
           the
           Lord
           doth
           chastise
           with
           rods
           :
           othersome
           he
           doth
           whip
           with
           scorpions
           (
           as
           it
           were
           ;
           )
           laying
           on
           greatest
           loade
           ,
           where
           he
           hath
           given
           greatest
           strength
           to
           beare
           :
           as
           a
           father
           will
           lay
           those
           burdens
           upon
           the
           shoulders
           of
           
           his
           elder
           ,
           and
           stronger
           sons
           ,
           which
           will
           go
           neere
           to
           break
           the
           backs
           of
           his
           little
           ones
           .
           Or
           as
           a
           wise
           Physitian
           ,
           who
           tempereth
           and
           prescribeth
           Physick
           answerable
           to
           the
           constitution
           and
           strength
           of
           his
           sick
           patient
           .
           How
           should
           this
           comfort
           us
           in
           our
           trials
           :
           when
           we
           know
           they
           be
           no
           other
           then
           our
           good
           God
           will
           make
           us
           able
           to
           beare
           ?
           And
           not
           onely
           so
           ,
           but
           
             he
             will
             give
             issue
             with
             the
             tentation
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
           We
           say
           all
           is
           well
           that
           endeth
           well
           :
           then
           must
           it
           needs
           goe
           well
           with
           the
           afflicted
           children
           of
           God
           ;
           because
           all
           their
           trials
           end
           in
           peace
           and
           glory
           .
           
             Marke
             the
             upright
             man
             ,
             and
             behold
             the
             just
             :
             for
             the
             end
             of
             that
             man
             is
             peace
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           37.37
           .
           And
           
             if
             wee
             suffer
             ,
             we
             shall
             also
             reigne
             ,
             and
             be
             glorified
             with
             
             Christ
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Tim.
           2.12
           .
           By
           which
           ,
           and
           and
           many
           moe
           places
           it
           appeares
           ,
           that
           ,
           howsoever
           afflictions
           bee
           painefull
           and
           grievous
           to
           our
           nature
           ,
           in
           the
           bearing
           of
           them
           ,
           yet
           the
           issue
           and
           end
           of
           them
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           most
           happy
           and
           comfortable
           .
           The
           consideration
           whereof
           
             hath
             caused
             some
             to
             suffer
             with
             joy
             the
             spoile
             of
             their
             goods
             ;
             knowing
             that
             in
             heaven
             ,
             they
             have
             a
             better
             ,
             and
             more
             induring
             substance
             .
             Heb.
          
           10.34
           .
           
             This
             was
             that
             which
             put
             a
             song
             of
             praise
             and
             thanks
             giving
             in
             the
             mouthes
             of
             the
             blessed
             Mrrtyrs
             :
          
           that
           the
           Lord
           would
           honor
           them
           so
           highly
           as
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           suffer
           for
           him
           .
           And
           though
           they
           might
           have
           escaped
           ,
           yet
           would
           they
           not
           be
           delivered
           :
           that
           they
           might
           
             receive
             a
             better
             Resurrection
             ,
             
             Heb.
          
           11.35
           .
           Seeing
           then
           such
           a
           cloud
           of
           witnesses
           have
           gone
           before
           us
           ,
           whose
           trials
           and
           afflictions
           have
           been
           as
           smart
           ,
           and
           tart
           ,
           as
           ours
           can
           be
           :
           let
           us
           become
           
             followers
             of
             them
             who
             through
             faith
             and
             patience
             inherit
             the
             promises
             ,
             Heb.
          
           6.12
           .
           be
           not
           too
           much
           taken
           up
           with
           the
           sence
           and
           smart
           of
           thy
           present
           affliction
           .
           But
           let
           thy
           thoughts
           be
           occupied
           about
           the
           good
           which
           thereby
           is
           like
           to
           accrue
           unto
           thee
           .
           And
           assure
           thy self
           
             that
             all
             shall
             worke
             together
             for
             thy
             weale
             .
             Rom.
          
           8.28
           .
           Yea
           that
           the
           Lord
           takes
           much
           delight
           in
           thee
           ,
           in
           that
           he
           is
           ever
           ,
           and
           anon
           pruning
           of
           thee
           .
           That
           man
           ,
           or
           woman
           ,
           which
           takes
           content
           in
           their
           orchard
           and
           garden
           ,
           will
           ever
           be
           plucking
           up
           of
           those
           weeds
           that
           grow
           in
           
           them
           :
           cutting
           ,
           and
           pruning
           all
           superfluous
           branches
           or
           slips
           .
           Whereas
           if
           it
           be
           a
           place
           hee
           takes
           no
           content
           in
           he
           careth
           not
           what
           rubbige
           ,
           or
           baggage
           do
           overgrow
           it
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           takes
           delight
           in
           thee
           ,
           there
           shall
           not
           a
           weed
           spring
           up
           in
           thee
           ,
           but
           with
           the
           pruning
           knife
           of
           affliction
           he
           will
           cut
           it
           off
           ;
           whereas
           if
           he
           regarded
           thee
           not
           ,
           he
           would
           lay
           the
           reines
           upon
           thy
           neck
           ,
           and
           let
           thee
           have
           thine
           own
           swinge
           ,
           to
           fill
           up
           the
           measure
           of
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           that
           so
           in
           justice
           he
           may
           mete
           unto
           thee
           a
           ful
           cup
           of
           his
           wrath
           and
           vengeance
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             7
          
           
           Seventhly
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           subject
           to
           so
           many
           afflictions
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           me
           thinks
           we
           should
           then
           be
           willing
           (
           if
           the
           Lord
           see
           it
           good
           )
           to
           remove
           out
           of
           this
           place
           of
           sorrow
           and
           trouble
           ,
           
           to
           lay
           down
           these
           our
           earthly
           Tabernacles
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           with
           the
           Lord
           :
           that
           so
           there
           may
           be
           an
           end
           put
           to
           all
           our
           evils
           ,
           both
           sinne
           and
           punishment
           ;
           and
           the
           contrary
           good
           enjoyed
           of
           us
           .
           For
           ,
           
             blessed
             are
             the
             dead
             which
             die
             in
             the
             Lord
             ;
             for
             they
             rest
             from
             their
             labors
             ,
             and
             their
             works
             follow
             them
             ,
             Revel
             .
          
           14.13
           .
           Desire
           we
           then
           to
           be
           dissolved
           and
           to
           be
           with
           
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             best
             of
             all
             .
             Phil.
          
           1.23
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           is
           it
           lawfull
           for
           any
           to
           wish
           for
           death
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           ,
           if
           he
           wish
           it
           aright
           .
           That
           is
           ,
           not
           out
           of
           an
           unwillingnesse
           to
           beare
           the
           yoke
           of
           God
           any
           longer
           :
           as
           if
           he
           were
           weary
           of
           doing
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           injoyneth
           him
           :
           or
           suffering
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           shall
           lay
           upon
           him
           .
           For
           this
           was
           Jonah
           his
           fault
           ,
           
           who
           in
           an
           impatient
           mood
           would
           needs
           be
           gone
           ,
           being
           weary
           of
           his
           life
           .
           Besides
           ,
           as
           we
           must
           be
           willing
           to
           abide
           the
           Lords
           pleasure
           ,
           so
           also
           to
           tarry
           his
           leisure
           ;
           which
           if
           we
           be
           ,
           we
           may
           desire
           death
           for
           these
           causes
           .
        
         
           
           First
           ,
           to
           be
           freed
           from
           those
           evils
           which
           here
           we
           are
           pestered
           with
           .
           And
           secondly
           ,
           to
           enjoy
           that
           good
           which
           can
           no
           where
           be
           had
           but
           in
           Heaven
           .
           The
           evils
           which
           death
           will
           free
           us
           from
           ,
           are
           bodily
           and
           spirituall
           .
        
         
           The
           bodily
           evils
           are
           divers
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           sicknesses
           ,
           diseases
           ,
           paines
           and
           aches
           ;
           of
           all
           which
           ,
           death
           will
           heale
           and
           cure
           us
           at
           once
           .
           Death
           will
           also
           set
           us
           free
           from
           the
           rage
           and
           malice
           of
           all
           our
           enemies
           If
           death
           have
           once
           seized
           upon
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           out
           of
           their
           
           reach
           .
           They
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           doe
           us
           no
           more
           mischiefe
           nor
           harme
           .
           
             The
             righteous
             is
             taken
             away
             from
             the
             evill
             to
             come
             .
             Peace
             shall
             come
             ,
             they
             shall
             rest
             in
             their
             beds
             ,
             Esa
             .
          
           57.1
           ,
           2.
           
           Last
           of
           all
           ,
           death
           will
           free
           us
           from
           all
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           ;
           for
           when
           sinne
           and
           corruption
           ceaseth
           ,
           then
           correction
           and
           affliction
           endeth
           .
        
         
           But
           we
           should
           desire
           death
           especially
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           freed
           from
           spiritual
           evils
           .
           First
           ,
           that
           sinne
           and
           corruption
           may
           cease
           ,
           and
           be
           no
           more
           in
           us
           .
           
             O
             wretched
             man
             that
             I
             am
             ,
             who
             shall
             deliver
             me
             from
             the
             body
             of
             this
             death
             ,
             Rom.
          
           7.24
           ?
           Sinne
           is
           that
           which
           worketh
           us
           all
           woe
           ,
           Jerem.
           30.15
           .
           Sinne
           is
           the
           make-bate
           betwixt
           the
           Lord
           and
           us
           ,
           Esa
           .
           64.5
           .
           
             Behold
             
             thou
             art
             angry
             ,
             for
             we
             have
             sinned
             .
          
           Yet
           we
           are
           not
           to
           desire
           death
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           rid
           of
           sinne
           in
           these
           respects
           ,
           only
           because
           it
           worketh
           our
           woe
           ,
           but
           rather
           because
           God
           is
           dishonored
           by
           it
           :
           and
           it
           is
           displeasing
           unto
           his
           Majestie
           .
           For
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           should
           be
           more
           deare
           unto
           us
           ,
           then
           our
           own
           lives
           .
           Sin
           is
           that
           which
           clouds
           the
           glory
           of
           God.
           And
           death
           is
           that
           which
           freeth
           us
           from
           sin
           ,
           Rom.
           6.7
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           freed
           from
           the
           temptations
           and
           malice
           of
           the
           Devill
           .
           Whiles
           we
           abide
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           he
           will
           never
           leave
           solliciting
           of
           us
           unto
           evill
           .
           
             He
             goeth
             up
             and
             down
             like
             a
             roaring
             Lion
             ,
             seeking
             whom
             he
             may
             devoure
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           5.8
           .
           And
           the
           longer
           we
           live
           ,
           the
           more
           
           will
           his
           rage
           and
           malice
           against
           us
           increase
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           shortnesse
           of
           his
           and
           our
           time
           .
           The
           neerer
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           is
           to
           heaven
           ,
           the
           more
           Satan
           and
           his
           accursed
           instruments
           will
           rage
           :
           and
           the
           fiercer
           will
           their
           assaults
           be
           ;
           as
           it
           was
           with
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           ,
           the
           neerer
           the
           time
           was
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           bee
           delivered
           out
           of
           Aegypt
           and
           go
           to
           Canaan
           :
           the
           more
           cruell
           did
           their
           taskmasters
           grow
           ,
           and
           the
           heavier
           burdens
           were
           laid
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           last
           of
           all
           ,
           we
           shall
           by
           death
           be
           freed
           from
           all
           inward
           vexations
           and
           griefes
           of
           mind
           and
           spirit
           .
           So
           many
           sorrows
           and
           feares
           do
           compasse
           about
           many
           of
           Gods
           children
           ,
           that
           it
           makes
           them
           
             weary
             of
             their
             life
             ,
             at
             Rebekah
             said
             to
             Isaac
             ,
             Genes
             .
          
           27.46
           .
        
         
         
           But
           our
           desire
           of
           death
           must
           not
           bee
           so
           much
           for
           the
           avoyding
           of
           evill
           ,
           as
           for
           the
           injoying
           of
           good
           .
           For
           there
           we
           shall
           have
           a
           crown
           of
           
             glory
             and
             immortality
          
           ,
           1.
           
           Pet.
           5.4
           .
        
         
           There
           we
           shall
           be
           like
           unto
           Christ
           .
           Colos
           .
           3.4
           .
           
             There
             we
             shall
             have
             joy
             unspeakable
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.8
           .
           Yea
           such
           joy
           as
           if
           we
           could
           but
           conceive
           the
           sweetnesse
           ,
           the
           greatnesse
           thereof
           ,
           we
           would
           despise
           the
           joyes
           and
           pleasures
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           hope
           of
           assurance
           to
           enjoy
           them
           .
           Yea
           there
           we
           shall
           for
           ever
           be
           with
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           .
           1.
           
           Thes
           .
           4.17
           .
           
             In
             whose
             presence
             is
             fullnesse
             of
             joy
             ,
             at
             whose
             right
             hand
             ,
             there
             are
             pleasures
             for
             evermore
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           16.11
           .
           And
           which
           is
           the
           summe
           of
           all
           ,
           wee
           shall
           have
           everlasting
           communion
           with
           
             the
             Father
             ,
             Sonne
             ,
             and
             Holy
             
             Ghost
             ,
          
           and
           with
           all
           the
           quyre
           of
           heaven
           ,
           all
           those
           blessed
           Saints
           and
           Angels
           singing
           and
           praising
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           for
           evermore
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             8
          
           
           Eightly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           Is
           it
           so
           that
           Gods
           dearest
           children
           go
           not
           without
           affliction
           ?
           then
           woe
           to
           
             those
             whom
             God
             afflicts
             not
          
           :
           Which
           live
           at
           ease
           and
           in
           fulnesse
           :
           Wallowing
           in
           their
           sports
           and
           pleasures
           ,
           
             And
             are
             not
             in
             trouble
             like
             other
             men
             ,
             neither
             plagued
             like
             other
             men
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           73.5
           .
        
         
           These
           carry
           a
           black
           brand
           ,
           being
           marked
           for
           wicked
           ones
           .
           Loe
           ,
           
             these
             are
             the
             wicked
             ,
             they
             alwayes
             prosper
             ,
             and
             increase
             in
             riches
             ,
          
           vers
           .
           12.
           
        
         
           The
           houses
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           saith
           
             Job
             ,
             are
             peaceable
             without
             feare
             ,
             and
             the
             rod
             
             of
             God
             is
             upon
             them
             ,
             Job
          
           21.9
           .
        
         
           Which
           shewes
           that
           they
           are
           but
           as
           Oxen
           fatted
           against
           the
           day
           of
           slaughter
           .
        
         
           For
           if
           
             judgement
             begin
             at
             the
             house
             of
             God
             ,
             what
             shall
             the
             end
             be
             of
             them
             ,
             which
             obey
             not
             the
             Gospel
             of
             God
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           4.17
           .
           If
           Gods
           dear
           children
           ,
           if
           his
           faithfull
           servants
           ,
           who
           are
           zealous
           for
           the
           Lord
           ,
           whose
           soules
           do
           mourn
           in
           secret
           for
           their
           own
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           the
           abominations
           of
           the
           time
           and
           place
           where
           they
           live
           :
           Who
           labor
           to
           walk
           before
           the
           Lord
           in
           truth
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           perfect
           heart
           :
           who
           desire
           and
           indeavor
           to
           do
           the
           will
           of
           God
           in
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           yeeld
           a
           cheerfull
           obedience
           unto
           his
           Commandments
           ,
           bee
           so
           often
           ,
           
           so
           many
           wayes
           ,
           so
           sharply
           (
           many
           times
           )
           corrected
           and
           afflicted
           :
           what
           will
           become
           of
           profane
           foul-mouth'd
           blasphemers
           ,
           of
           scoffers
           and
           scorners
           of
           piety
           and
           godlinesse
           ;
           of
           proud
           and
           voluptuous
           persons
           :
           of
           covetous
           earth-wormes
           ,
           of
           gluttons
           ,
           drunkards
           ,
           fornicators
           ,
           unclean
           persons
           ;
           such
           as
           take
           no
           other
           thought
           but
           to
           fulfill
           the
           lusts
           of
           the
           flesh
           ?
           certainly
           if
           the
           Scripture
           be
           true
           ,
           and
           God
           bee
           just
           ,
           these
           shall
           one
           day
           have
           the
           full
           viols
           of
           Gods
           heavie
           wrath
           ,
           and
           eternal
           vengeance
           powred
           out
           upon
           them
           .
           If
           Gods
           own
           deare
           children
           must
           drink
           of
           that
           bitter
           cup
           of
           his
           displeasure
           ,
           
             Surely
             all
             the
             wicked
             of
             the
             earth
             shall
             wring
             out
             ,
             and
             drink
             the
             dregges
             thereof
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           75.8
           .
           
           
             Behold
             the
             righteous
             shall
             be
             recompensed
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             how
             much
             more
             the
             wicked
             and
             the
             sinner
             ?
             Pro.
          
           11.31
           .
           If
           it
           be
           true
           that
           God
           chastiseth
           every
           sonne
           whom
           he
           received
           :
           What
           will
           become
           of
           those
           whose
           bones
           are
           full
           of
           the
           marrow
           of
           sinne
           ?
           who
           sing
           to
           the
           viol
           ;
           who
           drink
           wine
           in
           bowls
           :
           unto
           whom
           wickednesse
           is
           as
           sugar
           in
           their
           mouthes
           ,
           and
           wantonnesse
           ,
           like
           oyle
           ,
           doth
           make
           them
           look
           with
           a
           merry
           countenance
           :
           whose
           life
           is
           spun
           with
           such
           an
           even
           thred
           ,
           both
           warpe
           and
           woofe
           ,
           as
           scarce
           a
           knot
           to
           bee
           seen
           :
           No
           breach
           in
           their
           estate
           :
           No
           crosses
           ,
           no
           losses
           ,
           but
           all
           things
           go
           as
           they
           would
           have
           them
           ?
           surely
           these
           are
           in
           a
           pittiful
           ,
           in
           a
           fearfull
           condition
           .
           For
           howsoever
           
             they
             
             put
             farre
             away
             the
             evill
             day
             ,
             and
             approach
             to
             the
             seat
             of
             iniquitie
             ,
             Amos
          
           6.3
           .
           Howsoever
           they
           may
           vaunt
           it
           ,
           and
           flatter
           themselves
           ,
           as
           
             Babel
             doth
          
           Revel
           .
           18.7
           .
           saying
           ,
           
             I
             shall
             see
             no
             mourning
             ,
             yet
             when
             they
             say
             peace
             ,
             and
             safety
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           
             think
             themselves
             to
             be
             most
             secure
             and
             farthest
             off
             from
             evil
             ,
             then
             shall
             come
             upon
             them
             sudden
             destruction
             ,
             as
             the
             travail
             upon
             a
             woman
             with
             childe
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             not
             escape
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Thessal
           .
           5.3
           .
           For
           God
           useth
           slow
           ,
           but
           sure
           punishment
           :
           it
           is
           long
           in
           comming
           ,
           but
           when
           he
           strikes
           the
           wicked
           ,
           hee
           will
           pay
           them
           home
           for
           all
           their
           wickednesse
           :
           and
           hee
           will
           make
           good
           the
           slownesse
           of
           his
           revenge
           ,
           by
           the
           greatnesse
           of
           their
           punishment
           when
           it
           lighteth
           upon
           them
           .
           The
           higher
           the
           Lord
           lifteth
           
           up
           his
           hand
           to
           strike
           ,
           the
           longer
           it
           is
           ere
           it
           fals
           :
           but
           when
           it
           fals
           ,
           it
           fals
           more
           heavily
           .
           The
           longer
           it
           is
           that
           Gods
           justice
           is
           boiling
           upon
           the
           fire
           of
           his
           wrath
           ,
           the
           more
           scalding
           hot
           it
           shall
           be
           powred
           upon
           the
           pates
           of
           the
           wicked
           .
           For
           
             though
             the
             Lord
             be
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             yet
             is
             he
             great
             in
             power
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             surely
             cleare
             the
             wicked
             ,
             Nahum
             .
          
           1.3
           .
           They
           have
           not
           vengeance
           presently
           executed
           ,
           but
           
             the
             Lord
             reserveth
             wrath
             for
             them
             ,
          
           as
           in
           the
           verse
           before
           .
        
         
           If
           the
           Lord
           be
           pleased
           to
           continue
           his
           heavie
           hand
           ,
           and
           that
           a
           long
           time
           upon
           his
           deare
           children
           ,
           how
           heavie
           ,
           how
           long
           and
           continuall
           shall
           those
           tortures
           ,
           and
           torments
           be
           ,
           which
           are
           prepared
           for
           stubborn
           ,
           rebellious
           ,
           
           and
           impenitent
           sinners
           ?
        
         
           If
           humble
           ,
           meek-hearted
           ,
           dutifull
           and
           obedient
           children
           lie
           (
           many
           times
           )
           in
           lingring
           and
           languishing
           afflions
           ,
           how
           smarting
           ,
           I
           ,
           intolerable
           shall
           those
           judgements
           be
           ,
           which
           one
           day
           the
           wicked
           and
           ungodly
           shall
           endure
           ?
           If
           the
           Lord
           seems
           many
           times
           not
           to
           regard
           the
           teares
           ,
           nor
           cries
           of
           his
           children
           ;
           that
           they
           seem
           as
           it
           were
           to
           welter
           in
           their
           sorrowes
           ;
           how
           are
           impenitent
           ,
           stiffe-necked
           ,
           and
           hard-hearted
           sinners
           like
           to
           speed
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           cry
           ,
           and
           roar
           againe
           ?
           
             Surely
             he
             will
             laugh
             at
             their
             destruction
             ,
             and
             mock
             them
             when
             feare
             and
             trouble
             comes
             upon
             them
             .
          
           Prov.
           1.26
           .
           Then
           shall
           that
           wrath
           which
           they
           have
           treasured
           up
           unto
           
           
           
           
           
           themselves
           ,
           come
           upon
           them
           to
           the
           uttermost
           .
        
         
           Woe
           be
           unto
           thee
           whosoever
           thou
           art
           that
           fearest
           not
           the
           Lord.
           
        
         
           Woe
           bee
           to
           those
           that
           revell
           and
           Jove
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           feared
           neither
           God
           nor
           Devill
           :
           as
           if
           they
           regarded
           neither
           Heaven
           nor
           Hell.
           The
           Lord
           is
           tempering
           of
           some
           bitter
           potion
           for
           them
           ,
           which
           one
           day
           they
           shall
           drink
           down
           to
           their
           eternall
           woe
           .
        
         
           If
           God
           humble
           his
           dear
           ones
           under
           his
           hand
           ,
           he
           will
           trample
           his
           enemies
           underneath
           his
           feet
           .
           If
           the
           Israelites
           must
           be
           baptized
           in
           the
           red
           sea
           ,
           the
           Egyptians
           shall
           bee
           overwhelmed
           and
           drowned
           in
           it
           .
           If
           Lot
           must
           lose
           all
           his
           goods
           and
           substance
           in
           Sodome
           ,
           the
           Sodomites
           
           shall
           lose
           both
           goods
           and
           lives
           too
           .
           If
           Gods
           finger
           lie
           heavie
           upon
           his
           children
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           with
           the
           weight
           of
           his
           loines
           ,
           hee
           will
           presse
           downe
           the
           wicked
           into
           Hell
           hereafter
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           doe
           wee
           not
           see
           the
           wicked
           flourish
           and
           prosper
           in
           their
           wayes
           ,
           and
           enterprises
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           ,
           for
           
             I
             have
             seen
             the
             wicked
             strong
             and
             spreading
             himselfe
             like
             a
             green
             bay-tree
          
           ;
           but
           his
           glory
           lasted
           not
           long
           ,
           
             hee
             passed
             away
             ,
             and
             loe
             ,
             hee
             was
             gone
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           37.35
           ,
           36.
           
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           are
           not
           the
           wicked
           honored
           and
           advanced
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answer
               .
            
          
           Yes
           :
           but
           
             though
             his
             excellencie
             mount
             up
             unto
             the
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             his
             head
             reach
             
             up
             unto
             the
             cloudes
             ,
             yet
             shall
             hee
             perish
             for
             ever
             like
             his
             dung
             ,
             and
             they
             which
             have
             seen
             him
             ,
             shall
             say
             ,
             Where
             is
             hee
             ?
             Job
             .
          
           20.6.7
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           are
           not
           the
           wicked
           mighty
           ,
           and
           of
           great
           riches
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           :
           yet
           
             neither
             their
             silver
             ,
             nor
             their
             gold
             shall
             bee
             able
             to
             deliver
             them
             in
             the
             day
             of
             the
             Lords
             wrath
             ,
             Zep.
          
           1.18
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           they
           are
           allied
           unto
           great
           personages
           ,
           and
           have
           great
           ones
           in
           league
           and
           confederacie
           with
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           It
           may
           bee
           so
           ,
           yet
           ,
           
             though
             hand
             joyne
             in
             hand
             ,
             the
             wicked
             shall
             not
             go
             unpunished
             ,
             Pro.
          
           11.21
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           they
           have
           deepe
           reaches
           ,
           unfathomed
           plots
           and
           projects
           ;
           they
           combine
           
           themselves
           together
           ,
           and
           consult
           how
           to
           escape
           from
           the
           power
           of
           evill
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           And
           ,
           what
           of
           this
           ?
           
             though
             they
             take
             counsell
             together
             ,
             yet
             it
             shall
             be
             brought
             to
             nought
             ,
             though
             they
             pronounce
             a
             decree
             ,
             yet
             shall
             it
             not
             stand
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           9.10
           .
           
             There
             is
             no
             wisedome
             ,
             neither
             understanding
             ,
             nor
             counsell
             against
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Pro.
          
           21.30
           .
        
         
           Thus
           wee
           see
           how
           the
           stayes
           and
           props
           of
           the
           wicked
           are
           but
           like
           reeds
           ,
           or
           Aegyptian
           staves
           which
           cannot
           helpe
           them
           .
           Neither
           Heaven
           ,
           nor
           Earth
           ,
           can
           save
           or
           priviledge
           those
           whom
           the
           Lord
           will
           punish
           .
           Then
           there
           is
           little
           cause
           ,
           why
           wee
           should
           grieve
           at
           the
           prosperitie
           ,
           or
           impunity
           of
           godlesse
           persons
           :
           they
           
           are
           sorer
           plagued
           then
           the
           world
           takes
           notice
           of
           ,
           though
           no
           apparant
           judgement
           be
           seen
           upon
           them
           .
           For
           doth
           not
           the
           Lord
           give
           them
           up
           to
           a
           reprobate
           mind
           ,
           even
           to
           fill
           and
           glut
           themselves
           with
           sinne
           ?
           and
           can
           there
           bee
           a
           greater
           punishment
           ,
           an
           heavier
           judgement
           then
           this
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           restrained
           from
           evill
           courses
           ?
           Desperate
           is
           the
           case
           of
           that
           patient
           ,
           whom
           the
           Physician
           gives
           over
           to
           his
           own
           appetite
           ,
           to
           eate
           and
           drinke
           what
           liketh
           him
           best
           .
           When
           a
           father
           begins
           to
           cast
           off
           the
           care
           of
           his
           sonne
           ,
           suffering
           him
           to
           take
           his
           swinge
           ,
           sink
           ,
           or
           swim
           ,
           hee
           will
           not
           look
           after
           him
           :
           doth
           it
           not
           appeare
           that
           he
           intendeth
           to
           disinherit
           such
           a
           childe
           ?
           Even
           so
           (
           as
           the
           water
           ,
           where
           
           it
           is
           stillest
           ,
           is
           deepest
           ,
           
           and
           most
           dangerous
           to
           drown
           )
           when
           God
           is
           most
           silent
           in
           threatning
           ,
           and
           patient
           in
           sparing
           ,
           there
           is
           hee
           most
           inflamed
           with
           anger
           ,
           and
           purpose
           of
           revenge
           .
           For
           the
           fewer
           judgements
           are
           powred
           upon
           the
           wicked
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           the
           more
           are
           reserved
           for
           them
           in
           the
           life
           to
           come
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           
             fret
             not
             thy selfe
             because
             of
             the
             wicked
             men
             ,
             neither
             bee
             envious
             for
             the
             evill
             doers
             ,
             for
             they
             shall
             soon
             be
             cut
             down
             like
             the
             grasse
             ,
             and
             shall
             wither
             as
             the
             green
             hearbe
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           37.1
           ,
           2.
           
           Peruse
           the
           whole
           Psalme
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           teach
           thee
           ,
           that
           how
           prosperously
           soever
           the
           wicked
           do
           live
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           yet
           their
           happinesse
           is
           but
           transitory
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           not
           in
           the
           favor
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           in
           the
           end
           
           they
           shall
           be
           destroyed
           as
           his
           enemies
           .
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           in
           that
           the
           Lord
           saith
           not
           ,
           they
           which
           I
           love
           ,
           shall
           be
           rebuked
           and
           chastened
           ,
           
             but
             whom
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             ,
          
           
           
             I
             chasten
          
           ,
           wee
           may
           in
           the
           next
           place
           observe
           this
           doctrine
           ,
           that
           ,
           
             All
             our
             trialls
             ,
             and
             afflictions
             ,
             come
             from
             the
             Lord.
          
           Of
           what
           nature
           ,
           and
           condition
           soever
           the
           affliction
           bee
           wherewith
           wee
           are
           exercised
           ,
           it
           is
           Physick
           of
           the
           Lords
           preparing
           ,
           hee
           hath
           his
           hand
           in
           it
           :
           and
           therefore
           by
           a
           kind
           of
           proprietie
           afflictions
           be
           termed
           his
           judgements
           .
           
             Wee
             have
             waited
             for
             thee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             in
             the
             way
             of
             thy
             judgements
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           26.8
           .
           And
           in
           the
           next
           vers
           .
           
             Thy
             judgements
             are
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           That
           which
           Naomi
           spake
           
           to
           the
           people
           of
           Bethlehem
           ,
           makes
           much
           for
           the
           proof
           of
           the
           point
           in
           hand
           .
           
             Call
             me
             not
             Naomi
             ,
             but
             call
             me
             Mara
             ,
             for
             the
             Almighty
             hath
             given
             me
             much
             bitternesse
             .
             I
             went
             out
             full
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             hath
             caused
             mee
             to
             return
             empty
             :
             why
             call
             ye
             me
             Naomi
             seeing
             the
             Lord
             bath
             humbled
             mee
             ,
             and
             the
             Almighty
             hath
             brought
             me
             unto
             adversitie
             .
             Ruth
             .
          
           1.20
           ,
           21.
           
           All
           her
           crosses
           ,
           and
           losses
           ,
           of
           what
           nature
           soever
           they
           were
           ;
           all
           her
           sorrows
           and
           bitternesse
           shee
           fathers
           upon
           the
           Lord.
           As
           personall
           so
           nationall
           evills
           come
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           appeareth
           2.
           
           Cron.
           15.6
           .
           
             Nation
             was
             destroyed
             of
             Nation
             ,
             and
             citie
             of
             citie
             :
             For
             the
             Lord
             did
             trouble
             them
             with
             all
             adversitie
             .
          
           To
           the
           same
           purpose
           speaketh
           the
           Prophet
           
           
           
           
           
           
             Isaiah
             ,
             Who
             gave
             Jacob
             for
             a
             spoile
             ,
             and
             Israel
             to
             the
             robbers
             ?
             Did
             not
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             wee
             have
             sinned
             against
             him
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           42.24
           .
        
         
           Whatsoever
           the
           outward
           means
           ,
           or
           instruments
           bee
           ,
           Gods
           hand
           hath
           a
           principall
           strok
           in
           all
           those
           afflictions
           which
           befall
           either
           the
           church
           in
           general
           ,
           or
           any
           particular
           member
           thereof
           ,
           whether
           it
           bee
           pestilence
           ,
           or
           sword
           ,
           or
           famine
           ,
           or
           captivity
           .
           It
           is
           not
           the
           heedlesnesse
           and
           wilfulnesse
           of
           people
           which
           will
           adventure
           into
           places
           infected
           ,
           or
           upon
           goods
           that
           are
           contagious
           ,
           which
           beginneth
           ,
           or
           continueth
           the
           plague
           amongst
           us
           .
           It
           is
           not
           alone
           the
           malice
           and
           cruelty
           of
           the
           enemie
           ,
           which
           bringeth
           the
           sword
           ,
           or
           causeth
           any
           to
           
           fall
           by
           it
           .
           It
           is
           not
           unseasonable
           winter
           ,
           or
           summer
           ,
           which
           causeth
           and
           bringeth
           the
           famine
           amongst
           us
           :
           these
           are
           but
           secondary
           causes
           ,
           the
           prime
           and
           supream
           cause
           is
           ,
           that
           all
           disposing
           wisedome
           ,
           and
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           causeth
           and
           ordereth
           both
           the
           one
           and
           the
           other
           .
           
             Such
             as
             hee
             hath
             appointed
             to
             death
             ,
             shall
             go
             unto
             death
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             are
             for
             the
             sword
             ,
             to
             the
             sword
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             are
             for
             the
             famine
             ,
             to
             the
             famine
             ;
             and
             such
             as
             are
             for
             captivitie
             ,
             to
             the
             captivitie
             .
             Jerem.
          
           15.2
           .
           So
           likewise
           for
           particular
           judgments
           ,
           whether
           in
           our
           body
           ,
           or
           estate
           ,
           all
           commeth
           from
           the
           Lord.
           
             Who
             hath
             made
             the
             dumb
             ,
             or
             the
             deafe
             ,
             or
             the
             blind
             ?
             have
             not
             I
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Exod.
          
           4.11
           .
        
         
           From
           whom
           come
           consumptions
           ,
           
           burning
           agues
           ,
           &
           other
           bodily
           diseases
           ?
           
             Doth
             not
             the
             Lord
             apoint
             them
             ?
             Lev.
          
           26.16
           .
           Hence
           the
           Church
           professeth
           ,
           Hos
           .
           6.1
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             spoiled
             us
             ,
             and
             hee
             will
             heale
             us
             ;
             he
             hath
             wounded
             us
             ,
             &
             he
             will
             bind
             us
             up
             .
          
           If
           wee
           peruse
           that
           bedroul
           of
           curses
           ,
           Devt
           .
           28.
           
           It
           will
           appeare
           ,
           that
           neither
           povertie
           ,
           sicknesse
           ,
           nor
           any
           crosse
           ,
           or
           losse
           doth
           befall
           us
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           God
           doth
           send
           us
           .
           
             Is
             there
             any
             evill
             in
             the
             citie
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             not
             done
             it
             ?
             Amos
          
           3.6
           .
           
             I
             the
             Lord
             do
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           45.7
           .
           Here
           I
           might
           quickly
           lead
           you
           into
           a
           Labyrinth
           ,
           by
           propounding
           ambiguous
           and
           unnecessary
           questions
           ,
           how
           farre
           God
           hath
           his
           hand
           in
           every
           evill
           ;
           but
           such
           questions
           will
           breed
           strife
           ,
           
             rather
             than
             godly
             edifying
          
           ,
           
           1.
           
           Tim.
           1.4
           .
           Know
           therefore
           ,
           that
           something
           the
           Lord
           effects
           in
           ,
           and
           by
           himselfe
           ,
           without
           the
           helpe
           ,
           or
           assistance
           of
           inferior
           causes
           :
           such
           are
           the
           workes
           of
           creation
           and
           some
           miracles
           .
           Some
           things
           the
           Lord
           causeth
           to
           be
           effected
           by
           means
           ,
           as
           castigations
           and
           deliverances
           .
           And
           some
           things
           the
           Lord
           suffers
           to
           be
           done
           by
           his
           permissive
           will
           ,
           yet
           so
           as
           (
           if
           hee
           pleased
           )
           he
           could
           easily
           prevent
           and
           hinder
           ,
           or
           alter
           the
           doing
           of
           them
           ;
           thus
           the
           Lord
           may
           be
           said
           to
           have
           a
           finger
           in
           every
           sinne
           ,
           not
           as
           it
           is
           a
           breach
           of
           his
           revealed
           will
           ,
           but
           that
           it
           may
           be
           an
           occasion
           of
           the
           manifestation
           of
           his
           power
           ,
           and
           justice
           in
           punishing
           and
           revenging
           of
           it
           .
           These
           truths
           the
           heathen
           which
           either
           
           knew
           not
           God
           ,
           or
           else
           did
           not
           glorifie
           him
           as
           God
           ,
           were
           utterly
           ignorant
           of
           ,
           and
           therefore
           
             turned
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             incorruptible
             God
             ,
             into
             the
             similitude
             of
             the
             image
             of
             a
             corruptible
             man
             ,
             and
             of
             birds
             ,
             and
             foure
             footed
             beasts
             ,
             and
             of
             creeping
             things
             ,
             Rom.
          
           1.23
           .
           And
           hence
           it
           came
           to
           passe
           that
           they
           forged
           unto
           themselves
           so
           many
           Gods
           :
           one
           of
           the
           sunne
           ;
           another
           of
           the
           moone
           ;
           one
           of
           the
           sea
           ,
           another
           of
           the
           windes
           ,
           &c.
           
           By
           whose
           wisedome
           ,
           providence
           and
           power
           (
           as
           they
           conceived
           )
           the
           whole
           world
           ,
           with
           all
           occasions
           and
           occurences
           therein
           were
           ordered
           and
           swayed
           .
           Whereas
           there
           is
           but
           one
           only
           true
           God
           ,
           
             Who
             by
             wisedome
             hath
             laid
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             hath
             stablished
             the
             heavens
             
             through
             understanding
             ;
             by
             his
             knowledge
             the
             depths
             are
             broken
             up
             ,
             and
             the
             clouds
             drop
             down
             the
             dew
             .
             Prov.
          
           3.19
           ,
           20.
           
           See
           Jerem.
           10.12.13
           .
           
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             are
             all
             things
             .
             Rom.
          
           11.36
           .
           The
           Pelagians
           of
           olde
           were
           much
           puzled
           about
           the
           divine
           Providence
           ,
           thinking
           it
           an
           unseemly
           thing
           to
           make
           God
           the
           author
           of
           an
           evill
           ;
           and
           therefore
           affirmed
           that
           there
           were
           two
           gods
           .
           The
           one
           was
           the
           Father
           of
           mercies
           ,
           and
           author
           of
           all
           good
           that
           doth
           betyde
           man.
           The
           other
           was
           an
           evill
           god
           ,
           the
           enemie
           of
           mankind
           ,
           the
           actor
           of
           such
           evills
           as
           do
           befall
           man.
           But
           wee
           acknowledge
           onely
           one
           God
           :
           the
           wise
           and
           just
           dispenser
           of
           good
           and
           evill
           :
           
             for
             out
             of
             the
             mouth
             of
             the
             most
             High
             proceedeth
             both
             evill
             and
             
             good
             ,
             Lam.
          
           3.38
           .
           Plato
           ,
           and
           other
           Heathens
           would
           say
           ,
           That
           God
           was
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           good
           things
           in
           Nature
           ;
           beleeving
           and
           acknowledging
           a
           Divine
           Providence
           in
           prosperity
           ;
           but
           when
           adversity
           ,
           came
           ,
           they
           were
           of
           another
           minde
           .
           It
           is
           reported
           of
           Cato
           ,
           that
           hee
           stoutly
           held
           and
           defended
           a
           Divine
           Providence
           all
           the
           while
           that
           Pompey
           prospered
           ,
           and
           the
           citie
           flourished
           :
           but
           when
           he
           did
           see
           Pompey
           to
           bee
           overthrown
           by
           Caesar
           in
           so
           just
           a
           cause
           ,
           when
           hee
           beheld
           the
           body
           of
           Pompey
           cast
           upon
           the
           shoare
           ,
           without
           any
           honor
           of
           buriall
           ,
           and
           himselfe
           exposed
           to
           danger
           by
           Caesars
           army
           :
           hee
           then
           changed
           his
           opinion
           ,
           denying
           that
           there
           was
           any
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           but
           that
           all
           
           things
           fell
           out
           by
           chance
           .
        
         
           It
           were
           well
           with
           many
           Christians
           (
           which
           know
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           should
           know
           more
           of
           Gods
           minde
           then
           Coto
           knew
           )
           if
           they
           were
           not
           somtimes
           sicke
           of
           Cato
           his
           disease
           ;
           for
           they
           can
           trust
           God
           ,
           and
           acknowledge●
           his
           Providence
           ,
           all
           the
           while
           they
           live
           at
           ease
           ,
           and
           in
           prosperitie
           ;
           but
           let
           the
           Lord
           change
           their
           estate
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           change
           their
           minde
           ,
           or
           an
           the
           least
           they
           begin
           to
           demurre
           about
           the
           truth
           of
           this
           doctrine
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           how
           can
           it
           be
           said
           ,
           That
           God
           ordereth
           and
           disposeth
           of
           all
           afflictions
           ,
           when
           there
           be
           many
           euils
           which
           wee
           bring
           upon
           our selves
           ,
           and
           may
           thank
           our selves
           for
           ?
           as
           appeareth
           in
           divers
           places
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           
             Hast
             
             thou
             not
             procured
             this
             unto
             thy selfe
             ,
             in
             that
             thou
             hast
             forsaken
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ?
             Jerem.
          
           2.17
           .
           Againe
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           Hos
           .
           13.9
           .
           
             O
             Israel
             ,
             thou
             hast
             destroyed
             thy selfe
             .
          
           And
           ordinary
           experience
           tells
           us
           how
           many
           mischiefes
           many
           bring
           upon
           themselves
           through
           surfets
           ,
           ryot
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Wee
           procure
           unto
           our selves
           (
           by
           reason
           of
           our
           sins
           )
           whatsoever
           evills
           do
           befall
           us
           .
           Besides
           God
           by
           withdrawing
           or
           with-holding
           of
           his
           grace
           ,
           gives
           us
           over
           to
           our
           own
           lusts
           or
           Satan●
           tenta●ions
           ,
           and
           so
           makes
           us
           his
           instruments
           to
           worke
           our selves
           that
           mischiefe
           ,
           or
           to
           bring
           upon
           our
           own
           paies
           those
           evills
           hee
           intended
           should
           befall
           us
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           it
           is
           undoubted
           truth
           ,
           that
           God
           
           hath
           his
           hand
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           it
           may
           bee
           confirmed
           by
           these
           reasons
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             1
          
           
           First
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           infinitenesse
           of
           his
           being
           ,
           filling
           both
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           with
           his
           presence
           .
           
             Am
             I
             a
             God
             at
             hand
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             God
             afarre
             off
             ?
             Can
             any
             hide
             himselfe
             in
             secret
             places
             ,
             that
             I
             shall
             not
             see
             him
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ?
             Doe
             not
             I
             fill
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             .
             Jerem.
          
           23.23
           ,
           24.
           
           
             Whither
             shall
             we
             goe
             from
             his
             spirit
             ?
             or
             whither
             shall
             wee
             flee
             from
             his
             presence
             ?
             Psal
             .
          
           139.7
           .
           If
           wee
           be
           in
           hell
           ,
           there
           shall
           the
           Lords
           hand
           take
           us
           ,
           yea
           ,
           
             though
             wee
             more
             hid
             in
             the
             bottome
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             the
             Lord
             can
             thence
             command
             the
             serpent
             to
             bite
             us
             ,
             Amos
          
           9.2
           ,
           3.
           
           So
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           every
           where
           .
           
             The
             
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             Heaven
             of
             Heavens
             is
             not
             able
             to
             containe
             him
             :
          
           1.
           
           King.
           8.27
           .
           Hee
           is
           above
           us
           ,
           beneath
           us
           ,
           he
           is
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           behind
           us
           ;
           he
           is
           without
           us
           ,
           and
           within
           us
           ;
           hee
           is
           not
           only
           all
           eye
           to
           observe
           all
           ,
           
             for
             his
             eyes
             behold
             all
             nations
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           66.7
           .
           But
           he
           is
           also
           all
           hand
           to
           order
           and
           dispose
           of
           all
           particulars
           .
           If
           any
           thing
           were
           out
           of
           Gods
           reach
           ,
           or
           did
           fall
           out
           beyond
           his
           presence
           and
           privity
           ,
           then
           were
           not
           the
           Lord
           infinite
           ,
           and
           then
           were
           he
           not
           God.
           But
           the
           Lord
           being
           every
           where
           ,
           and
           filling
           every
           place
           ,
           must
           needs
           have
           the
           ordering
           and
           disposing
           of
           all
           things
           which
           are
           done
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           earth
           ;
           for
           as
           it
           pleaseth
           the
           Lord
           ,
           so
           all
           things
           come
           to
           passe
           .
        
         
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             2
          
           
           that
           the
           Lords
           hand
           should
           bee
           in
           every
           affliction
           ,
           which
           befalls
           us
           ,
           because
           ,
           
             Hee
             worketh
             all
             things
             after
             the
             counsell
             of
             his
             will
             ,
             Ephe.
          
           1.11
           .
           Man
           may
           devise
           and
           plot
           what
           he
           please
           :
           hee
           may
           take
           others
           into
           confederacie
           with
           him
           ,
           but
           
             the
             Lord
             laughes
             them
             to
             scorne
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           37.13
           .
           
             Their
             counsell
             shall
             bee
             brought
             to
             nought
             ,
             their
             decree
             shall
             not
             stand
             .
             Esay
             .
          
           8.10
           .
           
             But
             the
             counsell
             of
             the
             Lord
             shall
             stand
             ,
             and
             the
             thoughts
             of
             his
             heart
             throughout
             all
             ages
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           33.11
           .
           So
           Esay
           .
           46.10
           .
           
             My
             counsell
             shall
             stand
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             do
             whatsoever
             I
             will.
          
           If
           the
           Lord
           hath
           a
           will
           to
           any
           thing
           ,
           that
           thing
           must
           needs
           follow
           :
           for
           his
           willing
           of
           it
           ,
           is
           the
           doing
           of
           it
           ,
           
             I
             have
             purposed
             it
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             do
             it
             ,
             Esay
          
           
           46.11
           .
           Therefore
           they
           blasphem
           the
           omnipotencie
           ,
           and
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           say
           ,
           That
           Gods
           will
           attendeth
           and
           follows
           mans
           ;
           and
           worketh
           in
           many
           things
           ,
           as
           our
           will
           inclineth
           :
           which
           is
           to
           set
           the
           cart
           before
           the
           horse
           ;
           to
           make
           the
           supreme
           governesse
           come
           after
           the
           handmaid
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           doth
           it
           not
           please
           the
           Lord
           to
           afford
           so
           much
           libertie
           to
           his
           creature
           ,
           that
           some
           thing
           may
           bee
           done
           as
           wee
           will
           ,
           and
           best
           liketh
           us
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           The
           Scripture
           doth
           no
           where
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           God
           doth
           at
           any
           time
           suspend
           his
           omnipotencie
           ,
           and
           purpose
           so
           farre
           ,
           as
           to
           put
           the
           staffe
           ,
           at
           any
           time
           out
           of
           his
           owne
           hand
           ;
           that
           man
           may
           will
           any
           thing
           against
           or
           without
           
           the
           will
           of
           God.
           Wee
           may
           not
           say
           ,
           wee
           will
           go
           to
           the
           next
           towne
           ,
           
             But
             if
             God
             will
             ,
             Jam.
          
           4.15
           .
        
         
           
             The
             heart
             of
             man
             purposeth
             a
             way
             ,
             but
             the
             Lord
             directeth
             his
             steps
             ,
             Prov.
          
           16.9
           .
        
         
           Howsoever
           the
           wicked
           may
           bandy
           themselves
           against
           the
           Lord
           &
           his
           anointed
           ,
           they
           can
           do
           no
           more
           ,
           nor
           other
           ,
           but
           
             whatsoever
             his
             hand
             ,
             and
             counsell
             hath
             appointed
             to
             bee
             done
             ,
             Act.
          
           4.28
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             3
          
           
           Thrdly
           ,
           because
           all
           the
           creatures
           both
           of
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           Earth
           ,
           are
           ready
           prest
           as
           so
           many
           servants
           ,
           and
           souldiers
           to
           be
           sent
           forth
           ,
           and
           commanded
           at
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           their
           Soveraigne
           Lord
           and
           chieftaine
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           will
           lead
           any
           of
           his
           hosts
           against
           Pharoah
           
           and
           his
           people
           ,
           for
           the
           rescue
           and
           deliverance
           of
           Israel
           his
           chosen
           ,
           they
           shall
           march
           in
           battell
           aray
           ,
           and
           they
           shall
           follow
           in
           ten
           severall
           troups
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           heeles
           of
           one
           another
           .
           The
           least
           ,
           the
           meanest
           ,
           and
           the
           vilest
           of
           these
           hosts
           ,
           though
           of
           Lice
           ,
           or
           Grashoppers
           ,
           under
           the
           conduct
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           make
           head
           against
           this
           great
           Monarch
           Pharoah
           :
           and
           bring
           down
           the
           spirit
           ,
           and
           stomack
           of
           this
           proud
           King
           ,
           who
           a
           little
           before
           asked
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             heare
             his
             voice
             ,
             and
             let
             Israel
             go
             ?
             I
             know
             not
             the
             Lord
             ,
             neither
             will
             I
             let
             Israel
             go
             ,
             Exodus
          
           5.2
           .
        
         
           All
           which
           considered
           ,
           namely
           ,
           That
           the
           Lord
           is
           every
           where
           ,
           fulfilling
           all
           
           places
           ;
           and
           that
           all
           things
           are
           effected
           as
           hee
           will
           :
           and
           that
           all
           creatures
           are
           at
           his
           bay
           ,
           wee
           may
           safely
           conclude
           ,
           That
           no
           affliction
           can
           befall
           us
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           appointeth
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           1.
           
           Thes
           .
           3.3
           .
           
             No
             man
             should
             bee
             moved
             with
             afflictions
             :
             for
             ye
             your selves
             know
             that
             wee
             are
             appointed
             thereunto
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             1
          
           
           Is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           all
           our
           afflictions
           come
           from
           God
           ?
           Away
           then
           with
           that
           heathenish
           conceit
           ,
           or
           dreame
           of
           
             Fortune
             ,
             Luck
          
           ,
           or
           Chance
           ;
           words
           too
           frequent
           in
           the
           mouths
           of
           Christians
           .
           If
           any
           thing
           befall
           our
           neighbor
           better
           then
           ordinary
           ,
           and
           beyond
           our
           expectation
           ,
           wee
           are
           ready
           to
           congratulate
           his
           good
           fortune
           ,
        
         
           If
           any
           thing
           succeeed
           evill
           ,
           
           contrary
           to
           his
           desire
           ,
           or
           if
           any
           affliction
           doth
           befall
           him
           ,
           wee
           are
           ready
           to
           bemone
           or
           condole
           his
           ill
           luck
           ,
           and
           his
           bad
           chance
           .
           Would
           you
           know
           from
           whence
           Fortune
           did
           first
           spring
           ?
           One
           tells
           us
           from
           nature
           .
           
           I
           rather
           think
           from
           ignorance
           of
           nature
           .
           Nature
           is
           nothing
           else
           but
           that
           order
           and
           course
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           set
           and
           established
           in
           all
           his
           creatures
           .
           Why
           doth
           bread
           strengthen
           us
           rather
           then
           stones
           ?
           You
           will
           say
           it
           is
           the
           nature
           of
           bread
           ,
           to
           nourish
           and
           strengthen
           us
           ;
           and
           why
           so
           ?
           even
           because
           God
           hath
           said
           it
           ,
           and
           appointed
           it
           to
           be
           so
           .
           This
           order
           and
           course
           of
           nature
           the
           Heathen
           being
           ignorant
           of
           ,
           as
           also
           of
           the
           Divine
           Providence
           guiding
           and
           disposing
           of
           all
           particulars
           ,
           
           they
           ascribed
           the
           event
           of
           things
           to
           a
           power
           of
           their
           own
           devising
           ,
           which
           they
           called
           Fortune
           .
           Now
           for
           Christians
           ,
           who
           have
           the
           light
           of
           truth
           so
           clearely
           shining
           amongst
           us
           ,
           that
           wee
           should
           take
           up
           the
           language
           ,
           and
           termes
           of
           blind
           Pagans
           ;
           what
           a
           shame
           is
           it
           to
           our
           profession
           ,
           and
           reproach
           to
           our
           God
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           doth
           not
           the
           Scripture
           speake
           of
           chance
           ,
           Luk.
           10.31
           .
           
             By
             chance
             there
             came
             down
             a
             certaine
             Priest
             that
             same
             way
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Answer
               .
            
          
           In
           regard
           of
           God
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           chance
           ,
           although
           things
           may
           be
           said
           to
           bee
           casuall
           in
           respect
           of
           our
           ignorance
           ,
           who
           know
           not
           the
           causes
           of
           many
           things
           ,
           which
           fall
           out
           many
           times
           suddenly
           ,
           and
           beyond
           our
           expectation
           ;
           
           
           
           
           
           but
           all
           things
           past
           ,
           present
           and
           future
           are
           present
           with
           the
           Lord.
           And
           that
           all
           things
           in
           appearance
           casuall
           are
           ordered
           and
           governed
           by
           God
           ,
           may
           be
           gathered
           by
           that
           Vision
           of
           Ezechiel
           ,
           1.18
           .
           Who
           beheld
           all
           things
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           in
           appearance
           to
           runne
           upon
           wheeles
           ,
           the
           ring
           of
           which
           wheeles
           hee
           observed
           to
           bee
           full
           of
           eyes
           :
           implying
           hereby
           the
           universall
           and
           intentive
           Providence
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           overseeing
           all
           things
           .
        
         
           Neither
           may
           wee
           ascribe
           any
           thing
           to
           that
           unluckie
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           many
           call
           it
           )
           unfortunate
           or
           fortunate
           Planet
           ,
           under
           which
           any
           may
           be
           said
           to
           be
           borne
           ,
           as
           the
           starre-gazer
           doth
           fondly
           hold
           ,
           and
           maintaine
           ;
           or
           that
           
           some
           dayes
           be
           good
           ,
           and
           some
           bad
           ,
           is
           a
           heathenish
           conceit
           .
           For
           the
           Lord
           God
           Almightie
           ,
           that
           Most
           High
           and
           Incomprehensible
           JEHOVAH
           ,
           that
           Everlasting
           Alpha
           and
           Omega
           ,
           He
           that
           was
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           and
           is
           to
           come
           ,
           He
           is
           the
           former
           ,
           framer
           and
           governor
           of
           all
           things
           ;
           Who
           made
           
             Arcturus
             ,
             Orion
          
           ,
           and
           Pleiades
           ,
           those
           famous
           starres
           ,
           and
           placed
           them
           in
           the
           firmament
           of
           heaven
           ?
           Who
           limited
           the
           North
           ,
           and
           South
           climats
           ?
           Hath
           not
           the
           Lord
           formed
           them
           ,
           and
           doth
           not
           He
           governe
           them
           ?
           Hath
           not
           He
           appointed
           them
           their
           severall
           spheares
           ,
           and
           motions
           ?
           Have
           they
           not
           their
           influences
           from
           him
           ?
           and
           doth
           not
           He
           withdraw
           from
           them
           at
           His
           pleasure
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           remaine
           ,
           and
           continue
           as
           
           servants
           for
           the
           behoof
           of
           man
           :
           as
           other
           creatures
           do
           ?
           and
           are
           not
           as
           gods
           ,
           or
           governors
           of
           mans
           nature
           :
           neither
           can
           they
           dispose
           of
           our
           inclinations
           ,
           constitutions
           ,
           and
           affections
           ,
           or
           make
           us
           happy
           ,
           or
           unhappy
           at
           their
           pleasure
           ;
           but
           are
           ruled
           and
           commanded
           by
           God
           ,
           to
           stand
           or
           move
           at
           His
           will
           and
           pleasure
           :
           Did
           not
           the
           Sunne
           stand
           still
           in
           Gibeon
           ,
           and
           the
           Moone
           in
           the
           valley
           of
           Ajalou
           a
           whole
           day
           .
           Josh
           .
           10.12
           .
           By
           which
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           places
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           Sun
           and
           Moon
           ,
           and
           so
           all
           other
           creatures
           are
           subject
           to
           the
           will
           of
           the
           superior
           Governor
           ,
           who
           needeth
           not
           the
           helpe
           of
           such
           weake
           instruments
           to
           draw
           out
           ,
           or
           to
           shorten
           the
           life
           ,
           and
           wellfare
           ,
           the
           happinesse
           ,
           or
           the
           
           miserie
           of
           man
           ;
           to
           make
           our
           portion
           the
           more
           fat
           or
           lean
           ,
           to
           further
           or
           hinder
           us
           ,
           either
           in
           our
           spirituall
           ,
           or
           bodily
           welfare
           .
           Thinke
           not
           therefore
           that
           either
           thy
           good
           ,
           or
           bad
           successe
           in
           thy
           proceedings
           ,
           the
           prosperous
           or
           adverse
           issues
           of
           thine
           indeavors
           ,
           thy
           riches
           ,
           or
           thy
           povertie
           proceedeth
           from
           the
           influence
           ,
           domination
           ,
           or
           power
           of
           the
           creatures
           ,
           but
           that
           all
           are
           ordered
           ,
           and
           disposed
           of
           by
           a
           higher
           cause
           ,
           the
           wise
           ,
           and
           righteous
           Providence
           of
           Almighty
           God.
           
        
         
           Let
           us
           not
           therefore
           so
           much
           as
           name
           Fortune
           ,
           seeing
           all
           things
           in
           the
           World
           (
           though
           many
           of
           them
           seem
           casuall
           and
           contingent
           to
           our
           weake
           and
           shallow
           apprehension
           )
           are
           notwithstanding
           
           regulated
           by
           Divine
           Providence
           .
           Some
           will
           say
           that
           Jonah
           being
           cast
           into
           the
           sea
           ,
           had
           good
           fortune
           ,
           that
           a
           fish
           should
           be
           ready
           at
           hand
           to
           swallow
           him
           up
           ,
           and
           so
           carry
           him
           a
           shore
           againe
           :
           but
           this
           fortune
           was
           no
           other
           then
           Gods
           providence
           ,
           
             For
             the
             Lord
             had
             prepared
             a
             great
             fish
             to
             swallow
             up
             Jonah
          
           1.17
           .
        
         
           The
           selling
           of
           Joseph
           unto
           the
           
             Ishmaelitish
             Merchants
          
           ,
           in
           appearance
           seemeth
           to
           be
           no
           other
           then
           the
           cruell
           act
           of
           his
           unnaturall
           brethren
           ,
           disputing
           and
           debating
           with
           themselves
           ,
           what
           they
           were
           best
           to
           do
           with
           him
           :
           Yet
           Joseph
           telleth
           his
           brethren
           ,
           
             You
             sent
             me
             not
             hither
             ,
             but
             God
             ,
             Gene.
          
           45.8
           .
           Can
           any
           thing
           appeare
           more
           casuall
           then
           the
           drawing
           of
           a
           
           lot
           ?
           yet
           it
           is
           the
           Lord
           that
           directeth
           my
           hand
           to
           this
           lot
           rather
           then
           unto
           another
           .
           
             The
             lot
             is
             cast
             into
             the
             lap
             ,
             but
             the
             whole
             disposing
             thereof
             is
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Prov.
          
           16.33
           .
        
         
           Gods
           Providence
           extendeth
           it selfe
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           smallest
           things
           ,
           the
           falling
           of
           every
           sparrow
           on
           the
           ground
           ,
           Matt.
           10.29
           .
           The
           numbring
           of
           the
           haires
           of
           oun
           heads
           ,
           the
           feeding
           of
           the
           birds
           of
           the
           ayre
           ;
           and
           what
           not
           ?
        
         
           Hold
           wee
           it
           therefore
           as
           an
           undoubted
           truth
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           no
           fortune
           :
           and
           that
           nothing
           comes
           to
           passe
           without
           the
           decree
           of
           God
           :
           no
           ,
           not
           any
           of
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           nor
           any
           judgements
           ,
           which
           at
           any
           time
           befall
           any
           wicked
           person
           .
           When
           the
           Drunkard
           
           hath
           besotted
           himselfe
           with
           excessive
           drinking
           ,
           and
           even
           transformed
           himselfe
           into
           a
           swine
           ,
           he
           takes
           his
           horse
           ,
           homeward
           goes
           the
           beast
           ,
           but
           the
           man
           (
           more
           sencelesse
           then
           the
           beast
           )
           is
           carried
           he
           knowes
           not
           whither
           ;
           down
           at
           last
           hee
           tumbles
           from
           his
           horse
           ,
           and
           breaks
           his
           neck
           :
           or
           being
           on
           foot
           ,
           falls
           into
           the
           ditch
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           drowned
           ;
           you
           will
           say
           ,
           This
           man
           hath
           hard
           fortune
           .
           And
           so
           when
           two
           roaring
           ruffians
           ,
           shall
           fall
           to
           word
           it
           upon
           some
           indignitie
           or
           wrong
           received
           ,
           or
           conceived
           :
           and
           from
           words
           proceed
           either
           to
           blows
           or
           stabbing
           each
           other
           :
           their
           companions
           will
           say
           ,
           the
           wounded
           party
           had
           a
           hard
           mischance
           befalne
           him
           ,
           verie
           ill
           lucke
           .
           No
           ,
           no
           ;
           these
           
           had
           the
           just
           and
           righteous
           hand
           of
           God
           against
           them
           ,
           the
           Lord
           in
           justice
           and
           wrath
           appointing
           these
           heavie
           judgments
           unto
           them
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           Jude
           speaketh
           of
           some
           ,
           
             which
             were
             before
             of
             old
             ordained
             to
             this
             condemnation
             ,
             Jude
             ,
          
           
           4.
           
           The
           word
           ordained
           is
           very
           emphatical
           in
           the
           originall
           ,
           and
           signifies
           as
           much
           as
           if
           they
           were
           inrolled
           or
           set
           down
           upon
           record
           ,
           or
           registred
           ,
           and
           set
           down
           by
           the
           hand-writing
           of
           God
           to
           this
           condemnation
           .
           Fortune
           befits
           the
           mouth
           of
           a
           heathen
           ,
           but
           Gods
           Providence
           the
           heart
           and
           tongue
           of
           a
           Christian
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             2
          
           
           Againe
           ,
           this
           doctrine
           meets
           with
           another
           error
           too
           rife
           ,
           and
           ranck
           amongst
           us
           .
           In
           the
           time
           of
           any
           great
           tempests
           ,
           especially
           if
           they
           bee
           
           such
           as
           cause
           any
           spoile
           ,
           or
           havock
           at
           sea
           ,
           or
           upon
           land
           ;
           by
           and
           by
           ,
           many
           mouths
           are
           opened
           ,
           and
           this
           they
           suppose
           to
           bee
           the
           work
           of
           some
           conjurer
           .
           As
           if
           the
           Lord
           (
           as
           Eliah
           ironically
           said
           to
           the
           Priests
           of
           Baal
           ,
           of
           their
           god
           )
           were
           all
           this
           while
           asleep
           ,
           or
           sate
           still
           ,
           and
           did
           nothing
           .
           If
           there
           bee
           any
           great
           winde
           blowing
           hard
           at
           sea
           ,
           
             The
             Lord
             sends
             that
             great
             winde
             into
             the
             sea
             ,
             and
             he
             raiseth
             every
             mighty
             tempest
             ,
             Jonah
             ,
          
           1.4
           .
           If
           there
           be
           any
           winds
           or
           stormes
           upon
           rhe
           land
           ,
           the
           Lord
           raiseth
           them
           :
           
             For
             the
             Lord
             hath
             his
             way
             in
             the
             whirlewind
             and
             in
             the
             storme
             ,
             Nah.
          
           1.3
           .
        
         
           God
           alone
           is
           the
           Lord
           both
           of
           sea
           and
           land
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           over-ruling
           hand
           ,
           and
           power
           he
           ordereth
           and
           disposeth
           
           of
           all
           particulars
           ,
           whither
           in
           the
           seas
           ,
           or
           upon
           the
           earth
           .
           
             For
             he
             commandeth
             and
             raiseth
             the
             stormie
             winde
             ,
             and
             it
             lifteth
             up
             the
             waves
             thereof
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           107.25
           .
           They
           cry
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           their
           trouble
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           bringeth
           them
           out
           of
           their
           distresse
           .
           But
           how
           doth
           he
           this
           ?
           It
           follows
           in
           the
           29.
           vers
           .
           
             He
             turneth
             the
             storme
             to
             calme
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             waves
             thereof
             are
             still
             ,
             for
             he
             ruleth
             the
             raging
             of
             the
             seas
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           89.9
           .
           So
           that
           if
           there
           be
           storme
           or
           tempest
           )
           it
           is
           evident
           God
           causeth
           and
           ceaseth
           all
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           is
           there
           not
           conjuring
           sometimes
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Very
           like
           there
           is
           ;
           for
           men
           and
           devils
           do
           many
           times
           compact
           ,
           and
           joyn
           together
           ,
           for
           the
           doing
           of
           some
           mischiefe
           .
           But
           are
           not
           men
           
           and
           devils
           under
           the
           rule
           and
           command
           of
           the
           Almighty
           ?
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           the
           devill
           hath
           a
           large
           walke
           ,
           even
           the
           whole
           earth
           ,
           
             which
             he
             compasseth
             ,
             Job
          
           2.2
           .
           Yet
           hath
           he
           his
           bounds
           and
           limits
           set
           him
           ,
           which
           he
           cannot
           exceed
           .
           Although
           he
           be
           full
           of
           malice
           ,
           and
           spight
           ,
           and
           takes
           pleasure
           in
           doing
           evill
           ,
           and
           working
           of
           mischiefe
           :
           and
           therefore
           hee
           is
           called
           
             the
             evill
             spirit
             ,
             Act.
          
           19.16
           .
           Yet
           can
           he
           not
           hurt
           so
           much
           as
           one
           swine
           ,
           untill
           the
           Lord
           give
           him
           commission
           ,
           Mat.
           8.31
           .
           Hee
           and
           his
           wicked
           instruments
           may
           vaunt
           it
           ,
           as
           Pilate
           did
           ,
           
             Have
             I
             not
             power
             &c.
          
           but
           wee
           may
           say
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           Christ
           answered
           
             Pilate
             .
             Thou
             couldest
             have
             no
             power
             against
             me
             ,
             except
             it
             were
             given
             thee
             from
             above
             .
             John.
          
           19.11
           .
           
           Consider
           what
           Satan
           said
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Iob.
           2.5
           .
           
             Stretch
             now
             out
             thine
             hand
             ,
             and
             touch
             his
             bones
             ,
             and
             his
             flesh
             :
          
           by
           which
           words
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           power
           ,
           and
           libertie
           Satan
           had
           over
           Iob
           ,
           was
           no
           other
           then
           Gods
           hand
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             3
          
           
           Is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           his
           hand
           in
           all
           our
           afflictions
           ?
           let
           us
           then
           be
           patient
           in
           time
           of
           affliction
           ,
           because
           wee
           are
           then
           under
           Gods
           hand
           ,
           who
           intendeth
           not
           our
           hurt
           but
           our
           good
           in
           afflicting
           us
           .
           Hee
           that
           hath
           any
           dangerous
           wound
           ,
           or
           sore
           upon
           him
           ,
           will
           patiently
           endure
           the
           surgeon
           to
           cut
           and
           search
           his
           wound
           unto
           the
           quick
           :
           though
           strong
           eating
           plaisters
           or
           powders
           ,
           or
           any
           sharpe
           corrasives
           he
           applied
           ,
           he
           beares
           it
           out
           with
           a
           manlike
           
           courage
           ,
           because
           hee
           beleeveth
           that
           otherwise
           hee
           cannot
           be
           cured
           .
           Though
           it
           be
           more
           then
           ordinary
           torment
           to
           be
           cut
           ,
           for
           the
           taking
           out
           of
           the
           stone
           ,
           yet
           a
           man
           will
           suffer
           himselfe
           to
           be
           bound
           hand
           and
           foot
           :
           the
           searching
           instrument
           to
           bee
           put
           into
           his
           body
           ,
           that
           so
           he
           may
           prolong
           his
           life
           .
           Shall
           these
           exquisite
           paines
           ,
           and
           grievous
           tortures
           ,
           which
           man
           doth
           oft
           put
           us
           unto
           ,
           be
           indured
           of
           us
           for
           the
           good
           and
           welfare
           of
           our
           bodies
           :
           and
           shall
           wee
           not
           as
           willingly
           and
           patiently
           lie
           under
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           beare
           that
           affliction
           which
           he
           layes
           upon
           us
           ,
           for
           the
           good
           of
           our
           souls
           ?
           Bee
           wee
           therefore
           patient
           ,
           first
           in
           respect
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           secondly
           in
           respect
           of
           any
           of
           those
           instrument●
           to
           
           which
           God
           shall
           use
           in
           afflicting
           us
           .
        
         
           We
           must
           be
           patient
           in
           all
           our
           afflictions
           ;
           first
           ,
           because
           they
           be
           messengers
           sent
           unto
           us
           from
           God
           our
           Father
           ,
           our
           pittifull
           Father
           .
           
             Shall
             I
             not
             drinke
             of
             that
             cup
             which
             my
             Father
             hath
             given
             me
             ,
             John
          
           18.11
           .
           
             We
             have
             had
             the
             Fathers
             of
             our
             bodies
             ,
             which
             corrected
             us
             ,
             and
             wee
             gave
             them
             reverence
             :
             should
             wee
             not
             much
             rather
             bee
             in
             subjection
             unto
             the
             father
             of
             spirits
             ,
             that
             wee
             may
             live
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.9
           .
           Do
           wee
           not
           daily
           pray
           ,
           that
           the
           will
           of
           our
           father
           might
           be
           done
           ?
           then
           bee
           we
           patient
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           our
           fathers
           will
           ,
           by
           these
           to
           exercise
           us
           .
           This
           was
           the
           ground
           of
           
             Davids
             patience
             ,
             Psalm
          
           .
           39.9
           .
           
             I
             was
             dumb
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             opened
             
             my
             mouth
             ,
             because
             thou
             diddest
             it
             .
          
           It
           was
           dreadfull
           newes
           ,
           which
           Samuel
           told
           
             Eli
             ,
             How
             that
             the
             Lord
             would
             visit
             his
             house
             for
             ever
             for
             the
             iniquity
             of
             his
             sonnes
             ,
             and
             he
             staied
             them
             not
             :
             now
             therefore
             the
             iniquitie
             of
             Elies
             house
             shall
             not
             bee
             purged
             with
             sacrifice
             nor
             offring
             for
             ever
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Sam.
           3.13
           ,
           14.
           
           At
           the
           hearing
           whereof
           ,
           Eli
           answers
           verse
           18.
           
           
             It
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             let
             him
             doe
             what
             seemeth
             him
             good
          
           Oh
           admirable
           patience
           and
           obedience
           !
           well
           beseeming
           the
           antient
           judge
           ,
           and
           aged
           president
           of
           Shiloh
           ,
           who
           had
           sacrificed
           his
           heart
           to
           that
           God
           ,
           whose
           justice
           had
           refused
           to
           expiat
           his
           sinne
           by
           sacrifice
           .
           Although
           Eli
           shewed
           himselfe
           to
           be
           an
           ill
           father
           unto
           his
           sonnes
           ▪
           yet
           he
           proves
           a
           dutifull
           and
           obedient
           
           sonne
           to
           God
           ,
           being
           willing
           to
           kisse
           the
           rod
           he
           shall
           smart
           withall
           .
           It
           is
           the
           Lord
           ,
           whom
           I
           have
           alwaies
           found
           most
           holy
           and
           just
           and
           gracious
           ,
           and
           he
           cannot
           but
           be
           himselfe
           ;
           let
           him
           doe
           what
           seemeth
           him
           good
           ;
           for
           ,
           whatsoever
           seemeth
           good
           to
           him
           must
           needs
           be
           good
           ,
           howsoever
           it
           seemeth
           to
           me
           .
           Thus
           patiently
           did
           Eli
           expose
           himselfe
           to
           Gods
           afflicting
           hand
           ,
           and
           kneels
           to
           him
           that
           severely
           scourgeth
           him
           :
           So
           good
           king
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
             Esay
          
           38.15
           .
           
             What
             shall
             I
             say
             ?
             for
             he
             hath
             said
             it
             unto
             me
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             done
             it
             .
          
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           wee
           should
           be
           patient
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           because
           they
           come
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           a
           pitifull
           father
           .
           In
           bodily
           deseases
           ,
           wee
           are
           the
           more
           content
           to
           endure
           
           that
           paine
           ,
           which
           our
           Surgeon
           shall
           put
           us
           unto
           ,
           if
           we
           beleeve
           and
           know
           him
           to
           be
           a
           pittiful
           and
           tender
           hearted
           man.
           How
           much
           more
           ought
           we
           to
           be
           patient
           under
           the
           hand
           of
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           :
           for
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             very
             pittifull
             and
             mercifull
             ,
          
           or
           
             of
             tender
             mercy
          
           ;
           as
           the
           new
           translation
           hath
           it
           ,
           Jam.
           5.11
           .
           The
           Prophet
           David
           having
           abundantly
           made
           experience
           of
           the
           Lords
           goodnesse
           ,
           tels
           us
           in
           very
           many
           places
           ;
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             is
             a
             pittifull
             God
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             and
             great
             in
             kindnesse
             and
             truth
             ,
             Psalm
          
           86.15
           .
           And
           Psalm
           131.4
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             mercifull
             and
             full
             of
             compassion
             .
          
           So
           full
           that
           howsoever
           for
           a
           moment
           he
           may
           hide
           away
           his
           face
           from
           us
           in
           a
           little
           wrath
           ,
           
             yet
             with
             everlasting
             mercy
             he
             
             will
             have
             compassion
             upon
             us
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           54.8
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           speaking
           of
           his
           people
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           Esay
           63.9
           .
           
             In
             all
             their
             affliction
             he
             was
             afflicted
             ;
             in
             his
             love
             and
             in
             his
             pitty
             he
             redeemed
             them
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           Here
           some
           will
           bee
           ready
           to
           object
           ,
           If
           God
           be
           so
           pittifull
           ,
           and
           takes
           no
           pleasure
           in
           afflicting
           us
           ,
           how
           is
           it
           that
           many
           of
           his
           deare
           children
           groane
           under
           many
           long
           and
           tedious
           ,
           sharp
           and
           biting
           afflictions
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           The
           Lord
           hath
           many
           ends
           in
           dealing
           thus
           with
           his
           children
           .
           First
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           been
           a
           long
           time
           delighted
           with
           some
           sinne
           ,
           which
           through
           custome
           is
           become
           as
           it
           were
           naturall
           ;
           and
           being
           so
           ,
           will
           not
           easily
           ,
           will
           not
           quickly
           be
           purged
           out
           of
           them
           .
           That
           which
           is
           gotten
           
           to
           the
           bone
           ,
           will
           not
           easily
           be
           had
           out
           of
           the
           flesh
           .
           Hard
           knubbs
           and
           knurles
           ,
           must
           have
           great
           and
           long
           wedges
           driven
           in
           to
           them
           ,
           many
           hard
           and
           great
           stroaks
           given
           them
           before
           they
           will
           yeeld
           .
        
         
           Many
           hard
           and
           stony
           hearts
           will
           not
           be
           broken
           with
           little
           and
           short
           afflictions
           ;
           some
           kinde
           of
           mettles
           must
           be
           kept
           a
           great
           while
           longer
           in
           the
           furnace
           then
           others
           ,
           or
           else
           they
           will
           never
           be
           dissolved
           ,
           even
           so
           it
           fareth
           with
           some
           natures
           ;
           little
           and
           short
           afflictions
           work
           not
           upon
           them
           ,
           no
           whit
           at
           all
           molifie
           nor
           soften
           their
           hard
           and
           stony
           hearts
           ;
           therfore
           the
           Lord
           is
           forced
           to
           keep
           them
           down
           the
           longer
           .
           Many
           men
           ,
           when
           any
           trouble
           befals
           them
           ,
           think
           to
           out-growe
           
           it
           ,
           or
           to
           beare
           it
           off
           by
           head
           and
           shoulders
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           as
           good
           a
           shift
           as
           they
           can
           ,
           never
           looking
           up
           to
           God
           whom
           they
           have
           offended
           and
           provoked
           by
           their
           sinnes
           :
           but
           let
           these
           know
           that
           God
           will
           bow
           them
           ,
           or
           else
           he
           will
           breake
           them
           .
           The
           Lord
           is
           the
           Lord
           of
           hosts
           ,
           he
           can
           send
           crosses
           thick
           and
           three-fold
           upon
           us
           to
           abate
           our
           lofty
           and
           proud
           spirits
           ,
           to
           break
           our
           rocky
           and
           stony
           hearts
           .
           Gods
           wrath
           is
           answerable
           to
           his
           power
           ,
           as
           this
           is
           infinite
           ,
           so
           he
           can
           make
           the
           other
           insupportable
           .
           Many
           are
           stiffe
           and
           stubborn
           ,
           as
           the
           Lord
           complaines
           ,
           
             They
             obeyed
             not
             ,
             neither
             inclined
             their
             eares
             ,
             but
             made
             their
             necks
             stiffe
             ,
             and
             would
             not
             heare
             ,
             nor
             receive
             correction
             ,
             Ier.
          
           17.23
           .
           Little
           
           and
           short
           afflictions
           will
           not
           serve
           to
           reclaime
           such
           as
           these
           are
           ;
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           keeps
           them
           longer
           under
           his
           hand
           .
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           thus
           deale
           with
           many
           of
           his
           children
           to
           work
           their
           hearts
           to
           a
           greater
           dislike
           of
           their
           sinne
           as
           that
           which
           hath
           brought
           upon
           them
           all
           those
           troubles
           which
           now
           lye
           upon
           them
           ;
           therfore
           in
           the
           time
           of
           our
           affliction
           we
           should
           fall
           upon
           our
           sinne
           ,
           upbraiding
           it
           ,
           and
           charging
           it
           with
           all
           our
           crosses
           .
           Ah
           thou
           vile
           and
           loathsom
           sinne
           ,
           I
           may
           thank
           thee
           for
           this
           expence
           ,
           for
           this
           reproach
           and
           shame
           ;
           Ah
           cursed
           sin
           ,
           how
           hast
           thou
           heretofore
           domaniered
           over
           me
           ?
           Thou
           hast
           hitherto
           been
           too
           strong
           for
           me
           ,
           but
           God
           by
           this
           affliction
           
           (
           I
           trowe
           )
           will
           tame
           and
           hamper
           thee
           .
           Is
           this
           the
           fruit
           I
           reape
           by
           entertaining
           thee
           ?
           Oh
           cursed
           be
           the
           time
           that
           ever
           I
           knew
           thee
           ,
           that
           ever
           I
           was
           ruled
           by
           thee
           .
           The
           more
           grievous
           our
           affliction
           is
           ,
           the
           greater
           hatred
           we
           should
           beare
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           the
           causes
           of
           them
           ;
           and
           the
           more
           fearfull
           should
           we
           be
           for
           time
           to
           come
           of
           medling
           any
           more
           with
           them
           .
           We
           say
           ,
           The
           burnt
           child
           dreads
           the
           fire
           .
           Ephraim
           had
           been
           a
           long
           time
           polluted
           with
           idolatry
           :
           The
           Lord
           stops
           
             her
             way
             with
             thorns
             ,
             and
             makes
             a
             wall
             ,
             that
             she
             may
             not
             finde
             her
             pathes
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           2.6
           .
           exerciseth
           her
           with
           long
           affliction
           ,
           untill
           shee
           come
           to
           say
           ,
           
             What
             have
             I
             any
             more
             to
             do
             with
             Idols
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           14.9
           .
           If
           I
           must
           buy
           my
           sinne
           at
           so
           deare
           a
           
           rate
           ;
           if
           thus
           long
           I
           must
           be
           afflicted
           for
           my
           sinne
           ;
           away
           with
           all
           ,
           I
           will
           no
           more
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Theirdly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           oft-times
           keepe
           the
           rod
           long
           upon
           his
           children
           for
           their
           greater
           and
           deeper
           humiliation
           .
        
         
           Great
           sinnes
           ,
           must
           bee
           greatly
           repented
           of
           .
           Great
           transgressions
           require
           great
           and
           long
           humiliation
           .
           Davids
           sinnes
           of
           adultry
           and
           murder
           ,
           killing
           the
           husband
           with
           the
           sword
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           injoy
           his
           wife
           ,
           were
           great
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           those
           which
           caused
           the
           enemies
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           blaspheme
           :
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           threatned
           him
           with
           long
           affliction
           ,
           
             The
             sword
             shall
             never
             depart
             from
             thine
             house
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sa.
           12.10
           .
           Neither
           will
           the
           Lord
           give
           us
           over
           ,
           or
           
           cease
           to
           afflict
           us
           one
           way
           ,
           or
           other
           ,
           untill
           hee
           hath
           brought
           us
           upō
           our
           knees
           ,
           broken
           our
           hard
           hearts
           ,
           and
           sufficiently
           humbled
           us
           under
           his
           hand
           .
           For
           
             if
             we
             walk
             stubbornly
             against
             him
             he
             will
             walke
             stubbornly
             against
             us
             :
             then
             their
             uncircumcised
             heart
             shall
             be
             humbled
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             willingly
             beare
             the
             punishment
             of
             their
             iniquity
             ,
             Lev.
          
           26.41
           .
           
             Remembering
             mine
             affliction
             ,
             and
             my
             mourning
             ,
             the
             wormwood
             and
             the
             gall
             ,
             my
             soule
             hath
             them
             in
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             is
             humbled
             in
             mee
             ,
             Lament
             .
          
           3.19
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           by
           continuing
           his
           hand
           of
           affliction
           long
           upon
           his
           children
           doth
           hereby
           make
           known
           the
           strength
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           which
           is
           sufficient
           to
           support
           his
           children
           under
           long
           and
           tedious
           
           afflictions
           ,
           A
           wise
           builder
           will
           lay
           the
           heaviest
           burden
           upon
           that
           peece
           of
           timber
           which
           is
           most
           heart
           ,
           and
           most
           able
           to
           beare
           it
           :
           Greatest
           peeces
           are
           put
           to
           greatest
           stresse
           ,
           because
           little
           peeces
           would
           warpe
           and
           yeeld
           ,
           if
           not
           break
           asunder
           .
           Even
           so
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           most
           strength
           of
           Grace
           ,
           there
           the
           Lord
           oft
           times
           laies
           on
           the
           greatest
           load
           of
           affliction
           ;
           which
           ,
           as
           it
           makes
           for
           the
           praise
           and
           glory
           of
           his
           Grace
           so
           doth
           it
           serve
           much
           for
           example
           unto
           all
           that
           are
           neer
           unto
           them
           ;
           that
           they
           may
           live
           by
           faith
           ,
           and
           hope
           that
           (
           if
           ever
           they
           come
           into
           the
           like
           trial
           )
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           able
           to
           support
           and
           strengthen
           them
           ,
           so
           he
           will
           doe
           it
           ,
           and
           graciously
           stand
           by
           them
           even
           in
           long
           and
           sharpe
           afflictions
           ,
           
           as
           he
           hath
           upheld
           others
           in
           the
           like
           case
           .
        
         
           Fiftly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           this
           ,
           that
           so
           he
           may
           afterward
           replenish
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           children
           with
           aboundance
           of
           inward
           and
           spiritual
           joy
           .
           After
           they
           have
           tasted
           of
           more
           gall
           then
           others
           ,
           they
           shall
           eate
           of
           more
           hony
           then
           others
           .
           Heavines
           hath
           some
           long
           time
           sojourned
           in
           their
           hearts
           ;
           but
           joy
           and
           gladnesse
           followeth
           after
           to
           inhabit
           in
           them
           for
           ever
           .
           
             The
             spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             upon
             mee
          
           (
           saith
           Esay
           )
           
             to
             comfort
             all
             that
             mourne
             ,
             appoint
             unto
             them
             that
             mourne
             in
             Sion
             ,
             and
             to
             give
             unto
             them
             beauty
             for
             ashes
             ,
             the
             garment
             of
             gladnes
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             heavinesse
             that
             they
             may
             bee
             called
             trees
             of
             righteousnesse
             ,
             the
             planting
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             that
             he
             might
             
             be
             glorified
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           61.2
           ,
           3.
           
           
             Yee
             shall
             sorrow
          
           (
           saith
           Christ
           )
           
             but
             your
             sarrow
             shall
             be
             turned
             into
             joy
             ,
             Iohn
          
           16.20
           .
           If
           thy
           sorrows
           and
           afflictions
           have
           been
           longer
           then
           ordinary
           ,
           they
           shal
           make
           way
           for
           more
           then
           ordinary
           joy
           ,
           and
           thankfulnes
           for
           issue
           and
           deliverance
           ;
           according
           to
           that
           which
           the
           Church
           uttered
           ,
           Lam.
           3.21
           ,
           22.
           
           
             I
             consider
             this
             in
             mine
             heart
             ,
             therefore
             have
             I
             hope
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Lords
             mercy
             that
             we
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             because
             his
             compassions
             faile
             not
             .
          
           Have
           wee
           not
           then
           good
           cause
           to
           bee
           patient
           in
           afflictions
           although
           they
           bee
           sharp
           and
           tedious
           ,
           seeing
           they
           proceed
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           our
           pitifull
           and
           mercifull
           father
           ?
        
         
           To
           helpe
           forward
           and
           further
           your
           patience
           do
           but
           
           consider
           of
           these
           4.
           things
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           
           how
           exceedingly
           we
           have
           a
           long
           time
           provoked
           the
           Lord
           by
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           amongst
           which
           our
           unbeliefe
           is
           that
           which
           hath
           most
           offended
           him
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           should
           deale
           unto
           us
           our
           weight
           and
           measure
           :
           that
           is
           ,
           punish
           us
           according
           to
           our
           deserts
           ,
           what
           would
           become
           of
           us
           ?
           If
           the
           Lord
           should
           dispute
           with
           us
           ,
           wee
           could
           not
           answer
           him
           one
           thing
           of
           a
           thousand
           ,
           
             When
             hee
             visiteth
             ,
             what
             shall
             I
             answer
             him
             ,
          
           said
           Iob
           ,
           31.14
           .
           Whereupon
           David
           saith
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           130.3
           .
           
             If
             thou
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             shouldest
             marke
             iniquities
             :
             O
             Lord
             ,
             who
             shall
             stand
             ?
          
        
         
           The
           least
           sinne
           wee
           commit
           ,
           makes
           us
           liable
           to
           the
           vengeance
           of
           eternall
           torments
           .
           How
           grear
           a
           measure
           
           of
           punishment
           do
           wee
           then
           deserve
           ,
           for
           our
           many
           ,
           for
           our
           grievous
           sinnes
           ?
           our
           sinnes
           being
           like
           unto
           the
           sand
           by
           the
           sea
           shore
           which
           is
           innumerable
           .
           What
           ever
           our
           afflictions
           are
           ,
           or
           may
           be
           ,
           they
           come
           short
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ;
           they
           fall
           short
           of
           that
           which
           wee
           have
           deserved
           :
           and
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           may
           justly
           (
           without
           any
           wrong
           to
           us
           )
           lay
           upon
           us
           .
           Amongst
           many
           other
           ,
           one
           maine
           cause
           why
           we
           are
           so
           troubled
           and
           vexed
           with
           affliction
           is
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           so
           little
           galled
           with
           our
           sinnes
           ;
           a
           true
           sense
           of
           these
           would
           make
           our
           afflictions
           to
           be
           more
           easie
           ,
           and
           us
           lesse
           sensible
           of
           them
           then
           many
           times
           we
           are
           .
           Do
           we
           not
           see
           it
           by
           experience
           that
           when
           the
           stone
           and
           the
           gout
           ,
           or
           some
           other
           bodily
           
           malady
           meet
           together
           ,
           the
           paine
           of
           the
           stone
           being
           the
           more
           grievous
           ,
           alaies
           ,
           if
           not
           takes
           away
           ,
           the
           sense
           &
           pain
           of
           the
           gout
           ;
           even
           so
           would
           it
           be
           here
           ,
           when
           sinne
           and
           affliction
           are
           both
           upon
           us
           at
           once
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           sinnes
           (
           deserving
           farre
           greater
           punishment
           then
           we
           beare
           )
           should
           so
           grieve
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           punishment
           it selfe
           should
           not
           move
           us
           ,
           much
           lesse
           stirre
           us
           up
           to
           impatience
           .
           Is
           there
           not
           then
           great
           cause
           that
           we
           should
           willingly
           and
           patiently
           bear
           Gods
           chastisements
           ?
           as
           the
           Church
           resolved
           ,
           Mica
           .
           7.9
           .
           
             I
             will
             beare
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             him
             .
          
           And
           confesse
           with
           the
           good
           theef
           in
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           
             We
             indeed
             are
             justly
             here
             ,
             for
             we
             receive
             the
             due
             reward
             
             of
             our
             deeds
             ,
             Luke
          
           23.41
           And
           thus
           did
           that
           Emperor
           Mauritius
           ,
           who
           beholding
           his
           wife
           and
           children
           murthered
           before
           his
           face
           ,
           cried
           out
           .
           
             just
             art
             thou
             o
             Lord
             ,
             and
             just
             are
             thy
             judgements
             .
          
           And
           thus
           David
           confessed
           ,
           
             I
             know
             O
             Lord
             that
             thy
             judgements
             are
             right
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             hast
             afflicted
             me
             justly
             ,
             Ps
             .
          
           119.75
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           compare
           thine
           afflictions
           with
           the
           sufferings
           of
           many
           of
           the
           Lords
           Worthies
           ,
           and
           thou
           hast
           great
           cause
           to
           be
           patient
           .
           Looke
           but
           into
           the
           11.
           
           Chap.
           to
           the
           
             Heb.
             ver
          
           .
           35
           ,
           36
           ,
           37.
           and
           tell
           mee
           if
           thine
           afflictions
           be
           answerable
           ,
           or
           sutable
           to
           their
           fiery
           trials
           .
           Looke
           into
           the
           sufferings
           of
           Christ
           .
           Consider
           
             him
             ,
             that
             indured
             such
             speaking
             against
             of
             sinners
             ,
             lest
             you
             should
             be
             wearied
             and
             faint
             in
             
             your
             mindes
             :
             ye
             have
             not
             yet
             resisted
             unto
             blood
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.3
           ,
           4.
           
           If
           the
           Lord
           deal
           so
           sharply
           with
           many
           of
           his
           deare
           children
           ,
           and
           with
           thee
           so
           mildly
           ,
           so
           gently
           ,
           wonder
           at
           Gods
           clemency
           and
           lenity
           ;
           lay
           thy
           hand
           upon
           thy
           mouth
           ,
           and
           bee
           patient
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           consider
           how
           short
           thine
           affliction
           will
           bee
           in
           comparison
           of
           that
           eternall
           torment
           ,
           the
           Lord
           might
           lay
           upon
           thee
           .
           
             our
             afflictions
             are
             but
             light
             and
             moment
             any
             ,
             as
             Paul
          
           calls
           them
           ,
           2.
           
           Cor.
           4.17
           .
           The
           Lord
           himselfe
           saith
           ,
           Esay
           54.8
           .
           
             For
             a
             moment
             ,
             in
             mine
             anger
             ,
             I
             hid
             my
             face
             from
             thee
             for
             a
             little
             season
             ,
             but
             with
             everlasting
             love
             have
             I
             had
             compassion
             on
             thee
             .
          
           Who
           would
           not
           bee
           content
           with
           a
           course
           of
           physick
           ,
           for
           a
           few
           daies
           ,
           though
           
           the
           physick
           be
           untoothsome
           ,
           and
           very
           bitter
           ,
           in
           hope
           of
           health
           for
           ever
           after
           ?
           What
           if
           thou
           hast
           indured
           months
           of
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           painfull
           nights
           have
           beene
           appointed
           unto
           thee
           ?
           as
           they
           were
           to
           Job
           ,
           7.3
           .
           What
           are
           they
           in
           comparison
           of
           those
           eternall
           torments
           the
           Lord
           might
           throw
           thee
           into
           ,
           in
           which
           there
           will
           be
           no
           ease
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           there
           shall
           be
           no
           release
           ?
        
         
           A
           great
           cause
           of
           impatience
           and
           storming
           at
           afflictions
           ,
           is
           the
           ignorance
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           desert
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           which
           if
           we
           knew
           aright
           ,
           we
           would
           confesse
           with
           Ezra
           ,
           let
           our
           miseries
           and
           troubles
           be
           what
           they
           will
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           punished
           us
           lesse
           then
           our
           iniquities
           have
           deserved
           ,
           Ezra
           
           9.13
           .
           
             I
             will
             beare
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Church
           ,
           Mic.
           7.9
           .
           I
           will
           not
           repine
           at
           his
           dealing
           with
           me
           ;
           I
           wil
           not
           open
           my
           mouth
           by
           way
           of
           complaint
           or
           murmuring
           ;
           but
           from
           what
           doth
           this
           holy
           resolution
           and
           patience
           proceed
           ?
           It
           followeth
           in
           the
           same
           verse
           ,
           
             because
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             him
             .
          
           I
           have
           carried
           my selfe
           proudly
           ,
           stoutly
           and
           rebelliously
           against
           him
           ;
           I
           have
           provoked
           the
           eyes
           of
           his
           glory
           ,
           I
           have
           many
           waies
           ,
           many
           times
           broken
           his
           holy
           lawes
           ,
           I
           have
           deserved
           farre
           more
           farre
           greater
           judgements
           then
           he
           hath
           laid
           upon
           me
           ,
           it
           is
           his
           mercy
           that
           I
           am
           not
           confounded
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           of
           this
           side
           hell
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           blessed
           
           end
           that
           God
           for
           the
           most
           part
           makes
           of
           the
           afflictions
           of
           his
           servants
           ,
           will
           further
           our
           patience
           .
           After
           they
           have
           endured
           any
           great
           fight
           in
           affliction
           ,
           he
           doth
           usually
           bestow
           some
           speciall
           favor
           or
           other
           upon
           them
           ,
           yea
           proportionable
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           affliction
           hath
           the
           recompence
           and
           the
           blessing
           been
           ;
           such
           as
           have
           had
           the
           bitterest
           crosses
           ,
           have
           received
           the
           sweetest
           comforts
           ,
           
             Ye
             have
             heard
             of
             the
             patience
             of
             Job
             ,
             and
             what
             end
             the
             Lord
             made
             Jam.
          
           5.11
           .
           What
           this
           end
           was
           is
           recorded
           Iob.
           42.
           where
           it
           is
           said
           that
           the
           Lord
           turned
           a
           way
           the
           captivitie
           of
           Iob
           ;
           and
           gave
           him
           twice
           as
           much
           as
           he
           had
           before
           .
           
             So
             the
             Lord
             blessed
             the
             last
             daies
             of
             Iob
             more
             then
             the
             first
             Iob
          
           42.12
           .
           This
           
           hope
           of
           future
           mercy
           kept
           David
           from
           fainting
           in
           his
           affliction
           .
           Psal
           .
           71.20
           ,
           21.
           
           
             Thou
             hast
             shewed
             we
             great
             troubles
             and
             adversities
             ,
             but
             thou
             wilt
             return
             and
             revive
             me
             ,
             and
             wilt
             come
             againe
             and
             take
             me
             from
             the
             depth
             of
             the
             earth
             .
             Thou
             wilt
             increase
             mine
             honnor
             and
             receive
             and
             comfort
             me
             :
          
           if
           not
           with
           temporall
           ,
           assuredly
           with
           spirituall
           comfort
           here
           ,
           for
           
             they
             bring
             forth
             the
             quiet
             fruit
             of
             righteousnesse
             unto
             them
             ,
             that
             are
             thereby
             exercised
             Heb.
          
           12.11
           .
        
         
           They
           are
           occasions
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           formerly
           proved
           )
           of
           purging
           our
           corruption
           ,
           and
           bringing
           of
           us
           neerer
           God
           ,
           and
           into
           more
           conformity
           with
           Christ
           :
           and
           should
           not
           this
           comfort
           us
           ?
        
         
           Besides
           they
           make
           way
           
           for
           glory
           ,
           and
           endlesse
           comfort
           ,
           
             They
             that
             sow
             in
             teares
             shall
             reape
             in
             ioy
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           126.5
           .
           
             Afflictions
             cause
             unto
             us
             a
             farre
             more
             excellent
             and
             eternall
             weight
             of
             glory
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           4.17
           .
        
         
           Art
           thou
           in
           any
           affliction
           ?
           thou
           art
           but
           under
           a
           short
           cloud
           ,
           it
           will
           quickly
           blow
           over
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           have
           a
           faire
           season
           ,
           a
           most
           comfortable
           ,
           and
           glorious
           sun-shine
           ,
           when
           
             all
             teares
             shall
             be
             wiped
             away
             from
             thine
             eyes
             ,
             Rev.
          
           7.17
           .
           
             After
             two
             dayes
             hee
             will
             revive
             us
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             third
             day
             he
             will
             raise
             us
             up
             ,
             and
             wee
             shall
             live
             in
             his
             sight
             ,
             Hos
             .
          
           6.2
           .
           Art
           thou
           in
           affliction
           ?
           be
           patient
           ,
           the
           third
           day
           is
           comming
           ,
           wherein
           the
           Lord
           will
           deliver
           thee
           .
        
         
           There
           must
           be
           a
           time
           for
           thee
           to
           sow
           thy
           prayers
           in
           ,
           
           and
           a
           time
           for
           thee
           to
           water
           them
           with
           the
           teares
           of
           true
           repentance
           ,
           and
           then
           presently
           comes
           the
           joyfull
           harvest
           ,
           
             in
             due
             season
             thou
             shalt
             reape
             ,
             if
             thou
             thou
             bee
             patient
             ,
             if
             thou
             faint
             not
             ,
             Gal.
          
           6.10
           .
           What
           made
           Steven
           in
           his
           martyrdome
           to
           bee
           so
           patient
           and
           chearefull
           ,
           but
           the
           sight
           of
           Heaven
           ?
           What
           was
           it
           that
           carried
           those
           blessed
           Martyrs
           so
           joyfully
           thorow
           flames
           of
           fire
           ,
           but
           hope
           of
           glory
           ?
           After
           their
           sharp
           break-fast
           ,
           they
           were
           assured
           of
           a
           sweet
           and
           Royall
           supper
           .
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           
           wee
           are
           to
           be
           patient
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           our
           enemies
           ,
           whom
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           use
           as
           his
           instruments
           ,
           to
           afflict
           and
           scourge
           us
           .
           Whosoever
           they
           bee
           that
           trouble
           us
           ,
           they
           are
           but
           the
           Lords
           instruments
           ,
           
           whom
           he
           sets
           on
           work
           for
           the
           execution
           of
           his
           will
           and
           purpose
           .
           If
           we
           consider
           Jobs
           afflictions
           ,
           wee
           shal
           find
           three
           Agents
           in
           them
           ,
           
             God
             ;
             Satan
          
           ,
           and
           the
           Sabeans
           :
           and
           all
           these
           three
           had
           their
           severall
           end
           in
           afflicting
           holy
           Job
           .
           The
           Devill
           stirres
           up
           the
           Sabeans
           ,
           and
           God
           permits
           both
           .
           The
           Sabeans
           spoile
           Job
           of
           his
           substance
           that
           so
           they
           might
           inrich
           themselves
           .
           The
           Devill
           sets
           upon
           Job
           to
           provoke
           him
           to
           impatience
           ,
           and
           to
           stirre
           him
           up
           to
           blaspheme
           the
           Lord.
           And
           God
           permits
           all
           ;
           first
           ,
           for
           the
           punishment
           of
           the
           Sabeans
           ,
           wronging
           ,
           and
           robbing
           his
           servants
           ;
           secondly
           ,
           to
           prove
           the
           devill
           a
           malicious
           lier
           ;
           thirdly
           ,
           to
           justifie
           the
           innocency
           and
           patience
           of
           
           his
           servant
           Job
           ;
           and
           last
           of
           all
           ,
           to
           crown
           his
           patience
           ,
           and
           constancy
           with
           greater
           honor
           and
           glory
           ,
           both
           in
           this
           life
           and
           in
           the
           world
           to
           come
           .
           But
           of
           all
           these
           three
           Agents
           ,
           whose
           hand
           was
           Jobs
           eye
           upon
           ?
           did
           he
           curse
           the
           Sabeans
           ?
           did
           he
           raile
           upon
           the
           Devill
           ?
           no
           such
           matter
           .
           As
           the
           by-word
           is
           ,
           he
           set
           the
           saddle
           upon
           the
           right
           horse
           .
           Hee
           lookes
           up
           to
           the
           hand
           of
           God.
           
             The
             Lord
             hath
             given
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             hath
             taken
             it
             :
             blessed
             by
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Job
          
           1.21
           .
        
         
           So
           in
           that
           most
           bloody
           and
           nefarious
           fact
           which
           ever
           was
           under
           the
           sunne
           commited
           ,
           I
           meane
           the
           murthering
           of
           the
           Lord
           of
           life
           &
           glory
           ?
           there
           cōcurred
           ,
           the
           Jewes
           malice
           ,
           Judas
           
           his
           treason
           ,
           and
           Pilate
           in
           his
           injustice
           .
           And
           yet
           all
           these
           were
           ordered
           by
           a
           superior
           power
           ,
           the
           Lord
           using
           these
           as
           his
           instruments
           for
           the
           execution
           of
           his
           purpose
           ,
           Acts
           4.
           
           
             To
             do
             whatsoever
             thine
             hand
             ,
             &
             thy
             counsell
             had
             determined
             before
             to
             bee
             done
             .
          
           Now
           then
           if
           the
           Lord
           intendeth
           to
           afflict
           thee
           ,
           who
           shall
           let
           him
           from
           using
           what
           instruments
           hee
           pleaseth
           ?
           Looke
           not
           then
           upon
           secondary
           causes
           ,
           lest
           thou
           swell
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           grow
           impatient
           .
           Look
           up
           to
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           thou
           maist
           be
           quiet
           ,
           whatsoever
           ,
           or
           whosoever
           the
           instruments
           be
           .
        
         
           As
           David
           asked
           the
           woman
           of
           
             Tekoa
             ,
             Is
             not
             the
             hand
             of
             Joab
             ,
             in
             all
             this
             ?
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           14.19
           .
           So
           bee
           thou
           assured
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           
           is
           in
           all
           thine
           afflictions
           .
           And
           yet
           alas
           ,
           in
           trouble
           and
           affliction
           ,
           wee
           can
           see
           any
           thing
           before
           ,
           and
           more
           then
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           that
           smiteth
           us
           ,
           and
           our
           sinnes
           which
           have
           drawne
           forth
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           against
           us
           .
           The
           want
           of
           which
           spirituall
           eye
           to
           behold
           Gods
           hand
           ,
           is
           the
           ground
           of
           that
           impatience
           ,
           which
           is
           too
           often
           seen
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           bewrayes
           it selfe
           in
           our
           uncharitable
           speeches
           ;
           I
           may
           thanke
           such
           a
           villain
           for
           this
           trouble
           :
           I
           am
           beholden
           to
           such
           a
           neighbour
           for
           this
           crosse
           :
           such
           a
           one
           hath
           done
           me
           thus
           much
           wrong
           ,
           these
           injuries
           :
           I
           will
           therefore
           be
           revenged
           of
           him
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           Many
           there
           be
           which
           set
           down
           by
           that
           affliction
           which
           comes
           immediately
           
           from
           God
           ,
           but
           can
           not
           be
           so
           still
           &
           quiet
           in
           those
           wrongs
           and
           injuries
           which
           come
           from
           man.
           They
           know
           there
           is
           no
           striving
           against
           the
           streame
           ,
           a
           vaine
           thing
           for
           man
           to
           contend
           with
           his
           maker
           ;
           and
           therefore
           fret
           not
           ,
           lost
           there
           impatience
           should
           open
           a
           new
           gappe
           ,
           or
           make
           the
           old
           breach
           wider
           ,
           to
           let
           in
           more
           ,
           if
           not
           ,
           greater
           afflictions
           .
           But
           why
           they
           should
           be
           thus
           dealt
           withall
           by
           man
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           their
           inferior
           ,
           one
           that
           they
           can
           shift
           withall
           ,
           one
           that
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           they
           thinke
           they
           can
           crush
           ;
           to
           put
           up
           such
           a
           wrong
           ,
           this
           goes
           against
           the
           haire
           ,
           they
           can
           not
           beare
           it
           ,
           no
           wise
           man
           (
           they
           say
           )
           would
           put
           it
           up
           at
           his
           hands
           .
           These
           words
           argue
           too
           much
           selfe
           ,
           too
           much
           pride
           ,
           and
           too
           
           little
           grace
           ,
           too
           little
           patience
           .
           It
           will
           be
           our
           glory
           to
           passe
           by
           offences
           ,
           from
           whomsoever
           they
           come
           .
           The
           greater
           the
           injurie
           is
           ,
           or
           the
           more
           able
           thou
           art
           to
           avenge
           thy selfe
           of
           thine
           enemie
           ,
           the
           greater
           will
           be
           thy
           glory
           to
           passe
           it
           by
           .
           No
           wise
           man
           will
           fight
           against
           an
           enemie
           with
           his
           own
           weapon
           :
           Christian
           wisdome
           teacheth
           us
           ,
           not
           to
           render
           evill
           for
           evill
           ,
           and
           rebuke
           for
           rebuke
           .
           If
           thine
           enemie
           provoke
           thee
           either
           by
           his
           words
           ,
           or
           by
           his
           deeds
           ,
           and
           thou
           through
           impatience
           be
           stirred
           up
           to
           revenge
           ,
           what
           difference
           is
           there
           in
           both
           your
           faults
           ,
           and
           folly
           ?
           Only
           this
           :
           Hee
           sinnes
           first
           ,
           and
           thou
           art
           second
           in
           evill
           .
           Hee
           sinnes
           by
           provoking
           of
           thee
           ,
           and
           thou
           by
           being
           provoked
           by
           him
           .
           
           Hee
           sinnes
           in
           offering
           the
           wrong
           ,
           and
           thou
           by
           revengeing
           it
           .
        
         
           Are
           thou
           angry
           with
           thine
           enemie
           for
           troubling
           thee
           ?
           He
           may
           answere
           thee
           as
           David
           did
           his
           brethren
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           angry
           with
           him
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           17.28
           ,
           29.
           
           
             What
             have
             I
             now
             done
             ?
             Is
             there
             not
             a
             cause
             ?
          
           What
           hath
           thine
           enemy
           done
           unto
           thee
           which
           the
           Lord
           did
           not
           see
           cause
           to
           set
           him
           about
           ?
           Know
           therefore
           that
           how
           malicious
           ,
           and
           potent
           soever
           thine
           enemies
           are
           ,
           they
           can
           do
           no
           more
           unto
           thee
           ,
           or
           against
           thee
           ,
           nay
           they
           shall
           do
           no
           lesse
           ,
           then
           the
           Lord
           hath
           appointed
           them
           to
           do
           .
           There
           is
           not
           so
           much
           as
           one
           poisoned
           arrow
           shot
           at
           thee
           ,
           but
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           doth
           nock
           it
           :
           not
           one
           bitter
           ,
           taunting
           
           or
           reproachfull
           word
           uttered
           against
           thee
           ,
           but
           the
           Lord
           wills
           it
           :
           
             Suffer
             him
             to
             curse
          
           (
           saith
           David
           to
           Shimei
           )
           
             for
             the
             Lord
             hath
             bidden
             him
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           16.11
           .
           And
           yet
           how
           soon
           is
           our
           blood
           up
           ?
           How
           ready
           are
           our
           hearts
           to
           rise
           against
           any
           of
           the
           Lords
           instruments
           ?
           like
           dogges
           running
           after
           the
           stone
           ,
           which
           was
           cast
           at
           them
           ,
           never
           looking
           to
           the
           hand
           that
           threw
           it
           .
           Common
           humanity
           teacheth
           us
           ,
           not
           to
           flie
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           or
           fall
           about
           the
           eares
           of
           that
           mans
           servant
           ,
           which
           doth
           only
           bring
           us
           a
           message
           from
           his
           master
           .
        
         
           The
           enemies
           of
           Gods
           Church
           and
           people
           ,
           are
           but
           the
           Lords
           servants
           .
           The
           Lord
           calls
           
             Nebuchadnezzar
             the
             King
             of
             Babell
             ,
             his
             servant
             ,
             
             Jere.
          
           27.6
           .
           Our
           enemies
           doe
           but
           bring
           us
           a
           message
           from
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           Ehad
           said
           unto
           
             Eglon
             ,
             Judg.
          
           3.20
           .
           
             I
             have
             a
             message
             vnto
             thee
             from
             God.
          
           If
           they
           doe
           but
           their
           errand
           ,
           why
           should
           wee
           be
           offended
           with
           them
           ?
           Were
           it
           not
           folly
           ,
           if
           not
           madnesse
           ,
           for
           him
           that
           is
           beatten
           with
           a
           wand
           ,
           to
           rent
           and
           teare
           it
           ;
           The
           wicked
           of
           the
           World
           are
           but
           Gods
           wands
           or
           rods
           ,
           to
           beat
           and
           lash
           his
           children
           withall
           .
        
         
           
             Ashur
             ,
             the
             rod
             of
             my
             wrath
             :
             and
             the
             staffe
             in
             their
             hands
             ,
             is
             my
             indignation
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           10.5
           .
           A
           rod
           (
           you
           know
           )
           can
           do
           nothing
           of
           it selfe
           ,
           any
           further
           then
           that
           hand
           which
           holdeth
           it
           doth
           put
           force
           unto
           it
           :
           it
           falls
           heavier
           ,
           or
           lighter
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           strength
           of
           the
           hand
           that
           useth
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Bee
           patient
           then
           ,
           and
           fret
           not
           ,
           swell
           not
           against
           thine
           enemies
           .
           It
           may
           bee
           they
           revile
           thee
           ,
           raile
           upon
           thee
           :
           they
           backbite
           and
           slander
           thee
           ;
           be
           patient
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord
           hath
           bidden
           them
           ,
           as
           David
           said
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           16.11
           .
           It
           may
           bee
           they
           hinder
           thee
           in
           thine
           estate
           ,
           they
           offer
           violence
           to
           thy
           person
           :
           in
           all
           these
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           wrong
           they
           can
           do
           unto
           thee
           ,
           they
           are
           but
           the
           Lords
           rods
           to
           whip
           thee
           withall
           .
           Seeke
           not
           revenge
           against
           them
           ,
           but
           leave
           them
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           hee
           will
           one
           day
           recompence
           them
           for
           their
           malice
           and
           cruelty
           against
           thee
           .
        
         
           Implacable
           is
           the
           malice
           and
           rage
           of
           the
           wicked
           against
           the
           godly
           ;
           so
           furious
           ,
           that
           if
           the
           Lord
           should
           not
           
           curbe
           and
           restrain
           them
           ,
           as
           Jezebel
           vowed
           to
           take
           away
           the
           life
           of
           Eliah
           ,
           1.
           
           King.
           19.2
           .
           So
           they
           would
           not
           suffer
           a
           soul
           to
           breath
           amongst
           them
           ,
           which
           feareth
           God
           ,
           and
           walketh
           not
           after
           the
           course
           of
           the
           World.
           But
           blessed
           be
           our
           good
           God
           ,
           that
           giveth
           not
           up
           his
           children
           as
           a
           prey
           into
           their
           teeth
           ,
           Psalme
           124.6
           .
           but
           
             avengeth
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             Psalme
          
           140.12
           .
           And
           
             will
             recompence
             the
             wicked
             according
             to
             their
             deeds
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           28.4
           .
           For
           it
           is
           a
           
             righteous
             thing
             with
             God
             ,
             to
             recompence
             tribulation
             to
             them
             that
             trouble
             you
             ,
             and
             to
             you
             (
             which
             are
             troubled
             )
             rest
             .
          
           2.
           
           Thess
           .
           1.6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           is
           the
           Lord
           just
           in
           this
           ?
           is
           it
           equall
           that
           any
           should
           bee
           punished
           for
           that
           worke
           which
           the
           
           Lord
           hath
           set
           them
           about
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           :
           if
           they
           do
           it
           not
           to
           that
           end
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           manner
           which
           God
           would
           have
           them
           .
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           they
           can
           do
           no
           other
           then
           God
           will
           have
           them
           to
           do
           :
           but
           God
           wills
           them
           not
           to
           do
           his
           worke
           in
           that
           manner
           ,
           which
           they
           perform
           it
           .
        
         
           The
           Lord
           commanded
           Jehu
           ,
           to
           root
           out
           the
           posterity
           of
           Ahab
           ,
           which
           Jehu
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Lord
           fulfilled
           :
           Yet
           the
           Lord
           by
           the
           Prophet
           Hoseah
           ,
           1.4
           .
           saith
           ,
           
             I
             will
             visit
             the
             blood
             of
             Israel
             upon
             the
             house
             of
             Jehu
             .
          
        
         
           For
           though
           Jehu
           was
           Gods
           instrument
           and
           servant
           ,
           and
           did
           that
           worke
           which
           the
           Lord
           imployed
           
           him
           about
           :
           and
           the
           Lord
           was
           well
           pleased
           with
           the
           doing
           of
           it
           ,
           yet
           the
           manner
           and
           the
           end
           of
           his
           doing
           it
           ,
           caused
           God
           to
           be
           offended
           with
           him
           .
           For
           Iehu
           did
           it
           not
           in
           conscience
           and
           obedience
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God
           :
           hee
           did
           it
           not
           with
           an
           upright
           heart
           ,
           but
           with
           an
           ambitious
           and
           wicked
           mind
           .
        
         
           Hee
           did
           it
           not
           in
           zeal
           of
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           as
           he
           boasted
           ,
           but
           hee
           did
           it
           to
           advance
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           to
           settle
           the
           crown
           more
           surely
           upon
           the
           head
           of
           his
           posterity
           .
        
         
           Hee
           threw
           down
           
             Baal
             Ahabs
          
           Idoll
           ,
           to
           set
           up
           Jeroboams
           calfe
           .
           Hee
           did
           it
           not
           in
           detestation
           of
           Ahabs
           sinne
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           hatred
           of
           his
           person
           ,
           and
           love
           unto
           himselfe
           :
           
           and
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           threatned
           and
           afterward
           punished
           him
           .
           So
           many
           ,
           that
           trouble
           and
           vexe
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           do
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           would
           have
           them
           ,
           but
           not
           to
           that
           end
           ,
           or
           in
           that
           manner
           ;
           as
           the
           Lord
           speakes
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Zachariah
             ,
             I
             was
             angry
             but
             a
             little
             and
             they
             helped
             forward
             the
             affliction
             ,
             Zach.
          
           1.15
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           when
           our
           enemies
           have
           done
           their
           worst
           :
           spit
           out
           all
           their
           malice
           ,
           and
           spewed
           out
           all
           their
           venom
           against
           us
           ;
           which
           they
           can
           disgorge
           ,
           then
           will
           the
           Lord
           take
           them
           to
           taske
           ,
           then
           will
           hee
           recompence
           and
           reward
           them
           for
           their
           malice
           and
           mischiefe
           .
           
             Behold
             thus
             saith
             the
             Lord
          
           ,
           (
           unto
           the
           Ammonites
           )
           
             because
             thou
             hast
             
             clapped
             thy
             hands
             ,
             and
             stamped
             with
             thy
             feet
             ,
             and
             rejoyced
             in
             heart
             with
             all
             thy
             despight
             against
             the
             land
             of
             Israel
             .
             Behold
             ,
             therefore
             I
             will
             stretch
             out
             mine
             hand
             upon
             thee
             ,
             &c.
             Ezek.
          
           25.6.7
           .
           
             This
             shall
             they
             have
             for
             their
             pride
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             reproached
             ,
             and
             magnified
             themselves
             against
             the
             Lords
             people
             ,
             Zepha
             .
          
           2.10
           .
           The
           more
           our
           enemies
           do
           insult
           over
           us
           ,
           and
           wee
           patient
           ,
           the
           sooner
           wil
           the
           Lord
           help
           and
           deliver
           us
           ,
           Jere.
           30.17
           .
           If
           wee
           did
           but
           seriously
           consider
           of
           these
           things
           ,
           much
           matter
           of
           patience
           would
           be
           administred
           unto
           us
           .
           Men
           would
           not
           swell
           with
           the
           desire
           of
           revenge
           ,
           if
           these
           truths
           could
           enter
           into
           them
           .
           Did
           wee
           beleeve
           that
           whatsoever
           wrongs
           and
           injuries
           either
           by
           word
           ,
           or
           deed
           ,
           any
           
           of
           our
           enemies
           offer
           unto
           us
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sets
           them
           on
           worke
           ,
           the
           Lord
           wills
           them
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           for
           the
           exercising
           of
           our
           faith
           ,
           the
           triall
           of
           our
           patience
           ,
           and
           other
           ends
           ;
           would
           wee
           ,
           durst
           wee
           fret
           and
           fume
           and
           chafe
           (
           as
           wee
           do
           )
           at
           our
           enemies
           ?
           Were
           wee
           but
           perswaded
           of
           this
           truth
           :
           That
           if
           wee
           patiently
           sat
           down
           by
           our
           wrongs
           ,
           seeke
           not
           revenge
           ,
           but
           commit
           and
           commend
           our
           causes
           and
           our
           enemies
           to
           our
           God
           ,
           hoping
           that
           the
           Lord
           wil
           do
           us
           good
           for
           that
           evill
           they
           have
           done
           unto
           us
           ,
           as
           David
           said
           ,
           
             It
             may
             bee
             the
             Lord
             will
             look
             upon
             mine
             affliction
             ,
             and
             do
             me
             good
             for
             his
             cursing
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           16.12
           .
           Wee
           would
           be
           more
           patient
           ,
           and
           there
           would
           be
           lesse
           heart-burnings
           ,
           and
           fewer
           quarrells
           and
           suits
           at
           law
           amongst
           us
           ,
           then
           be
           .
        
         
         
           Before
           I
           passe
           from
           this
           use
           of
           the
           doctrine
           in
           hand
           ,
           it
           will
           not
           be
           amisse
           to
           lay
           down
           some
           helps
           how
           a
           Christian
           may
           attaine
           to
           this
           gift
           of
           patience
           which
           is
           so
           needfull
           to
           the
           carrying
           of
           him
           on
           cheerfully
           ,
           and
           peaceably
           in
           his
           race
           ,
           for
           wee
           
             must
             runne
             with
             patience
             the
             race
             that
             is
             set
             before
             us
             .
             Hebr.
          
           12.1
           .
        
         
           How
           may
           wee
           come
           to
           bee
           furnished
           with
           patience
           ?
        
         
           First
           by
           our
           profitable
           ,
           and
           fruitfull
           entertaining
           ,
           and
           welcoming
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           :
           for
           this
           being
           effectuall
           in
           us
           ,
           will
           still
           the
           heart
           in
           all
           stormes
           ,
           and
           cause
           us
           quietly
           to
           sit
           downe
           by
           all
           wrongs
           done
           unto
           us
           ;
           by
           all
           afflictions
           that
           befall
           us
           .
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Lord
           cals
           
           the
           Word
           ,
           
             The
             Word
             of
             his
             patience
             .
             Revel
             .
          
           3.10
           .
           And
           so
           it
           is
           called
           ,
           either
           because
           it
           teacheth
           and
           instructeth
           us
           unto
           patience
           .
           
             For
             whatsoever
             things
             are
             written
             aforetime
             ,
             are
             written
             for
             our
             learning
             ,
             that
             wee
             through
             patience
             ,
             and
             comfort
             of
             the
             Seriptures
             might
             have
             hope
             .
             Rom.
          
           15.4
           .
        
         
           Or
           else
           because
           it
           is
           an
           instrument
           and
           means
           of
           working
           patience
           in
           us
           ,
           promising
           unto
           us
           peace
           with
           God
           through
           Christ
           ,
           and
           not
           only
           so
           ,
           but
           also
           a
           sanctified
           use
           of
           all
           our
           afflictions
           heere
           ,
           and
           salvation
           hereafter
           to
           all
           that
           keep
           this
           Word
           :
           which
           doth
           much
           pacifie
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           cause
           us
           to
           be
           patient
           in
           our
           afflictions
           .
        
         
           Or
           else
           it
           may
           be
           called
           a
           word
           of
           patience
           ,
           because
           
           without
           patience
           ,
           the
           Word
           cannot
           be
           rightly
           professed
           ,
           nor
           wee
           hold
           out
           in
           a
           holy
           profession
           unto
           the
           end
           ,
           whence
           wee
           may
           safely
           conclude
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           either
           through
           ignorance
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           or
           neglect
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           or
           want
           of
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           impatient
           .
        
         
           
           A
           second
           meanes
           of
           furnishing
           the
           heart
           with
           patience
           ,
           is
           the
           exercising
           of
           our
           faith
           .
           
             Knowing
             that
             the
             trying
             of
             your
             faith
             bringeth
             forth
             patience
             .
             James
             ,
          
           1.3
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           doth
           not
           Saint
           Paul
           say
           ,
           Rom.
           5.3
           .
           
             That
             tribulation
             bringeth
             forth
             patience
          
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           ,
           and
           both
           speake
           the
           truth
           ,
           and
           meane
           one
           and
           the
           same
           thing
           .
           Know
           ;
           that
           neither
           
           faith
           ,
           nor
           tribulation
           do
           beget
           &
           procreate
           patience
           ,
           for
           patience
           is
           a
           fruit
           of
           the
           Spirit
           .
           Gal.
           5.22
           .
           Tribulation
           doth
           not
           naturally
           ,
           and
           of
           it selfe
           beget
           and
           bring
           forth
           patience
           ,
           but
           originally
           ,
           and
           by
           accident
           :
           for
           to
           speak
           properly
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Spirit
           to
           still
           and
           pacifie
           the
           troubled
           mind
           of
           man
           ;
           but
           tribulation
           is
           a
           means
           ,
           and
           instrument
           by
           which
           patience
           is
           brought
           forth
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           is
           exercised
           ,
           and
           manifested
           .
           Neither
           doth
           faith
           bring
           forth
           patience
           ,
           as
           the
           mother
           bringeth
           forth
           the
           daughter
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           tradesman
           bringeth
           forth
           his
           wares
           ,
           and
           shewes
           them
           to
           others
           ,
           what
           they
           are
           ;
           or
           rather
           as
           the
           Sun
           in
           the
           spring
           bringeth
           forth
           hearbs
           ,
           and
           fruits
           ,
           by
           its
           working
           influence
           .
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           For
           first
           of
           all
           faith
           perswades
           the
           heart
           that
           the
           cause
           of
           all
           evill
           that
           befalls
           us
           ,
           lieth
           in
           our
           owne
           bosomes
           ;
           our
           sins
           (
           as
           you
           have
           heard
           )
           are
           the
           ground
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           therefore
           if
           wee
           will
           be
           angry
           with
           any
           body
           ,
           it
           should
           be
           with
           our
           sinnes
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           faith
           perswades
           us
           ,
           as
           you
           shall
           heare
           anon
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           loves
           us
           ,
           and
           deales
           with
           us
           ,
           as
           a
           father
           with
           that
           child
           in
           whom
           he
           delights
           .
           Nay
           a
           father
           may
           somtime
           bee
           transported
           with
           passion
           ,
           and
           correct
           his
           childe
           above
           measure
           ,
           laying
           on
           that
           in
           his
           heat
           ,
           which
           in
           his
           cool
           blood
           he
           doth
           heartily
           wish
           were
           off
           againe
           ;
           Whereas
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           is
           so
           wise
           as
           he
           puts
           not
           in
           one
           dramme
           of
           any
           ingredient
           more
           then
           
           shall
           serve
           the
           turne
           ,
           and
           need
           requireth
           .
        
         
           A
           third
           and
           last
           helpe
           unto
           patience
           ,
           is
           Heavenly-mindednesse
           ,
           or
           the
           setting
           our
           
             affection
             on
             things
             that
             are
             above
             ,
             and
             not
             on
             things
             which
             are
             on
             the
             earth
             ,
             Col.
          
           3.2
           .
           For
           he
           that
           immoderately
           ,
           and
           inordinately
           loves
           the
           world
           and
           earthly
           things
           ,
           will
           bee
           impatient
           at
           the
           losse
           of
           them
           .
           How
           waspish
           and
           impatient
           was
           Ionah
           for
           the
           withering
           of
           his
           Gourd
           ?
           even
           so
           much
           ,
           that
           hee
           durst
           tell
           the
           Lord
           to
           his
           face
           ,
           
             that
             he
             did
             well
             to
             be
             angry
             unto
             the
             death
             .
             Ion.
          
           4.9
           .
           Our
           blinde
           judgements
           making
           a
           false
           report
           unto
           our
           affections
           of
           these
           outward
           things
           ,
           wee
           come
           to
           set
           them
           at
           too
           high
           a
           rate
           ,
           and
           so
           grow
           impatient
           at
           the
           losse
           of
           them
           ;
           
           Whereas
           ,
           if
           wee
           did
           esteem
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           wise
           man
           reports
           them
           to
           be
           ,
           and
           as
           they
           are
           in
           truth
           ,
           that
           is
           nothing
           ,
           Pro.
           23.5
           .
           wee
           would
           be
           lesse
           moved
           with
           the
           losse
           of
           them
           .
           There
           is
           a
           kind
           of
           venom
           in
           worldly
           things
           ,
           to
           puffe
           up
           ,
           and
           swell
           the
           heart
           of
           a
           man.
           
             By
             thy
             wisdome
             ,
             and
             by
             thine
             occupying
             hast
             thou
             increased
             thy
             riches
             ,
             and
             thy
             heart
             is
             lifted
             up
             because
             of
             thy
             riches
             .
             Ezek.
          
           28.5
           .
           Now
           when
           trouble
           and
           affliction
           comes
           to
           encounter
           with
           a
           proud
           heart
           ,
           every
           veine
           swells
           ,
           and
           the
           heart
           rebells
           ,
           and
           breaks
           out
           into
           impatience
           ,
           and
           they
           can
           not
           beare
           it
           .
           And
           the
           greater
           their
           tryalls
           are
           ,
           the
           more
           do
           they
           fret
           ,
           and
           fume
           ,
           as
           a
           running
           water
           ,
           the
           greater
           the
           flood
           ,
           and
           stream
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           doth
           it
           
           foame
           and
           roare
           ,
           where
           there
           be
           any
           arches
           to
           withstand
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           that
           wee
           may
           be
           willing
           to
           take
           the
           more
           paines
           to
           be
           furnished
           with
           patience
           ;
           I
           will
           lay
           down
           a
           few
           priviledges
           which
           wee
           shall
           partake
           of
           through
           patience
           ;
           every
           one
           of
           them
           a
           strong
           motive
           to
           stirre
           us
           up
           to
           labour
           for
           patience
           .
        
         
           
           First
           by
           the
           helpe
           of
           patience
           wee
           shall
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           manage
           those
           gifts
           ,
           and
           graces
           which
           God
           shall
           endow
           us
           withall
           .
           Patience
           keeps
           the
           mind
           in
           such
           a
           stayed
           and
           setled
           temper
           ,
           that
           wee
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           manage
           and
           direct
           our selves
           in
           all
           our
           straights
           ,
           and
           advise
           and
           counsell
           others
           in
           their
           doubts
           ,
           and
           difficulties
           :
           
             By
             
             our
             patience
             wee
             possesse
             our
             soules
             .
             Luk.
          
           21.19
           .
           Wee
           enjoy
           and
           command
           our selves
           ;
           for
           impatience
           puts
           a
           man
           out
           ,
           and
           makes
           to
           be
           beside
           himselfe
           .
           By
           faith
           wee
           possesse
           Christ
           ,
           by
           love
           wee
           possesse
           our
           neighbor
           ,
           yea
           our
           enemie
           ,
           and
           by
           patience
           wee
           possesse
           our selves
           .
           He
           hath
           but
           a
           weak
           hold
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           of
           his
           neighbor
           ,
           that
           hath
           no
           hold
           ,
           or
           command
           of
           himselfe
           .
           An
           impatient
           person
           is
           as
           one
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           bone
           dislocated
           ,
           and
           out
           of
           joynt
           .
           What
           stabilitie
           can
           be
           ,
           where
           Patience
           sits
           not
           at
           the
           stern
           to
           direct
           and
           govern
           ?
           A
           ship
           that
           rides
           at
           sea
           well
           ballanced
           ,
           is
           steddy
           ,
           and
           so
           proves
           comfortable
           unto
           the
           Passengers
           that
           bee
           abord
           her
           :
           whereas
           an
           unballanced
           vessell
           
           reels
           (
           like
           a
           drunken
           man
           )
           and
           tumbles
           too
           and
           fro
           with
           every
           little
           gale
           ,
           and
           blast
           of
           wind
           ,
           and
           so
           make
           those
           weary
           ,
           if
           not
           sick
           ,
           that
           be
           in
           her
           .
        
         
           How
           sick
           must
           that
           soul
           needs
           be
           ,
           whom
           troubles
           ,
           and
           afflictions
           (
           the
           waves
           ,
           and
           billows
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           a
           raging
           ,
           and
           tempestuous
           sea
           )
           through
           the
           want
           of
           patience
           the
           stearsman
           ,
           do
           tumble
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           and
           are
           disquiet
           ?
           Where
           patience
           is
           ,
           there
           is
           quietnesse
           ;
           because
           patience
           brings
           a
           Christians
           minde
           unto
           his
           estate
           ,
           when
           his
           estate
           and
           condition
           cannot
           suite
           with
           his
           minde
           .
        
         
           
           Secondly
           ,
           Patience
           will
           conforme
           thee
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           make
           thee
           a
           compleat
           Christian
           ;
           
             Let
             patience
             have
             her
             perfect
             worke
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             entire
             ,
             lacking
             nothing
             .
             Jam.
          
           1.4
           .
           That
           soul
           which
           wants
           no
           patience
           ,
           wants
           nothing
           ;
           for
           patience
           is
           able
           to
           supply
           all
           wants
           ,
           and
           make
           up
           all
           defects
           .
           A
           patient
           ,
           and
           contented
           mind
           is
           rich
           ;
           and
           hee
           that
           is
           rich
           cannot
           want
           ,
           unlesse
           he
           will.
           
        
         
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           patience
           will
           make
           thee
           to
           be
           a
           profitable
           entertainer
           of
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           thee
           fruitfull
           in
           Christianitie
           ,
           
             the
             honest
             and
             good
             heart
             brings
             forth
             fruit
             with
             patience
             .
             Luk.
          
           8.15
           .
        
         
           So
           many
           evills
           there
           bee
           to
           encounter
           goodnesse
           ,
           so
           many
           oppositions
           and
           reproaches
           to
           nip
           ,
           if
           not
           blas●
           good
           beginnings
           ,
           so
           many
           troubles
           to
           attend
           Pietie
           and
           godlinesse
           ,
           so
           many
           principalities
           and
           powers
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           
           wickednesse
           in
           high
           places
           ,
           to
           stop
           our
           course
           ,
           and
           to
           interrupt
           us
           in
           our
           holy
           profession
           ,
           that
           without
           patience
           ,
           little
           or
           no
           fruit
           will
           appeare
           in
           our
           lives
           and
           conversations
           .
        
         
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           patience
           wil
           make
           thy
           life
           comfortable
           ,
           whatsoever
           thy
           afflictions
           be
           ,
           Thou
           art
           armed
           with
           mettall
           of
           proof
           :
           no
           dart
           of
           Satan
           ,
           no
           malice
           of
           the
           world
           can
           wound
           thy
           soul
           ,
           if
           patience
           have
           got
           the
           keeping
           of
           it
           .
           Outward
           calamities
           and
           afflictions
           may
           make
           a
           great
           noise
           about
           thine
           eares
           ,
           as
           hailstones
           falling
           thick
           upon
           the
           tyles
           over
           thy
           head
           keep
           a
           great
           ratling
           ,
           but
           cannot
           come
           neere
           to
           hurt
           thee
           :
           So
           afflictions
           may
           rattle
           about
           thine
           eares
           ,
           but
           patience
           shelters
           thee
           from
           receiving
           
           any
           hurt
           by
           them
           .
           Let
           thy
           afflictions
           be
           never
           so
           mischievous
           ,
           and
           noxious
           in
           themselves
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           prove
           so
           to
           thee
           ,
           If
           patience
           possesse
           thy
           soul
           ,
           so
           many
           afflictions
           as
           befall
           thee
           ,
           will
           fall
           out
           to
           be
           so
           many
           arguments
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           so
           many
           consolations
           unto
           thee
           ;
           especially
           if
           they
           be
           such
           as
           wee
           undergoe
           for
           Christ
           .
           
             For
             as
             the
             sufferings
             of
             Christ
             abound
             in
             us
             :
             so
             our
             consolation
             aboundeth
             through
             Christ
             .
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           1.5
           .
           Misery
           it selfe
           shall
           not
           be
           able
           to
           make
           thee
           miserable
           ,
           for
           patience
           is
           a
           most
           soveraigne
           antidote
           and
           preservative
           against
           the
           venom
           of
           any
           affliction
           which
           can
           betide
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             4
          
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           all
           our
           afflictions
           come
           from
           God
           ,
           then
           here
           is
           a
           ground
           
           of
           comfort
           ,
           and
           matter
           of
           rejoycing
           in
           affliction
           ;
           not
           that
           we
           have
           ministred
           matter
           ,
           and
           occasion
           unto
           the
           Lord
           to
           chastise
           us
           ,
           but
           in
           that
           (
           having
           sinned
           against
           the
           Lord
           )
           hee
           will
           take
           the
           rod
           into
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           have
           the
           ordering
           of
           that
           affliction
           which
           befalls
           us
           .
           For
           nothing
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           said
           )
           can
           bee
           ,
           in
           which
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           hath
           not
           a
           chiefe
           stroke
           ,
           before
           it
           can
           be
           brought
           to
           passe
           .
           The
           consideration
           whereof
           ,
           as
           it
           should
           settle
           and
           quiet
           us
           ,
           so
           should
           it
           minister
           much
           comfort
           unto
           us
           ,
           because
           our
           safety
           and
           security
           lieth
           in
           it
           .
           As
           God
           loveth
           a
           cheerfull
           doer
           ,
           so
           hee
           loveth
           a
           cheerfull
           sufferer
           .
           A
           childe
           that
           is
           willing
           to
           kisse
           the
           rod
           ,
           wherewith
           it
           was
           beaten
           ,
           
           gives
           great
           content
           unto
           the
           parent
           which
           corrected
           it
           ,
           and
           makes
           halfe
           amends
           ,
           for
           the
           fault
           it
           hath
           committed
           .
           Christ
           will
           have
           every
           one
           of
           his
           
             to
             take
             up
             his
             Crosse
             daily
             .
             Luk.
          
           9.23
           .
           the
           taking
           up
           of
           our
           crosse
           implyeth
           willingnesse
           ,
           and
           cheerfulnesse
           in
           the
           bearing
           of
           it
           .
           Many
           a
           childe
           of
           God
           is
           content
           to
           beare
           his
           crosse
           when
           the
           Lord
           hath
           laied
           it
           upon
           his
           shoulders
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           Jeremiah
           speakeath
           ,
           
             Woe
             is
             me
             for
             my
             destruction
             ,
             and
             my
             grievous
             plague
             :
             But
             I
             thought
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             my
             sorrow
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             beare
             it
             ,
             Jerem.
          
           10.19
           .
           Hee
           dares
           not
           mutter
           ,
           or
           repine
           at
           the
           Lords
           doing
           :
           but
           here
           was
           no
           rejoycing
           in
           tribulation
           :
           Whereas
           James
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           wee
           must
           
             count
             it
             exceeding
             joy
             ,
             when
             wee
             fall
             
             into
             divers
             afflictions
             ,
             Jam.
          
           1.2
           .
           When
           the
           Lord
           commeth
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           in
           open
           hostilitie
           against
           us
           ,
           mustering
           his
           forces
           towards
           us
           ;
           when
           one
           affliction
           comes
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           another
           ,
           when
           wee
           fall
           into
           divers
           afflictions
           ,
           even
           then
           we
           have
           cause
           of
           rejoycing
           .
           For
           our
           afflictions
           comming
           from
           the
           hand
           of
           our
           loving
           Father
           ,
           cannot
           be
           hurtfull
           ,
           but
           profitable
           unto
           us
           .
           
             Hee
             chasteneth
             us
             for
             our
             profit
             ,
             that
             wee
             might
             he
             partakers
             of
             his
             holinesse
             ,
             Hebr
             ,
          
           12.10
           .
           Indeed
           if
           our
           afflictions
           brought
           God
           out
           of
           love
           with
           us
           ;
           or
           us
           more
           in
           love
           with
           sinne
           ,
           which
           God
           hates
           ,
           and
           is
           hurtfull
           unto
           us
           :
           if
           our
           afflictions
           were
           sent
           unto
           us
           as
           curses
           ,
           wee
           had
           cause
           to
           mourn
           in
           them
           ;
           But
           when
           
           the
           Word
           of
           truth
           so
           often
           pronounceth
           us
           blessed
           in
           them
           ,
           as
           Psalme
           94.12
           .
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             man
             whom
             thou
             chastisest
             ,
             O
             Lord.
          
           Have
           wee
           not
           then
           great
           cause
           of
           rejoycing
           in
           them
           ?
           especially
           seeing
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           hath
           the
           ordering
           ,
           and
           disposing
           of
           all
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           both
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           kinde
           ,
           and
           nature
           ,
           and
           also
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           measure
           ,
           either
           of
           quantity
           or
           continuance
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           their
           kind
           .
           
           If
           you
           would
           know
           why
           this
           affliction
           befalls
           thee
           rather
           then
           another
           ,
           it
           is
           because
           the
           Lord
           (
           the
           only
           wise
           and
           soveraign
           Physitian
           )
           knows
           how
           to
           strike
           thee
           in
           the
           right
           veine
           :
           hee
           knowes
           thy
           heart
           ,
           and
           the
           nature
           of
           thy
           corruption
           ,
           and
           
           therefore
           applieth
           such
           medecines
           unto
           thee
           ,
           as
           will
           bee
           most
           available
           for
           thy
           cure
           .
           Which
           thing
           Job
           teacheth
           us
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             hee
             will
             break
             down
             ,
             and
             it
             cannot
             be
             built
             ,
             he
             shutteth
             a
             man
             up
             ,
             and
             hee
             cannot
             be
             loosed
             .
             Behold
             hee
             withholdeth
             the
             waters
             ,
             and
             they
             drie
             up
             ,
             but
             when
             he
             sendeth
             them
             out
             ,
             they
             destroy
             the
             earth
             ,
             with
             him
             is
             strength
             and
             wisedom
             ,
             Job
          
           12.14
           ,
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           
             Yea
             hee
             is
             mighty
             in
             strength
             and
             wisedom
             ,
             Job
          
           36.5
           .
           Which
           he
           could
           not
           be
           said
           to
           be
           ,
           if
           any
           other
           course
           were
           better
           for
           us
           ,
           then
           that
           which
           he
           taketh
           with
           us
           .
           The
           Lord
           is
           perfect
           wisedom
           ,
           and
           therefore
           will
           not
           ,
           cannot
           but
           go
           the
           best
           ,
           the
           safest
           and
           wisest
           way
           to
           worke
           for
           the
           good
           of
           his
           children
           .
           Some
           peradventure
           may
           think
           ,
           that
           
           some
           other
           kind
           of
           affliction
           might
           have
           been
           better
           for
           them
           ,
           then
           the
           present
           ;
           some
           other
           they
           thinke
           ,
           would
           have
           done
           them
           more
           good
           ,
           then
           this
           can
           do
           .
           But
           they
           speak
           they
           know
           not
           what
           .
           And
           I
           may
           say
           unto
           them
           ,
           as
           Christ
           to
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           Luk.
           9.55
           .
           
             Yee
             know
             not
             of
             what
             spirit
             yee
             are
             .
          
           The
           choosing
           of
           the
           rod
           belongeth
           unto
           him
           ,
           that
           is
           to
           give
           the
           correction
           ,
           not
           to
           him
           that
           taketh
           it
           .
           Indeed
           the
           Lord
           did
           once
           put
           David
           to
           his
           choice
           ,
           2.
           
           Sam.
           24.12
           .
           
             I
             offer
             unto
             thee
             three
             things
             ,
             chuse
             thee
             which
             of
             them
             I
             shall
             do
             unto
             thee
             .
          
           But
           this
           was
           an
           extraordinary
           favor
           ,
           shewed
           unto
           David
           ,
           first
           to
           make
           triall
           of
           his
           Faith
           ,
           whether
           he
           had
           rather
           fall
           into
           the
           hand
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           then
           into
           
           the
           hand
           of
           man
           ;
           and
           secondly
           ,
           to
           let
           him
           know
           that
           the
           Lord
           would
           correct
           him
           in
           mercy
           ,
           in
           that
           hee
           gave
           him
           libertie
           to
           make
           choise
           of
           the
           punishment
           .
           The
           Lord
           knew
           that
           either
           of
           those
           rods
           would
           bee
           sufficient
           to
           scourge
           David
           withall
           .
           And
           none
           knows
           so
           well
           as
           the
           Lord
           ,
           how
           to
           meet
           with
           our
           corruptions
           ,
           or
           what
           afflictions
           are
           meet
           for
           us
           .
           If
           thou
           canst
           not
           profit
           by
           that
           affliction
           which
           the
           Lord
           appointeth
           unto
           thee
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           profit
           by
           none
           .
           
           To
           say
           some
           other
           kind
           were
           better
           for
           thee
           ,
           were
           to
           controll
           the
           judgement
           of
           the
           wise
           God
           ,
           as
           if
           hee
           knew
           not
           better
           then
           our selves
           to
           order
           and
           dispose
           of
           us
           .
           Is
           it
           fit
           the
           patient
           should
           prescribe
           his
           Physitian
           ,
           what
           
           course
           to
           take
           with
           him
           ?
           wilt
           thou
           teach
           him
           what
           he
           shall
           administer
           unto
           thee
           ?
           this
           were
           to
           dishonor
           the
           Physitian
           :
           therefore
           thou
           submittest
           to
           his
           judgement
           ,
           and
           takest
           what
           hee
           prescribeth
           thee
           ,
           resting
           upon
           his
           skill
           :
           And
           wilt
           thou
           dare
           so
           highly
           to
           dishonor
           God
           ,
           as
           to
           question
           his
           wisedome
           and
           knowledge
           :
           as
           if
           some
           other
           affliction
           were
           better
           for
           thee
           then
           this
           which
           hee
           is
           pleased
           to
           administer
           unto
           thee
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           ;
           say
           as
           Ely
           did
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           3.18
           .
           
             It
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             let
             him
             do
             what
             seemeth
             him
             good
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           the
           disposing
           of
           our
           afflictions
           for
           quantitie
           :
           for
           hee
           doth
           order
           all
           things
           in
           their
           measure
           ,
           number
           and
           weight
           ;
           but
           especially
           the
           afflictions
           
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           Jerem.
           30.11
           .
           
             I
             will
             not
             utterly
             destroy
             thee
             ,
             but
             correct
             thee
             in
             judgement
          
           ;
           or
           ,
           
             in
             measure
          
           :
           as
           the
           new
           translation
           hath
           it
           .
           God
           therefore
           metes
           out
           unto
           his
           children
           ,
           not
           according
           to
           their
           merit
           ,
           but
           in
           mercy
           according
           to
           their
           strength
           ,
           looking
           more
           what
           they
           are
           able
           to
           undergoe
           ,
           then
           what
           they
           do
           deserve
           to
           be
           laid
           upon
           them
           .
           
             Hee
             correcteth
             in
             judgement
          
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           wisely
           proportioning
           our
           affliction
           to
           our
           
             strength
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             anger
             ,
             least
             he
             bring
             us
             to
             nothing
             ,
             Jere.
          
           10.24
           .
           
             Feare
             not
             ,
             therefore
             O
             Jacob
             my
             servant
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             with
             thee
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             utterly
             destroy
             thee
             ,
             but
             correct
             thee
             by
             judgement
             ,
             and
             not
             utterly
             cut
             thee
             off
             ,
             Jerem.
          
           46.28
           .
           Comfort
           thy selfe
           therefore
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           
             God
             
             is
             faithfull
             ,
             who
             will
             not
             suffer
             thee
             to
             be
             tempted
             above
             that
             thou
             art
             able
             to
             beare
             ,
             but
             will
             with
             the
             tentation
             make
             a
             way
             to
             escape
             ,
             that
             thou
             maist
             be
             able
             to
             beare
             it
             ,
          
           as
           was
           formerly
           spoken
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           disposeth
           of
           all
           our
           afflictions
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           time
           and
           continuance
           ,
           which
           he
           hath
           promised
           shall
           be
           but
           short
           ?
           
             For
             the
             rod
             of
             the
             wicked
             shall
             not
             rest
             on
             the
             lot
             of
             the
             righteous
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           105.3
           .
           
             Hee
             indureth
             but
             a
             while
             in
             his
             anger
             .
             Weeping
             may
             abide
             at
             the
             evening
             ,
             but
             joy
             commeth
             in
             the
             morning
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           30.5
           .
           
             Who
             is
             a
             God
             like
             unto
             thee
          
           (
           saith
           Micah
           )
           
             that
             taketh
             away
             iniquitie
             ,
             and
             passeth
             by
             the
             transgression
             of
             the
             remnant
             of
             his
             heritage
             .
             He
             retaineth
             not
             his
             wrath
             for
             ever
             ,
             because
             mercy
             
             pleaseth
             him
             ,
             Mic.
          
           7.18
           .
           Therefore
           wait
           patiently
           upon
           the
           Lord
           for
           issue
           out
           of
           thine
           affliction
           ,
           which
           in
           due
           time
           thou
           shalt
           bee
           sure
           of
           .
           For
           the
           Lord
           deals
           not
           with
           his
           children
           ,
           as
           the
           Devill
           doth
           with
           his
           servants
           ,
           bringing
           them
           into
           the
           briars
           ,
           and
           there
           leave
           them
           to
           scratch
           and
           rent
           ,
           and
           teare
           themselves
           :
           but
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           he
           bringeth
           afflictions
           upon
           us
           ,
           so
           will
           hee
           also
           in
           due
           season
           bring
           us
           out
           of
           them
           .
           
             Great
             and
             many
             are
             the
             troubles
             of
             the
             righteous
             ,
             but
             the
             Lord
             delivereth
             him
             out
             of
             them
             all
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           34.19
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
             5
          
           To
           draw
           to
           a
           conclusion
           of
           this
           point
           .
           Is
           it
           so
           that
           all
           our
           afflictions
           come
           from
           Gods
           hand
           ?
           be
           we
           then
           in
           the
           fift
           and
           last
           place
           ,
           exhorted
           to
           have
           recourse
           unto
           the
           
           Lord
           ,
           in
           all
           our
           troubles
           ,
           both
           for
           strength
           and
           comfort
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           also
           for
           issue
           and
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           .
           The
           Prophet
           complained
           of
           the
           way
           wardnesse
           ,
           and
           stubbornnesse
           of
           the
           people
           in
           his
           daies
           ,
           Esay
           9.13
           .
           
             The
             people
             turneth
             not
             unto
             him
             that
             smiteth
             them
             ,
             neither
             do
             they
             seek
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             .
          
           This
           was
           Asa
           his
           folly
           ,
           who
           though
           
             his
             disease
             was
             extream
             ,
             yet
             hee
             sought
             not
             the
             Lord
             in
             his
             disease
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             Physitians
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Chron.
           16.12
           .
           Such
           is
           the
           folly
           ,
           and
           madnesse
           of
           some
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           will
           seek
           to
           any
           body
           ,
           yea
           to
           the
           Devill
           ;
           running
           to
           his
           cunning
           (
           rather
           couzening
           )
           man
           ,
           or
           that
           woman
           ,
           in
           their
           afflictions
           ,
           before
           they
           seek
           unto
           the
           Lord.
           As
           if
           any
           hand
           could
           take
           off
           that
           affliction
           
           which
           the
           Lord
           layeth
           upon
           us
           .
           Deliverance
           out
           of
           trouble
           is
           a
           prerogative
           royall
           ,
           and
           belongs
           wholly
           unto
           the
           Lord
           :
           
             For
             hee
          
           (
           saith
           Moses
           )
           
             will
             take
             away
             from
             thee
             all
             infirmities
             .
             Deut.
          
           7.15
           .
           
             Call
             upon
             mee
             in
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             so
             will
             I
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             glorifie
             mee
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           50.15
           .
           Whereupon
           the
           Prophet
           Jeremiah
           set
           his
           eyes
           towards
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             my
             force
             and
             strength
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             and
             my
             refuge
             in
             the
             day
             of
             affliction
             ,
             Jerem.
          
           16.19
           .
        
         
           Such
           as
           seek
           unto
           others
           ,
           and
           not
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           affliction
           ,
           
             do
             wait
             upon
             lying
             vanities
             ,
             and
             forsake
             their
             own
             mercy
             ,
             Ion.
          
           2.8
           .
           
             They
             have
             inherited
             lies
             and
             vanity
             ,
             wherein
             there
             was
             no
             profit
             ,
             Jere.
          
           16.19
           .
           Therefore
           if
           thou
           desirest
           
           abilitie
           and
           strength
           to
           beare
           thine
           afflictions
           ,
           go
           unto
           the
           Lord
           for
           it
           ,
           
             Power
             belongeth
             unto
             God
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           62.11
           .
           
             The
             God
             of
             Israel
             is
             hee
             that
             giveth
             strength
             and
             power
             unto
             his
             people
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           68.35
           .
           And
           so
           the
           Prophet
           Esay
           speaketh
           ;
           
             Hee
             giveth
             strength
             unto
             him
             that
             fainteth
             ,
             and
             unto
             him
             that
             hath
             no
             strength
             ,
             hee
             increaseth
             power
             ,
             Esay
          
           40.29
           .
           Say
           not
           therefore
           in
           time
           of
           trouble
           ,
           mine
           affliction
           is
           greater
           then
           I
           can
           beare
           :
           for
           though
           thou
           beest
           weak
           and
           ready
           to
           sink
           under
           thy
           burthen
           ,
           yet
           the
           Lord
           hath
           made
           thee
           a
           promise
           ,
           that
           hee
           will
           uphold
           thee
           with
           his
           hand
           .
           So
           that
           though
           thou
           canst
           do
           little
           of
           thy selfe
           ,
           thou
           maist
           be
           able
           
             to
             do
             all
             things
             through
             the
             help
             of
             Christ
             which
             strengtheneth
             
             thee
             ,
             Phil.
          
           4.13
           .
           Go
           therefore
           boldly
           to
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ,
           that
           so
           thou
           maist
           receive
           mercie
           ,
           and
           find
           favor
           to
           help
           thee
           in
           the
           time
           of
           thy
           need
           .
           Trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           helpe
           ,
           and
           save
           thee
           ;
           for
           who
           ever
           hoped
           in
           God
           and
           was
           ashamed
           ?
           Commit
           thy selfe
           ,
           and
           thy
           condition
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           stand
           by
           thee
           ,
           and
           helpe
           thee
           ,
           he
           will
           not
           be
           absent
           from
           thee
           over
           long
           .
           Fall
           down
           at
           his
           footstoole
           ,
           make
           him
           thy
           hope
           ,
           and
           fortresse
           ,
           in
           whom
           thou
           wilt
           alwayes
           trust
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           imbrace
           thee
           in
           love
           ,
           he
           will
           lay
           thee
           upon
           the
           shoulders
           of
           his
           gracious
           Providence
           ,
           and
           protection
           ,
           hee
           will
           bind
           up
           all
           thy
           wounds
           ,
           he
           will
           heale
           and
           cure
           all
           thy
           diseases
           ,
           hee
           will
           refresh
           thy
           feeblenesse
           ,
           
           he
           will
           comfort
           thine
           afflicted
           spirits
           ,
           he
           will
           put
           under
           his
           hand
           ,
           so
           as
           thou
           shalt
           not
           faint
           under
           thy
           burden
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           good
           time
           will
           put
           away
           all
           pensivenesse
           ,
           and
           mourning
           from
           thee
           .
           Therefore
           if
           thou
           bee
           able
           to
           hold
           up
           thy
           head
           in
           any
           storme
           ,
           if
           thou
           faintest
           not
           in
           the
           day
           of
           adversitie
           ,
           
             if
             thou
             standest
             fast
             ,
             and
             quit
             thee
             like
             a
             man
          
           ;
           say
           not
           ,
           my
           power
           ,
           or
           my
           strength
           hath
           carried
           mee
           thorow
           this
           affliction
           ,
           or
           made
           mee
           able
           to
           stand
           under
           this
           burthen
           :
           but
           as
           Moses
           speakes
           to
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           concerning
           their
           outward
           substance
           ,
           
             Remember
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             be
             that
             giveth
             thee
             power
             ,
             Deut.
          
           8.18
           .
           So
           must
           thou
           say
           ,
           I
           have
           no
           ability
           to
           undergoe
           any
           affliction
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           the
           Lord
           
           is
           pleased
           to
           help
           me
           withall
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           will
           some
           poore
           weather-beaten
           soul
           say
           ,
           Hitherto
           the
           Lord
           hath
           supported
           mee
           ,
           but
           my
           heart
           now
           begins
           to
           faint
           ,
           I
           feel
           my
           spirits
           to
           abate
           ,
           and
           my
           strength
           begins
           to
           decay
           ;
           therefore
           if
           the
           Lord
           do
           not
           speedily
           deliver
           mee
           ,
           and
           send
           me
           ease
           the
           sooner
           ,
           I
           feare
           I
           shall
           sinke
           under
           mine
           affliction
           ,
           I
           can
           beare
           it
           no
           longer
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             What
             ,
             is
             the
             Lords
             hand
             shortened
             ?
             Numb
             .
          
           11.23
           .
           Is
           the
           Lords
           power
           weakened
           ,
           that
           hee
           cannot
           helpe
           thee
           for
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           he
           hath
           hitherto
           supported
           thee
           ;
           Is
           the
           Lords
           staffe
           so
           weake
           that
           thou
           durest
           not
           trust
           unto
           it
           ?
        
         
           Or
           is
           the
           Lord
           unfaithfull
           ,
           
           to
           leave
           thee
           and
           forsake
           thee
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           ;
           the
           Lord
           is
           where
           he
           was
           ,
           as
           ready
           at
           hand
           ,
           as
           willing
           and
           as
           able
           to
           helpe
           thee
           ,
           and
           stand
           by
           thee
           ,
           as
           ever
           hee
           was
           ,
           if
           thou
           by
           thine
           unbeleef
           do
           not
           put
           his
           strength
           from
           thee
           :
           for
           if
           
             ye
             beleeve
             not
             ,
             surely
             ye
             shall
             not
             he
             established
             ,
             Esay
          
           7.9
           .
           Whereas
           if
           yee
           put
           
             your
             trust
             in
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             ,
             yee
             shall
             be
             assured
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Chron.
           20.20
           .
           
             For
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             change
             not
             ;
             and
             yee
             sonnes
             of
             Jacob
             are
             not
             consumed
             ,
             Malac
             .
          
           3.6
           .
           Therefore
           though
           thy
           
             flesh
             faileth
             ,
             and
             thine
             heart
             also
             ,
          
           as
           Davids
           did
           ,
           
             yet
             God
             is
             the
             strength
             of
             thine
             heart
             ,
             and
             thy
             portion
             for
             ever
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           73.26
           .
           Trust
           therefore
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           still
           wait
           upon
           him
           ,
           for
           
             they
             that
             wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             
             renew
             their
             strength
             ,
             they
             shall
             lift
             up
             their
             wings
             as
             the
             Eagles
             :
             they
             shall
             runne
             and
             not
             bee
             weary
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             walke
             and
             not
             faint
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           40.31
           .
        
         
           Againe
           ,
           
           if
           all
           our
           afflictions
           come
           from
           God
           ,
           it
           will
           bee
           our
           wisdom
           to
           go
           unto
           him
           for
           issue
           ,
           and
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           :
           
             Call
             upon
             me
             in
             the
             day
             of
             trouble
             ,
             so
             will
             I
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             glorifie
             mee
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           50.15
           .
           
             Mine
             eyes
             are
             ever
             toward
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             will
             bring
             my
             feet
             out
             of
             the
             net
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           25.15
           .
           Joseph
           was
           unjustly
           cast
           into
           prison
           by
           his
           too
           credulous
           and
           unrighteous
           master
           ,
           
             but
             God
             was
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             delivered
             him
             out
             of
             all
             his
             afflictions
             .
             Act.
          
           7.9.10
           .
           If
           ever
           thou
           hopest
           to
           be
           healed
           ,
           or
           helped
           out
           of
           ,
           or
           in
           
           any
           affliction
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           by
           the
           Lord
           his
           hand
           .
           
             Refuse
             not
             the
             chastening
             of
             the
             Almighty
          
           (
           saith
           Eliphaz
           )
           
             for
             he
             maketh
             the
             wound
             ,
             and
             bindeth
             it
             up
             :
             he
             smiteth
             ;
             and
             his
             hands
             make
             whole
             .
             Hee
             shall
             deliver
             thee
             in
             six
             troubles
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             seventh
             ,
             the
             evill
             shall
             not
             touch
             thee
             .
             Job
          
           5.17
           ,
           18
           ,
           19.
           
        
         
           Hereupon
           they
           call
           one
           to
           another
           .
           Hos
           .
           6.1
           .
           
             Come
             ,
             let
             us
             return
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             he
             hath
             spoiled
             us
             ,
             and
             hee
             will
             heale
             us
             :
             hee
             hath
             wounded
             ,
             and
             hee
             will
             bind
             us
             up
             .
          
        
         
           As
           the
           Lord
           took
           his
           time
           to
           bring
           thee
           into
           trouble
           ,
           so
           hath
           he
           his
           time
           set
           for
           thy
           deliverance
           .
           
             To
             all
             things
             there
             is
             an
             appointed
             time
             ,
             and
             a
             time
             to
             every
             purpose
             under
             heaven
             ,
             Eccles
             .
          
           3.1
           .
           
           Gods
           Providence
           hath
           set
           and
           limited
           the
           time
           how
           long
           his
           children
           shall
           suffer
           ,
           and
           bee
           afflicted
           .
           Revel
           .
           2.10
           .
           
             Yee
             shall
             suffer
             tribulation
             ten
             dayes
             .
          
        
         
           This
           time
           thou
           canst
           not
           shorten
           ,
           but
           lengthen
           it
           thou
           mayst
           ,
           through
           thy
           impatience
           .
           As
           an
           earthly
           father
           correcting
           his
           childe
           for
           some
           fault
           ,
           doth
           resolve
           with
           himself
           to
           give
           him
           but
           a
           lash
           ,
           or
           two
           ;
           to
           keep
           him
           but
           a
           while
           under
           the
           rod
           ,
           if
           hee
           take
           his
           correction
           patiently
           ;
           but
           if
           he
           kicke
           or
           murmurre
           ,
           hee
           resolves
           to
           hold
           him
           down
           the
           longer
           ,
           and
           give
           him
           the
           more
           stripes
           .
           Even
           so
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           deales
           with
           his
           children
           :
           the
           more
           patiently
           wee
           take
           our
           affliction
           ,
           the
           sooner
           wee
           are
           like
           to
           come
           
           out
           of
           it
           ,
           
             The
             patient
             abiding
             of
             the
             righteous
             shall
             be
             gladnesse
             ,
             Prov.
          
           10.28
           .
           Trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           and
           thou
           shalt
           bee
           safe
           .
           
             Hee
             that
             beleeveth
             maketh
             not
             haste
             ,
             Esay
          
           28.16
           .
           But
           is
           content
           to
           tarry
           the
           Lords
           leisure
           .
           Many
           are
           ready
           to
           compound
           and
           indent
           with
           God
           ;
           thus
           long
           they
           will
           wait
           ,
           thus
           long
           they
           will
           pray
           ,
           and
           if
           by
           that
           time
           no
           helpe
           ,
           nor
           deliverance
           come
           ,
           they
           will
           give
           over
           in
           their
           impatient
           mood
           ,
           as
           the
           messenger
           of
           the
           King
           of
           Israel
           said
           ,
           
             Behold
             this
             evill
             commeth
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             should
             I
             attend
             the
             Lord
             any
             longer
             ?
          
           2.
           
           Kings
           6.33
           .
           O
           beware
           of
           such
           thoughts
           ,
           
             but
             let
             thy
             heart
             bee
             in
             the
             feare
             of
             the
             Lord
             continually
             :
          
           for
           surely
           
             there
             is
             an
             end
             ,
             and
             thy
             hope
             shall
             not
             be
             cut
             off
             ,
             Prov.
          
           23
           ,
           
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           Wee
           cannot
           denie
           but
           ,
           
             The
             hope
             that
             is
             deferred
             is
             the
             fainting
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             but
             when
             the
             desire
             commeth
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             tree
             of
             life
             ,
             Prov.
          
           13.12
           .
           The
           longer
           the
           Lord
           delaies
           our
           deliverance
           ,
           the
           sweeter
           will
           it
           bee
           when
           it
           comes
           .
           Wait
           therefore
           with
           patience
           ,
           seeing
           the
           Lord
           by
           his
           writing
           ,
           seal
           ,
           and
           oath
           ,
           hath
           promised
           to
           deliver
           us
           out
           of
           all
           our
           troubles
           .
           And
           what
           hee
           hath
           promised
           ,
           hee
           will
           most
           certainly
           perform
           ;
           for
           though
           God
           may
           bee
           angry
           with
           us
           for
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           yet
           he
           cannot
           be
           unfaithfull
           ,
           though
           he
           may
           ,
           like
           Joseph
           ,
           conceale
           his
           affection
           for
           a
           time
           ,
           yet
           impossible
           it
           is
           that
           he
           should
           shut
           up
           his
           compassions
           ,
           and
           renounce
           the
           protection
           of
           such
           as
           depend
           upon
           him
           ,
           or
           denie
           deliverance
           
           to
           such
           as
           do
           seek
           aright
           unto
           him
           .
           Therefore
           ,
           
             Who
             is
             there
             amongst
             you
             that
             feareth
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             obeyeth
             the
             voice
             of
             his
             servant
             that
             walketh
             in
             darknesse
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             light
             ,
             let
             him
             trust
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             stay
             upon
             his
             God.
             Esa
             .
          
           50.10
           .
           By
           darknesse
           is
           heere
           understood
           affliction
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           the
           Lord
           will
           assuredly
           bring
           all
           such
           as
           seek
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           rest
           upon
           him
           .
           Beware
           of
           making
           more
           haste
           then
           good
           speed
           to
           procure
           freedom
           from
           our
           deliverance
           out
           of
           troubles
           by
           unlawfull
           and
           sinfull
           courses
           .
        
         
           Wee
           rob
           the
           Lord
           of
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           honor
           ,
           and
           our selves
           of
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           comfort
           ,
           which
           wee
           should
           reap
           by
           waiting
           upon
           the
           
           Lord.
           Too
           many
           are
           ready
           to
           thinke
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           have
           some
           little
           time
           besought
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           hee
           (
           forsooth
           )
           is
           bound
           presently
           to
           answer
           them
           .
           As
           those
           hypocrites
           ,
           Esay
           58.3
           .
           expostulated
           the
           matter
           with
           the
           Lord
           saying
           ,
           
             Wherefore
             have
             wee
             fasted
             ,
             and
             thou
             seest
             it
             not
             ?
             wee
             have
             punished
             our selves
             ,
             and
             thou
             regardest
             it
             not
             .
          
           Some
           are
           ready
           to
           cry
           with
           
             David
             ,
             How
             long
             ,
             how
             long
             Lord
             ,
             wilt
             thou
             forget
             me
             for
             ever
             ?
             how
             long
             wilt
             thou
             hide
             thy
             face
             from
             mee
             ?
             Psal
             .
          
           13.1
           .
           Againe
           ,
           
             Have
             mercy
             upon
             mee
             O
             Lord
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             weake
             ,
             O
             Lord
             heal
             me
             ,
             for
             my
             bones
             are
             vexed
             .
             My
             soul
             is
             also
             sore
             troubled
             ,
             but
             Lord
             how
             long
             wilt
             thou
             delay
             ?
             Psal
             .
          
           6.2
           ,
           3.
           
        
         
           Beware
           of
           measuring
           the
           Lord
           by
           thine
           own
           line
           and
           
           plummet
           ;
           let
           not
           thy
           carnall
           reason
           ,
           or
           fleshly
           wisdom
           seem
           to
           direct
           or
           limit
           Gods
           Providence
           ,
           thou
           maiest
           not
           joyn
           thine
           own
           fantasies
           to
           Gods
           will
           ,
           but
           what
           thou
           seekest
           at
           his
           hands
           ,
           thou
           must
           commend
           it
           to
           his
           good
           pleasure
           ,
           without
           saying
           to
           thy selfe
           ,
           Let
           it
           be
           thus
           ,
           or
           so
           .
           God
           doth
           many
           times
           delay
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           and
           by
           afford
           them
           that
           helpe
           ,
           and
           comfort
           which
           he
           intendeth
           them
           :
           yea
           ,
           sometimes
           he
           suffers
           them
           to
           be
           ready
           to
           sink
           ,
           before
           he
           saves
           them
           .
           As
           he
           dealt
           with
           his
           Disciples
           ,
           who
           were
           tossed
           up
           and
           down
           of
           the
           waves
           ,
           the
           ship
           reeling
           too
           and
           fro
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           be
           overwhelmed
           before
           hee
           would
           awake
           ,
           and
           bid
           the
           tempest
           be
           still
           :
           yet
           when
           he
           
           saw
           time
           ,
           hee
           rebuked
           the
           winde
           ,
           and
           seas
           ,
           and
           delivered
           his
           Disciples
           from
           their
           danger
           ,
           and
           feare
           :
           Know
           and
           beleeve
           that
           the
           measure
           ,
           and
           issue
           of
           any
           tentation
           belongeth
           unto
           God.
           Therefore
           howsoever
           the
           case
           standeth
           with
           thee
           ,
           expostulate
           not
           with
           God
           ,
           entertain
           no
           hard
           conceits
           of
           him
           .
           The
           Lord
           in
           wisdom
           may
           delay
           our
           deliverance
           out
           of
           affliction
           ,
           because
           haply
           hee
           sees
           that
           it
           hath
           not
           as
           yet
           throughly
           wrought
           upon
           us
           ,
           nor
           done
           us
           that
           good
           he
           intendeth
           us
           .
           Do
           Goldsmiths
           use
           to
           take
           their
           mettall
           out
           of
           the
           fornace
           before
           it
           be
           fined
           from
           the
           drosse
           ?
           There
           be
           some
           kind
           of
           plaisters
           applied
           to
           the
           bellies
           of
           children
           ,
           which
           will
           sticke
           fast
           so
           long
           as
           the
           
           wormes
           bee
           alive
           ,
           but
           if
           the
           bed
           of
           them
           be
           broken
           ,
           and
           they
           killed
           ,
           the
           plaister
           will
           fall
           off
           :
           and
           so
           of
           many
           sores
           .
           If
           affliction
           still
           cleave
           unto
           thee
           ,
           it
           is
           because
           sinne
           is
           not
           yet
           killed
           in
           thee
           .
           This
           plaister
           lieth
           on
           us
           no
           longer
           then
           till
           the
           sore
           be
           whole
           ,
           and
           the
           disease
           be
           cured
           in
           us
           .
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           sees
           wee
           are
           not
           fit
           for
           deliverance
           ,
           wee
           would
           too
           quickly
           forget
           the
           rod
           ,
           and
           return
           to
           our
           own
           byas
           ,
           if
           hee
           should
           by
           and
           by
           ease
           us
           ,
           as
           soon
           as
           wee
           cry
           unto
           him
           .
           It
           may
           be
           the
           Lord
           sees
           wee
           would
           not
           be
           thankfull
           enough
           for
           deliverance
           ,
           if
           it
           should
           bee
           granted
           upon
           the
           first
           request
           .
        
         
           Things
           lightly
           attained
           unto
           ,
           are
           oft
           times
           slightly
           
           regarded
           .
           Whereas
           those
           things
           which
           we
           get
           through
           the
           pikes
           ,
           wee
           prize
           at
           a
           high
           rate
           .
           Therefore
           thou
           forgettest
           thy selfe
           ,
           and
           the
           Word
           of
           truth
           ,
           in
           saying
           ,
           God
           hath
           forgotten
           to
           be
           mercifull
           and
           gracious
           ,
           because
           he
           doth
           not
           by
           and
           by
           answere
           thee
           .
           Can
           a
           woman
           forget
           
             her
             childe
             ,
             and
             not
             have
             compassion
             on
             the
             son
             of
             her
             wombe
             ?
          
           Peradventure
           there
           may
           bee
           some
           such
           unnaturall
           monsters
           ,
           that
           cast
           off
           all
           naturall
           affection
           ,
           and
           lay
           violent
           hands
           upon
           their
           children
           ;
           but
           though
           they
           
             forget
             ,
             yet
             will
             I
             not
             forget
             thee
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           and
           for
           assurance
           hereof
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             I
             have
             graven
             thee
             upon
             the
             palmes
             of
             my
             hands
             ,
             Esay
             .
          
           49.15
           ,
           16.
           
           When
           wee
           are
           afraid
           ,
           wee
           shall
           forget
           a
           thing
           ,
           we
           tye
           
           a
           thred
           about
           our
           finger
           ,
           for
           our
           better
           remembring
           thereof
           ;
           but
           when
           wee
           tie
           threds
           upon
           both
           hands
           ,
           wee
           then
           make
           sure
           wee
           will
           not
           forget
           it
           ;
           thus
           doth
           the
           Lord
           set
           down
           his
           children
           ,
           in
           the
           palmes
           of
           both
           hands
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           forgotten
           .
           Therefore
           still
           wait
           ,
           and
           deliverance
           will
           come
           ,
           when
           thou
           dost
           least
           think
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           I
           have
           no
           hope
           ;
           I
           cannot
           thinke
           I
           shall
           be
           delivered
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             Gods
             thoughts
             are
             not
             your
             thoughts
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           55.8
           .
           You
           know
           your
           own
           thoughts
           ,
           you
           know
           not
           Gods
           ,
           Jerem.
           29.11
           .
           
             I
             know
             the
             thoughts
             that
             I
             thinke
             towards
             you
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             thoughts
             of
             peace
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             evill
             ,
             to
             give
             you
             an
             expected
             end
             .
          
        
         
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           see
           no
           way
           ,
           no
           means
           of
           comfort
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             Gods
             wayes
             are
             not
             your
             wayes
             ,
             Esay
             ,
          
           55.8
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           his
           wayes
           many
           times
           in
           the
           deep
           ,
           many
           times
           in
           the
           darke
           and
           secret
           .
           Haply
           deliverance
           shall
           come
           some
           other
           way
           then
           thou
           canst
           imagine
           ,
           or
           thinke
           of
           .
           When
           thou
           thinkest
           comfort
           and
           deliverance
           is
           farthest
           off
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           neare
           at
           hand
           ;
           yea
           ,
           when
           thou
           seest
           least
           likelyhood
           of
           it
           :
           for
           ,
           
             In
             the
             mount
             will
             the
             Lord
             be
             seen
             ,
             Gen.
          
           22.14
           .
           It
           may
           be
           thou
           seest
           no
           means
           ,
           but
           the
           Lord
           can
           worke
           without
           means
           ;
           yea
           ,
           by
           contrary
           meanes
           ,
           that
           his
           wisedome
           and
           power
           may
           appeare
           the
           more
           in
           thy
           deliverance
           .
           What
           means
           had
           Daniel
           to
           save
           him
           from
           the
           fury
           of
           
           those
           hungry
           and
           devouring
           Lyons
           ?
           yet
           you
           know
           the
           Lord
           did
           deliver
           him
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           ,
           
             Commit
             thy
             way
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             trust
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             hee
             shall
             bring
             it
             to
             passe
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           37.5
           .
           So
           that
           all
           things
           considered
           ,
           wee
           have
           little
           cause
           to
           bee
           disquieted
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           seeing
           our
           heavenly
           Father
           sendeth
           them
           in
           love
           for
           our
           great
           good
           ?
           and
           lesse
           cause
           we
           have
           to
           fret
           ,
           or
           be
           disheartned
           if
           they
           tarry
           by
           us
           longer
           then
           wee
           would
           have
           them
           ;
           for
           when
           wee
           are
           fit
           for
           deliverance
           wee
           shall
           bee
           sure
           of
           it
           ;
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           ,
           if
           dangers
           ,
           or
           feares
           do
           increase
           upon
           thee
           ,
           say
           to
           the
           Lord
           as
           good
           King
           Jehosaphat
           ,
           2.
           
           Chron.
           20.12
           .
           
             Wee
             know
             not
             what
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             our
             
             eyes
             are
             towards
             thee
             .
          
           Consider
           into
           what
           great
           distresse
           and
           strait
           the
           Lord
           brought
           the
           people
           of
           Israel
           when
           they
           came
           out
           of
           Egypt
           ;
           the
           sea
           before
           them
           ,
           their
           enemies
           behind
           them
           ,
           death
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           round
           about
           them
           ,
           yet
           how
           miraculously
           did
           the
           Lord
           make
           way
           for
           them
           ?
        
         
           So
           assure
           thy selfe
           whatsoever
           thy
           trouble
           ,
           or
           danger
           bee
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           one
           way
           or
           other
           give
           issue
           to
           his
           glory
           and
           thy
           good
           ,
           although
           thou
           seest
           not
           how
           ;
           because
           hee
           is
           the
           same
           God
           ,
           no
           changeling
           in
           his
           goodnesse
           towards
           his
           children
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           sweet
           motto
           which
           one
           hath
           ;
           
             I
             suffer
             ,
             I
             hope
          
           .
           
           Though
           sorrows
           and
           afflictions
           increase
           upon
           thee
           ,
           yet
           
           give
           not
           over
           thy
           confidence
           ,
           but
           resolve
           with
           holy
           
             Job
             ,
             Loe
             though
             he
             slay
             me
             ,
             yet
             will
             I
             trust
             in
             him
             ,
             Job
          
           13.15
           .
           The
           motion
           of
           a
           thing
           ,
           the
           neerer
           it
           comes
           to
           the
           center
           ,
           the
           swifter
           it
           is
           .
           Doth
           thy
           sorrow
           ,
           thy
           paine
           ,
           thy
           trouble
           increase
           upon
           thee
           ?
           hope
           it
           is
           neere
           at
           an
           end
           .
           The
           children
           of
           Israel
           ,
           the
           neerer
           they
           were
           unto
           comfort
           and
           deliverance
           ,
           the
           sorer
           grew
           their
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           the
           greater
           were
           the
           burthens
           which
           their
           cruell
           taske-masters
           layd
           upon
           them
           ;
           and
           so
           doth
           the
           Lord
           oft
           deale
           in
           other
           kindes
           ,
           with
           his
           children
           .
           Therefore
           wait
           with
           patience
           ,
           seeing
           the
           Lord
           many
           times
           doth
           (
           suddenly
           )
           turne
           tragedies
           into
           comedies
           ,
           sorrow
           into
           joy
           ,
           as
           he
           dealt
           with
           his
           people
           in
           Esters
           
           dayes
           ,
           to
           day
           in
           heavinesse
           ,
           through
           feare
           of
           being
           swallowed
           up
           ,
           and
           made
           a
           prey
           unto
           their
           enemies
           ,
           to
           morrow
           triumphing
           over
           their
           enemies
           ,
           and
           treading
           them
           underneath
           their
           feet
           ,
           Ester
           ,
           8.15
           ,
           16.
           
           For
           what
           thing
           can
           there
           bee
           under
           Heaven
           so
           heavie
           upon
           the
           heart
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           
           which
           the
           Lord
           cannot
           remove
           ,
           and
           put
           joy
           in
           the
           place
           of
           it
           before
           the
           day
           be
           light
           ?
           Therefore
           
             hope
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             bee
             strong
             ,
             and
             hee
             shall
             comfort
             thine
             heart
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           27.14
           .
           Be
           cheerefull
           therefore
           in
           thy
           affliction
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           Some
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           say
           ,
           I
           hope
           I
           hurt
           no
           body
           by
           my
           sadnesse
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           deceived
           ,
           for
           ,
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
           First
           ,
           they
           wrong
           the
           Lord
           by
           their
           uncheerfulnesse
           ,
           
           not
           only
           in
           going
           ,
           and
           doing
           against
           his
           word
           ,
           which
           willeth
           us
           to
           bee
           joyfull
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           Psal
           .
           32.11
           .
           
             Be
             glad
             ye
             righteous
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             Lord
             :
             and
             bee
             joyfull
             all
             ye
             that
             are
             upright
             in
             heart
             :
          
           but
           they
           do
           also
           wrong
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           robbing
           him
           of
           that
           honor
           and
           praise
           which
           they
           might
           bring
           unto
           him
           by
           their
           rejoycing
           in
           affliction
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           they
           wrong
           if
           not
           hurt
           their
           brethren
           ,
           being
           occasions
           of
           discouragement
           and
           disheartning
           them
           ,
           making
           them
           to
           feare
           ,
           and
           doubt
           of
           Gods
           goodnes
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           abilitie
           ,
           to
           bear
           any
           burden
           which
           the
           Lord
           shall
           lay
           upon
           them
           ,
           seeing
           others
           or
           longer
           standing
           in
           Christ
           his
           school
           ,
           and
           of
           greater
           knowledge
           ,
           to
           shrink
           and
           
           buckle
           under
           their
           affliction
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           they
           wrong
           their
           profession
           ,
           by
           opening
           the
           mouthes
           of
           those
           that
           are
           without
           ,
           or
           by
           putting
           a
           stumbling-blocke
           before
           them
           ,
           causing
           them
           to
           abhorre
           the
           way
           and
           practise
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           so
           great
           troubles
           to
           attend
           upon
           it
           ,
           and
           so
           little
           courage
           and
           cheerefulnesse
           in
           those
           that
           professe
           it
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           they
           wrong
           and
           hurt
           themselves
           not
           only
           by
           disinabling
           and
           indisposing
           themselves
           to
           the
           generall
           ,
           and
           particular
           dueties
           of
           their
           callings
           (
           
             for
             a
             joyfull
             heart
             causeth
             good
             health
             :
             but
             a
             sorrowfull
             spirit
             dries
             up
             the
             bones
             ,
             Prov.
          
           17.22
           .
           that
           is
           ,
           makes
           the
           body
           
           weake
           ,
           and
           feeble
           :
           for
           a
           man
           is
           said
           to
           bee
           in
           his
           full
           strength
           ,
           when
           his
           bones
           run
           full
           of
           marrow
           ,
           Job
           ,
           21.23
           ,
           24.
           )
           but
           also
           in
           spoiling
           themselves
           of
           that
           peace
           ,
           and
           comfort
           which
           they
           might
           enjoy
           by
           their
           cheerfull
           undergoing
           of
           afflictions
           ;
           and
           loosing
           that
           holy
           vigor
           ,
           and
           strength
           they
           might
           partake
           of
           by
           rejoycing
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             for
             the
             joy
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             your
             strength
             ,
             Nehe.
          
           8.10
           .
        
         
           Besides
           ,
           by
           their
           lumpishnesse
           they
           make
           themselves
           unfit
           for
           holy
           dueties
           ;
           they
           cannot
           serve
           God
           as
           they
           should
           ,
           being
           oppressed
           with
           sadnesse
           .
           For
           we
           are
           to
           serve
           the
           Lord
           with
           gladnesse
           of
           heart
           .
           
             Serve
             the
             Lord
             in
             feare
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             before
             him
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           2.11
           .
        
         
           How
           can
           any
           serve
           God
           
           joyfully
           ,
           or
           praise
           him
           heartily
           ,
           when
           the
           heart
           is
           laden
           with
           griefe
           ,
           and
           the
           mind
           oppressed
           with
           sorrow
           ?
           If
           no
           joy
           in
           the
           sweet
           promises
           of
           God
           ,
           what
           delight
           can
           be
           had
           in
           his
           worship
           and
           service
           ?
        
         
           And
           last
           of
           all
           ,
           they
           expose
           themselves
           unto
           Satans
           tentations
           :
           when
           they
           are
           dejected
           with
           worldly
           sorrow
           ,
           then
           are
           they
           baits
           for
           Satan
           to
           catch
           at
           ,
           and
           fit
           subjects
           for
           him
           to
           worke
           upon
           .
        
         
           How
           many
           have
           been
           brought
           to
           a
           shamefull
           and
           miserable
           end
           ,
           through
           Satans
           subtiltie
           and
           malice
           ,
           working
           upon
           them
           ,
           and
           taking
           them
           at
           advantage
           in
           the
           time
           of
           their
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           heavinesse
           ?
           So
           that
           it
           is
           evident
           that
           such
           by
           their
           
           sadnesse
           ,
           oft
           times
           do
           wrong
           both
           others
           ,
           and
           themselves
           .
        
         
           But
           admit
           it
           were
           so
           (
           as
           you
           see
           it
           is
           false
           )
           that
           wee
           hurt
           no
           body
           but
           our selves
           by
           our
           sadnesse
           ,
           is
           this
           a
           sufficient
           warrant
           to
           bear
           us
           out
           in
           our
           lumpishnesse
           ?
        
         
           In
           what
           court
           was
           that
           commission
           sealed
           unto
           us
           ,
           which
           gives
           us
           liberty
           to
           harme
           ,
           or
           wrong
           our selves
           ?
           Are
           wee
           not
           delinquents
           against
           Gods
           law
           ,
           and
           the
           law
           of
           nature
           ,
           in
           offring
           wrong
           unto
           our selves
           ?
           Therefore
           seeing
           thy
           afflictions
           are
           but
           for
           
             a
             season
             ,
             hold
             fast
             the
             Confidence
             ,
             and
             the
             rejoycing
             of
             thy
             hope
             unto
             the
             end
             ,
             Heb.
          
           3.6
           .
           
             Live
             by
             faith
             ,
             and
          
           (
           as
           the
           Prophet
           exhorteth
           )
           
             enter
             into
             thy
             chambers
             ,
             and
             shut
             
             thy
             doores
             after
             thee
             :
             hide
             thy selfe
             for
             a
             little
             while
             untill
             the
             indignation
             passe
             over
             ,
             Esay
          
           26.20
           .
           By
           chambers
           ,
           the
           Prophet
           meanes
           a
           quiet
           and
           peaceable
           conscience
           ,
           into
           the
           which
           he
           would
           have
           us
           sequester
           our selves
           all
           the
           while
           the
           storme
           of
           affliction
           bloweth
           ,
           that
           so
           with
           patience
           we
           may
           waite
           for
           the
           event
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           And
           whereas
           he
           exhorteth
           us
           to
           shut
           the
           doore
           after
           us
           ,
           hereby
           he
           perswades
           us
           unto
           courage
           &
           constancy
           ;
           or
           else
           to
           keep
           our selves
           close
           from
           Satans
           temptations
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           find
           no
           chink
           nor
           crevis
           open
           ,
           whereby
           he
           may
           enter
           into
           us
           ,
           to
           disturbe
           us
           ;
           for
           ,
           if
           our
           hearts
           lie
           but
           a
           little
           open
           ,
           so
           as
           he
           may
           have
           but
           the
           least
           advantage
           ,
           he
           is
           at
           hand
           to
           disquiet
           
           and
           perplex
           us
           .
           And
           whereas
           he
           bids
           us
           to
           hide
           our selves
           ,
           he
           would
           have
           us
           to
           enjoy
           a
           secure
           freedom
           under
           Gods
           promise
           and
           pretection
           ;
           in
           faith
           and
           humility
           we
           should
           shrowd
           our selves
           under
           Gods
           wings
           that
           so
           he
           may
           keep
           us
           from
           inordinate
           fears
           and
           terrors
           ,
           untill
           the
           affliction
           be
           past
           ,
           which
           is
           but
           as
           a
           cloud
           or
           storm
           ,
           that
           will
           not
           last
           alwaies
           ,
           but
           will
           blowe
           over
           ere
           it
           be
           long
           ,
           and
           be
           at
           an
           end
           .
           Therefore
           be
           cheerefull
           in
           thine
           afflictions
           .
           Againe
           ,
           in
           that
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
          
           ;
           not
           barely
           I
           rebuke
           and
           chasten
           you
           ,
           but
           I
           rebuke
           and
           chasten
           as
           many
           as
           are
           deere
           unto
           me
           ,
           or
           beloved
           of
           me
           ;
           this
           manner
           of
           speech
           is
           used
           for
           the
           confirmation
           
           of
           our
           faith
           in
           time
           of
           trouble
           ,
           and
           to
           keep
           us
           from
           sinking
           through
           grief
           or
           despaire
           .
           For
           what
           argument
           can
           bee
           more
           forcible
           to
           perswade
           us
           to
           the
           quiet
           and
           patient
           bearing
           of
           our
           afflictions
           then
           to
           beleeve
           they
           be
           Gods
           love-tokens
           sent
           us
           for
           our
           good
           :
           
           Whence
           mee
           may
           learne
           this
           Instruction
           ,
           that
           
             A
             great
             helpe
             to
             keep
             us
             from
             sinking
             ,
             and
             to
             enable
             us
             to
             beare
             up
             our
             heads
             with
             patience
             and
             cheerfullnesse
             in
             the
             time
             of
             affliction
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             perswaded
             of
             Gods
             love
             ,
             in
             afflicting
             of
             us
             .
          
           This
           hath
           been
           in
           part
           touched
           before
           ,
           therefore
           I
           shall
           bee
           the
           briefer
           in
           the
           point
           .
           How
           fearefull
           our
           nature
           is
           of
           troubles
           ,
           how
           unwilling
           the
           flesh
           is
           to
           taste
           of
           the
           cup
           of
           affliction
           ;
           yea
           
           how
           we
           labor
           to
           shift
           and
           avoyde
           it
           with
           a
           kinde
           of
           abhorring
           it
           ,
           common
           experience
           teacheth
           us
           .
           And
           the
           mistrust
           of
           Gods
           providence
           and
           love
           wherewith
           naturally
           the
           best
           are
           infected
           ,
           makes
           us
           to
           shun
           and
           avoyd
           afflictions
           as
           much
           as
           possibly
           wee
           can
           ,
           lest
           wee
           should
           not
           bee
           able
           to
           grappie
           ,
           and
           encounter
           with
           them
           .
           Wherein
           as
           wee
           bewray
           much
           weaknesse
           ,
           so
           do
           wee
           expresse
           great
           incredulity
           :
           for
           hereby
           we
           do
           manifestly
           shew
           that
           wee
           thinke
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           doth
           not
           love
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           therefore
           hee
           cannot
           or
           will
           not
           helpe
           us
           to
           beare
           them
           ,
           that
           hee
           cannot
           or
           will
           not
           bring
           us
           fairely
           off
           them
           .
           Therefore
           let
           us
           not
           give
           way
           to
           carnall
           reason
           ,
           nor
           heare
           
           what
           flesh
           and
           blood
           shall
           suggest
           unto
           us
           ,
           but
           what
           is
           delivered
           from
           the
           Word
           of
           truth
           ,
           which
           tels
           us
           ,
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             correcteth
             him
             whom
             he
             loveth
             ,
             even
             as
             the
             father
             doth
             the
             childe
             in
             whom
             hee
             delighteth
             ,
             Prov.
          
           3.12
           .
           If
           wee
           give
           eare
           to
           carnall
           wisdome
           it
           will
           tell
           us
           ,
           surely
           if
           God
           loved
           us
           ,
           he
           would
           not
           thus
           afflict
           us
           .
           As
           if
           our
           afflictions
           were
           a
           wall
           of
           separation
           twixt
           Gods
           love
           and
           us
           .
           But
           what
           saies
           
             Paul
             ,
             Ro.
          
           8.38
           ,
           39.
           
           
             I
             am
             perswaded
             that
             neither
             death
             nor
             life
             ,
             nor
             Angels
             ,
             nor
             principalities
             ,
             nor
             powers
             ,
             nor
             things
             present
             ,
             nor
             things
             to
             come
             ,
             nor
             height
             nor
             depth
             ,
             nor
             any
             other
             creature
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             separate
             us
             from
             the
             love
             of
             God
             which
             is
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           This
           strong
           perswasion
           
           of
           Gods
           love
           ;
           carried
           Paul
           on
           cheerfully
           in
           his
           troublesome
           pilgrimage
           ,
           and
           made
           him
           joyfull
           in
           all
           his
           sorrowes
           and
           afflictions
           .
           Thus
           strongly
           should
           wee
           bee
           perswaded
           of
           Gods
           love
           ;
           for
           hath
           not
           the
           Lord
           said
           ,
           Esay
           54.10
           .
           
             The
             mountaines
             shall
             remove
             and
             the
             hils
             shall
             fall
             downe
             ,
             but
             my
             mercy
             ,
             and
             love
             shall
             not
             depart
             from
             thee
             ,
             neither
             shall
             the
             covenant
             of
             my
             peace
             fall
             away
             :
          
           as
           if
           hee
           should
           have
           said
           ,
           though
           the
           whole
           world
           be
           turned
           topsy
           turvy
           ,
           and
           heaven
           ,
           and
           earth
           do
           meet
           together
           ,
           yet
           standeth
           still
           my
           love
           and
           affection
           firm
           to
           theewards
           .
           The
           change
           and
           alteration
           of
           our
           outward
           estate
           and
           condition
           causeth
           no
           change
           of
           Gods
           love
           ;
           for
           hee
           is
           still
           
           the
           same
           unto
           us
           and
           with
           us
           ,
           though
           the
           face
           and
           fashion
           
             of
             the
             world
             goeth
             away
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           7.31
           .
           The
           things
           of
           this
           life
           are
           mutable
           ,
           and
           our
           condition
           is
           subject
           to
           daily
           change
           and
           alteration
           .
           Times
           have
           their
           vicissitudes
           ,
           to
           day
           it
           is
           well
           with
           us
           ,
           to
           morrow
           ill
           ;
           to
           day
           at
           ease
           ,
           to
           morrow
           in
           paine
           :
           to
           day
           we
           have
           something
           ,
           to
           morrow
           lesse
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           nothing
           ;
           to
           day
           in
           honor
           ,
           to
           morow
           in
           disgrace
           ,
           seldome
           continuing
           in
           one
           stay
           .
           In
           which
           variable
           condition
           of
           ours
           ,
           and
           amids
           all
           changes
           and
           chances
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           here
           is
           comfort
           to
           the
           child
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           the
           same
           and
           changeth
           not
           ,
           but
           as
           he
           now
           loveth
           him
           so
           hee
           will
           for
           ever
           continue
           loving
           and
           
           gracious
           to
           him
           ,
           John
           13.1
           .
           And
           hosoever
           we
           cannot
           tell
           what
           shall
           bee
           to
           morrow
           ,
           James
           4.14
           .
           wee
           know
           our
           beginning
           (
           as
           the
           old
           saying
           is
           )
           but
           we
           know
           not
           what
           our
           end
           shall
           be
           ;
           as
           
             Paul
             went
             up
             to
             Jerusalem
             but
             knew
             not
             what
             things
             should
             come
             unto
             him
             there
             ,
             Acts
          
           20.22
           .
           Yet
           such
           is
           our
           happinesse
           and
           comfort
           ;
           that
           come
           what
           will
           come
           ,
           no
           event
           whatsoever
           can
           keepe
           back
           ,
           or
           turne
           away
           Gods
           love
           from
           us
           :
           and
           though
           our
           state
           be
           changed
           ,
           yet
           Gods
           love
           to
           us
           is
           not
           changed
           ,
           but
           still
           the
           same
           ,
           as
           true
           ,
           and
           as
           intyre
           as
           over
           it
           was
           .
           My
           enemies
           may
           take
           away
           my
           liberty
           ,
           my
           goods
           ,
           my
           good
           name
           ,
           my
           deare
           friends
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           of
           all
           other
           things
           is
           
           most
           deare
           unto
           me
           ,
           even
           my
           life
           ;
           but
           I
           have
           one
           Jewwell
           ,
           all
           the
           devils
           in
           hell
           ,
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           darkenes
           ,
           all
           the
           rage
           and
           malice
           of
           the
           world
           can
           never
           spoile
           me
           of
           ,
           they
           cannot
           rob
           me
           of
           the
           love
           of
           my
           God.
           This
           confidence
           and
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           and
           favor
           beares
           up
           the
           godly
           from
           sinking
           under
           the
           burden
           of
           their
           affliction
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           cheerfull
           ,
           when
           as
           the
           wicked
           wanting
           this
           assurance
           are
           either
           sencelesse
           ,
           or
           else
           faithlesse
           and
           impatient
           under
           the
           crosse
           .
           The
           faithfull
           making
           God
           and
           his
           favor
           their
           portion
           and
           happinesse
           ,
           enjoy
           this
           priviledge
           in
           time
           of
           adversity
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           the
           day
           of
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           therefore
           their
           hearts
           (
           or
           their
           desire
           
           is
           to
           )
           bee
           as
           joyfull
           when
           they
           are
           in
           trouble
           and
           afflictions
           as
           if
           they
           were
           most
           free
           from
           them
           :
           Whereas
           the
           wicked
           placing
           their
           whol
           felicity
           in
           these
           earthly
           things
           their
           profits
           ,
           pleasures
           ,
           &c.
           
           When
           their
           wealth
           ,
           and
           worldly
           things
           faile
           ,
           their
           joy
           ,
           their
           hope
           and
           comfort
           ends
           with
           them
           :
           These
           have
           nothing
           but
           nature
           to
           helpe
           them
           beare
           their
           burdens
           :
           Whence
           it
           commeth
           to
           passe
           that
           infidelity
           and
           impatience
           do
           make
           them
           more
           grievous
           and
           burdensome
           ;
           whereas
           the
           faithfull
           having
           the
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           the
           presence
           of
           his
           Spirit
           to
           support
           them
           ,
           take
           comfort
           in
           their
           troubles
           during
           the
           time
           of
           their
           tryall
           ,
           and
           wait
           for
           a
           seasonable
           and
           cumfortable
           
           issue
           and
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           a
           truth
           not
           to
           be
           questioned
           ,
           that
           the
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           a
           great
           help
           to
           keepe
           us
           from
           sinking
           under
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           to
           enable
           us
           with
           patience
           ,
           and
           cheerfullnesse
           to
           undergo
           them
           :
           this
           perswasion
           will
           carry
           us
           on
           comfortably
           in
           our
           pilgrimage
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           us
           willing
           to
           beare
           whatsoever
           the
           Lord
           shall
           be
           pleased
           to
           lay
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           want
           that
           which
           wee
           see
           ,
           hee
           is
           not
           willing
           wee
           should
           injoy
           .
           
             Wee
             rejoyce
             in
             tribulations
          
           ,
           saith
           
             Paul
             ,
             Rom.
          
           5.3
           .
           
             because
             the
             love
             of
             God
             is
             shed
             abroad
             in
             our
             hearts
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             which
             is
             given
             us
             ,
             verse
             ,
          
           5.
           
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             1
          
           
           And
           that
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           because
           he
           that
           is
           perswaded
           
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           cannot
           but
           beleeve
           that
           God
           will
           helpe
           him
           to
           beare
           his
           crosse
           ,
           and
           to
           undergo
           his
           affliction
           ,
           bee
           it
           what
           it
           will.
           
             For
             God
             is
             faithfull
             and
             will
             not
             suffer
             his
             to
             be
             tempted
             above
             that
             they
             are
             able
             to
             beare
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           am
           weake
           (
           saith
           one
           )
           and
           I
           shall
           never
           bee
           able
           to
           beare
           such
           or
           such
           trials
           :
           if
           the
           Lord
           laies
           any
           more
           upon
           mee
           I
           shall
           never
           beare
           it
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Comfort
           thy selfe
           ,
           God
           will
           either
           make
           thee
           able
           ,
           or
           else
           hee
           will
           lighten
           and
           lessen
           thy
           affliction
           .
           Thy
           God
           who
           loves
           thee
           ,
           will
           put
           to
           his
           hand
           ,
           hee
           will
           helpe
           at
           a
           dead
           lift
           ,
           
             his
             power
             is
             made
             perfect
             through
             weaknesse
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           12.9
           .
           Hee
           loves
           thee
           and
           therefore
           
           will
           not
           overloade
           thee
           .
           
             His
             grace
             shall
             bee
             sufficient
             for
             thee
             .
          
           Therefore
           say
           as
           did
           
             Jeremy
             ,
             O
             Lord
             thou
             art
             my
             force
             and
             my
             strength
             ,
             and
             my
             refuge
             in
             the
             day
             of
             affliction
             ,
             Jer.
          
           16.19
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             2
          
           
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           will
           be
           helpfull
           unto
           us
           to
           the
           cheerfull
           bearing
           of
           affliction
           ,
           because
           if
           wee
           beleeve
           that
           God
           loves
           us
           ,
           wee
           know
           that
           he
           intends
           our
           good
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           yea
           ,
           will
           do
           us
           good
           by
           our
           affliction
           ,
           
             For
             hee
             chasteneth
             all
             his
             children
             for
             their
             profit
             ,
             Heb.
          
           12.10
           .
           
             It
             is
             good
             for
             me
          
           (
           saith
           David
           )
           
             that
             I
             have
             been
             afflicted
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           119.71
           .
        
         
           Haply
           wee
           can
           see
           no
           good
           that
           is
           like
           to
           come
           unto
           us
           ,
           out
           of
           this
           affliction
           ,
           or
           that
           trouble
           ,
           but
           rather
           evill
           or
           
           hurt
           ;
           yet
           through
           the
           goodnesse
           and
           wisdome
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           good
           shall
           bee
           extracted
           out
           of
           this
           evill
           ,
           as
           the
           best
           treacle
           is
           made
           of
           deadly
           poyson
           .
           When
           we
           are
           in
           a
           course
           of
           Physick
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           wee
           see
           not
           ,
           we
           feel
           not
           any
           good
           it
           doth
           us
           ,
           but
           it
           makes
           us
           rather
           worse
           then
           wee
           were
           before
           :
           and
           causeth
           many
           a
           sicke
           qualme
           ,
           many
           a
           fainting
           fit
           ,
           and
           we
           wish
           the
           Physick
           had
           never
           been
           prescribed
           unto
           us
           ,
           or
           not
           taken
           of
           us
           :
           but
           when
           wee
           consider
           of
           whom
           wee
           tooke
           it
           ,
           even
           from
           him
           whose
           judgement
           and
           knowledge
           we
           approve
           of
           ,
           whose
           care
           and
           love
           wee
           doubt
           not
           of
           ,
           then
           we
           are
           the
           more
           quieted
           and
           pluck
           up
           our
           spirits
           in
           expectation
           ,
           and
           hope
           of
           ease
           ,
           ere
           
           it
           be
           long
           .
           It
           may
           be
           thou
           findest
           no
           good
           thine
           affliction
           hath
           yet
           done
           thee
           ,
           it
           being
           now
           working
           upon
           thee
           ;
           Yet
           if
           thou
           canst
           but
           rest
           a
           while
           and
           bee
           perswaded
           of
           the
           wisdome
           ,
           and
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           administred
           this
           physick
           unto
           thee
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           bee
           contented
           ,
           and
           looke
           for
           good
           to
           follow
           it
           :
           When
           rhe
           sonnes
           of
           Zerviah
           ,
           would
           faine
           have
           been
           doing
           with
           that
           dead
           dogge
           Shimei
           ,
           for
           cursing
           their
           Lord
           and
           Master
           no
           ,
           no
           ,
           saies
           
             David
             ,
             suffer
             him
             to
             curse
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             the
             Lord
             will
             looke
             upon
             mine
             affliction
             ,
             and
             do
             mee
             good
             for
             his
             cursing
             this
             day
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           16.11
           ,
           12.
           
           But
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           being
           more
           full
           of
           faith
           ,
           putting
           the
           question
           past
           peradventure
           ,
           hee
           puts
           
           it
           out
           of
           question
           ,
           resolves
           and
           builds
           upon
           it
           ,
           
             wee
             know
             that
             all
             things
             worke
             together
             for
             the
             best
             to
             those
             that
             love
             God
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.28
           .
           Now
           wee
           know
           that
           every
           one
           that
           loves
           God
           ,
           is
           beloved
           of
           God
           ,
           
             for
             wee
             love
             him
             because
             he
             loved
             us
             first
             ,
             Iob
          
           4.19
           .
           How
           cheerfully
           do
           wee
           use
           to
           welcome
           those
           that
           bring
           us
           but
           tidings
           of
           good
           ?
           but
           if
           any
           one
           brings
           us
           any
           great
           benefit
           ,
           we
           thinke
           wee
           cannot
           bid
           him
           too
           welcome
           ;
           Is
           affliction
           come
           unto
           thee
           ?
           Welcome
           it
           ,
           for
           certainly
           (
           if
           thou
           beest
           the
           Lords
           )
           I
           dare
           boldly
           (
           as
           David
           said
           of
           Abimaaz
           the
           sonne
           of
           
             Zadock
             ,
             Hee
             is
             a
             good
             man
             and
             commeth
             with
             good
             tydings
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           18.27
           .
           )
           say
           of
           affliction
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           good
           thing
           and
           bringeth
           
           not
           only
           tydings
           of
           good
           ,
           but
           good
           it selfe
           unto
           thee
           .
           For
           no
           sooner
           comes
           affliction
           to
           Gods
           children
           ,
           but
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           welcomed
           ,
           good
           will
           bee
           at
           the
           heels
           thereof
           to
           follow
           after
           it
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             3
          
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           cannot
           bee
           but
           the
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           cheerfull
           in
           affliction
           ,
           because
           being
           beloved
           of
           God
           ,
           no
           misery
           can
           make
           us
           miserable
           .
           Art
           thou
           in
           Gods
           favor
           ,
           then
           thou
           art
           ever
           in
           his
           eye
           ,
           he
           lookes
           after
           thee
           ,
           and
           is
           carefull
           that
           no
           evill
           shall
           befall
           thee
           ?
           
             Nay
             thou
             art
             unto
             him
             ,
             as
             the
             apple
             of
             his
             eye
             ,
             Zach.
          
           2.8
           .
           
             tender
             ,
             and
             deere
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             therefore
             whatsoever
             danger
             doth
             beset
             thee
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             bee
             at
             thy
             right
             hand
             to
             uphold
             and
             
             comfort
             thee
             .
          
           Being
           in
           Gods
           favor
           ,
           thou
           art
           sure
           of
           his
           protection
           ,
           
             for
             thou
             Lord
             wilt
             blesse
             the
             righteous
             ,
             and
             with
             favor
             wilt
             compasse
             him
             ,
             as
             with
             a
             shield
             Psa
             .
          
           5.12
           .
           Noah
           was
           safe
           enough
           in
           that
           great
           and
           deadly
           deluge
           ,
           because
           the
           Lord
           prepared
           an
           arke
           for
           him
           ,
           and
           shut
           him
           up
           .
           Daniel
           was
           safe
           enough
           amongst
           the
           Lyons
           ,
           because
           God
           sent
           his
           Angel
           shut
           the
           Lyons
           mouths
           ,
           that
           they
           could
           not
           hurt
           him
           ,
           Dan.
           6.22
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           made
           a
           gracious
           promise
           ,
           that
           
             When
             thou
             passest
             thorow
             the
             waters
             he
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             thorow
             the
             floods
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             not
             overflow
             thee
             .
             When
             thou
             walkest
             thorow
             the
             fire
             ,
             &c.
             Esay
          
           43.2
           .
           from
           
           whence
           is
           this
           ?
           it
           followes
           in
           the
           4.
           verse
           
             because
             thou
             wast
             precious
             in
             my
             sight
             and
             thou
             wast
             honorable
             ,
             and
             I
             loved
             thee
             .
          
        
         
           Therefore
           if
           God
           love
           thee
           ,
           thou
           art
           happy
           ,
           thou
           canst
           not
           be
           miserable
           ,
           Nay
           ,
           shall
           I
           speake
           boldly
           unto
           thee
           ?
           I
           tell
           thee
           ,
           if
           thou
           wert
           (
           if
           possible
           )
           in
           Hell
           ,
           in
           the
           deepest
           gulfe
           of
           calamity
           that
           can
           bee
           ,
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           being
           beloved
           of
           God
           ,
           thy
           estate
           and
           condition
           is
           happy
           ,
           hee
           will
           gaine
           glory
           and
           thou
           shalt
           get
           good
           by
           all
           that
           evill
           which
           hath
           or
           shall
           befall
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
             4
          
           
           Fourthly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           assurance
           of
           Gods
           love
           will
           make
           us
           willing
           to
           bear
           our
           affliction
           ,
           because
           we
           know
           that
           nothing
           can
           separate
           us
           
           as
           was
           said
           before
           )
           from
           this
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           being
           once
           beloved
           of
           him
           ,
           we
           shall
           so
           continue
           for
           ever
           .
           It
           is
           not
           all
           the
           wit
           ,
           or
           will
           ,
           the
           cunning
           or
           subtilty
           ,
           the
           power
           ,
           or
           pollicy
           of
           all
           the
           creatures
           on
           the
           face
           of
           the
           earth
           or
           underneath
           the
           earth
           ,
           let
           there
           bee
           a
           confederacy
           amongst
           them
           ,
           yea
           
             let
             them
             all
             cast
             in
             their
             lot
             and
             make
             one
             common
             purse
             ,
             Prov.
          
           1.14
           to
           do
           thee
           mischief
           ;
           let
           them
           all
           plod
           ,
           plot
           ,
           combine
           ,
           and
           bandy
           themselves
           against
           thee
           ,
           they
           shall
           never
           bee
           able
           to
           winde
           thee
           out
           of
           Gods
           love
           or
           favor
           ,
           if
           once
           beloved
           of
           him
           .
           It
           is
           possible
           that
           thou
           mayest
           lose
           the
           love
           and
           favor
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           more
           ,
           
             because
             thou
             art
             
             beloved
             of
             God
             ;
             for
             the
             World
             loves
             none
             but
             her
             owne
             brats
             ,
             Joh.
          
           15.19
           .
           It
           is
           a
           very
           stepdame
           or
           rather
           beldame
           to
           all
           that
           are
           beloved
           of
           God.
           It
           is
           possible
           that
           thy
           friends
           may
           become
           thy
           foes
           ,
           and
           their
           former
           love
           may
           be
           turned
           into
           future
           hatred
           .
           It
           is
           possible
           that
           those
           that
           are
           nearest
           and
           dearest
           unto
           thee
           ,
           may
           reject
           thee
           ,
           
             Yet
             though
             thy
             father
             and
             thy
             mother
             should
             forsake
             thee
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             not
             ,
             he
             will
             take
             the
             care
             of
             thee
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           27.10
           .
           If
           God
           hath
           once
           chosen
           thee
           for
           his
           own
           ,
           and
           set
           his
           love
           upon
           thee
           ,
           whether
           thou
           beest
           in
           health
           or
           in
           sicknesse
           ,
           in
           ease
           or
           in
           paine
           ,
           in
           prosperity
           or
           adversitie
           ,
           in
           life
           or
           in
           death
           all
           is
           one
           ,
           God
           loveth
           thee
           
           neverthelesse
           .
           Before
           he
           shewed
           thee
           his
           love
           ,
           he
           knew
           what
           would
           befall
           thee
           ;
           yea
           nothing
           (
           as
           wee
           have
           heatd
           )
           can
           betide
           thee
           but
           that
           which
           he
           intended
           and
           provided
           in
           love
           for
           the
           ;
           
             so
             that
             whether
             you
             live
             or
             die
             ,
             you
             are
             the
             Lords
             ,
             Rom.
          
           14.8
           .
        
         
           The
           Lord
           for
           special
           ends
           may
           give
           thee
           over
           unto
           afflictions
           ,
           he
           may
           give
           thee
           up
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           those
           that
           hate
           thee
           (
           yea
           even
           unto
           the
           death
           )
           and
           therfore
           will
           take
           away
           thy
           life
           from
           thee
           ,
           
             As
             it
             is
             written
             ,
             for
             thy
             sake
             are
             we
             killed
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
             we
             are
             counted
             as
             sheep
             for
             the
             slaughter
             ,
             Rom.
          
           8.36
           .
           Yet
           none
           of
           these
           ,
           nay
           ,
           not
           all
           these
           put
           together
           can
           any
           whit
           diminish
           or
           abate
           the
           love
           of
           God
           towards
           thee
           ,
           much
           
           lesse
           spoile
           thee
           wholly
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           take
           it
           cleane
           away
           from
           thee
           ,
           when
           they
           have
           done
           the
           worst
           they
           can
           against
           thee
           or
           unto
           thee
           .
           When
           thou
           art
           plunged
           into
           the
           deepest
           distresse
           that
           might
           ,
           or
           malice
           can
           bring
           thee
           into
           ,
           thou
           art
           still
           as
           deere
           and
           precious
           in
           the
           Lords
           eye
           as
           ever
           thou
           wert
           :
           nay
           (
           if
           it
           were
           possible
           )
           deerer
           now
           then
           ever
           thou
           wert
           before
           ,
           if
           those
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           which
           thine
           enemies
           have
           devised
           and
           brought
           upon
           thee
           ,
           be
           for
           righteousnesse
           sake
           .
        
         
           One
           friend
           may
           love
           another
           deerely
           ,
           yet
           when
           the
           one
           shall
           expose
           himself
           to
           danger
           or
           trouble
           for
           the
           others
           sake
           ;
           when
           I
           see
           my
           frend
           hath
           not
           regarded
           his
           life
           for
           my
           good
           ,
           but
           adventured
           
           and
           hazarded
           his
           own
           life
           in
           my
           defence
           and
           safety
           ;
           how
           doth
           this
           increase
           mine
           affection
           towards
           him
           ?
           as
           it
           was
           said
           of
           
             Jonathan
             ,
             his
             soule
             was
             knit
             with
             the
             soule
             of
             David
             ,
             and
             Jonathan
             loved
             him
             as
             his
             own
             soule
             ,
          
           1
           Sam.
           18.1
           .
           So
           this
           will
           knit
           my
           heart
           and
           love
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           I
           shal
           love
           him
           as
           mine
           own
           soule
           .
           How
           much
           more
           then
           may
           we
           be
           assured
           ,
           that
           if
           our
           afflictions
           be
           for
           Gods
           cause
           ,
           in
           his
           defence
           ,
           he
           will
           abundantly
           recompence
           ,
           and
           more
           deerely
           love
           us
           ?
           Then
           let
           no
           man
           say
           that
           he
           is
           lesse
           beloved
           of
           God
           then
           others
           ,
           because
           he
           is
           more
           afflicted
           then
           others
           be
           ;
           God
           still
           loves
           his
           and
           will
           own
           them
           for
           his
           people
           whatsoever
           outward
           sorrowes
           or
           miseries
           may
           befall
           them
           ,
           
             I
             have
             
             surely
             seen
             the
             trouble
             of
             my
             people
             and
             have
             heard
             their
             cry
             and
             I
             know
             their
             sorrowes
             ,
             Exod.
          
           3.7
           .
           Though
           wee
           bee
           in
           trouble
           ,
           yea
           and
           such
           trouble
           as
           makes
           us
           cry
           out
           for
           griefe
           and
           sorrow
           yet
           still
           we
           bee
           the
           Lords
           people
           .
           Outward
           miseries
           and
           troubles
           cannot
           make
           God
           to
           respect
           any
           of
           his
           any
           thing
           the
           lesse
           .
           God
           is
           not
           like
           some
           proud
           people
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           who
           will
           acknowledge
           their
           friends
           no
           longer
           then
           they
           are
           in
           prosperity
           ,
           and
           be
           able
           to
           requite
           their
           kindnesse
           with
           kindnesse
           againe
           .
           Some
           such
           beasts
           there
           bee
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           bee
           either
           advanced
           into
           high
           places
           above
           their
           parents
           ;
           or
           their
           parents
           ,
           their
           brethren
           ,
           sisters
           and
           friends
           fallen
           into
           decay
           and
           poverty
           ,
           
           will
           scarse
           own
           them
           ,
           but
           grow
           to
           bee
           ashamed
           of
           them
           .
           It
           is
           farre
           otherwise
           betwixt
           the
           Lord
           and
           his
           people
           ;
           when
           they
           are
           up
           to
           the
           knees
           in
           durt
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           cruelly
           oppressed
           ,
           when
           in
           a
           poore
           ,
           and
           base
           condition
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           not
           having
           cloaths
           to
           cover
           their
           nakednesse
           ,
           when
           their
           cheekes
           looke
           pale
           ,
           and
           their
           faces
           leane
           ,
           and
           wan
           through
           hunger
           ,
           sorrow
           ,
           or
           sicknesse
           ,
           when
           they
           be
           grown
           out
           of
           favor
           through
           bodily
           diseases
           ,
           they
           are
           (
           even
           then
           )
           as
           lovely
           in
           the
           Lords
           eyes
           as
           ever
           ,
           and
           hee
           will
           then
           acknowledge
           us
           for
           his
           people
           aswell
           ,
           nay
           better
           ,
           then
           in
           our
           great
           prosperity
           .
           If
           a
           childe
           be
           sick
           in
           the
           family
           ,
           how
           are
           the
           thoughts
           and
           minde
           of
           
           the
           parents
           ;
           taken
           up
           about
           that
           child
           ?
           how
           do
           they
           tend
           it
           ,
           and
           pitty
           it
           ?
           O
           my
           poore
           sicke
           child
           ,
           &c.
           thus
           doth
           the
           Lord
           pitty
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           tender
           them
           in
           their
           affliction
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             1
          
           
           Now
           to
           make
           some
           application
           of
           the
           point
           .
        
         
           Is
           it
           so
           ,
           that
           the
           perswasion
           
             of
             Gods
             love
             is
             a
             great
             help
             to
             carry
             us
             cheerfully
             through
             afflictions
             ?
          
           here
           hence
           then
           we
           may
           be
           instructed
           ,
           what
           the
           cause
           is
           that
           wee
           are
           so
           much
           troubled
           and
           perplexed
           with
           afflictions
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           the
           meanes
           of
           our
           undoing
           ,
           that
           the
           very
           thought
           ,
           or
           expectation
           of
           them
           is
           most
           grievous
           and
           irkesome
           unto
           us
           ,
           certainly
           here
           is
           the
           ground
           of
           all
           our
           feares
           ,
           and
           doubts
           ,
           the
           want
           of
           a
           sound
           perswasion
           ,
           
           and
           assurance
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           in
           correcting
           us
           .
           Did
           we
           beleeve
           that
           when
           we
           are
           afflicted
           wee
           are
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           our
           holy
           ,
           righteous
           ,
           everliving
           ,
           and
           everloving
           God
           ,
           who
           never
           did
           us
           any
           wrong
           who
           never
           intended
           us
           any
           harme
           ,
           but
           alwayes
           goeth
           the
           best
           ,
           the
           wisest
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           loving
           way
           to
           worke
           with
           his
           children
           ,
           would
           wee
           not
           bee
           lesse
           afraid
           of
           afflictions
           then
           we
           be
           ?
           more
           willing
           to
           undergoe
           them
           then
           we
           are
           ?
           Little
           do
           wee
           know
           how
           highly
           we
           dishonor
           God
           ,
           how
           much
           we
           gratify
           and
           please
           the
           Devill
           ,
           when
           wee
           repine
           against
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           when
           wee
           bee
           impatient
           in
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           question
           his
           love
           for
           correcting
           us
           .
           The
           Devill
           desired
           that
           
           Job
           might
           be
           sorely
           afflicted
           that
           so
           he
           might
           bee
           brought
           to
           curse
           God
           ,
           
             Stretch
             now
             out
             thine
             hand
             and
             touch
             his
             bones
             and
             his
             flesh
             to
             see
             if
             he
             will
             not
             blaspheme
             thee
             to
             thy
             face
             ,
             Job
             ,
          
           2.5
           .
           It
           is
           a
           pastime
           unto
           the
           Devill
           to
           set
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           children
           at
           variance
           ;
           and
           therefore
           hee
           desires
           to
           vex
           ,
           and
           perplex
           us
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           open
           our
           mouths
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           quarrell
           with
           him
           ;
           for
           when
           we
           are
           discontented
           with
           the
           Lords
           dealing
           ;
           when
           wee
           mutter
           ,
           and
           murmur
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           what
           do
           wee
           lesse
           then
           rebell
           against
           him
           ?
           Hence
           it
           is
           that
           Moses
           called
           the
           murmuring
           
             Israelites
             ,
             Rebels
             ,
             Numb
          
           .
           20
           ,
           10.
           
           
             Heare
             now
             ye
             rebels
             ,
             shall
             wee
             bring
             you
             watter
             out
             of
             this
             rocke
             ?
          
           Therefore
           murmure
           
           not
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           for
           then
           thou
           rebellest
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           robbest
           him
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           in
           thee
           lieth
           ,
           of
           his
           most
           glorious
           attributes
           ,
           his
           power
           ,
           his
           goodnesse
           ,
           his
           love
           ,
           his
           truth
           .
           When
           we
           deal
           with
           that
           man
           which
           makes
           cōscience
           of
           his
           word
           ,
           wee
           question
           not
           the
           truth
           of
           his
           promise
           ,
           but
           rest
           upon
           the
           performance
           and
           making
           good
           of
           that
           which
           he
           hath
           said
           .
           If
           a
           father
           promiseth
           unto
           his
           childe
           any
           thing
           ,
           the
           childe
           makes
           as
           sure
           reckoning
           of
           the
           thing
           promised
           as
           if
           hee
           had
           it
           already
           in
           possession
           .
           Shall
           wee
           dare
           to
           give
           lesse
           credit
           to
           God
           ,
           then
           to
           man
           ?
           when
           hee
           telleth
           us
           ,
           hee
           correcteth
           us
           in
           love
           ,
           and
           intendeth
           our
           good
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           shall
           wee
           dare
           to
           question
           
           the
           truth
           of
           his
           word
           ,
           especially
           when
           hee
           hath
           seconded
           his
           Word
           by
           oath
           ,
           yea
           and
           sealed
           both
           with
           the
           blood
           of
           his
           deare
           Sonne
           ?
           Is
           any
           man
           so
           mindfull
           and
           carefull
           of
           keeping
           covenant
           and
           promise
           as
           the
           Lord
           ?
           Is
           any
           so
           able
           to
           make
           good
           his
           word
           ,
           as
           God
           ?
        
         
           Tricks
           of
           Law
           and
           the
           wilie
           subtilties
           of
           mans
           braine
           are
           oft
           occasions
           of
           frustrating
           promises
           made
           betwixt
           man
           and
           man
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           
             no
             wisedom
             ,
             neither
             understanding
             nor
             councell
             against
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Prov.
          
           21.30
           .
           
             God
             is
             not
             as
             man
             ,
             that
             hee
             should
             lye
             ,
             neither
             as
             the
             sonne
             of
             man
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             repent
             :
             hath
             hee
             said
             ,
             and
             shall
             he
             not
             do
             it
             ?
             hath
             hee
             spoken
             ,
             and
             shall
             hee
             not
             accomplish
             it
             ?
             Numb
             .
          
           23.19
           .
           God
           is
           so
           faithfull
           
           of
           his
           Word
           that
           nothing
           is
           able
           to
           make
           him
           goe
           back
           ,
           or
           to
           falsify
           his
           promise
           :
           Gods
           Word
           shal
           stand
           when
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           shall
           fall
           .
           To
           mistrust
           Gods
           promise
           is
           to
           question
           whether
           there
           be
           a
           God
           or
           no.
           For
           either
           to
           deny
           or
           doubt
           of
           his
           truth
           and
           fidelity
           ,
           is
           to
           deny
           ,
           or
           doubt
           him
           to
           bee
           God.
           Every
           honest
           man
           scandeth
           upon
           his
           credit
           ,
           for
           his
           credits
           sake
           he
           dares
           not
           eate
           his
           word
           ,
           hee
           keepeth
           promise
           though
           it
           bee
           to
           his
           own
           losse
           ,
           and
           hindrance
           .
           How
           much
           more
           will
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           is
           jealous
           of
           his
           glory
           ,
           bee
           carefull
           to
           make
           good
           whatsoever
           hee
           hath
           said
           ?
        
         
           What
           greater
           indignity
           can
           bee
           offered
           to
           an
           honest
           and
           godly
           man
           ,
           then
           to
           
           question
           the
           truth
           of
           his
           word
           ?
           What
           greater
           dishonor
           can
           be
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           then
           to
           call
           into
           question
           his
           truth
           ?
           which
           wee
           do
           when
           wee
           either
           say
           or
           thinke
           hee
           loves
           us
           not
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           .
           Howsoever
           crosses
           and
           afflictions
           do
           oft
           times
           present
           themselves
           to
           the
           apprehension
           of
           carnal
           men
           with
           much
           terorr
           ,
           &
           horror
           ,
           yet
           even
           in
           the
           very
           bitternesse
           ,
           and
           extremity
           of
           them
           ,
           thou
           (
           by
           the
           helpe
           of
           faith
           )
           maist
           draw
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           joy
           and
           comfort
           from
           them
           ;
           if
           thou
           wouldst
           fix
           thy
           minde
           upon
           such
           places
           ,
           and
           promises
           as
           these
           are
           Isa
           .
           43.2
           .
           and
           63.8
           .
           Rom.
           8.28
           .
           2.
           
           Cor.
           4.17
           .
           Heb.
           12.6
           .
           A
           patient
           submission
           to
           Gods
           will
           ,
           and
           a
           perswasion
           of
           his
           love
           in
           
           correcting
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           an
           infallible
           evidence
           that
           thou
           art
           a
           sonne
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           bastard
           .
           Is
           there
           not
           more
           sweetnesse
           in
           those
           afflictions
           which
           are
           evidences
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           &
           tokens
           that
           thou
           art
           in
           the
           right
           way
           to
           Heaven
           ;
           then
           in
           outward
           ease
           ,
           worldy
           pleasures
           ,
           and
           carnall
           liberty
           which
           clearly
           demonstrate
           to
           thy
           conscience
           that
           thou
           art
           in
           the
           broad
           way
           to
           Hell
           ?
           hence
           it
           was
           that
           the
           Apostls
           rejoyced
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           beaten
           .
           
             That
             they
             were
             counted
             worthy
             to
             suffer
             rebuke
             for
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Act.
          
           5.41
           .
        
         
           Nay
           ,
           all
           the
           scorne
           and
           contempt
           ,
           all
           the
           contumelious
           reproaches
           which
           the
           world
           shall
           spit
           out
           at
           thee
           ,
           do
           crown
           thy
           head
           (
           and
           therefore
           should
           fill
           
           thy
           heart
           )
           with
           aboundance
           of
           glory
           ,
           blessednesse
           ,
           and
           joy
           .
           
             If
             ye
             be
             reproched
             for
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             ,
             happy
             are
             ye
             ,
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             glory
             ,
             &
             of
             God
             resteth
             upon
             you
             .
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           4.14
           .
        
         
           Schoffes
           ,
           spitefull
           and
           taunting
           speeches
           ,
           odious
           nick-names
           ,
           and
           lying
           imputations
           cast
           upon
           thee
           by
           those
           ,
           whose
           tongues
           cut
           like
           sharpe
           raisors
           ,
           are
           but
           so
           many
           honorable
           badges
           of
           thy
           profession
           ,
           and
           Christian
           resolution
           of
           standing
           for
           Christ
           ,
           &
           his
           truth
           ;
           and
           shall
           pull
           down
           a
           blessing
           upon
           thee
           .
           
             Blessed
             are
             ye
             when
             men
             revile
             you
             ,
             and
             persecute
             you
             ,
             and
             say
             all
             evill
             against
             you
             for
             my
             sake
             ,
             rejoyce
             and
             be
             glad
             ,
             for
             great
             is
             your
             reward
             in
             Heaven
             .
             Mat.
          
           5.11
           ,
           12.
           
        
         
           I
           define
           to
           beate
           this
           mile
           
           home
           to
           the
           head
           ;
           &
           therfore
           I
           tarry
           the
           longer
           upon
           this
           use
           ;
           for
           if
           we
           could
           but
           bee
           thorowlie
           perswaded
           of
           this
           truth
           ,
           that
           God
           loveth
           us
           in
           that
           he
           correcteth
           us
           ,
           all
           differences
           betwixt
           the
           Lord
           and
           us
           about
           affliction
           ,
           would
           bee
           at
           an
           end
           ,
           and
           our
           sorrow
           would
           be
           turned
           into
           joy
           ,
           and
           rejoycing
           in
           tribulation
           ,
           Rom.
           5.3
           .
           our
           unquietnesse
           would
           bee
           turned
           into
           patience
           ,
           our
           lumpishnesse
           into
           cheerfulnesse
           ,
           and
           our
           murmurring
           into
           thankfullnesse
           .
           Therefore
           I
           would
           have
           you
           know
           that
           the
           Devill
           our
           adversary
           hath
           not
           a
           more
           forcible
           engine
           ,
           or
           any
           more
           cunning
           stratageme
           to
           batter
           our
           peace
           ,
           and
           patience
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           draw
           away
           our
           hearts
           from
           resting
           upon
           God
           in
           
           the
           time
           of
           our
           afflictiō
           ,
           then
           to
           make
           us
           to
           question
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           mistrust
           his
           truth
           .
        
         
           Who
           did
           ever
           trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           and
           was
           deceived
           ?
           
             Our
             Fathers
          
           (
           saith
           David
           )
           
             trusted
             in
             thee
             ,
             they
             trusted
             &
             thou
             didst
             deliver
             them
             ,
             they
             called
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             were
             delivered
             ,
             they
             trusted
             in
             thee
             ,
             and
             were
             not
             confounded
             Psal
             .
          
           22.4
           ,
           5.
           
           Whereupon
           David
           praies
           ,
           
             My
             God
             I
             trust
             in
             thee
             ,
             let
             mee
             not
             bee
             confounded
             ,
             so
             all
             that
             hope
             in
             thee
             shall
             not
             bee
             ashamed
             ,
             Psalme
             ,
          
           25.2
           ,
           3.
           
           And
           was
           the
           Lord
           the
           God
           of
           David
           only
           ?
           Is
           he
           not
           also
           their
           God
           that
           do
           put
           their
           trust
           in
           his
           goodnesse
           and
           mercy
           ?
           Is
           Gods
           love
           and
           kindnesse
           ,
           his
           mercy
           and
           goodnesse
           lesse
           unto
           his
           people
           ,
           now
           then
           
           it
           was
           to
           those
           of
           old
           ?
           Or
           is
           the
           Lord
           more
           feeble
           and
           lesse
           able
           to
           helpe
           ,
           and
           do
           good
           to
           us
           ,
           then
           to
           our
           fathers
           before
           us
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           hee
           is
           the
           Ancient
           of
           dayes
           ,
           Dan.
           7.22
           .
           the
           same
           God
           now
           that
           ever
           hee
           was
           ;
           as
           able
           ,
           and
           as
           willing
           now
           to
           do
           good
           to
           those
           that
           beleeve
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           he
           hath
           beene
           of
           old
           .
           Therefore
           in
           all
           thine
           afflictions
           learne
           to
           judge
           of
           ,
           and
           to
           measure
           Gods
           love
           ,
           by
           his
           word
           ,
           not
           by
           thy
           present
           feeling
           and
           comfort
           .
           Let
           thine
           eye
           bee
           upon
           that
           love
           which
           will
           one
           day
           change
           thy
           estate
           ,
           and
           give
           thee
           a
           plentifull
           croppe
           of
           good
           ,
           out
           of
           this
           sorrowfull
           seed
           time
           of
           affliction
           .
           Should
           any
           husbandman
           measure
           his
           estate
           ,
           and
           wealth
           by
           his
           seed
           
           time
           ,
           there
           were
           poore
           comfort
           to
           bee
           found
           ;
           for
           doth
           hee
           not
           weary
           his
           body
           through
           painfull
           toile
           and
           labor
           ?
           doth
           hee
           not
           empty
           his
           store
           and
           cast
           away
           his
           corne
           out
           of
           his
           hand
           ?
           but
           when
           hee
           doth
           consider
           that
           without
           a
           seed
           time
           ,
           there
           is
           no
           possibility
           of
           an
           harvest
           ,
           and
           withall
           ,
           that
           ,
           
             Hee
             that
             soweth
             liberally
             shall
             reape
             liberally
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           9.6
           .
           He
           is
           then
           contented
           both
           with
           his
           paines
           ,
           and
           expences
           .
           Even
           so
           ,
           if
           our
           eyes
           bee
           so
           fixed
           upon
           our
           present
           afflictions
           ,
           that
           wee
           see
           not
           the
           future
           good
           ,
           which
           (
           through
           the
           love
           of
           God
           unto
           us
           )
           they
           will
           bring
           us
           ,
           wee
           shal
           very
           hardly
           bee
           upheld
           in
           the
           time
           of
           our
           affliction
           ;
           but
           if
           wee
           look
           off
           the
           affliction
           ,
           and
           fasten
           our
           
           eye
           upon
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           good
           he
           will
           doe
           us
           for
           that
           evil
           which
           we
           patiently
           and
           thankfully
           sustain
           ,
           how
           joyfully
           ,
           how
           contentedly
           ,
           how
           sweetly
           may
           we
           sit
           down
           and
           blesse
           God
           for
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ?
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           may
           some
           weak
           beleever
           object
           and
           say
           ,
           I
           make
           no
           question
           but
           that
           God
           in
           love
           doth
           chasten
           some
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           but
           how
           can
           I
           beleeve
           that
           my
           afflictions
           are
           tokens
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           when
           as
           I
           find
           and
           feele
           no
           good
           that
           hath
           come
           unto
           me
           through
           them
           ?
           nay
           I
           feare
           I
           am
           the
           worse
           for
           them
           ;
           for
           I
           am
           now
           more
           impatient
           ,
           more
           uncheerefull
           ,
           and
           more
           distrustfull
           of
           the
           love
           and
           providence
           of
           God
           then
           ever
           I
           was
           before
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           To
           favor
           thy
           weaknesse
           a
           little
           :
           let
           mee
           tell
           thee
           ,
           that
           
           it
           may
           be
           this
           is
           but
           one
           of
           Satans
           wiles
           &
           enterprises
           to
           rob
           thee
           of
           that
           good
           hee
           sees
           thine
           affliction
           is
           like
           to
           do
           thee
           :
           and
           that
           thou
           art
           not
           so
           distrustfulll
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           nor
           so
           unbeleeving
           as
           the
           Devill
           doth
           beare
           thee
           in
           hand
           thou
           art
           .
           But
           admit
           it
           bee
           so
           ,
           and
           that
           thou
           art
           as
           thou
           speakest
           of
           thy selfe
           :
           wilt
           thou
           judge
           of
           the
           good
           effect
           of
           thy
           bodily
           physicke
           ,
           or
           the
           skill
           and
           love
           of
           thy
           Physician
           by
           the
           sick
           and
           painfull
           working
           of
           the
           Physick
           ?
           What
           wise
           man
           would
           so
           do
           ?
           This
           were
           all
           one
           ,
           as
           if
           a
           man
           should
           judge
           of
           his
           future
           strength
           ,
           or
           a
           woman
           of
           her
           beautie
           by
           their
           present
           condition
           of
           sicknesse
           .
           Therefore
           howsoever
           no
           good
           by
           affliction
           may
           appeare
           at
           first
           ,
           but
           the
           contrary
           ,
           
           rather
           there
           being
           much
           impatience
           ,
           infidelity
           ,
           &c.
           
           Yet
           know
           thou
           that
           no
           mans
           grace
           is
           to
           be
           judged
           of
           in
           the
           time
           of
           temptation
           :
           for
           certainly
           many
           even
           of
           the
           Lords
           deare
           children
           ,
           when
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           is
           upon
           them
           (
           especially
           if
           it
           lie
           more
           heavily
           and
           longer
           then
           ordinary
           )
           do
           doubt
           of
           Gods
           love
           and
           favour
           ,
           and
           do
           bewray
           much
           corruption
           by
           their
           unadvised
           and
           inconsiderate
           words
           ,
           by
           their
           sowre
           and
           lumpish
           cariage
           in
           the
           time
           of
           their
           afflictions
           .
        
         
           The
           Scripture
           commendeth
           Moses
           for
           faith
           and
           obedience
           ,
           yet
           being
           perplexed
           ,
           and
           vexed
           with
           the
           dogednesse
           ,
           and
           rebellion
           of
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           hee
           so
           offended
           the
           Lord
           by
           his
           unbeliefe
           ,
           
           that
           the
           Lord
           did
           cut
           him
           short
           of
           Canaan
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           suffer
           him
           to
           set
           foot
           on
           that
           promised
           land
           .
           
             Because
             yee
             beleeved
             mee
             not
             to
             sanctifie
             mee
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             children
             of
             Israel
             ,
             therefore
             yee
             shall
             not
             bring
             this
             people
             into
             the
             land
             that
             I
             have
             given
             them
             .
             Numb
             .
          
           20.12
           .
        
         
           Admirable
           and
           invincible
           was
           the
           patience
           of
           Job
           :
           Yet
           when
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           was
           first
           upon
           him
           ,
           how
           did
           hee
           curse
           the
           day
           of
           his
           birth
           ,
           wishing
           that
           hee
           had
           died
           as
           soon
           as
           he
           was
           born
           ?
           
             Let
             that
             day
             perish
             wherein
             I
             was
             born
             ,
             &c.
             Job
             .
          
           3.3
           .
           And
           afterward
           againe
           ,
           
             Oh
             that
             God
             would
             destroy
             me
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             let
             his
             hand
             go
             and
             cut
             mee
             off
             ,
             Job
             .
          
           6.9
           .
        
         
           Was
           not
           David
           beloved
           
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           man
           after
           his
           own
           heart
           ?
           yet
           hee
           was
           so
           overwhelmed
           with
           the
           cloud
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           so
           battered
           with
           the
           storme
           of
           adversity
           ,
           that
           he
           could
           not
           discerne
           the
           love
           of
           God
           towards
           him
           ,
           but
           hee
           cries
           out
           ,
           
             Will
             the
             Lord
             absent
             himselfe
             for
             ever
             ?
             and
             will
             hee
             shew
             no
             more
             love
             ,
             or
             favor
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           77.7
           .
           And
           againe
           ,
           
             Lord
             ,
             why
             dost
             thou
             reject
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             hidest
             thy
             face
             from
             mee
             ?
             Thine
             indignations
             go
             over
             mee
             ,
             and
             thy
             feare
             hath
             cut
             me
             off
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           88.15
           ,
           16.
           
        
         
           I
           alledge
           not
           these
           examples
           for
           the
           fostering
           of
           any
           in
           their
           impatience
           and
           unbeliefe
           ;
           nor
           that
           any
           should
           take
           libertie
           from
           hence
           ,
           for
           the
           like
           behavior
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           ;
           but
           I
           speak
           this
           the
           rather
           ,
           partly
           
           to
           uphold
           and
           comfort
           weak
           beleevers
           ;
           that
           they
           listen
           not
           to
           Satans
           temptations
           ,
           who
           will
           be
           ready
           to
           bu●e
           it
           into
           their
           eares
           ,
           that
           none
           of
           Gods
           children
           do
           question
           his
           love
           in
           the
           time
           of
           triall
           ,
           or
           shew
           any
           impatience
           under
           the
           rod
           :
           and
           partly
           to
           stop
           the
           mouthes
           of
           the
           wicked
           ,
           and
           to
           stay
           their
           uncharitable
           censure
           from
           going
           too
           farre
           ;
           they
           being
           so
           ready
           to
           measure
           the
           child
           of
           God
           either
           by
           his
           afflictions
           ,
           or
           by
           his
           behavior
           in
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Objects
               .
            
          
           But
           may
           Gods
           children
           be
           sad
           and
           heavie
           in
           time
           of
           affliction
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           No
           doubt
           they
           may
           :
           for
           doth
           not
           Saint
           Peter
           say
           ,
           
             now
             for
             a
             season
             (
             if
             need
             require
             )
             yee
             are
             in
             heavinesse
             through
             manifold
             tentations
             ,
          
           1.
           
           Pet.
           1.6
           .
           
           but
           in
           our
           heavinesse
           ,
           these
           cautions
           must
           be
           observed
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           our
           sorrow
           must
           be
           greater
           for
           our
           sinne
           ,
           which
           brought
           the
           affliction
           ,
           then
           for
           the
           affliction
           it selfe
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           wee
           must
           not
           bee
           excessive
           ,
           but
           moderate
           in
           our
           heavinesse
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           how
           may
           wee
           know
           that
           our
           sorow
           for
           afflictions
           is
           moderate
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           First
           ,
           if
           it
           exceed
           not
           the
           measure
           of
           our
           sorrow
           for
           sinne
           .
           If
           our
           sinnes
           bee
           our
           greatest
           heart-smart
           ,
           our
           sorrow
           for
           affliction
           is
           moderate
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           our
           sorrow
           for
           affliction
           hurt
           us
           not
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           drieth
           not
           up
           our
           bones
           ,
           impaireth
           not
           our
           strength
           ,
           or
           make
           us
           unfit
           for
           publique
           imployment
           .
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           if
           it
           withdrawes
           not
           the
           heart
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           dueties
           of
           his
           worship
           and
           service
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           the
           weake
           beleever
           will
           still
           object
           and
           say
           ;
           If
           my
           troubles
           and
           afflictions
           were
           only
           bodily
           and
           outward
           ,
           I
           make
           no
           question
           but
           I
           should
           see
           Gods
           love
           in
           them
           :
           but
           my
           wound
           and
           griefe
           is
           inward
           and
           spirituall
           ,
           I
           cannot
           finde
           ,
           or
           feel
           the
           sweet
           comforts
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           I
           see
           the
           angry
           countenance
           of
           God
           bent
           against
           me
           ,
           for
           my
           sinnes
           ;
           God
           (
           mee
           thinkes
           )
           lookes
           not
           now
           upon
           mee
           with
           the
           amiable
           countenance
           of
           a
           loving
           Father
           ,
           but
           with
           the
           face
           of
           a
           severe
           and
           strict
           judge
           ,
           ready
           to
           take
           vengeance
           upon
           mee
           for
           my
           sinnes
           ,
           how
           can
           
           I
           then
           be
           perswaded
           either
           or
           Gods
           love
           ,
           or
           that
           my
           case
           is
           good
           ,
           or
           that
           good
           is
           intended
           mee
           by
           this
           affliction
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Howsoever
           these
           inward
           and
           spirituall
           afflictions
           be
           the
           sorest
           of
           all
           trials
           ,
           
             for
             the
             spirit
             of
             a
             man
             may
             sustaine
             his
          
           (
           bodily
           )
           
             infirmities
             ,
             but
             a
             wounded
             spirit
             ,
             who
             can
             beare
             ?
             Prov.
          
           18.14
           .
           Yet
           I
           would
           have
           thee
           know
           ,
           that
           even
           these
           inward
           and
           sad
           afflictions
           ,
           are
           no
           other
           then
           are
           incident
           unto
           the
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           ,
           and
           wherewith
           the
           Lord
           in
           love
           doth
           afflict
           them
           .
        
         
           For
           the
           Lord
           seeth
           )
           as
           wee
           have
           spoken
           before
           )
           what
           his
           children
           stand
           in
           most
           need
           of
           ;
           out
           of
           his
           deep
           and
           unsearchable
           wisedome
           ,
           hee
           singles
           out
           ,
           and
           makes
           
           choice
           of
           those
           tryalls
           which
           shall
           make
           most
           for
           our
           spirituall
           good
           :
           the
           Lord
           ever
           pitcheth
           upon
           that
           affliction
           which
           shall
           worke
           best
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           serve
           most
           punctually
           to
           humble
           and
           awe
           us
           .
           Some
           he
           afflicts
           with
           varietie
           of
           worldly
           crosses
           ,
           as
           in
           their
           children
           ,
           or
           outward
           estate
           .
           Some
           he
           doth
           extraordinarily
           exercise
           with
           spirituall
           conflicts
           ,
           and
           troubles
           of
           conscience
           :
           thus
           sorting
           out
           unto
           his
           children
           those
           severall
           crosses
           ,
           and
           corrections
           ,
           which
           out
           of
           his
           unsearchable
           wisedome
           ,
           and
           their
           spirituall
           necessitie
           hee
           sees
           most
           expedient
           for
           them
           .
           Therefore
           of
           what
           nature
           soever
           thy
           crosse
           be
           ,
           do
           thou
           take
           it
           up
           ,
           seeing
           it
           pleaseth
           our
           wise
           God
           to
           exercise
           thee
           with
           it
           ,
           as
           thy
           portion
           .
           It
           
           
           
           
           
           may
           be
           thou
           thinkest
           that
           no
           outward
           ,
           and
           worldly
           crosse
           could
           go
           so
           neere
           thee
           ,
           as
           doth
           this
           inward
           tentation
           ;
           but
           who
           knowes
           what
           thou
           wouldst
           be
           ,
           if
           this
           tryal
           were
           removed
           ?
           It
           may
           bee
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sees
           that
           (
           without
           it
           )
           thou
           wouldest
           grow
           worldly
           ,
           or
           waspish
           ,
           or
           secure
           ,
           or
           proud
           ;
           now
           high
           spirits
           must
           be
           abased
           low
           ;
           
           and
           the
           Lord
           sees
           that
           these
           inward
           and
           spirituall
           conflicts
           are
           the
           best
           ,
           and
           surest
           way
           to
           humble
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           bring
           us
           out
           of
           love
           with
           sinne
           ,
           and
           our selves
           ,
           and
           more
           in
           love
           with
           his
           majestie
           .
           He
           breaks
           up
           ,
           hee
           rents
           ,
           and
           teares
           the
           heart
           and
           conscience
           with
           fears
           ,
           and
           terrors
           ,
           that
           so
           it
           may
           bee
           made
           more
           plyable
           ,
           and
           gentle
           ,
           more
           fit
           to
           receive
           ,
           and
           to
           retaine
           that
           
           seed
           of
           grace
           which
           the
           Lord
           is
           now
           
             casting
             into
             them
          
           .
           Therefore
           assure
           thy selfe
           that
           it
           is
           not
           for
           any
           want
           of
           love
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           lay
           so
           heavie
           a
           load
           upon
           thine
           heart
           ,
           and
           conscience
           ,
           or
           keeps
           thee
           (
           it
           may
           be
           )
           upon
           the
           rack
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           because
           thou
           shouldst
           thinke
           or
           say
           ,
           hee
           hath
           cast
           thee
           off
           from
           being
           his
           child
           ,
           but
           that
           thou
           mayest
           be
           the
           better
           fitted
           for
           that
           good
           hee
           intendeth
           thee
           ,
           and
           that
           thou
           mayest
           make
           more
           account
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           when
           it
           is
           shed
           abroad
           in
           thine
           heart
           .
           God
           will
           have
           those
           which
           shall
           hereafter
           partake
           of
           his
           light
           ,
           now
           and
           then
           to
           know
           what
           it
           is
           to
           fit
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           and
           to
           bee
           in
           the
           shadow
           of
           death
           .
           Now
           ,
           because
           of
           all
           other
           tentations
           and
           tryals
           incident
           
           unto
           us
           ,
           there
           are
           none
           so
           grievous
           and
           unsupportable
           as
           are
           inward
           and
           spirituall
           afflictions
           ;
           let
           it
           not
           be
           accounted
           lost
           time
           ,
           if
           (
           before
           I
           proceed
           any
           further
           )
           I
           make
           here
           some
           little
           stand
           ,
           both
           to
           take
           a
           view
           of
           some
           inward
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           also
           to
           prescribe
           some
           remedies
           for
           the
           easing
           (
           if
           not
           the
           curing
           )
           of
           such
           malladies
           as
           are
           most
           obvious
           ,
           and
           oft
           times
           prove
           most
           dangerous
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           applying
           ,
           or
           improving
           of
           those
           helpes
           ,
           &
           means
           which
           may
           be
           used
           :
           Almighty
           God
           our
           most
           wise
           Physition
           ,
           who
           sees
           us
           inwardly
           ,
           and
           is
           better
           acquainted
           with
           our
           constitution
           ,
           and
           temper
           then
           wee
           our selves
           are
           ,
           knoweth
           how
           to
           strike
           every
           one
           in
           the
           right
           veine
           :
           and
           because
           people
           full
           fed
           ,
           are
           
           oft
           full
           of
           grosse
           humors
           ,
           and
           bad
           blood
           ;
           and
           those
           that
           live
           idly
           ,
           live
           (
           oft
           times
           )
           unprofitably
           ;
           the
           Lord
           )
           in
           great
           wisedome
           )
           doth
           exercise
           some
           of
           his
           deare
           ones
           with
           fightings
           within
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           inward
           man
           may
           be
           the
           better
           able
           to
           withstand
           outward
           evills
           :
           as
           souldiers
           in
           many
           places
           are
           trained
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           bee
           the
           more
           skilfull
           ,
           and
           better
           able
           to
           resist
           a
           forraign
           enemie
           .
        
         
           Somtimes
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           withdraw
           the
           sweet
           comforts
           of
           his
           spirit
           ,
           from
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           deare
           children
           ,
           and
           to
           strike
           them
           with
           inward
           terrors
           ,
           and
           feares
           of
           his
           wrath
           ,
           and
           vengeance
           ;
           which
           condition
           of
           theirs
           ,
           although
           it
           be
           uncomfortable
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           yet
           it
           proves
           profitable
           in
           the
           
           end
           .
           Of
           all
           afflictions
           incident
           to
           the
           soul
           of
           man
           ,
           there
           is
           none
           so
           grievous
           ,
           and
           intolerable
           ,
           as
           a
           wounded
           conscience
           ;
           this
           transcends
           all
           other
           malladies
           ,
           and
           miseries
           whatsoever
           ;
           and
           therefore
           Solomon
           asketh
           ,
           
             Who
             can
             be
             are
             it
             ?
             Prov.
          
           18.14
           .
           An
           accusing
           conscience
           tortures
           the
           soul
           with
           hellish
           horror
           here
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           plungeth
           a
           poore
           sinner
           into
           hell
           whiles
           he
           lives
           .
           When
           that
           gnawing
           ,
           and
           biting
           worme
           begins
           to
           fasten
           its
           teeth
           upon
           a
           poore
           soul
           ,
           his
           anguish
           and
           vexation
           becomes
           unspeakable
           ,
           and
           unconceivable
           of
           any
           ,
           but
           those
           that
           have
           felt
           it
           .
        
         
           No
           favor
           of
           man
           ,
           no
           love
           of
           friends
           ,
           no
           preferment
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           no
           outward
           honors
           ,
           nor
           abundance
           of
           riches
           ,
           
           will
           be
           able
           to
           quench
           the
           fire
           ,
           or
           alay
           the
           heat
           of
           a
           tormented
           conscience
           .
           As
           may
           apeare
           by
           that
           memorable
           story
           of
           
             Francis
             Spira
          
           ,
           who
           being
           upon
           the
           rack
           of
           a
           guilty
           and
           accusing
           conscience
           ,
           oft
           wished
           himselfe
           (
           as
           is
           reported
           )
           in
           Cains
           case
           ,
           and
           in
           Judas
           his
           place
           ,
           and
           that
           his
           soul
           might
           exchange
           with
           theirs
           ;
           wishing
           ,
           and
           desiring
           rather
           to
           be
           in
           hell
           torments
           ,
           then
           to
           be
           racked
           and
           rent
           with
           such
           hellish
           horrors
           ,
           and
           raging
           feares
           ,
           as
           did
           continually
           affright
           his
           poore
           soul
           .
           And
           being
           by
           one
           demanded
           ,
           If
           hee
           feared
           not
           greater
           tortures
           ,
           and
           torments
           after
           this
           life
           ,
           then
           hee
           now
           sustained
           ;
           hee
           answered
           ,
           Yes
           ;
           but
           yet
           he
           wished
           he
           were
           in
           hell
           ,
           that
           so
           his
           torturing
           fears
           might
           be
           at
           an
           
           end
           .
           This
           mans
           condition
           (
           no
           boubt
           )
           was
           terrible
           ,
           and
           dredfull
           ;
           yet
           who
           can
           say
           ,
           that
           hee
           perished
           everlastingly
           ?
           What
           warrant
           have
           any
           (
           as
           some
           have
           done
           )
           to
           judge
           him
           to
           bee
           a
           desperate
           castaway
           ?
           They
           will
           say
           ,
           that
           God
           might
           condemne
           him
           out
           of
           his
           own
           mouth
           .
           But
           is
           this
           sufficient
           evidence
           for
           any
           ,
           peremptorily
           to
           passe
           sentence
           upon
           him
           ?
           The
           words
           of
           a
           distempered
           person
           are
           of
           no
           validitie
           in
           any
           civill
           court
           whatsoever
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           an
           usuall
           thing
           for
           brain-sick
           and
           distempered
           persons
           to
           belie
           themselves
           ,
           and
           others
           too
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           Spira
           despaired
           of
           mercie
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           And
           what
           of
           that
           ?
           Have
           not
           many
           of
           Gods
           deare
           children
           done
           so
           ,
           many
           
           yeeres
           together
           ?
           Did
           any
           thing
           befall
           him
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           desperation
           ,
           but
           that
           which
           is
           incident
           unto
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           ?
           hath
           not
           our
           age
           afforded
           us
           examples
           ,
           as
           deep
           in
           dispaire
           (
           in
           outward
           appearance
           )
           as
           ever
           Spira
           was
           ;
           whether
           wee
           consider
           the
           matter
           of
           his
           tentation
           ,
           which
           was
           Apostacie
           ,
           or
           the
           deepnesse
           of
           his
           desperation
           ;
           and
           yet
           through
           the
           goodnesse
           ,
           and
           mercie
           of
           God
           ,
           they
           received
           comfort
           in
           the
           end
           .
           Hee
           that
           will
           avouch
           Spira
           to
           be
           a
           castaway
           ,
           must
           prove
           ,
           that
           he
           despaired
           both
           totally
           and
           finally
           ;
           which
           (
           as
           I
           conceive
           )
           they
           can
           hardly
           do
           ;
           seeing
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           That
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           his
           desperation
           ,
           hee
           complained
           of
           the
           hardnesse
           of
           his
           heart
           ,
           which
           (
           as
           hee
           said
           )
           lockt
           up
           his
           mouth
           ,
           
           and
           tyed
           up
           his
           tongue
           from
           prayer
           .
           Hee
           felt
           the
           hardnesse
           of
           his
           heart
           ,
           complained
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           lamented
           it
           :
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           may
           discover
           corruption
           in
           us
           ;
           but
           is
           it
           not
           grace
           that
           makes
           any
           to
           be
           waile
           corruption
           ?
           Who
           knowes
           what
           case
           ,
           and
           comfort
           he
           might
           find
           ,
           and
           feele
           within
           ,
           before
           his
           soul
           went
           out
           of
           his
           body
           ,
           albeit
           hee
           never
           made
           any
           expression
           of
           it
           ,
           nor
           any
           neere
           him
           could
           perceive
           it
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           doth
           God
           deale
           so
           sharply
           with
           any
           of
           his
           children
           ,
           as
           to
           exercise
           them
           with
           such
           horror
           of
           conscience
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Yes
           ,
           very
           often
           .
           The
           conscience
           of
           a
           deere
           child
           of
           God
           may
           a
           long
           time
           be
           vexed
           with
           feares
           ,
           and
           horrors
           ,
           lie
           a
           long
           time
           upon
           
           the
           rack
           of
           unquietnesse
           and
           torture
           ,
           so
           farre
           from
           apprehending
           ,
           or
           hoping
           for
           any
           comfort
           or
           mercie
           ,
           that
           hee
           may
           receive
           the
           sentence
           of
           death
           against
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           subscribe
           to
           his
           own
           damnation
           ;
           yea
           ,
           he
           may
           confidently
           avouch
           himselfe
           to
           have
           no
           grace
           ,
           no
           faith
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           very
           castaway
           .
           And
           yet
           (
           wee
           see
           )
           these
           blustring
           stormes
           have
           (
           in
           good
           time
           )
           blowne
           over
           ?
           and
           God
           upon
           unfained
           humiliation
           hath
           pacified
           their
           accusing
           conscience
           ,
           stilled
           ,
           and
           quieted
           their
           troubled
           minde
           ,
           by
           the
           apprehension
           of
           his
           love
           in
           the
           pardon
           of
           their
           sinnes
           .
        
         
           For
           after
           the
           soul
           is
           once
           kindly
           soaked
           in
           godly
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           the
           heart
           sufficiently
           humbled
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           
           our
           unworthinesse
           ;
           the
           Lord
           (
           at
           length
           )
           shewes
           us
           his
           loving
           countenance
           ,
           tells
           us
           by
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           he
           is
           reconciled
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           through
           Christ
           wee
           are
           freed
           from
           the
           guilt
           ,
           and
           so
           from
           the
           punishment
           of
           all
           our
           sinnes
           .
           For
           though
           wee
           have
           been
           polluted
           ,
           and
           stained
           with
           all
           manner
           of
           iniquitie
           ,
           and
           impietie
           ,
           even
           from
           top
           to
           toe
           ;
           though
           our
           sinnes
           have
           been
           of
           a
           crimson
           and
           skarlet
           hue
           ,
           as
           great
           and
           grievous
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           so
           as
           peradventure
           ,
           in
           our
           conceit
           there
           is
           no
           possibillity
           of
           being
           cleansed
           from
           them
           ,
           yet
           God
           is
           able
           to
           
             make
             them
             as
             white
             as
             snow
             ,
             and
             wool
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           1.18
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           sinner
           so
           abominable
           ,
           and
           loathsome
           ,
           whom
           true
           and
           sound
           repentance
           will
           not
           make
           as
           holy
           ,
           
           and
           as
           righteous
           as
           Adam
           was
           before
           his
           fall
           .
           Mistake
           me
           not
           ;
           not
           that
           any
           penitent
           (
           if
           his
           heart-strings
           should
           breake
           with
           sighing
           ,
           and
           sobbing
           ,
           or
           his
           eyes
           fall
           out
           of
           his
           head
           with
           weeping
           and
           mourning
           )
           can
           of
           himselfe
           be
           personally
           holy
           ,
           and
           pure
           ,
           free
           from
           all
           fault
           ,
           without
           any
           blot
           ,
           or
           blemish
           of
           iniquitie
           ;
           but
           hee
           is
           holy
           ,
           and
           unblamable
           in
           regard
           of
           Gods
           gracious
           acceptation
           of
           him
           through
           Christ
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           never
           sinned
           .
           For
           you
           must
           know
           ,
           that
           where
           sinne
           is
           pardoned
           ,
           it
           is
           purged
           .
           If
           thou
           canst
           truely
           mourne
           for
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           thou
           art
           forthwith
           disburdened
           of
           the
           guilt
           ,
           and
           freed
           from
           the
           eternal
           punishment
           of
           all
           thy
           former
           wickednesse
           .
           Repentance
           if
           it
           be
           true
           ,
           doth
           cast
           
           sinne
           out
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           where
           this
           is
           done
           ,
           God
           laies
           down
           all
           quarels
           against
           such
           a
           person
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           nourish
           no
           sin
           ,
           abandon
           it
           ,
           banish
           it
           from
           thee
           ;
           break
           off
           thy
           course
           of
           sinne
           betimes
           ,
           even
           whiles
           it
           is
           called
           to
           day
           ,
           and
           then
           Gods
           countenance
           will
           appear
           friendly
           ,
           &
           comfortable
           unto
           thee
           ,
           and
           thy
           conscience
           will
           be
           quiet
           ,
           and
           speak
           peace
           unto
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           This
           were
           some
           comfort
           ,
           if
           I
           could
           beleeve
           what
           you
           say
           ,
           or
           be
           able
           to
           apply
           it
           unto
           my selfe
           ,
           which
           I
           can
           not
           doe
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           This
           indeed
           is
           another
           sore
           affliction
           ,
           which
           lies
           heavie
           upon
           the
           hearts
           of
           many
           of
           Gods
           dear
           children
           ;
           They
           are
           for
           the
           most
           part
           annoyed
           ,
           and
           pestered
           with
           doubttings
           ,
           
           and
           unbeliefe
           .
           The
           glad
           tidings
           of
           the
           Gospel
           (
           some
           say
           )
           are
           too
           good
           to
           be
           true
           ,
           or
           if
           true
           ,
           too
           good
           for
           them
           to
           share
           in
           .
           And
           why
           for
           them
           ?
           because
           (
           they
           say
           )
           they
           are
           such
           sinners
           ?
           And
           came
           not
           Christ
           into
           the
           World
           to
           call
           sinners
           ?
           yea
           ,
           the
           greatest
           sinners
           ,
           such
           as
           Manasses
           ,
           and
           Paul
           was
           ,
           who
           acknowledged
           himselfe
           
             to
             be
             the
             chiefe
             of
             sinners
             .
          
           1.
           
           Tim.
           1.15
           .
           The
           greater
           thy
           sinnes
           have
           been
           ,
           the
           more
           thine
           unworthinesse
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           will
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           shine
           in
           receiving
           of
           thee
           into
           grace
           and
           mercie
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           If
           it
           were
           with
           me
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           with
           good
           people
           ,
           I
           could
           beleeve
           this
           :
           if
           there
           were
           that
           grace
           in
           mee
           I
           perceive
           to
           be
           in
           others
           ,
           I
           make
           no
           
           question
           but
           God
           would
           be
           good
           unto
           me
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Oh
           beware
           of
           spirituall
           Symonie
           .
           Too
           many
           thinke
           that
           the
           mercie
           of
           God
           must
           be
           purchased
           by
           somthing
           of
           theirs
           ;
           if
           they
           were
           thus
           ,
           or
           thus
           quallified
           they
           durst
           beleeve
           ,
           if
           they
           had
           thus
           much
           sanctification
           they
           durst
           hope
           .
           But
           these
           erre
           ,
           not
           knowing
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           nor
           the
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           ,
           whose
           grace
           is
           freely
           bestowed
           upon
           all
           that
           partake
           of
           it
           .
           
             Ho
             every
             one
             that
             thirsteth
             ,
             come
             yee
             to
             the
             waters
             ,
             and
             yee
             that
             have
             no
             silver
             :
             come
             buy
             wine
             and
             milk
             without
             silver
             ,
             and
             without
             money
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           55.1
           .
           In
           which
           words
           all
           condition
           of
           merit
           (
           on
           our
           part
           )
           is
           utterly
           excluded
           .
           Christ
           in
           the
           Gospel
           is
           offered
           freely
           unto
           sinners
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           
           no
           more
           required
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           but
           to
           receive
           and
           welcome
           him
           being
           offered
           freely
           unto
           us
           .
           The
           water
           of
           life
           is
           tendered
           freely
           to
           all
           that
           desire
           it
           .
           
             I
             will
             give
             to
             him
             that
             is
             athirst
             of
             the
             well
             of
             the
             water
             of
             life
             freely
             .
             Revel
             .
          
           21.6
           .
        
         
           
             The
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             Bride
             say
             ,
             Come
             ,
             and
             let
             him
             that
             is
             athirst
             come
             .
             Revel
             .
          
           22.17
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           cannot
           thirst
           as
           I
           should
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           But
           hast
           thou
           a
           will
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           desire
           to
           thirst
           ?
           wouldest
           thou
           faine
           thirst
           ,
           hast
           thou
           a
           will
           ?
           These
           words
           are
           also
           added
           to
           draw
           on
           fearfull
           and
           doubting
           sinners
           ,
           
             and
             let
             whosoever
             will
             ,
             take
             of
             the
             water
             of
             life
             freely
             .
             Revel
             .
          
           22.17
           .
           O
           sweet
           words
           ,
           O
           comfortable
           words
           .
           Thou
           
           sayest
           thou
           wouldst
           faine
           have
           mercy
           ,
           faine
           have
           Christ
           ;
           what
           hinders
           thee
           from
           receiving
           him
           ,
           from
           beleeving
           ?
           Heere
           is
           a
           word
           :
           heere
           is
           thy
           warrant
           to
           take
           Christ
           .
           Nay
           ,
           thou
           art
           peremptorily
           commanded
           to
           beleeve
           .
           1.
           
           John
           3.23
           .
           
             This
             is
             then
             his
             Commandment
             ,
             that
             wee
             beleeve
             in
             the
             namt
             of
             his
             Sonne
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
          
           Thou
           hast
           as
           good
           warrant
           to
           beleeve
           the
           promises
           ,
           and
           to
           receive
           Christ
           ,
           as
           to
           love
           thy
           neighbor
           ,
           or
           to
           absteine
           from
           theft
           ,
           murder
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           Darest
           thou
           kill
           ,
           commit
           adultrey
           ,
           or
           steale
           ?
           No.
           And
           why
           so
           ?
           Because
           these
           are
           breaches
           of
           Gods
           Commandment
           .
           And
           dost
           thou
           not
           also
           break
           Gods
           Commandment
           when
           thou
           doubtest
           of
           his
           goodnesse
           ,
           
           when
           thou
           beleevest
           not
           ?
        
         
           God
           commands
           thee
           to
           receive
           Christ
           for
           thy
           salvation
           ;
           therefore
           ,
           if
           thou
           hang
           back
           through
           doubting
           ,
           if
           thou
           question
           Gods
           truth
           ,
           thou
           committest
           a
           greater
           sinne
           then
           if
           thou
           didst
           break
           the
           whol
           morral
           law
           ;
           therfore
           stand
           not
           on
           rhine
           own
           termes
           with
           God.
           The
           Lord
           knew
           how
           base
           &
           unworthy
           the
           best
           of
           us
           were
           when
           he
           tendred
           his
           Christ
           unto
           us
           .
           The
           Gospell
           was
           to
           be
           preached
           unto
           every
           creature
           ,
           and
           Christ
           tendred
           unto
           every
           sinner
           ,
           for
           of
           what
           kind
           soever
           our
           sinnes
           have
           been
           ,
           
             the
             blood
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             cleanseth
             us
             from
             all
             sinne
             ,
          
           1
           Jo.
           1.7
           If
           thou
           wilt
           accept
           of
           Christ
           he
           will
           aceept
           of
           thee
           ;
           thou
           hast
           his
           word
           and
           promise
           
             Come
             unto
             me
             all
             ye
             that
             are
             
             weary
             and
             laden
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             ease
             you
             .
             Mat.
          
           11.28
           .
           Christ
           requires
           no
           more
           of
           thee
           but
           to
           come
           unto
           him
           ,
           no
           more
           but
           thy
           hearts
           consent
           to
           receive
           him
           before
           any
           other
           ,
           If
           thou
           canst
           but
           come
           ,
           and
           desire
           ,
           and
           take
           Christ
           to
           be
           thine
           ,
           it
           is
           enough
           for
           thy
           happinesse
           and
           salvation
           .
           If
           thou
           hast
           but
           so
           much
           humiliation
           ,
           as
           may
           cause
           thee
           to
           abhorre
           thy selfe
           ,
           and
           to
           disclaime
           thine
           own
           worth
           as
           dung
           and
           dogs
           meate
           ,
           if
           thou
           hast
           but
           so
           much
           sorrow
           and
           heart
           breaking
           as
           may
           divorce
           thee
           from
           thy
           sinnes
           and
           make
           thee
           willing
           to
           accept
           of
           Christ
           ,
           thou
           art
           a
           happy
           person
           .
           How
           darest
           thou
           then
           stand
           a
           loofe
           ,
           upon
           termes
           of
           thine
           own
           unworthinesse
           ?
           Is
           it
           any
           other
           then
           ingratefull
           rudenesse
           
           to
           prescribe
           the
           Lord
           upon
           what
           termes
           we
           shall
           have
           his
           wine
           and
           milke
           ,
           when
           as
           he
           bids
           us
           come
           and
           take
           it
           for
           nothing
           ?
           If
           any
           master
           should
           call
           one
           of
           his
           servants
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           should
           draw
           back
           and
           go
           away
           ,
           saying
           I
           am
           not
           fine
           enough
           to
           come
           before
           thee
           ,
           would
           this
           frivolous
           excuse
           be
           sufficient
           to
           beare
           him
           out
           in
           his
           unmanner
           like
           disobedience
           ?
           So
           when
           the
           Lord
           cals
           thee
           to
           partake
           of
           his
           mercy
           ,
           if
           thou
           hangest
           back
           ,
           because
           thou
           art
           not
           good
           enough
           as
           thou
           supposest
           ;
           what
           dost
           thou
           else
           but
           slight
           ,
           yea
           scorne
           the
           free
           grace
           ,
           and
           undeserved
           kindnesse
           of
           the
           Lord.
           Therefore
           be
           perswaded
           to
           make
           choice
           of
           Christ
           to
           be
           thine
           ;
           which
           if
           thou
           dost
           ,
           
           
           
           
           
           I
           dare
           assure
           thee
           thou
           art
           a
           justified
           person
           ,
           although
           thou
           dost
           not
           by
           and
           by
           feele
           the
           sweet
           influence
           of
           his
           grace
           nor
           the
           presence
           of
           his
           spirit
           ,
           perswading
           thy
           heart
           that
           heaven
           and
           salvation
           are
           questionlesse
           thine
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           some
           will
           say
           ,
           I
           have
           falne
           off
           from
           Christ
           I
           have
           broken
           that
           vow
           and
           covenant
           made
           betwixt
           us
           ,
           I
           have
           not
           walked
           so
           closely
           with
           the
           Lord
           as
           is
           required
           of
           me
           and
           as
           I
           have
           promised
           ,
           I
           have
           abused
           his
           love
           and
           favor
           ,
           and
           turned
           his
           Grace
           into
           wantonnesse
           ;
           nay
           ,
           which
           is
           worse
           ,
           my
           heart
           hath
           not
           melted
           nor
           dissolved
           into
           teares
           upon
           the
           view
           of
           my
           faylings
           ,
           which
           makes
           me
           feare
           that
           the
           Lord
           in
           displeasure
           hath
           cast
           me
           off
           ,
           and
           is
           departed
           from
           me
           .
        
         
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           If
           he
           be
           so
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           but
           for
           a
           moment
           to
           humble
           thee
           &
           to
           see
           how
           thou
           wilt
           take
           his
           absence
           ;
           but
           whereas
           thou
           saist
           thou
           hast
           broken
           covenant
           ,
           and
           therfore
           thinkest
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           cast
           thee
           off
           ;
           know
           ,
           that
           not
           any
           of
           thy
           failings
           can
           nulifie
           Gods
           covenant
           which
           he
           hath
           made
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           
             an
             everlasting
             covenant
             Jer.
          
           32.40
           .
           The
           best
           of
           Gods
           children
           do
           daily
           faile
           in
           one
           part
           of
           the
           covenant
           or
           other
           :
           yet
           if
           there
           be
           not
           a
           revolting
           ,
           a
           turning
           back
           ,
           a
           falling
           away
           from
           God
           ,
           a
           betaking
           of
           thy selfe
           unto
           an
           other
           husband
           ,
           another
           love
           ,
           thou
           art
           no
           breaker
           of
           the
           covenant
           :
           tho
           there
           be
           failings
           .
           
             All
             this
             is
             come
             upon
             us
             ,
             yet
             do
             we
             not
             forget
             thee
             ,
             neither
             deal
             we
             falsly
             
             concerning
             thy
             covenant
             Psal
             .
          
           44.17
           .
           As
           the
           Lords
           love
           towards
           us
           did
           not
           begin
           in
           us
           ,
           so
           doth
           it
           not
           so
           much
           depend
           upon
           us
           ,
           but
           upon
           the
           mercy
           goodnesse
           and
           truth
           of
           him
           ,
           
             with
             whom
             there
             is
             no
             variablenesse
             ,
             neither
             shaddow
             of
             turning
             Jam.
          
           1.17
           .
           
             For
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             change
             not
             ,
             and
             ye
             sons
             of
             Jaakob
             are
             not
             consumed
             .
             Mat.
          
           3.6
           .
           If
           Gods
           grace
           and
           mercy
           should
           depend
           upon
           our
           deservings
           ,
           the
           Devill
           would
           alwayes
           pick
           some
           hole
           or
           other
           in
           our
           coate
           ,
           we
           should
           never
           have
           inward
           rest
           nor
           assurance
           ,
           either
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           or
           of
           our
           own
           salvation
           :
           For
           ,
           Satan
           is
           subtle
           and
           deceiptfull
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           not
           faile
           to
           tell
           us
           that
           we
           have
           broken
           covenant
           ,
           and
           therfore
           God
           
           hath
           cashiered
           us
           and
           cast
           us
           off
           ;
           therefore
           whensoever
           Satan
           comes
           to
           parlie
           with
           thee
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           thy
           wisdom
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           be
           thy
           safety
           not
           to
           hold
           him
           chat
           ,
           but
           to
           break
           off
           reasoning
           and
           dispute
           with
           him
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           Satan
           doggs
           ,
           and
           followes
           me
           with
           restles
           assaults
           ,
           he
           daily
           casts
           his
           firy
           darts
           at
           me
           ,
           he
           is
           daily
           battering
           my
           faith
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Then
           go
           to
           Heaven
           for
           helpe
           :
           encounter
           him
           in
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           David
           set
           upon
           Golia
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           have
           recourse
           unto
           the
           promises
           ,
           which
           being
           well
           ,
           and
           wisely
           mannaged
           by
           faith
           ,
           will
           be
           able
           to
           foile
           the
           Devill
           ,
           and
           send
           him
           packing
           from
           thee
           .
           A
           greater
           and
           a
           surer
           signe
           of
           victory
           we
           cannot
           have
           
           then
           this
           ,
           viz.
           To
           renounce
           our
           own
           confidence
           ,
           not
           to
           stand
           upon
           our
           own
           bottom
           ,
           but
           to
           cast
           our selves
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           so
           wee
           shall
           be
           strong
           ,
           
             in
             the
             power
             of
             his
             might
             .
             Ephesians
             ,
          
           6.10
           .
           Therefore
           give
           no
           way
           to
           Satan
           ,
           howsoever
           for
           the
           present
           he
           may
           bang
           thee
           ,
           and
           cause
           thee
           to
           bauke
           ,
           yet
           be
           stedfast
           in
           the
           faith
           ,
           and
           thou
           shalt
           be
           able
           to
           resist
           him
           ,
           because
           the
           Lord
           taketh
           thy
           part
           ;
           
             For
             the
             exceeding
             greatnesse
             of
             his
             power
             is
             toward
             us
             which
             beleeve
             .
             Eph.
          
           1.19
           .
           Assure
           thy selfe
           ,
           Satan
           shall
           be
           foiled
           ,
           if
           the
           power
           of
           God
           doth
           underprop
           thee
           :
           which
           power
           ,
           if
           thou
           wilt
           call
           for
           ,
           and
           beleeven
           thou
           art
           sure
           to
           partake
           of
           :
           and
           then
           ,
           if
           thou
           chance
           to
           be
           foiled
           ,
           thou
           standest
           as
           
           one
           undefiled
           in
           Gods
           account
           .
           In
           the
           old
           Law
           ,
           if
           any
           womans
           chastitie
           was
           assaulted
           by
           any
           varlet
           ,
           if
           shee
           cryed
           out
           for
           helpe
           ,
           shee
           was
           blamelesse
           .
           Deutr.
           22.27
           .
           Even
           so
           when
           satanicall
           tentations
           do
           assault
           us
           ,
           if
           wee
           (
           in
           the
           assault
           )
           crie
           unto
           the
           Lord
           for
           helpe
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           not
           require
           the
           tentation
           at
           our
           hands
           ,
           but
           of
           Satan
           ,
           whose
           worke
           it
           was
           .
           The
           ravished
           woman
           was
           chaste
           in
           Gods
           account
           ,
           because
           her
           heart
           and
           mind
           was
           so
           ,
           though
           her
           body
           was
           defiled
           :
           So
           if
           Satan
           draw
           not
           consent
           from
           us
           ,
           his
           tentations
           may
           prevaile
           with
           us
           ,
           but
           shall
           not
           be
           layd
           unto
           our
           charge
           .
           Therefore
           slie
           to
           God
           for
           help
           ,
           cry
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           hee
           will
           either
           weaken
           Satan
           ,
           and
           stren●●hen
           thee
           ,
           
           or
           else
           not
           lay
           the
           tentation
           to
           thy
           charge
           .
           And
           take
           heed
           that
           thou
           beest
           not
           over
           much
           disquieted
           ,
           or
           unsetled
           by
           any
           of
           Satans
           tentations
           ,
           for
           this
           may
           give
           Satan
           some
           advantage
           ,
           if
           hee
           sees
           thee
           to
           be
           dejected
           ,
           hee
           will
           be
           the
           more
           insolent
           ,
           and
           double
           his
           forces
           against
           thee
           .
           Therefore
           be
           strong
           in
           the
           faith
           ,
           feare
           not
           ,
           be
           not
           disheartned
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           be
           thy
           defence
           ,
           and
           under
           the
           shadow
           of
           his
           wings
           shalt
           thou
           have
           shelter
           .
           Thinke
           never
           the
           worse
           ,
           but
           the
           better
           of
           thy selfe
           ,
           because
           Satan
           assaults
           thee
           ;
           it
           is
           a
           signe
           thou
           goest
           not
           the
           way
           that
           hee
           would
           have
           thee
           .
           When
           any
           man
           drives
           his
           cattle
           to
           pasture
           ,
           if
           they
           go
           the
           way
           that
           hee
           would
           have
           them
           ,
           he
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           them
           ,
           
           but
           if
           they
           hap
           to
           straggle
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           he
           throwes
           a
           stone
           at
           one
           ,
           and
           his
           staffe
           at
           another
           :
           even
           so
           ,
           when
           wee
           go
           the
           way
           Satan
           would
           have
           us
           ,
           hee
           lets
           us
           alone
           ,
           as
           implied
           by
           those
           words
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Luk.
           11.21
           .
           
             When
             a
             strong
             man
             armed
             keepeth
             his
             palace
             ,
             the
             things
             that
             hee
             possesseth
             are
             in
             peace
             :
          
           but
           if
           wee
           disquiet
           him
           ,
           hee
           will
           not
           faile
           to
           disquiet
           us
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           he
           may
           or
           can
           ;
           for
           satan
           can
           not
           tempt
           thee
           longer
           then
           the
           Lord
           wil
           permit
           him
           ;
           and
           hee
           that
           suffers
           Satan
           to
           tempt
           thee
           ,
           will
           not
           suffer
           thee
           to
           be
           tempted
           by
           him
           ,
           above
           that
           which
           thou
           shalt
           be
           able
           to
           beare
           ,
           
             but
             will
             even
             give
             issue
             with
             the
             tentation
             .
          
           1.
           
           Cor.
           10.13
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           am
           feeble
           ,
           and
           weak
           ,
           and
           am
           not
           able
           to
           hold
           out
           
           against
           such
           fierie
           darts
           ,
           such
           furious
           oppositions
           as
           I
           am
           assaulted
           withall
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           But
           if
           thou
           wilt
           trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           hee
           will
           not
           faile
           thee
           ,
           nor
           forsake
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           feele
           my
           heart
           to
           faint
           ,
           and
           my
           strength
           to
           faile
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             Hee
             giveth
             strength
             to
             him
             that
             sainteth
             ,
             and
             to
             him
             that
             hath
             no
             strength
             ,
             hee
             increaseth
             power
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           40.29
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           I
           had
           a
           little
           strength
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           gone
           and
           vanished
           ,
           my
           faith
           begins
           now
           to
           flagge
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           feare
           I
           shall
           not
           hold
           out
           long
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           
             But
             they
             that
             wait
             upon
             the
             Lord
             shall
             renew
             their
             strength
             ,
             they
             shall
             runne
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             weary
             ,
             they
             shall
             walke
             ,
             and
             not
             faint
             .
             Isa
             .
          
           40.31
           .
           If
           thou
           hadst
           strength
           of
           thine
           own
           ▪
           it
           were
           not
           to
           be
           trusted
           unto
           :
           
           and
           though
           thine
           bee
           gone
           ,
           the
           Lord
           remaines
           ,
           his
           arme
           is
           not
           shortned
           ,
           his
           power
           is
           not
           lessened
           .
           Therefore
           cheere
           up
           thy
           drooping
           ,
           and
           fainting
           heart
           ,
           let
           the
           tentation
           be
           never
           so
           smart
           ,
           or
           tart
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           no
           other
           then
           that
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           God
           intends
           to
           fetch
           some
           glory
           ,
           and
           thou
           in
           the
           end
           shalt
           receive
           some
           good
           .
           And
           know
           it
           for
           truth
           ,
           that
           the
           more
           restlesly
           Satan
           doth
           follow
           thee
           with
           varietie
           of
           tentations
           ,
           the
           more
           sweetly
           ,
           and
           securely
           thou
           maist
           repose
           thy
           perplexed
           soule
           upon
           this
           comfortable
           perswasion
           ,
           and
           assurance
           that
           thou
           art
           the
           Lords
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           feele
           much
           lumpishnesse
           ,
           and
           dead-heartednesse
           in
           the
           best
           duties
           I
           performe
           ;
           my
           prayers
           have
           little
           or
           no
           
           life
           in
           them
           ,
           my
           mind
           is
           full
           of
           wandrings
           ,
           and
           idle
           vagaries
           ,
           as
           soone
           as
           I
           have
           begun
           to
           seek
           the
           Lord
           :
           whereupon
           I
           am
           oft
           times
           at
           a
           stand
           ,
           not
           knowing
           whether
           I
           were
           best
           proceed
           ,
           or
           recede
           ,
           and
           leave
           off
           .
           And
           which
           doth
           most
           of
           all
           perplexe
           mee
           ,
           Satan
           spares
           not
           to
           cast
           in
           oft
           times
           Atheisticall
           ,
           and
           blasphemous
           thoughts
           ,
           which
           makes
           me
           to
           feare
           ,
           that
           when
           I
           have
           ended
           my
           prayer
           ,
           God
           may
           justly
           begin
           my
           punishment
           ,
           seeing
           I
           have
           more
           offended
           him
           (
           I
           feare
           )
           in
           my
           prayers
           ,
           then
           I
           should
           have
           done
           with
           my
           silence
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           But
           dost
           thou
           admit
           of
           any
           of
           these
           evill
           thoughts
           ,
           are
           they
           not
           such
           as
           make
           thy
           heart
           to
           ake
           ,
           and
           thy
           soul
           to
           bleed
           within
           thee
           ?
           Dost
           
           thou
           not
           ever
           tremble
           at
           the
           thought
           of
           them
           ?
           Then
           feare
           not
           ;
           they
           shall
           not
           be
           layd
           to
           thy
           charge
           .
           Assure
           thy selfe
           those
           sighes
           ,
           and
           groans
           which
           proceed
           from
           thy
           perplexed
           soul
           ,
           shall
           find
           so
           much
           grace
           ,
           and
           favor
           with
           God
           ,
           as
           they
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           prevaile
           with
           him
           for
           that
           blessing
           thou
           hast
           begd
           ,
           and
           standst
           in
           need
           of
           .
           And
           although
           thou
           canst
           not
           pray
           as
           thou
           wouldst
           ,
           yet
           sigh
           ,
           and
           groane
           as
           thou
           shouldst
           ,
           and
           hee
           which
           knowes
           the
           secrets
           of
           all
           hearts
           ,
           will
           be
           able
           to
           understand
           the
           meaning
           of
           thy
           sighs
           ,
           and
           groans
           of
           the
           spirit
           within
           thee
           ,
           which
           doth
           plead
           and
           speak
           to
           God
           for
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           I
           feare
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           abominate
           my
           sacrifice
           and
           service
           ,
           as
           loathsome
           ;
           hee
           
           may
           cast
           it
           as
           dung
           in
           my
           face
           ,
           and
           lay
           some
           judgement
           upon
           mee
           for
           offering
           up
           such
           a
           strange
           sacrifice
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           If
           God
           hath
           given
           thee
           a
           heart
           to
           mourne
           for
           sinne
           ,
           he
           hath
           made
           thee
           able
           to
           offer
           him
           such
           a
           sacrifice
           ,
           as
           hee
           is
           well
           pleased
           with
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           can
           not
           but
           accept
           of
           thy
           person
           ,
           whatsoever
           thy
           failings
           have
           been
           .
           Thy
           grieved
           soul
           ,
           and
           sorrowfull
           spirit
           is
           a
           sacrifice
           which
           casts
           a
           sweet
           savor
           in
           the
           Lords
           nostrills
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           51.17
           .
           And
           would
           God
           accept
           of
           thy
           sacrifice
           ,
           if
           hee
           had
           rejected
           thee
           ?
           No
           ,
           no
           :
           assure
           thy selfe
           that
           God
           hath
           accepted
           of
           thy
           person
           ,
           if
           hee
           accepts
           of
           thy
           sacrifice
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             had
             〈…〉
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             offering
             .
             G●●e
             .
          
           4.4
           .
           The
           melting
           
           of
           thy
           soul
           ,
           and
           the
           kindly
           mourning
           over
           him
           whom
           thou
           hast
           pierced
           with
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           is
           a
           most
           infallible
           evidence
           of
           Gods
           love
           towards
           thee
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           saving
           presence
           of
           his
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           abiding
           in
           thee
           .
           Therefore
           let
           thy
           spirit
           rejoyce
           ,
           in
           that
           thou
           art
           able
           to
           mourne
           for
           sinne
           .
           Those
           teares
           which
           proceed
           from
           a
           grieved
           soul
           ,
           and
           wounded
           spirit
           ,
           may
           be
           compared
           unto
           Aprill
           showers
           ,
           which
           bring
           on
           May-flowers
           ;
           although
           these
           showers
           wet
           where
           they
           fall
           ;
           Yet
           (
           through
           the
           heat
           of
           the
           Sunne
           working
           with
           them
           )
           they
           produce
           a
           great
           deale
           of
           sweetnesse
           in
           those
           plants
           ,
           and
           hearbs
           which
           they
           fall
           upon
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           abundance
           of
           joy
           in
           all
           godly
           sorrow
           .
        
         
         
           As
           the
           harvest
           is
           potentially
           in
           the
           seed
           :
           so
           the
           harvest
           of
           true
           and
           sound
           joy
           growes
           out
           of
           this
           seed
           of
           sorrow
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           126.5
           .
           
             They
             that
             sow
             in
             teares
             ,
             shall
             reap
             in
             joy
             .
          
           Why
           is
           thy
           soul
           then
           so
           troubled
           within
           thee
           ?
           why
           art
           thou
           still
           so
           sad
           ,
           so
           heavie
           ,
           and
           dejected
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           Howsoever
           I
           grieve
           ,
           and
           mourn
           ,
           yet
           I
           can
           not
           beleeve
           that
           there
           is
           any
           truth
           of
           grace
           in
           mee
           ,
           in
           that
           I
           am
           not
           so
           fruitfull
           ,
           and
           profitable
           in
           my
           place
           and
           calling
           ,
           as
           I
           should
           ,
           and
           faine
           would
           bee
           :
           I
           am
           a
           barren
           fruitlesse
           tree
           ,
           one
           that
           cumbers
           the
           earth
           ,
           fit
           for
           nothing
           but
           the
           fire
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           But
           is
           it
           not
           with
           thee
           ,
           as
           it
           fareth
           with
           some
           covetous
           earthly
           gripple-minded
           
           persons
           ,
           which
           spend
           their
           time
           in
           scraping
           ,
           and
           raking
           together
           these
           outward
           things
           ,
           pinch
           their
           bodies
           ,
           and
           are
           ever
           and
           anon
           whining
           ,
           and
           complaining
           that
           they
           have
           nothing
           ,
           when
           as
           their
           chests
           are
           full
           of
           good
           linnen
           ,
           their
           houses
           stored
           ,
           and
           stuffed
           full
           of
           utensills
           ,
           and
           their
           purse
           full
           of
           money
           ;
           but
           being
           blinded
           with
           the
           love
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           think
           they
           have
           nothing
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           not
           so
           much
           as
           their
           covetous
           eye
           would
           look
           over
           ?
           and
           therefore
           do
           neither
           thankfully
           acknowledge
           what
           they
           have
           received
           ,
           nor
           profitably
           improve
           any
           thing
           they
           do
           enjoy
           ,
           either
           to
           Gods
           glory
           ,
           their
           own
           comfort
           ,
           or
           others
           good
           .
           Even
           so
           many
           afflicted
           souls
           being
           overladen
           
           with
           anguish
           of
           mind
           ,
           and
           deluded
           by
           Satan
           ,
           oft
           times
           complaine
           of
           the
           want
           of
           grace
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           plentie
           ,
           not
           seeing
           ,
           as
           the
           saying
           is
           ,
           wood
           for
           trees
           ,
           and
           thus
           do
           bely
           both
           God
           ,
           and
           themselves
           .
           And
           it
           is
           just
           with
           the
           Lord
           somtimes
           to
           hold
           his
           children
           down
           with
           feares
           ,
           and
           doubtings
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           not
           been
           sufficiently
           thankfull
           to
           God
           for
           that
           rich
           grace
           they
           have
           received
           from
           him
           .
           Our
           unthankfulnesse
           is
           not
           only
           as
           a
           great
           fogg
           ,
           and
           mist
           ,
           which
           doth
           exceedingly
           obscure
           ,
           and
           darken
           the
           grace
           of
           God
           in
           his
           children
           ;
           but
           is
           also
           as
           a
           worme
           or
           canker
           which
           eats
           into
           the
           sap
           ,
           and
           heart
           of
           grace
           ,
           so
           as
           it
           thrives
           not
           ,
           nor
           fructifies
           as
           otherwise
           it
           would
           do
           .
        
         
         
           
             But
             such
             as
             are
             planted
             in
             the
             house
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             flourish
             in
             the
             courts
             of
             our
             God.
             Psalm
             .
          
           92.13
           .
           Doth
           not
           the
           Prophet
           Jeremiah
           also
           tell
           us
           ,
           that
           those
           that
           trust
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           whose
           hope
           the
           Lord
           is
           ,
           
             shall
             be
             as
             a
             tree
             planted
             by
             the
             water
             ,
             which
             spreadeth
             out
             her
             roots
             ,
             shall
             not
             care
             for
             the
             yeere
             of
             drought
             ,
             neither
             shall
             cease
             from
             yeelding
             fruit
             .
             Jere.
          
           17.8
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           And
           is
           not
           this
           good
           fruit
           ,
           to
           bemoane
           thy
           barrennesse
           ?
           Admit
           that
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           thou
           dost
           not
           increase
           thy
           spirituall
           stock
           ,
           as
           thou
           desirest
           ;
           thou
           dost
           not
           perceive
           grace
           to
           thrive
           ,
           and
           grow
           in
           thee
           ,
           as
           thou
           dost
           behold
           it
           in
           others
           ;
           must
           it
           needs
           follow
           that
           thou
           are
           therefore
           utterly
           destitute
           ,
           and
           void
           of
           grace
           ?
           A
           man
           whiles
           hee
           is
           
           asleep
           ,
           makes
           no
           use
           of
           many
           good
           things
           hee
           hath
           :
           a
           hand
           benummed
           with
           cold
           ,
           feels
           not
           that
           which
           it
           holds
           fast
           .
           It
           may
           so
           fall
           out
           that
           grace
           may
           be
           somthing
           chilled
           in
           thee
           ,
           doth
           it
           therefore
           follow
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           quite
           killed
           in
           thee
           ?
           Thou
           must
           learn
           to
           put
           a
           difference
           betwixt
           no
           grace
           ,
           and
           grace
           some
           way
           infeebled
           for
           the
           present
           .
           It
           fares
           with
           grace
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           many
           of
           Gods
           children
           ,
           as
           it
           doth
           with
           the
           Moon
           ,
           somtimes
           in
           the
           full
           ,
           and
           somtimes
           in
           the
           wain
           ,
           or
           as
           with
           the
           Sea
           ,
           which
           somtimes
           flowes
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           ebbs
           :
           even
           so
           through
           Satans
           malice
           ,
           and
           our
           own
           frailtie
           ,
           grace
           may
           seem
           somtime
           to
           ebbe
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           then
           no
           wonder
           ,
           if
           the
           heart
           be
           deaded
           ,
           and
           out
           inward
           
           peace
           disturbed
           through
           feares
           and
           doubtings
           .
           Assure
           thy selfe
           ,
           this
           off
           and
           on
           ,
           this
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           this
           heat
           and
           cold
           ,
           ariseth
           from
           those
           principles
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           corruption
           abiding
           in
           all
           the
           Lords
           people
           .
           Corruption
           somtimes
           prevailes
           ,
           and
           this
           royles
           ,
           and
           troubles
           these
           living
           waters
           within
           us
           ,
           and
           makes
           them
           thick
           ,
           and
           muddy
           ,
           so
           as
           little
           good
           appeares
           in
           us
           ;
           but
           anon
           ,
           when
           the
           wind
           of
           the
           spirit
           blowes
           againe
           ,
           with
           its
           holy
           blast
           it
           cleanseth
           ,
           and
           refineth
           these
           troubled
           waters
           ,
           whose
           cleernesse
           may
           again
           be
           seen
           ,
           and
           whose
           goodnesse
           may
           be
           tasted
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           my
           case
           is
           worse
           then
           ordinary
           :
           for
           I
           have
           returned
           with
           the
           dogge
           ,
           to
           lick
           up
           my
           old
           vomit
           ;
           after
           repenting
           ,
           
           and
           cleansing
           ,
           yea
           ,
           covenanting
           with
           God
           for
           ever
           to
           renounce
           ,
           and
           abandon
           my
           former
           sinnes
           ,
           I
           have
           with
           the
           swine
           wallowed
           in
           the
           old
           mire
           of
           filthinesse
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           cannot
           think
           that
           ever
           grace
           was
           in
           truth
           begun
           in
           mee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           If
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           thy
           case
           is
           the
           more
           lamentable
           ,
           and
           fearefull
           but
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           desperate
           .
           For
           divers
           of
           the
           Lords
           people
           ,
           many
           worthie
           ones
           have
           relapsed
           ,
           have
           fallen
           back
           unto
           old
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           yet
           by
           the
           goodnesse
           and
           mercie
           of
           God
           ,
           have
           recovered
           themselves
           againe
           ,
           and
           gained
           the
           love
           ,
           and
           favor
           of
           God.
           Did
           not
           Abraham
           sinne
           the
           matter
           of
           Sarah
           his
           wife
           ?
           hazarding
           her
           chastitie
           by
           a
           poore
           plot
           ,
           yea
           a
           sinfull
           pollicie
           ,
           exposing
           his
           
           wife
           to
           adultrey
           for
           his
           own
           outward
           peace
           and
           safety
           ?
           Who
           can
           say
           that
           Abrahams
           heart
           (
           at
           the
           first
           )
           smote
           him
           not
           for
           this
           evill
           ?
           Yet
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           hee
           fell
           into
           the
           same
           sinne
           againe
           .
           Hee
           that
           peruseth
           the
           book
           of
           the
           Judges
           ,
           shall
           find
           Israel
           fallen
           into
           idolatry
           ,
           and
           upon
           correction
           ,
           humbled
           and
           penitent
           ;
           and
           yet
           afterwards
           againe
           ,
           and
           again
           fallen
           into
           the
           same
           wickednesse
           they
           had
           formerly
           repented
           of
           .
           Was
           not
           Jonas
           (
           thinke
           you
           )
           thorrowly
           humbled
           for
           his
           sinne
           of
           stubbornnesse
           ,
           and
           disobedience
           ,
           when
           hee
           felt
           the
           smart
           of
           it
           ,
           in
           the
           Whales
           belly
           ?
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           when
           he
           saw
           the
           Lord
           so
           mercifull
           as
           to
           spare
           Ninivie
           upon
           her
           humiliation
           and
           repentance
           ,
           how
           angry
           was
           he
           with
           God
           ,
           
           justifying
           his
           former
           sinne
           ;
           which
           in
           effect
           ,
           and
           before
           God
           ,
           was
           all
           one
           to
           have
           committed
           the
           same
           sinne
           againe
           ?
           yet
           the
           Lord
           forgave
           these
           ,
           and
           received
           them
           againe
           to
           mercie
           .
           Doth
           not
           the
           Lord
           enjoyne
           us
           to
           forgive
           our
           brother
           offending
           us
           daily
           ,
           even
           unto
           Seventy
           times
           seven
           times
           ,
           if
           hee
           repent
           ?
           Matth.
           18.22
           .
           And
           will
           the
           Lord
           enjoyn
           us
           that
           act
           of
           mercie
           ,
           and
           compassion
           wherein
           himselfe
           will
           not
           be
           exemplar
           unto
           us
           ?
           Is
           there
           any
           drop
           of
           pittie
           ,
           or
           kindnesse
           in
           us
           ,
           which
           comes
           not
           out
           of
           that
           bottomlesse
           sea
           of
           love
           ,
           and
           mercie
           in
           the
           Lord
           ?
           if
           wee
           must
           forgive
           our
           brother
           so
           many
           times
           in
           the
           day
           ,
           no
           doubt
           but
           the
           Lord
           (
           in
           whom
           is
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           goodnesse
           and
           compassion
           )
           
           will
           receive
           humbled
           sinners
           ,
           as
           often
           as
           they
           returne
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           no
           sinne
           ,
           but
           blasphemie
           against
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           which
           upon
           repentance
           shall
           not
           be
           pardoned
           .
           If
           residnation
           ,
           and
           relapsing
           into
           the
           same
           sinne
           may
           bee
           repented
           of
           ,
           questionlesse
           it
           may
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           pardoned
           at
           Gods
           hand
           .
           And
           whereas
           some
           may
           think
           that
           true
           grace
           will
           preserve
           any
           from
           falling
           into
           the
           same
           sinne
           againe
           ,
           whereof
           hee
           hath
           formerly
           repented
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           fond
           error
           :
           for
           if
           the
           Lord
           leave
           any
           unto
           themselves
           ,
           they
           will
           be
           as
           ready
           ,
           nay
           more
           ready
           ,
           to
           fall
           into
           the
           old
           sin
           ,
           then
           into
           a
           new
           ;
           the
           disposition
           ,
           and
           naturall
           temper
           being
           more
           inclinable
           to
           that
           evill
           then
           any
           other
           ;
           and
           
           Satan
           knowing
           which
           way
           the
           poore
           sinner
           hath
           been
           most
           foiled
           ,
           will
           that
           way
           most
           strongly
           againe
           assault
           him
           .
           It
           is
           therefore
           a
           binding
           of
           the
           Lords
           hands
           ,
           a
           confining
           ,
           and
           limiting
           of
           his
           boundlesse
           mercie
           ,
           and
           compassion
           ,
           yea
           ,
           an
           undervalewing
           of
           the
           all-sufficiencie
           of
           Christ
           ,
           his
           merit
           and
           passion
           ,
           to
           say
           that
           relapsing
           into
           former
           sinnes
           is
           a
           thing
           unpardonable
           ;
           or
           that
           a
           person
           so
           offending
           was
           never
           in
           the
           state
           of
           grace
           ,
           or
           can
           be
           a
           true
           member
           of
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           .
           The
           covenant
           of
           grace
           excludes
           none
           ,
           but
           impenitent
           and
           unbeleeving
           persons
           .
           Truth
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           burnt
           child
           dreads
           the
           fire
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           not
           an
           ordinary
           thing
           for
           the
           childe
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           state
           of
           grace
           ,
           to
           
           fall
           back
           againe
           to
           his
           old
           byas
           ;
           but
           that
           it
           is
           not
           possible
           for
           him
           (
           it
           God
           leave
           him
           )
           so
           to
           fall
           ,
           or
           that
           true
           grace
           will
           not
           admit
           of
           any
           such
           falls
           ,
           is
           more
           then
           can
           be
           warranted
           ,
           or
           proved
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           God.
           I
           speak
           not
           this
           (
           God
           knowes
           )
           to
           countenance
           ,
           or
           bolster
           any
           in
           their
           sinne
           ;
           but
           partly
           to
           magnifie
           the
           boundlesse
           and
           unlimited
           patience
           ,
           and
           mercy
           of
           our
           good
           God
           ,
           and
           partly
           to
           underlay
           and
           comfort
           that
           poore
           afflicted
           soul
           ,
           &
           wounded
           conscience
           ,
           who
           through
           his
           owne
           pride
           ,
           selfe
           confidence
           ,
           or
           securitie
           ,
           and
           Satans
           pollicie
           ,
           hath
           been
           againe
           intangled
           in
           that
           snare
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           ,
           by
           former
           repentance
           ,
           hee
           hath
           been
           delivered
           .
           This
           is
           the
           childrens
           bread
           ,
           it
           belongs
           not
           
           unto
           dogs
           .
           Impudent
           ,
           and
           impenitent
           sinners
           can
           claim
           no
           interest
           in
           this
           comfort
           :
           it
           is
           baulme
           to
           heale
           onely
           wounded
           consciences
           ;
           whom
           I
           would
           not
           have
           to
           be
           so
           strongly
           deluded
           by
           satan
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           beat
           off
           from
           repentance
           ,
           and
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ,
           or
           to
           think
           that
           they
           never
           had
           any
           true
           grace
           ,
           or
           that
           their
           former
           repentance
           was
           ever
           sound
           ,
           because
           old
           sores
           are
           againe
           broke
           out
           in
           them
           ,
           they
           have
           relapsed
           into
           old
           sinnes
           .
           The
           worke
           of
           grace
           doth
           not
           wholly
           take
           away
           all
           sinne
           ,
           nor
           free
           us
           from
           it
           ,
           but
           only
           weakens
           it
           ,
           and
           workes
           the
           heart
           to
           a
           hatred
           and
           detestation
           of
           it
           .
           And
           know
           ,
           that
           if
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           when
           thou
           wert
           Gods
           enemie
           ,
           could
           not
           prevent
           his
           love
           ,
           much
           lesse
           
           shall
           it
           now
           thou
           art
           reconciled
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           by
           my
           relapsing
           ,
           I
           have
           made
           the
           Lord
           such
           a
           gracelesse
           requitall
           of
           his
           former
           love
           and
           kindnesse
           ,
           as
           I
           know
           not
           how
           to
           look
           him
           in
           the
           face
           againe
           :
           yea
           ,
           I
           begin
           to
           feare
           I
           shall
           never
           againe
           recover
           that
           which
           I
           have
           so
           wretchedly
           lost
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           I
           pitie
           thee
           .
           Doth
           thy
           heart
           faint
           ?
           hath
           thy
           faith
           lost
           its
           former
           feeling
           ,
           or
           working
           in
           thee
           ?
           dost
           thou
           now
           behold
           Gods
           angry
           countenance
           bent
           against
           thee
           ?
           hath
           the
           Lord
           (
           as
           thou
           concievest
           )
           set
           thee
           up
           as
           a
           spectacle
           for
           men
           and
           Angels
           to
           wonder
           at
           ?
           throw
           thy self
           prosttate
           at
           Gods
           feet
           ,
           let
           not
           thy
           soul
           leave
           cleaving
           to
           the
           dust
           ,
           never
           leave
           knocking
           at
           the
           dore
           
           of
           his
           goodnesse
           ,
           and
           compassion
           ,
           intreat
           him
           to
           look
           upon
           thee
           a
           poore
           confounded
           wretch
           ,
           beseech
           him
           to
           behold
           thee
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           ;
           tell
           him
           here
           lyes
           a
           miserable
           caitiffe
           a
           forlorn
           creature
           ,
           a
           wounded
           and
           forsaken
           sinner
           ,
           one
           that
           resolves
           to
           lye
           ,
           and
           dye
           at
           his
           feet
           ,
           one
           that
           will
           set
           down
           at
           the
           threshold
           of
           his
           tender
           mercyes
           ,
           and
           never
           depart
           without
           some
           almes
           ,
           some
           crums
           of
           mercy
           to
           revive
           ,
           and
           refresh
           thy
           languishing
           soul
           withall
           ;
           and
           (
           my
           life
           for
           thine
           )
           in
           due
           time
           the
           Lord
           will
           satiate
           thy
           heart
           with
           comfortable
           tydings
           (
           from
           Heaven
           )
           of
           his
           reconciliation
           and
           of
           the
           pardon
           ,
           and
           forgivenesse
           of
           all
           thy
           sinnes
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           There
           were
           some
           hope
           ,
           if
           
           I
           had
           not
           gon
           on
           so
           long
           in
           my
           sinne
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           done
           :
           there
           was
           a
           time
           (
           I
           am
           perswaded
           )
           when
           I
           was
           capable
           of
           mercy
           ,
           but
           that
           time
           (
           I
           feare
           )
           is
           gon
           and
           past
           ,
           Gods
           mercy
           is
           out
           of
           date
           with
           me
           ,
           and
           therefore
           I
           am
           undone
           for
           ever
           .
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           the
           
             Lord
             waites
             that
             he
             may
             have
             mercy
             upon
             thee
             and
             therefore
             will
             he
             be
             exalted
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             have
             compassion
             upon
             you
             Isa
             .
          
           30.18
           .
           The
           Lord
           hath
           proclamed
           himself
           to
           
             be
             abundant
             in
             goodnesse
             ,
             reserving
             mercy
             for
             thousands
             ,
             Exod.
          
           34.6
           ,
           7.
           
           Hee
           hath
           mercy
           in
           store
           for
           thee
           as
           well
           as
           for
           others
           ,
           if
           thou
           canst
           truly
           repent
           thee
           of
           thy
           former
           wickednesse
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             forgiveth
             iniquity
             ,
             transgression
             and
             sinne
             ,
             Ez.
          
           34.7
           .
           It
           would
           highly
           derogate
           
           from
           the
           Lords
           power
           ,
           from
           his
           all-sufficiencie
           ,
           and
           boundlesse
           goodnesse
           and
           mercy
           it
           he
           should
           not
           forgive
           capitall
           and
           foul
           sinnes
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           petty
           and
           small
           sinnes
           .
        
         
           Consider
           what
           the
           Lord
           hath
           promised
           ,
           Ezek.
           18.21
           ,
           22.
           
           
             None
             of
             all
             his
             transgressions
             shall
             be
             mentioned
             .
             And
             againe
             verse
          
           23.
           
           
             Hath
             the
             Lord
             any
             desire
             thou
             shouldest
             perish
             ,
             or
             shalt
             thou
             not
             live
             if
             thou
             returne
             from
             thine
             owne
             wayes
             ?
          
           It
           is
           not
           any
           sinne
           ,
           but
           the
           love
           of
           sinne
           and
           the
           going
           on
           in
           sinne
           ,
           that
           seperates
           betwixt
           God
           ,
           and
           a
           poore
           sinner
           .
           Now
           then
           cheer
           up
           thy
           drooping
           spirits
           ,
           stand
           it
           out
           no
           longer
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           his
           goodnesse
           :
           lay
           downe
           ,
           not
           only
           thy
           
           weapons
           of
           disobedience
           ,
           but
           also
           all
           carnall
           reasonings
           :
           captivate
           thy
           will
           unto
           Gods
           will
           ,
           and
           then
           whatsoever
           thy
           sinns
           have
           been
           ,
           whatsoever
           thy
           tentations
           ,
           distractions
           ,
           feares
           ,
           or
           doubtings
           be
           ,
           if
           thou
           wilt
           beleeve
           ,
           the
           Lord
           will
           graciously
           accept
           of
           thee
           for
           his
           sonns
           sake
           .
           The
           Lord
           stands
           not
           upon
           thy
           sinns
           ,
           nor
           thy
           unworthynesse
           (
           as
           I
           have
           formerly
           said
           )
           he
           bids
           thee
           beleeve
           :
           therefore
           tho
           thou
           beest
           unworthy
           of
           Gods
           favor
           ,
           and
           mercy
           ,
           yea
           beleeve
           because
           God
           commands
           thee
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           worthy
           to
           be
           obeyed
           .
           By
           beleeving
           ,
           Christ
           and
           his
           righteousnesse
           become
           thine
           :
           and
           having
           Christ
           ,
           neither
           sin
           ,
           nor
           the
           law
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           hurt
           thee
           ,
           for
           faith
           reprives
           
           us
           from
           the
           law
           ,
           and
           puts
           us
           under
           grace
           .
           Therefore
           beleeve
           ,
           else
           never
           looke
           to
           have
           any
           sound
           joy
           ,
           or
           true
           peace
           to
           thy
           soul
           ,
           the
           heart
           is
           filled
           
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             peace
             in
             beleeving
             .
             Rom.
          
           15.13
           ▪
           Where
           there
           is
           doubting
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           or
           our
           own
           salvation
           ,
           there
           can
           bee
           neither
           joy
           ,
           nor
           peace
           ,
           but
           anxiety
           ,
           trouble
           ,
           vexation
           ,
           and
           griefe
           .
           Faith
           pacifies
           and
           quiets
           all
           .
           
             For
             being
             justified
             by
             faith
             we
             have
             peace
             towards
             God
             ,
             through
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             under
             the
             bope
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             neither
             do
             we
             so
             onely
             but
             also
             we
             rejoyce
             in
             tribulations
             .
             Rom.
          
           5.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           True
           faith
           tho
           never
           so
           little
           is
           able
           to
           keepe
           thy
           soul
           from
           sinking
           under
           any
           affliction
           ,
           be
           it
           never
           so
           great
           ,
           
           or
           grievous
           ;
           When
           Peter
           was
           strong
           in
           faith
           he
           could
           cast
           himself
           into
           the
           Sea
           ,
           but
           his
           heart
           and
           faith
           failing
           ,
           he
           began
           to
           sink
           :
           little
           and
           weak
           faith
           will
           be
           able
           to
           keep
           us
           from
           drowning
           ,
           but
           not
           from
           beginning
           to
           sink
           .
           When
           Peters
           faith
           was
           weakest
           ,
           Christ
           was
           nearest
           at
           hand
           to
           helpe
           him
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           who
           never
           did
           ,
           nor
           will
           reject
           the
           weakest
           beleever
           ,
           put
           forth
           his
           hand
           ,
           and
           saved
           Peter
           ,
           but
           yet
           withall
           reproved
           him
           for
           doubting
           .
           
             O
             thou
             of
             little
             faith
             wherefore
             didst
             thou
             doubt
             .
             Mat.
          
           14.31
           .
           Doubt
           not
           therefore
           but
           beleeve
           :
           And
           be
           perswaded
           that
           if
           the
           Lord
           intended
           not
           to
           shew
           mercy
           unto
           thee
           ;
           he
           would
           never
           haue
           given
           thee
           an
           eye
           to
           see
           thy
           sinnes
           ,
           a
           heart
           to
           grieve
           ,
           
           and
           mourn
           for
           them
           ,
           or
           a
           tongue
           to
           desire
           the
           pardon
           and
           forgivenesse
           of
           them
           .
           Therefore
           assure
           thy selfe
           ,
           that
           a
           grieved
           spirit
           ,
           a
           sorrowfull
           heart
           ,
           a
           wounded
           conscience
           is
           no
           sure
           argument
           of
           a
           forlorn
           condition
           ,
           or
           of
           the
           want
           of
           the
           love
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             2
          
           
           Againe
           ,
           is
           it
           so
           ?
           is
           this
           the
           best
           way
           for
           us
           ,
           to
           bee
           patient
           and
           cheerfull
           in
           affliction
           ,
           to
           bee
           perswaded
           of
           Gods
           love
           ?
           Labor
           wee
           then
           to
           get
           our
           hearts
           setled
           in
           this
           perswasion
           and
           thou
           shalt
           finde
           the
           anguish
           of
           thy
           affliction
           much
           alaied
           ,
           thou
           shalt
           feel
           the
           smart
           of
           it
           much
           abated
           .
           Holy
           Job
           was
           brought
           to
           a
           low
           ,
           and
           pittyfull
           condition
           ,
           when
           he
           desired
           
             to
             he
             let
             alone
             whiles
             he
             might
             swallow
             his
             spittle
             .
             Job
          
           
           7.19
           .
           Yet
           even
           then
           Job
           wondred
           at
           the
           goodnesse
           and
           favor
           of
           God
           that
           he
           would
           think
           him
           worthy
           the
           melting
           and
           trying
           .
           
             What
             is
             man
             that
             thou
             dost
             magnifie
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             settest
             thine
             heart
             upon
             him
             ?
             And
             dost
             visit
             him
             every
             morning
             ,
             and
             triest
             him
             every
             moment
             .
             Job
          
           7.17
           ,
           18.
           
        
         
           Being
           then
           undoubtedly
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           when
           God
           comes
           neer
           thee
           with
           affliction
           ,
           he
           is
           neer
           thee
           in
           affection
           ,
           that
           when
           he
           corrects
           thee
           ,
           he
           loves
           thee
           ,
           for
           until
           the
           heart
           of
           man
           be
           thorowly
           perswaded
           hereof
           ,
           hee
           shall
           never
           take
           comfort
           in
           ,
           nor
           pick
           any
           good
           out
           of
           his
           affliction
           .
           Imagine
           with
           me
           a
           man
           who
           hath
           every
           day
           his
           full
           feed
           of
           the
           best
           and
           what
           outward
           comfort
           
           he
           will
           call
           for
           ;
           what
           true
           content
           can
           hee
           take
           in
           these
           things
           when
           hee
           knows
           that
           hee
           is
           under
           the
           displeasure
           of
           his
           Prince
           ,
           and
           so
           in
           danger
           every
           day
           of
           being
           cast
           into
           prison
           ?
           whereas
           if
           (
           through
           the
           rage
           and
           malice
           of
           some
           of
           his
           enemies
           )
           hee
           were
           cast
           into
           prison
           ,
           if
           he
           were
           perswaded
           of
           the
           Kings
           love
           ,
           hee
           would
           rest
           contented
           ,
           knowing
           and
           beleeving
           that
           the
           King
           will
           honor
           him
           for
           his
           reproach
           ,
           and
           ere
           it
           be
           long
           set
           him
           free
           againe
           .
           Even
           so
           it
           is
           with
           every
           one
           that
           is
           perswaded
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           his
           affliction
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           as
           at
           all
           times
           ,
           so
           especially
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           ,
           Gods
           children
           should
           live
           by
           faith
           .
           Affliction
           is
           like
           to
           do
           us
           
           little
           good
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           not
           tempered
           with
           faith
           .
           As
           that
           meate
           which
           we
           take
           into
           our
           stomack
           concocteth
           not
           if
           the
           native
           heat
           be
           defective
           and
           wanting
           ;
           even
           so
           that
           affliction
           which
           is
           administred
           unto
           us
           will
           profit
           us
           little
           if
           faith
           be
           wanting
           unto
           us
           .
           Faith
           stilleth
           the
           heart
           even
           in
           our
           sorest
           ,
           and
           greatest
           afflictions
           ,
           perswading
           us
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           correcting
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Lord
           intendeth
           our
           great
           good
           by
           this
           affliction
           which
           lyeth
           upon
           us
           ,
           the
           love
           and
           care
           which
           parents
           have
           of
           their
           childrens
           good
           and
           wellfare
           ,
           doth
           not
           wholy
           consist
           in
           providing
           of
           meat
           ,
           drink
           and
           apparel
           for
           them
           ,
           but
           partly
           in
           correcting
           of
           them
           for
           their
           good
           ,
           and
           partly
           in
           
           
           
           
           
           providing
           of
           physick
           for
           them
           when
           they
           are
           any
           way
           distempered
           .
           Even
           so
           almighty
           God
           our
           mercifull
           and
           loving
           father
           ,
           doth
           no
           lesse
           love
           us
           when
           he
           corrects
           &
           afflicts
           us
           ,
           which
           (
           as
           you
           have
           heard
           )
           is
           the
           physicking
           of
           our
           soules
           then
           when
           he
           provideth
           outward
           necessaries
           for
           us
           ;
           and
           this
           faith
           doth
           perswade
           the
           heart
           of
           .
           For
           faith
           judgeth
           not
           of
           things
           by
           sense
           or
           outward
           appearance
           ,
           but
           as
           the
           truth
           is
           in
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           justifying
           the
           Lord
           in
           all
           his
           waies
           ,
           alway
           magnifying
           the
           wise
           and
           holy
           proceedings
           of
           our
           good
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           best
           ,
           and
           most
           profitable
           for
           us
           .
           It
           is
           only
           the
           apprehension
           of
           some
           losse
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           some
           evill
           ,
           or
           the
           sense
           of
           Gods
           
           wrath
           ,
           and
           displeasure
           in
           our
           affliction
           ,
           which
           makes
           the
           heart
           so
           sad
           ,
           and
           the
           spirits
           so
           lumpish
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           :
           then
           set
           thy
           faith
           on
           work
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           blow
           over
           all
           these
           clouds
           ,
           it
           will
           answer
           all
           carnall
           doubts
           and
           reasonings
           and
           so
           settle
           the
           heart
           in
           a
           constant
           perswasion
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           be
           thankfull
           for
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           because
           we
           know
           and
           beleeve
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           loves
           us
           .
           And
           to
           put
           the
           matter
           out
           of
           all
           doubting
           ,
           I
           will
           lay
           down
           a
           few
           (
           but
           sure
           and
           certain
           )
           evidences
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           correcting
           of
           us
        
         
           Dost
           thou
           desire
           to
           know
           whether
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           thee
           loveth
           thee
           ?
           
           whether
           
           his
           stripes
           bee
           the
           blowes
           of
           an
           enemy
           ,
           or
           the
           chastisement
           of
           a
           loving
           father
           ?
           thou
           mayest
           know
           it
           by
           these
           tokens
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           when
           God
           gives
           thee
           a
           heart
           to
           be
           contented
           ;
           and
           a
           minde
           to
           be
           willing
           to
           beare
           whatsoever
           he
           shall
           lay
           upon
           thee
           ,
           and
           to
           want
           whatsoever
           thou
           seest
           the
           Lord
           is
           not
           willing
           thou
           shouldst
           injoy
           .
           Hee
           that
           doth
           not
           rest
           content
           with
           the
           love
           and
           favor
           of
           God
           in
           the
           want
           of
           outward
           ,
           yea
           the
           best
           of
           outward
           things
           ,
           doth
           not
           rightly
           prize
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ;
           in
           that
           the
           want
           of
           other
           things
           doth
           more
           affect
           him
           and
           take
           up
           his
           minde
           ,
           then
           the
           consideration
           of
           Gods
           love
           ,
           and
           he
           more
           discontented
           in
           the
           missing
           of
           the
           
           one
           ,
           then
           contented
           with
           the
           possession
           of
           the
           other
           .
           He
           that
           cannot
           be
           content
           to
           part
           with
           any
           earthly
           benefit
           when
           God
           shall
           call
           for
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           be
           feared
           ,
           that
           man
           never
           felt
           the
           sweetnes
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           the
           assurance
           of
           the
           pardon
           and
           forgivenesse
           of
           his
           sinnes
           .
           
             Skin
             for
             skin
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             ever
             a
             man
             hath
             will
             he
             give
             for
             his
             life
             ,
             Job
             .
          
           2.4
           .
           Then
           much
           more
           will
           hee
           part
           with
           all
           that
           hee
           hath
           ,
           so
           be
           it
           he
           may
           have
           his
           part
           in
           Gods
           love
           ,
           
             for
             thy
             loving
             kindnesse
             is
             better
             then
             life
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           63.3
           .
           for
           what
           is
           life
           but
           death
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           not
           upheld
           by
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ?
           Art
           thou
           then
           heartily
           content
           with
           the
           Lords
           handling
           of
           thee
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           with
           all
           cheerefulnesse
           take
           up
           thy
           crosse
           and
           beare
           thine
           affliction
           ?
           
           Canst
           thou
           truely
           say
           ,
           
             Behold
             here
             am
             I
             ,
             let
             him
             do
             to
             mee
             ,
             as
             seemeth
             good
             in
             his
             eyes
             .
          
           2.
           
           Sam.
           15.26
           .
           I
           dare
           be
           bold
           to
           say
           ,
           thou
           art
           an
           happy
           man
           ,
           God
           in
           afflicting
           thee
           ,
           loveth
           thee
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           God
           loves
           thee
           ,
           hee
           will
           fetch
           thee
           neerer
           unto
           him
           by
           thy
           affliction
           .
           See
           what
           the
           Church
           professed
           ,
           Esay
           .
           26.8
           ,
           9.
           
           
             Also
             wee
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             have
             waited
             for
             thee
             in
             the
             way
             of
             thy
             judgements
             ,
             the
             desire
             of
             our
             soul
             is
             to
             thy
             name
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             remembrance
             of
             thee
             .
             With
             my
             soul
             have
             I
             desired
             thee
             in
             the
             night
             ,
             and
             with
             my
             spirit
             within
             me
             will
             I
             seek
             thee
             in
             the
             morning
             .
          
           By
           which
           words
           it
           appeares
           that
           Gods
           people
           ,
           those
           that
           are
           beloved
           of
           him
           ,
           are
           so
           farre
           from
           being
           driven
           from
           God
           by
           
           affliction
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           brought
           thereby
           neerer
           unto
           him
           .
           Afflictions
           are
           so
           farre
           from
           extinguishing
           grace
           in
           Gods
           people
           ,
           that
           they
           increase
           it
           rather
           ;
           as
           water
           cast
           upon
           the
           smiths
           fire
           doth
           not
           put
           it
           out
           ,
           but
           increaseth
           the
           flame
           thereof
           .
           Afflictions
           drive
           us
           unto
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           ,
           Esay
           ,
           26.16
           .
           
             In
             trouble
             have
             they
             visited
             thee
             ,
             they
             powred
             out
             a
             prayer
             when
             thy
             chastning
             was
             upon
             them
             .
          
           Affliction
           will
           send
           us
           to
           the
           Sanctuary
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           more
           diligent
           in
           hearing
           the
           Word
           ,
           more
           conscionable
           in
           the
           practise
           of
           good
           dueties
           .
           So
           that
           as
           judgements
           lighting
           upon
           the
           wicked
           do
           come
           from
           Gods
           avenging
           wrath
           and
           justice
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           as
           pikes
           and
           clubs
           ,
           to
           beat
           them
           
           further
           off
           from
           God
           ,
           even
           so
           those
           afflictions
           which
           befall
           his
           people
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           his
           love
           ,
           are
           as
           cords
           to
           draw
           them
           neerer
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           thou
           mayest
           assure
           thy selfe
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           afflicting
           of
           thee
           ,
           if
           thine
           afflictions
           do
           raise
           up
           godly
           sorrow
           in
           thy
           heart
           ,
           causing
           thee
           to
           grieve
           ,
           and
           be
           disquieted
           that
           thou
           shouldest
           by
           thy
           wickednesse
           thus
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           put
           him
           as
           it
           were
           out
           of
           his
           course
           ,
           forcing
           him
           to
           do
           that
           which
           he
           goeth
           unwillingly
           about
           ,
           for
           
             Hee
             doth
             not
             punish
             willingly
             ,
             nor
             afflict
             the
             children
             of
             men
             ,
             Lam.
          
           3.33
           .
           This
           was
           that
           which
           did
           break
           the
           heart
           of
           David
           ,
           to
           consider
           how
           hee
           had
           offended
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           had
           been
           so
           gracious
           ,
           
           and
           bountifull
           unto
           him
           .
           
             Against
             thee
             ,
             against
             thee
             only
             have
             I
             sinned
             ,
             and
             done
             evill
             in
             thy
             sight
             ,
             that
             thou
             mayest
             be
             just
             when
             thou
             speakest
             ,
             and
             pure
             when
             thou
             judgest
             ,
             Psalme
             ,
          
           51.4
           .
        
         
           A
           good
           heart
           grieves
           more
           that
           by
           his
           sinnes
           hee
           hath
           grieved
           God
           ,
           
           then
           that
           God
           hath
           grieved
           him
           by
           some
           affliction
           .
           And
           therefore
           had
           rather
           the
           Lord
           would
           take
           away
           his
           sinne
           then
           his
           affliction
           .
           And
           therefore
           when
           the
           Lord
           had
           so
           severely
           threatned
           David
           ,
           by
           the
           mouth
           of
           his
           Prophet
           
             Nathan
             ,
             David
          
           cries
           not
           out
           through
           feare
           of
           Gods
           judgements
           )
           as
           some
           would
           have
           done
           upon
           so
           hard
           tydings
           ,
           Alas
           ,
           I
           am
           undone
           ,
           how
           shall
           I
           ever
           be
           able
           to
           hold
           up
           
           my
           head
           ,
           if
           Gods
           judgements
           come
           so
           thick
           upon
           mee
           ,
           &c.
           
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           the
           sword
           which
           pierced
           Davids
           heart
           ,
           was
           his
           sinne
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           therefore
           hee
           praies
           ,
           
             Wash
             mee
             throughly
             from
             mine
             iniquitie
             ,
             and
             cleanse
             me
             from
             my
             sinne
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           51.2
           .
           Hee
           that
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           can
           find
           his
           sinne
           the
           greatest
           cause
           of
           his
           humiliation
           ,
           may
           assure
           himselfe
           of
           a
           sanctified
           use
           of
           his
           affliction
           ,
           and
           of
           Gods
           love
           in
           so
           dealing
           with
           him
           .
           Wee
           shall
           find
           little
           fruit
           ,
           and
           lesse
           comfort
           to
           grow
           out
           of
           our
           griefe
           ,
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           humiliation
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           for
           outward
           things
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           sinne
           .
           Grieve
           wee
           never
           so
           much
           ,
           never
           so
           long
           for
           our
           outward
           afflictions
           and
           crosses
           ,
           our
           griefes
           can
           neither
           abate
           them
           ,
           nor
           remove
           
           them
           :
           whereas
           godly
           sorrow
           ,
           sorrow
           for
           sinne
           ,
           if
           it
           doth
           not
           batter
           our
           crosse
           ,
           it
           weakens
           it
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           meane
           time
           ,
           procureth
           much
           ease
           to
           the
           minde
           ,
           and
           peace
           to
           the
           conscience
           .
        
         
           Assure
           thy selfe
           ,
           that
           sorrow
           is
           no
           where
           so
           well
           bestowed
           ,
           as
           upon
           sinne
           :
           Godly
           sorrow
           is
           the
           salve
           appointed
           to
           heale
           ,
           and
           cure
           sinne
           ;
           now
           to
           apply
           this
           salve
           to
           a
           wrong
           sore
           (
           to
           affliction
           )
           is
           lost
           labor
           .
           Learn
           therefore
           to
           turn
           thy
           sorrow
           against
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           and
           then
           thou
           wilt
           say
           as
           David
           speakes
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           119.75
           .
           
             I
             know
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             thy
             judgements
             are
             right
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             hast
             afflicted
             me
             justly
             ,
          
           as
           the
           old
           translation
           hath
           it
           .
           And
           so
           saying
           ,
           thou
           mayst
           boldly
           proceed
           with
           David
           ,
           and
           pray
           ,
           
             Let
             thy
             mercy
             comfort
             
             mee
             according
             to
             thy
             promise
             unto
             thy
             servant
             ,
             Let
             thy
             tender
             mercies
             come
             unto
             me
             that
             I
             may
             live
             ,
          
           vers
           .
           76.77
           .
           Therefore
           whensoever
           the
           Lord
           entereth
           into
           judgment
           with
           thee
           ,
           fall
           thou
           to
           judging
           of
           thy selfe
           .
           Accuse
           thy selfe
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           be
           justified
           .
           And
           let
           thine
           own
           heart
           speak
           unto
           thee
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Hast
             thou
             not
             procured
             this
             unto
             thy selfe
             ,
             because
             thou
             hast
             forsaken
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ?
             Jere.
          
           2.17
           .
           This
           is
           a
           good
           signe
           that
           God
           will
           do
           thee
           good
           by
           thine
           affliction
           ,
           which
           hee
           would
           not
           ,
           if
           hee
           did
           not
           love
           thee
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           and
           lastly
           ,
           thou
           maiest
           bee
           assured
           that
           God
           afflicteth
           thee
           in
           love
           ,
           if
           hee
           gives
           thee
           a
           heart
           to
           be
           thankfull
           to
           him
           for
           thine
           affliction
           .
           
           Canst
           thou
           blesse
           God
           ,
           taking
           from
           thee
           as
           well
           as
           giving
           unto
           thee
           ?
           I
           dare
           then
           confidently
           avouch
           that
           thine
           afflictions
           are
           sanctified
           unto
           thee
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           love
           he
           hath
           afflicted
           thee
           .
           Thus
           did
           
             Job
             ,
             The
             Lord
             hath
             given
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             hath
             taken
             it
             ,
             blessed
             be
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Job
          
           1.21
           .
           For
           prosperitie
           ,
           and
           good
           things
           many
           wicked
           men
           will
           (
           in
           their
           manner
           )
           be
           thankfull
           to
           God
           ;
           but
           for
           adversitie
           ,
           and
           such
           things
           as
           are
           in
           appearance
           evill
           ,
           to
           be
           thankfull
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           property
           onely
           of
           good
           men
           .
           Wee
           can
           easily
           bee
           brought
           to
           praise
           the
           Lord
           when
           hee
           pleaseth
           us
           ,
           but
           when
           hee
           crosseth
           us
           ,
           when
           he
           cuts
           us
           short
           ,
           and
           keeps
           us
           to
           hard
           meat
           ,
           then
           to
           blesse
           and
           
           praise
           his
           name
           ,
           this
           is
           clean
           against
           our
           nature
           ;
           it
           is
           onely
           the
           worke
           of
           grace
           in
           us
           ,
           for
           grace
           will
           make
           those
           things
           easie
           which
           are
           very
           hard
           and
           difficult
           unto
           nature
           .
           And
           therefore
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           better
           evidence
           of
           a
           gracious
           and
           sanctified
           heart
           ,
           then
           to
           praise
           and
           glorifie
           God
           for
           afflictions
           .
           For
           in
           so
           doing
           ,
           a
           man
           doth
           justifie
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           dealing
           ;
           yea
           by
           our
           thankfulnesse
           for
           afflictions
           ,
           we
           magnifie
           the
           glorious
           attributes
           of
           God
           ,
           wee
           acknowledge
           his
           justice
           ,
           Psal
           .
           119.75
           .
           
             I
             know
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             that
             thy
             judgements
             are
             right
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             hast
             afflicted
             me
             justly
             .
          
           Wee
           acknowledge
           his
           truth
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           19.9
           .
           
             The
             judgements
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             true
             ,
             and
             righteous
             altogether
             .
          
           
           Wee
           acknowledge
           his
           mercie
           ,
           Psalm
           .
           25.10
           .
           
             All
             the
             pathes
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             are
             mercy
             and
             truth
             .
          
           Therefore
           most
           true
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           whosoever
           in
           affliction
           ,
           
             offereth
             praise
             ,
             doth
             glorifie
             God
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           5.23
           .
           Men
           may
           be
           thankfull
           for
           peace
           ,
           plenty
           ,
           seasonable
           times
           ,
           deliverances
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           in
           selfe-love
           :
           but
           for
           troubles
           ,
           and
           afflictions
           ,
           crosses
           ,
           and
           losses
           to
           bee
           thankfull
           ,
           this
           manifesteth
           our
           love
           to
           God
           ,
           which
           none
           can
           shew
           untill
           hee
           bee
           beloved
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           Thankfulnesse
           in
           affliction
           is
           a
           notable
           soule
           of
           faith
           ,
           for
           faith
           will
           tell
           as
           ,
           that
           nothing
           can
           befall
           us
           ,
           which
           shall
           either
           lessen
           Gods
           love
           ,
           or
           encrease
           our
           hurt
           ;
           yea
           faith
           perswades
           us
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           loveth
           us
           ,
           
           
           
           
           
           though
           the
           affliction
           bee
           unto
           death
           ,
           and
           hence
           it
           comes
           ,
           that
           wee
           are
           thankfull
           for
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           patient
           in
           the
           bearing
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           Now
           lay
           all
           these
           together
           .
           Art
           thou
           willing
           to
           kisse
           that
           rod
           wherewith
           thou
           art
           beaten
           ?
           Canst
           thou
           cheerefully
           say
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           ,
           Mic.
           7.9
           .
           
             I
             will
             heare
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             him
             ?
          
           Art
           thou
           taken
           off
           from
           thine
           old
           courses
           ,
           thine
           old
           consorts
           ,
           thine
           old
           comforts
           ,
           and
           brought
           neerer
           unto
           God
           ?
           Is
           thy
           heart
           dissolved
           into
           teares
           of
           contrition
           for
           thy
           sinnes
           and
           transgressions
           ?
        
         
           Dost
           thou
           cordially
           ,
           unfainedly
           blesse
           God
           that
           ever
           hee
           took
           thee
           to
           do
           ,
           that
           ever
           he
           laid
           his
           hand
           upon
           thee
           ?
           then
           is
           it
           as
           evident
           as
           the
           
           Sun
           at
           noon
           day
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           thee
           ,
           loves
           thee
           ;
           because
           hee
           hath
           taught
           thee
           to
           make
           so
           good
           and
           holy
           use
           of
           thy
           affliction
           .
           For
           afflictions
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           own
           nature
           ,
           are
           fruits
           of
           the
           curse
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           (
           being
           unsanctified
           )
           will
           make
           us
           storm
           and
           rage
           ,
           and
           beat
           us
           further
           off
           from
           God
           ;
           but
           when
           wee
           feel
           ,
           and
           find
           them
           to
           worke
           contrary
           to
           themselves
           ,
           their
           nature
           altered
           ,
           and
           changed
           ,
           this
           is
           a
           most
           evident
           and
           infallible
           signe
           of
           Gods
           love
           and
           mercie
           ,
           extracting
           Treacle
           out
           of
           this
           ranck
           poison
           ,
           and
           good
           out
           of
           this
           evill
           .
           Thou
           mayst
           hold
           it
           as
           a
           certaine
           truth
           ,
           that
           God
           in
           afflicting
           of
           thee
           loveth
           thee
           .
        
         
           Now
           I
           come
           to
           the
           latter
           part
           of
           the
           verse
           ,
           the
           drift
           
           
           
           
           
           and
           end
           of
           Gods
           afflicting
           us
           ;
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Be
             zealous
             therefore
             ,
             and
             amend
             .
          
           I
           purpose
           not
           to
           make
           any
           discourse
           upon
           Zeal
           ,
           or
           Repentance
           ,
           for
           then
           I
           should
           go
           out
           or
           my
           intended
           course
           ,
           which
           tendeth
           wholy
           to
           the
           setting
           forth
           of
           the
           necessity
           ,
           and
           utilitie
           of
           Afflictions
           .
           The
           Lord
           having
           said
           ,
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             ,
             and
             chasten
             ,
          
           addeth
           by
           way
           of
           exhortation
           ,
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Bee
             zealous
             therefore
             ,
             and
             amend
             ,
          
           from
           which
           words
           wee
           may
           gather
           this
           conclusion
           .
        
         
           
           
             The
             chiefe
             ,
             and
             speciall
             end
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             bettering
             and
             amending
             of
             us
             .
          
           The
           Lord
           knows
           that
           grace
           is
           beter
           for
           us
           then
           great
           possessions
           ,
           and
           a
           healthfull
           soul
           is
           more
           to
           be
           desired
           then
           a
           
           strong
           and
           lusty
           body
           ,
           and
           therefore
           for
           the
           good
           of
           the
           soul
           doth
           many
           wayes
           afflict
           the
           body
           .
           That
           ground
           from
           which
           wee
           expect
           and
           desire
           good
           ,
           wee
           digge
           ,
           or
           plough
           ,
           and
           harrow
           ;
           but
           that
           ground
           which
           wee
           regard
           not
           ,
           wee
           meddle
           not
           with
           it
           ,
           wee
           take
           no
           paines
           about
           it
           ,
           but
           let
           it
           lie
           waste
           .
           Even
           so
           dealeth
           the
           Lord
           with
           man.
           Hee
           lets
           the
           wicked
           alone
           ,
           hee
           looks
           for
           no
           good
           from
           them
           :
           but
           hee
           ploweth
           over
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           harroweth
           them
           with
           affliction
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           be
           fruitfull
           ;
           that
           in
           their
           lives
           they
           may
           bring
           forth
           a
           rich
           and
           plentifull
           crop
           of
           grace
           ,
           and
           godlinesse
           .
           Why
           do
           we
           beat
           our
           wall-nut
           trees
           ?
           Why
           do
           wee
           prune
           ,
           and
           cut
           our
           vines
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           to
           make
           
           
           
           
           
           them
           more
           fruitfull
           ?
           So
           deals
           the
           Lord
           with
           his
           children
           ,
           hee
           breaks
           ,
           and
           cuts
           off
           many
           superfluous
           evils
           with
           the
           pruning
           knife
           of
           Affliction
           ,
           that
           so
           they
           may
           grow
           more
           fruitfull
           in
           well
           doing
           .
           The
           end
           of
           Gods
           correcting
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           not
           (
           as
           some
           may
           think
           )
           to
           avenge
           himselfe
           upon
           us
           ,
           for
           those
           evils
           which
           wee
           have
           committed
           against
           him
           ;
           nor
           yet
           to
           please
           himselfe
           in
           our
           smart
           ,
           as
           if
           hee
           took
           delight
           in
           our
           punnishment
           and
           sorrow
           :
           but
           it
           is
           for
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           .
        
         
           Moses
           tells
           the
           Israelites
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           was
           their
           guid
           in
           the
           great
           and
           terrible
           wildernesse
           ,
           
             to
             humble
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             prove
             them
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             do
             them
             good
             at
             their
             latter
             end
             .
             Deut.
          
           8.16
           .
           
             Hee
             chasteneth
             us
             
             for
             our
             profit
             ,
             that
             wee
             might
             be
             partakers
             of
             his
             holinesse
             .
             Heb.
          
           12.10
           .
           Hee
           woundeth
           us
           ,
           that
           hee
           may
           heale
           us
           .
           A
           legge
           that
           is
           crooked
           ,
           and
           groweth
           awrye
           ,
           must
           bee
           broken
           before
           it
           can
           be
           made
           right
           and
           streight
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           should
           not
           break
           those
           crooked
           and
           perverse
           wills
           of
           ours
           ,
           they
           would
           never
           be
           rectified
           .
           The
           Lord
           useth
           to
           beat
           out
           one
           evill
           with
           another
           ,
           the
           evill
           of
           sinne
           ,
           with
           the
           evill
           of
           punishment
           .
           There
           is
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           folly
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           wisest
           children
           ;
           they
           are
           slow
           of
           heart
           to
           beleeve
           ,
           and
           practise
           that
           which
           will
           make
           for
           their
           good
           ;
           this
           folly
           ,
           the
           Lord
           (
           in
           wisdom
           )
           drives
           away
           from
           them
           by
           the
           rod
           of
           correction
           .
           
             By
             this
             shall
             the
             iniquitie
             of
             Jacob
             be
             purged
             ,
             
             and
             this
             is
             all
             the
             fruit
             ,
             the
             taking
             away
             of
             his
             sinne
             .
             Esa
             .
          
           27.9
           .
        
         
           Naturally
           wee
           sport
           with
           sinne
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           a
           pastime
           to
           do
           evill
           .
           Prov.
           10.23
           .
           
             Many
             drink
             iniquitie
             like
             water
             .
             Job
             ,
          
           15.16
           .
           Wickednesse
           is
           sweet
           in
           our
           mouths
           ,
           and
           wee
           are
           loth
           to
           part
           with
           it
           untill
           the
           Lord
           (
           in
           love
           )
           doth
           administer
           unto
           us
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           ,
           which
           (
           like
           unto
           Stibium
           )
           shall
           make
           us
           to
           vomit
           up
           these
           sweet
           morsells
           ,
           and
           make
           us
           out
           of
           love
           with
           our
           former
           evill
           wayes
           and
           courses
           ,
           as
           things
           ,
           not
           only
           unpleasing
           ,
           and
           distastfull
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           such
           as
           are
           noxious
           ,
           and
           hurtfull
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           for
           the
           preventing
           of
           that
           evill
           which
           sinne
           may
           bring
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           for
           
           the
           bestowing
           upon
           us
           that
           good
           which
           the
           love
           and
           practise
           of
           sinne
           would
           hinder
           us
           of
           ,
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           and
           chastise
           us
           .
           How
           did
           his
           people
           Israel
           go
           a
           whoring
           from
           him
           ?
           they
           were
           set
           upon
           gadding
           ,
           yea
           madding
           after
           sinne
           ;
           and
           therefore
           the
           Lord
           was
           constrained
           to
           fetch
           them
           back
           againe
           by
           his
           judgements
           .
           Wee
           are
           as
           ready
           to
           wander
           out
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           as
           sheep
           going
           astray
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           Lord
           must
           send
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           after
           us
           to
           call
           us
           back
           again
           ,
           as
           
             David
             ,
             Psal
          
           .
           119.67
           .
           
             Before
             I
             was
             afflicted
             I
             went
             astray
             .
          
           The
           prodigall
           in
           the
           Gospel
           turnes
           his
           back
           upon
           his
           father
           ,
           and
           takes
           his
           journey
           into
           a
           farre
           countrey
           ,
           where
           he
           consumed
           and
           wasted
           his
           goods
           with
           riotous
           
           living
           :
           but
           having
           spent
           all
           ,
           and
           being
           pinched
           with
           penury
           ,
           he
           could
           then
           mind
           home
           ,
           and
           returne
           againe
           unto
           his
           father
           with
           griefe
           ,
           and
           shame
           ;
           which
           had
           not
           affliction
           been
           (
           no
           doubt
           )
           hee
           would
           never
           have
           done
           .
           The
           like
           may
           be
           said
           of
           many
           moe
           ,
           who
           (
           for
           ought
           wee
           know
           to
           the
           contrary
           )
           had
           perished
           if
           they
           had
           not
           been
           afflicted
           .
           So
           that
           few
           or
           none
           of
           Gods
           children
           but
           can
           say
           ,
           It
           had
           been
           wrong
           with
           them
           ,
           if
           they
           had
           not
           been
           afflicted
           ,
           for
           by
           afflictions
           they
           have
           been
           much
           bettered
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
               .
            
          
           
           And
           that
           first
           of
           all
           ,
           because
           by
           affliction
           they
           have
           been
           brought
           to
           know
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           see
           and
           acknowledge
           the
           damnable
           estate
           whereinto
           they
           were
           by
           
           sinne
           plunged
           .
           Hence
           is
           it
           said
           ,
           That
           the
           prodigall
           (
           of
           whom
           I
           spake
           even
           now
           )
           being
           brought
           to
           that
           extreame
           want
           ,
           that
           hee
           would
           faine
           
             have
             filled
             his
             belly
             with
             the
             husks
             that
             the
             swine
             did
             eate
             ,
             but
             no
             man
             gave
             him
             them
             ,
             then
             hee
             came
             to
             himselfe
             ,
             Luk.
          
           15
           ,
           16
           ,
           17.
           
           Being
           before
           as
           it
           were
           out
           of
           his
           right
           wits
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           ignorant
           of
           that
           miserable
           and
           wicked
           condition
           ,
           into
           which
           (
           through
           sinne
           )
           he
           had
           brought
           himselfe
           .
           How
           many
           of
           Gods
           people
           have
           forgotten
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           themselves
           ,
           untill
           such
           time
           as
           the
           Lord
           hath
           remembred
           them
           with
           some
           affliction
           ?
           
           wee
           never
           come
           to
           a
           thorow
           understanding
           and
           knowledge
           of
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           untill
           affliction
           hath
           gaged
           ,
           and
           sounded
           them
           .
           In
           prosperitie
           
           wee
           can
           carry
           our selves
           moderately
           ,
           and
           cheerefully
           towards
           God
           and
           man
           ;
           for
           the
           corruption
           that
           is
           within
           us
           lieth
           still
           ,
           and
           is
           not
           stirred
           ,
           and
           therefore
           not
           seene
           ,
           or
           discerned
           ;
           as
           the
           stinking
           smell
           ,
           and
           savor
           of
           some
           dunghill
           ,
           or
           bumby
           is
           kept
           in
           ,
           and
           not
           smelled
           ,
           untill
           it
           be
           stirred
           ;
           but
           if
           once
           you
           meddle
           with
           it
           ,
           then
           it
           casts
           up
           those
           stinking
           vapors
           that
           are
           in
           it
           :
           even
           so
           ,
           let
           God
           lay
           affliction
           upon
           us
           ,
           then
           that
           corruption
           which
           before
           lay
           hid
           ,
           is
           now
           manifested
           .
           Wee
           never
           come
           to
           make
           experience
           (
           as
           was
           said
           before
           )
           of
           our
           impatience
           ,
           testinesse
           ,
           rebellion
           ,
           infidelity
           ,
           love
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           untill
           affliction
           come
           unto
           us
           .
           Wee
           are
           so
           blinded
           with
           selfe-conceit
           
           and
           privie
           pride
           ,
           that
           when
           wee
           heare
           of
           ,
           or
           see
           others
           distempered
           with
           affliction
           ,
           wee
           can
           be
           ready
           to
           condemne
           them
           ,
           and
           (
           in
           our
           own
           breasts
           )
           justifie
           our selves
           ,
           and
           thinke
           that
           wee
           would
           beare
           out
           the
           affliction
           more
           manfully
           then
           so
           ,
           if
           the
           same
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           should
           befall
           us
           .
           Whereupon
           the
           Lord
           to
           humble
           us
           ,
           and
           take
           us
           down
           ,
           sendeth
           us
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           so
           wee
           may
           thinke
           no
           better
           of
           our selves
           then
           there
           is
           just
           cause
           ;
           for
           when
           affliction
           comes
           ,
           wee
           can
           doubt
           of
           Gods
           promise
           ,
           wee
           can
           question
           his
           Providence
           ,
           wee
           can
           murmurre
           and
           repine
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           least
           ,
           hang
           down
           the
           head
           in
           a
           discontented
           ,
           and
           su●len
           manner
           ,
           as
           if
           wee
           had
           neither
           faith
           ,
           nor
           hope
           ,
           
           nor
           any
           dramme
           of
           grace
           in
           us
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             2
          
           
           Secondly
           ,
           by
           affliction
           wee
           come
           to
           judge
           aright
           of
           sinne
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           our selves
           .
           It
           is
           that
           which
           will
           make
           sinne
           as
           heinous
           ,
           and
           odious
           in
           our
           own
           view
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           in
           its
           own
           nature
           .
           Did
           not
           the
           God
           of
           this
           world
           cast
           a
           mist
           before
           our
           eyes
           ,
           or
           else
           shew
           us
           our
           sinnes
           in
           false
           glasses
           ,
           wee
           would
           be
           so
           farre
           from
           pleasing
           our selves
           with
           any
           sinne
           ,
           that
           upon
           the
           committing
           of
           it
           ,
           wee
           would
           cry
           out
           with
           the
           leper
           in
           the
           law
           ,
           
             I
             am
             unclean
             ,
             I
             am
             unclean
             .
             Lev.
          
           13.45
           .
           Wee
           would
           abhorre
           our selves
           in
           dust
           and
           ashes
           ,
           if
           wee
           saw
           how
           loathsome
           sinne
           hath
           made
           us
           in
           Gods
           eye
           ;
           and
           this
           wee
           seldome
           see
           ,
           but
           when
           affliction
           opens
           our
           eyes
           .
           Indeed
           afflictions
           
           of
           themselves
           can
           not
           do
           this
           ;
           it
           is
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           which
           inlightens
           us
           ,
           and
           brings
           us
           to
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           estates
           .
           But
           wee
           seldome
           find
           instructions
           to
           enter
           home
           ,
           untill
           afflictions
           have
           sharpned
           them
           .
           Those
           that
           live
           in
           prosperitie
           ,
           ease
           and
           fulnesse
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           passe
           by
           rebukes
           ,
           and
           to
           slight
           reproofe
           as
           unseasonable
           ,
           and
           as
           that
           which
           belongs
           not
           unto
           them
           ,
           but
           when
           the
           chastisements
           of
           God
           have
           seazed
           upon
           them
           ,
           awakened
           their
           consciences
           ,
           and
           mollified
           and
           humbled
           their
           hearts
           ,
           then
           rebukes
           have
           a
           keener
           edge
           ,
           and
           pierce
           more
           deeply
           .
           Instructions
           are
           the
           light
           that
           guides
           us
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           but
           corrections
           joyned
           with
           them
           ,
           do
           make
           our
           eye-sight
           more
           
           cleere
           ,
           and
           cause
           us
           more
           heedfully
           to
           follow
           the
           directions
           of
           the
           Word
           .
           Affliction
           makes
           us
           to
           heed
           that
           which
           before
           wee
           regarded
           not
           .
           As
           our
           eares
           are
           opened
           by
           correction
           ,
           which
           were
           formerly
           sealed
           ,
           Job
           33.16
           .
           so
           also
           our
           eyes
           are
           enlightned
           ,
           which
           were
           formerly
           darkned
           .
           After
           the
           Lord
           had
           smitten
           down
           Paul
           to
           the
           ground
           as
           hee
           was
           journeying
           towards
           Damascus
           ,
           it
           is
           said
           ;
           that
           
             there
             sell
             from
             his
             eyes
             as
             it
             had
             been
             scales
             ,
             and
             suddenly
             hee
             received
             sight
             ,
             and
             arose
             ,
             and
             was
             baptized
             ,
             Acts
          
           9.18
           .
           untill
           affliction
           had
           seized
           upon
           Paul
           ,
           hee
           could
           never
           be
           brought
           to
           see
           the
           oudiousnesse
           of
           his
           sinnes
           .
           If
           the
           Lord
           should
           alwayes
           sit
           still
           ,
           and
           never
           come
           forth
           to
           judge
           us
           for
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           many
           
           would
           not
           only
           flatter
           themselves
           in
           their
           evill
           wayes
           ,
           not
           only
           justifie
           themselves
           ,
           but
           condemne
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           being
           ready
           to
           thinke
           that
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           were
           well
           enough
           pleased
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           their
           practise
           .
           
             These
             things
             thou
             hast
             done
             ,
             and
             I
             held
             my
             tongue
             :
             therefore
             thou
             thoughtest
             that
             I
             was
             like
             thee
             ,
             but
             I
             will
             reprove
             thee
             ,
             and
             set
             them
             in
             order
             before
             thee
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           50.21
           .
           Impunity
           ,
           and
           prosperity
           makes
           many
           think
           ,
           that
           sinne
           is
           not
           so
           dangerous
           a
           thing
           ,
           nor
           so
           foul
           an
           evill
           ,
           as
           many
           Preachers
           would
           beare
           them
           in
           hand
           it
           is
           ,
           whereupon
           they
           take
           heart
           ,
           and
           are
           emboldned
           to
           the
           committing
           of
           sin
           ,
           and
           continuing
           in
           it
           ,
           as
           the
           Preacher
           saith
           ,
           Eccle.
           8.11
           .
           
             Because
             sentence
             against
             an
             evill
             
             worke
             is
             not
             executed
             speedily
             ,
             therefore
             the
             heart
             of
             the
             children
             of
             men
             is
             fully
             set
             in
             them
             to
             do
             evill
             .
          
           Whereupon
           to
           beat
           us
           out
           of
           these
           wicked
           conceits
           ,
           the
           Lord
           sendeth
           some
           affliction
           or
           other
           home
           unto
           us
           ,
           to
           be
           an
           eye-salve
           to
           anoint
           our
           eyes
           ,
           that
           wee
           may
           see
           both
           the
           nature
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           how
           odious
           and
           hateful
           they
           are
           unto
           the
           Lord
           :
           How
           noxious
           and
           hurtfull
           they
           will
           one
           day
           prove
           unto
           us
           ,
           if
           by
           speedy
           repentance
           we
           do
           not
           turn
           away
           from
           them
           ,
           especially
           from
           those
           sinnes
           for
           which
           chiefly
           the
           Lord
           doth
           afflict
           us
           .
        
         
           Naturally
           wee
           are
           all
           children
           of
           darknesse
           ,
           so
           blind
           and
           blockish
           ,
           that
           many
           know
           not
           (
           like
           blindfolded
           people
           )
           who
           smote
           
           them
           ,
           nor
           yet
           wherefore
           they
           are
           smitten
           .
           In
           afflictions
           (
           for
           the
           most
           part
           )
           wee
           are
           like
           blind
           men
           ,
           or
           those
           that
           grope
           up
           and
           downe
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           to
           feele
           the
           doore
           ,
           but
           cannot
           find
           the
           way
           out
           .
           It
           is
           a
           master-peece
           of
           Satans
           pollicie
           to
           delude
           our
           understandings
           and
           judgements
           with
           carnall
           reasonings
           ,
           that
           so
           when
           God
           afflicts
           us
           ,
           to
           bring
           us
           unto
           the
           sight
           of
           our
           sinne
           ,
           wee
           should
           either
           hold
           on
           our
           old
           course
           ,
           or
           else
           do
           more
           wickedly
           by
           not
           seeing
           ,
           and
           so
           not
           amending
           that
           sinne
           for
           which
           we
           are
           punished
           ,
           that
           by
           sinne
           wee
           might
           be
           plunged
           into
           punishment
           ,
           and
           for
           want
           of
           repentance
           ,
           our
           punishment
           continued
           ,
           &
           increased
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           how
           may
           I
           be
           certified
           what
           sinne
           it
           is
           for
           which
           
           I
           am
           corrected
           of
           the
           Lord
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           First
           of
           all
           ,
           look
           upon
           thine
           affliction
           ,
           and
           weigh
           well
           with
           thy selfe
           the
           nature
           ,
           and
           quality
           of
           the
           same
           ;
           for
           oft
           times
           the
           Lord
           meets
           with
           us
           in
           our
           own
           kind
           ,
           and
           paies
           us
           home
           with
           judgements
           sutable
           unto
           our
           sins
           .
           Adonibezek
           had
           cut
           of
           the
           thumbs
           of
           the
           hands
           ,
           and
           feet
           of
           divers
           Kings
           ,
           and
           therefore
           
             God
             rewarded
             him
             as
             hee
             had
             done
             to
             others
             .
             Judges
          
           1.7
           .
           If
           David
           will
           kill
           Vriah
           with
           the
           sword
           ,
           
             the
             sword
             shall
             never
             depart
             from
             his
             house
             .
          
           1.
           
           Samu.
           12.9
           ,
           10.
           
           Thus
           wee
           see
           how
           the
           Lord
           oft
           times
           meets
           with
           sinners
           in
           the
           same
           kind
           wherein
           they
           have
           sinned
           :
           what
           (
           may
           wee
           say
           )
           is
           the
           cause
           of
           this
           sore
           and
           baiting
           famine
           ,
           
           which
           thus
           rageth
           amongst
           us
           ?
           Surely
           our
           great
           unthankfulnesse
           ,
           and
           our
           horrible
           abuse
           of
           Gods
           good
           creatures
           .
           Doth
           the
           Lord
           punish
           thee
           with
           losses
           ,
           or
           with
           povertie
           ?
           Consider
           whether
           these
           outward
           things
           did
           not
           make
           thee
           proud
           ,
           or
           else
           were
           occasions
           of
           imboldening
           thee
           to
           the
           committing
           of
           some
           sin
           or
           other
           .
           Are
           thy
           children
           stubborne
           ,
           and
           disobedient
           ?
           Twenty
           to
           one
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           to
           punish
           thy
           disobedient
           ,
           and
           undutifull
           carriage
           (
           formerly
           )
           towards
           thy
           parents
           .
           Thus
           might
           I
           instance
           in
           divers
           particulars
           ,
           by
           which
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           oft
           times
           proportionate
           punishments
           to
           our
           sins
           ;
           so
           as
           by
           our
           affliction
           ,
           wee
           may
           easily
           guesse
           at
           what
           sin
           
           the
           Lord
           aimeth
           ,
           and
           of
           which
           hee
           would
           have
           us
           most
           heartily
           repent
           us
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           look
           into
           the
           book
           of
           God
           ,
           whither
           thou
           canst
           there
           find
           any
           that
           have
           formerly
           drunk
           of
           thy
           cup
           ,
           have
           been
           exercised
           ,
           and
           chastised
           with
           the
           same
           rod
           that
           thou
           art
           :
           if
           thou
           dost
           not
           find
           any
           such
           example
           there
           ,
           aske
           and
           enquire
           of
           thy
           friends
           whether
           they
           have
           knowne
           any
           to
           be
           punished
           as
           thou
           art
           ;
           now
           if
           thou
           find
           any
           upon
           record
           in
           Gods
           booke
           ,
           or
           by
           report
           from
           others
           canst
           heare
           of
           any
           that
           have
           been
           in
           thy
           condition
           ,
           then
           seek
           and
           enquire
           what
           their
           sinnes
           have
           been
           ,
           what
           manner
           of
           persons
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           think
           with
           thy selfe
           thus
           ;
           surely
           I
           am
           sick
           of
           their
           disease
           ,
           in
           that
           my
           Physitian
           
           takes
           the
           same
           course
           with
           me
           ,
           which
           he
           did
           with
           them
           ;
           I
           have
           committed
           their
           sins
           ,
           in
           that
           I
           partake
           of
           their
           punishment
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           if
           thou
           wouldest
           faine
           find
           out
           that
           sinne
           for
           which
           especially
           thou
           art
           afflicted
           ,
           consider
           (
           when
           thou
           art
           under
           the
           rod
           )
           what
           sinne
           lieth
           heaviest
           upon
           thy
           conscience
           ;
           very
           probable
           it
           is
           ,
           that
           ,
           that
           sinne
           which
           now
           cries
           loudest
           in
           thine
           eares
           from
           the
           voice
           of
           thy
           conscience
           ,
           cried
           loudest
           in
           the
           eares
           of
           God
           for
           punishment
           .
           Too
           many
           commit
           sinne
           with
           delight
           ,
           thinking
           they
           shall
           never
           heare
           more
           ,
           or
           worse
           of
           it
           .
           But
           when
           affliction
           commeth
           ,
           the
           consciencc
           begins
           to
           tell
           tales
           ,
           and
           lay
           open
           things
           done
           in
           secret
           .
           Dost
           thou
           
           not
           remember
           how
           at
           such
           a
           time
           ,
           in
           such
           a
           place
           thou
           didst
           commit
           such
           a
           villany
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           not
           know
           how
           once
           in
           such
           a
           kind
           thou
           didst
           highly
           dishonor
           God
           ?
           Hast
           thou
           forgot
           how
           thou
           didst
           once
           wrong
           thy
           neighbor
           in
           such
           a
           thing
           ?
           Thus
           (
           in
           affliction
           )
           the
           conscience
           many
           times
           brings
           to
           mind
           that
           sinne
           of
           ours
           which
           wee
           had
           buried
           in
           forgetfulnesse
           (
           as
           appeares
           by
           Joseph
           his
           brethren
           )
           and
           so
           should
           never
           have
           repented
           of
           it
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           (
           by
           affliction
           )
           had
           not
           made
           our
           conscience
           to
           discover
           it
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           if
           the
           Lord
           doth
           not
           meet
           with
           thy
           sinne
           in
           its
           kind
           ,
           or
           if
           thy
           conscience
           ,
           do
           not
           reveal
           unto
           thee
           all
           thy
           wickednesse
           ,
           or
           that
           sinne
           for
           which
           thou
           
           art
           punished
           ;
           then
           bee
           earnest
           with
           the
           Lord
           in
           prayer
           ,
           that
           hee
           would
           bee
           pleased
           to
           inlighten
           thine
           understanding
           ,
           and
           helpe
           thee
           to
           make
           a
           narrow
           search
           ,
           and
           tryall
           of
           thy
           wayes
           ,
           or
           else
           that
           hee
           would
           discover
           unto
           thee
           that
           or
           those
           sins
           for
           which
           his
           hand
           doth
           now
           lye
           so
           heavily
           upon
           thee
           .
        
         
           Thus
           did
           
             Job
             ,
             I
             will
             say
             unto
             God
             condemne
             mee
             not
             ;
             shew
             me
             wherefore
             thou
             contendest
             with
             mee
             .
             Iob
          
           10.2
           .
           Before
           Ezekiel
           could
           behold
           the
           wicked
           abominations
           of
           Israel
           ,
           the
           Lord
           taught
           him
           to
           digge
           in
           the
           wall
           .
           Ezek.
           8.8
           ,
           9.
           
           So
           before
           we
           shall
           be
           able
           to
           discerne
           that
           sinne
           (
           or
           any
           other
           of
           our
           sinnes
           )
           for
           which
           we
           are
           afflicted
           ,
           the
           
           
           
           
           
           Lord
           by
           his
           spirit
           must
           demolish
           that
           wall
           of
           hardnes
           of
           heart
           ,
           which
           hindereth
           us
           from
           seeing
           our
           sinnes
           ;
           or
           else
           he
           must
           give
           us
           of
           his
           eye-salve
           ,
           wherewith
           anointing
           our
           eyes
           ,
           those
           scales
           of
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           blindnes
           may
           fall
           from
           our
           eyes
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           may
           the
           better
           see
           our
           sinnes
           .
           Intreat
           the
           Lord
           to
           shine
           into
           thy
           dark
           understanding
           by
           the
           light
           of
           his
           Word
           ;
           
             that
             it
             may
             enter
             thorow
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             dividing
             asunder
             of
             thy
             soul
             ,
             and
             spirit
             of
             thy
             joynts
             ,
             and
             marrow
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             a
             discerner
             of
             thy
             thoughts
             and
             the
             intents
             of
             thy
             heart
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speakes
             .
             Heb.
          
           4.12
           .
           And
           be
           thou
           well
           assured
           of
           this
           for
           thy
           comfort
           that
           he
           that
           is
           truely
           
           desirous
           ,
           and
           withall
           scedulous
           and
           deligent
           to
           finde
           out
           his
           speciall
           sinnes
           ,
           hee
           shall
           have
           them
           in
           the
           end
           discovered
           and
           layed
           open
           unto
           him
           ;
           because
           (
           as
           you
           have
           formerly
           heard
           )
           this
           is
           one
           end
           why
           the
           Lord
           doth
           correct
           us
           ,
           
             that
             so
             we
             may
             search
             and
             trye
             our
             wayes
             ,
             and
             turne
             again
             unto
             the
             Lord.
             Lam.
          
           3.40
           .
           That
           we
           may
           be
           brought
           to
           a
           true
           sight
           and
           sense
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           so
           be
           throughly
           humled
           for
           them
           .
           Affliction
           serves
           to
           ransack
           the
           bottome
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           to
           launch
           our
           festred
           consciences
           ,
           and
           o
           let
           out
           (
           by
           confession
           )
           the
           festred
           and
           corrupted
           matter
           there
           ingendred
           ,
           Iosephs
           bretheren
           never
           came
           to
           see
           the
           odiousnes
           of
           their
           sin
           ,
           
           untill
           affliction
           enlightned
           them
           ,
           and
           then
           they
           could
           say
           ,
           
             Wee
             have
             verily
             sinned
             against
             our
             brother
             ,
             in
             that
             we
             saw
             the
             anguish
             of
             his
             soul
             when
             he
             besought
             us
             and
             we
             would
             not
             heare
             him
             ,
             Gen.
          
           41
           ,
           21.
           
           Now
           if
           once
           we
           come
           to
           see
           sinne
           in
           its
           proper
           colours
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           perswaded
           of
           the
           nature
           and
           danger
           of
           it
           ,
           then
           we
           are
           in
           the
           broad
           way
           to
           repentance
           :
           and
           this
           will
           worke
           our
           hearts
           not
           only
           to
           a
           loathing
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           leaving
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           of
           our
           former
           evils
           .
           For
           what
           man
           ,
           but
           hee
           that
           is
           desperately
           carelesse
           of
           his
           own
           welfare
           and
           happines
           will
           dare
           to
           put
           on
           a
           garment
           infected
           with
           the
           Plague
           ?
           What
           man
           that
           is
           in
           his
           right
           minde
           will
           take
           
           a
           snake
           into
           his
           bosom
           ?
           Who
           is
           so
           foole-hardy
           as
           to
           pull
           a
           Lyon
           by
           the
           beard
           ,
           or
           take
           a
           mad
           Dog
           by
           the
           eare
           ?
           He
           that
           wilfully
           &
           wittingly
           lives
           in
           sinne
           ,
           doth
           a
           great
           deale
           more
           endanger
           the
           safety
           and
           good
           of
           his
           soul
           ,
           then
           any
           man
           by
           the
           Plague
           or
           any
           other
           meanes
           doth
           the
           welfare
           of
           his
           body
           .
           
             Lighten
             mine
             eyes
          
           (
           saith
           
             David
             Psal
          
           .
           13.3
           .
           )
           
             that
             I
             sleep
             not
             in
             death
             .
          
           Prosperity
           thickens
           these
           eyes
           of
           ours
           or
           else
           doth
           cast
           such
           a
           mist
           before
           them
           ,
           that
           we
           cannot
           see
           sinne
           in
           its
           coulours
           :
           yea
           the
           worse
           and
           more
           wicked
           any
           man
           is
           ,
           the
           lesse
           doth
           he
           see
           his
           evill
           ,
           the
           lesse
           is
           hee
           perswaded
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           sinne
           .
           
             All
             the
             wayes
             of
             a
             man
             are
             clean
             
             in
             his
             own
             eyes
             ,
             Prov.
          
           16.2
           .
           Through
           Satans
           subtilty
           ,
           and
           mans
           infidelity
           ,
           it
           comes
           to
           passe
           that
           those
           which
           commit
           the
           grossest
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           greatest
           offences
           ,
           imagine
           that
           their
           faults
           bee
           the
           smallest
           :
           and
           those
           that
           are
           plunged
           into
           deepest
           dangers
           do
           dreame
           of
           greatest
           safety
           and
           security
           :
           as
           many
           who
           have
           their
           hands
           deepest
           in
           the
           troubles
           and
           persecutions
           ,
           yea
           in
           the
           blood
           of
           Gods
           servants
           ,
           
             will
             thinke
             that
             they
             do
             God
             best
             service
             ,
             Ioh.
          
           16.2
           .
           Of
           this
           minde
           was
           S.
           Paul
           all
           the
           the
           while
           
             hee
             breathed
             out
             threatnings
             and
             slaughter
             against
             the
             disciples
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Acts
          
           9
           ▪
           1.
           
           Therefore
           least
           such
           as
           belong
           to
           God
           should
           
           sleep
           in
           death
           by
           their
           blindnesse
           ,
           flying
           from
           repentance
           ,
           shunning
           reformation
           ,
           and
           running
           into
           destruction
           ,
           the
           Lord
           in
           great
           love
           opens
           their
           eyes
           by
           affliction
           ,
           as
           hee
           did
           the
           eyes
           of
           
             Nebuchadnezzar
             ,
             Dan.
          
           4.31
           .
           
             At
             the
             end
             of
             those
             dayes
             I
             Nebuchadnezzar
             lift
             up
             mine
             eyes
             unto
             heaven
             ,
             and
             mine
             understanding
             was
             restored
             unto
             mee
             :
          
           being
           a
           blinde
           beast
           before
           afflictions
           came
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           what
           if
           neither
           my
           conscience
           telleth
           me
           of
           any
           great
           sinnes
           committed
           by
           me
           ,
           nor
           the
           Lord
           revealeth
           unto
           me
           any
           sinne
           which
           hath
           provoked
           him
           to
           punish
           mee
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Then
           thou
           must
           know
           ,
           and
           beleeve
           that
           thy
           affliction
           ,
           and
           crosse
           is
           for
           tryall
           ,
           for
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           example
           ,
           for
           prevention
           ,
           and
           not
           for
           punishment
           .
           The
           Lord
           will
           have
           the
           truth
           and
           strength
           of
           thy
           grace
           tryed
           :
           God
           will
           have
           thee
           to
           bee
           a
           pattern
           unto
           others
           of
           obedience
           ,
           and
           patience
           ;
           or
           else
           by
           this
           affliction
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           said
           )
           he
           intendeth
           to
           prevent
           some
           sinne
           which
           (
           if
           thou
           wert
           let
           alone
           )
           thou
           wouldest
           fall
           into
           .
        
         
           
             
               Reason
            
             3
          
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           must
           needs
           bee
           ,
           that
           God
           by
           afflicting
           of
           us
           intendeth
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           ;
           because
           by
           afflictions
           hee
           workes
           our
           hearts
           to
           a
           holy
           feare
           of
           his
           Majestie
           .
           The
           judgements
           of
           the
           Lord
           make
           the
           very
           wicked
           oft
           to
           tremble
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           evident
           in
           divers
           places
           of
           the
           Scripture
           .
           
             Egypt
             shall
             be
             like
             unto
             a
             woman
             ,
             for
             it
             shall
             be
             afraid
             
             and
             feare
             because
             of
             the
             moving
             hand
             of
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             ,
             which
             hee
             shaketh
             over
             it
             .
             Esay
          
           19.16
           .
           The
           shaking
           of
           Gods
           rod
           makes
           many
           oft
           to
           tremble
           ,
           
             That
             all
             Israel
             may
             heare
             and
             feare
             ,
             and
             do
             no
             more
             any
             such
             wickednesse
             among
             you
             ,
             Deutr.
          
           13.11
           .
           God
           whips
           his
           own
           to
           keep
           them
           in
           awe
           ,
           that
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           may
           ever
           be
           in
           our
           hearts
           ;
           not
           such
           a
           feare
           as
           is
           in
           the
           wicked
           ,
           who
           dread
           him
           only
           because
           of
           his
           power
           ,
           and
           will
           ,
           to
           punish
           them
           for
           sin
           ,
           and
           is
           therefore
           called
           a
           servile
           ,
           or
           slavish
           feare
           ,
           because
           it
           hath
           not
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           hatred
           of
           sinne
           annexed
           unto
           it
           :
           but
           a
           holy
           ,
           and
           a
           pious
           feare
           of
           God
           ;
           such
           a
           feare
           as
           is
           joyned
           with
           the
           hatred
           of
           evill
           .
           Prov.
           8.13
           .
           and
           so
           causeth
           an
           eschewing
           
           of
           evill
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           said
           of
           Job
           ,
           hee
           was
           
             one
             that
             feared
             God
             ,
             and
             eschewed
             evill
             ,
             Job
          
           1.1
           .
           This
           is
           that
           feare
           the
           Lord
           wisheth
           might
           take
           up
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           Deut.
           5.29
           .
           
             Oh
             that
             there
             were
             such
             an
             heart
             in
             them
             ,
             to
             feare
             mee
             ,
             and
             to
             keep
             all
             commandments
             alway
             .
          
           Which
           feare
           the
           Lord
           increaseth
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           children
           by
           afflicting
           them
           ,
           1.
           
           Sam.
           12.18
           .
           
             The
             Lord
             sent
             the
             Israelites
             thunder
             and
             rain
             in
             harvest
             ,
             and
             the
             people
             feared
             the
             Lord.
             
          
        
         
           Prosperity
           ,
           and
           immunity
           from
           affliction
           ,
           makes
           many
           people
           secure
           ,
           careles
           fearelesse
           .
           
             Because
             they
             have
             no
             changes
             ,
             therefore
             they
             feare
             not
             God.
             Psal
             .
          
           55.19
           .
           Implying
           by
           these
           words
           ,
           that
           the
           want
           of
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           groweth
           
           from
           the
           want
           of
           affliction
           ▪
           So
           Psal
           .
           73.
           the
           prosperity
           of
           the
           wicked
           is
           made
           the
           ground
           of
           their
           iniquitie
           ,
           
             There
             are
             no
             bands
             in
             their
             death
             ,
             they
             are
             lusty
             ,
             and
             strong
             ,
             They
             are
             not
             in
             trouble
             as
             other
             men
             ,
             neither
             plagued
             with
             other
             men
             .
             Therfore
             pride
             is
             as
             a
             chain
             unto
             them
             ,
             They
             are
             licentious
             ,
             they
             speak
             wickedly
             ,
             they
             talke
             presumptuously
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           These
           are
           the
           wicked
           ,
           who
           although
           they
           be
           long
           spared
           ,
           shall
           in
           the
           end
           be
           destroyed
           ,
           perish
           ,
           and
           horribly
           consumed
           ,
           because
           
             they
             did
             not
             chuse
             the
             feare
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Prov.
          
           1.29
           .
           If
           then
           affliction
           is
           the
           means
           of
           working
           this
           feare
           in
           us
           ,
           it
           must
           needs
           be
           ,
           that
           God
           in-intendeth
           our
           great
           good
           ,
           by
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           for
           
             no
             good
             thing
             shall
             be
             wanting
             to
             those
             that
             feare
             him
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           34.9
           .
           
           The
           feare
           of
           God
           may
           bee
           compared
           unto
           the
           needle
           ,
           which
           makes
           way
           for
           the
           thred
           ,
           and
           drawes
           it
           after
           it
           ;
           even
           so
           the
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           makes
           way
           for
           much
           good
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           draws
           it
           along
           withall
           .
        
         
           
           First
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           means
           of
           our
           humiliation
           ,
           it
           will
           take
           downe
           our
           high
           thoughts
           ,
           and
           abate
           ,
           and
           abase
           our
           lofty
           spirits
           .
           Jacobs
           feare
           of
           Esau
           ,
           made
           him
           to
           bow
           seven
           times
           unto
           his
           brother
           Esau
           .
           High-mindednesse
           and
           feare
           are
           opposite
           one
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           hence
           Paul
           exhorteth
           us
           ,
           Rom.
           11.20
           .
           
             Be
             not
             high-minded
             ,
             but
             feare
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           is
           ,
           as
           a
           bridle
           unto
           our
           unruly
           wills
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           curbe
           unto
           our
           disordered
           affections
           ,
           to
           represse
           sinne
           .
           This
           
           kept
           the
           mid-wives
           from
           murdering
           
             the
             infants
             of
             the
             Hebrew
             women
             ,
             Exod.
          
           1.21
           .
           This
           kept
           Joseph
           from
           yeelding
           to
           the
           lust
           of
           his
           adulterous
           Mistris
           ,
           
             How
             can
             I
             do
             this
             great
             wickednesse
             ,
             and
             so
             sinne
             against
             God
             ?
             Genes
             .
          
           39.9
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           will
           make
           us
           couragious
           in
           Gods
           cause
           ;
           so
           as
           wee
           shall
           not
           feare
           the
           face
           of
           man.
           
             Say
             not
             a
             confederacy
             ,
             neither
             feare
             you
             their
             feare
             ,
             nor
             be
             afraid
             of
             them
             ,
             sanctifie
             the
             Lord
             of
             hosts
             ,
             and
             let
             him
             be
             your
             feare
             ,
             and
             your
             dread
             ,
             Esa
             .
          
           8.12
           ,
           13.
           
           There
           be
           amongst
           us
           too
           many
           face-fearers
           ,
           who
           had
           rather
           sinne
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           then
           displease
           sinfull
           men
           ;
           these
           I
           may
           compare
           unto
           little
           children
           ,
           which
           are
           afraid
           
           oft
           times
           to
           touch
           toyes
           ,
           and
           bables
           ,
           yet
           will
           be
           bold
           to
           put
           their
           finger
           into
           the
           fire
           .
           But
           those
           that
           feare
           man
           more
           ,
           or
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           〈◊〉
           look
           to
           meet
           with
           the
           Judgement
           of
           God
           ,
           Jere.
           1.17
           .
           Therefore
           let
           us
           feare
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           this
           will
           swallow
           up
           all
           needlesse
           feare
           of
           men
           ,
           as
           Aarons
           rod
           devoured
           the
           rod
           of
           the
           inchanters
           ;
           for
           the
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           procureth
           a
           good
           conscience
           ,
           and
           where
           a
           good
           conscience
           is
           ,
           there
           is
           holy
           courage
           and
           boldnesse
           ,
           
             the
             righteous
             are
             bold
             as
             a
             Lyon.
             Prov.
          
           28.1
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           ,
           keeps
           the
           heart
           and
           conscience
           waking
           and
           watchfull
           ;
           it
           leaves
           no
           place
           for
           security
           .
           Hence
           the
           Apostle
           exhorts
           the
           Philipians
           ,
           
           to
           
             work
             out
             their
             salvation
             with
             feare
             and
             trembling
             ,
             Phil.
          
           2.12
           .
           
             Serve
             the
             Lord
             in
             feare
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             trembllng
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           2.11
           .
           Hee
           that
           feareth
           the
           Lord
           ,
           considereth
           that
           Gods
           eyes
           do
           alwayes
           behold
           him
           ,
           that
           whatsoever
           hee
           goes
           about
           ,
           though
           in
           secret
           or
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           yet
           all
           things
           are
           open
           ,
           and
           manifest
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ;
           Yea
           that
           he
           understands
           the
           thoughts
           and
           secrets
           of
           every
           heart
           ,
           Psal
           .
           139.2
           .
           and
           that
           nothing
           is
           hid
           from
           him
           .
           The
           consideration
           whereof
           will
           make
           us
           to
           watch
           over
           our
           very
           thoughts
           ,
           seeing
           wee
           are
           lyable
           to
           Gods
           Judgements
           ,
           for
           evill
           thoughts
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           for
           evill
           words
           and
           workes
           ,
           Rom.
           2.16
           .
        
         
           Fiftly
           and
           lastly
           ,
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           ,
           will
           make
           us
           happy
           :
           
           for
           wonderfull
           are
           the
           benefits
           ,
           both
           temporall
           and
           spirituall
           ,
           which
           the
           feare
           of
           God
           procureth
           to
           us
           and
           ours
           .
           
             Blessed
             is
             the
             man
             that
             feareth
             the
             Lord
             ,
             his
             generation
             shall
             be
             blessed
             ,
             riches
             and
             treasure
             shall
             be
             in
             his
             house
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           112.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           Such
           as
           feare
           the
           Lord
           ,
           have
           a
           promise
           of
           great
           prosperity
           ,
           Deut.
           5.29
           .
           
             How
             great
             is
             thy
             goodnesse
             which
             thou
             hast
             laid
             up
             for
             them
             that
             feare
             thee
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           31.19
           .
           Not
           onely
           temporall
           good
           things
           ,
           but
           spirituall
           also
           ,
           for
           
             the
             secrets
             of
             the
             Lord
             are
             with
             them
             that
             feare
             him
             ,
             Psalm
             .
          
           25.14
           .
           
             Yea
             the
             Angels
             of
             the
             Lord
             do
             pitch
             ,
             and
             tent
             about
             those
             that
             feare
             him
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           34.7
           .
           Great
           are
           the
           priviledges
           of
           such
           as
           feare
           God
           ,
           which
           in
           this
           life
           they
           partake
           of
           ,
           but
           the
           priviledges
           
           and
           mercies
           of
           another
           life
           ,
           are
           so
           great
           ,
           as
           wee
           are
           no
           way
           able
           to
           conceive
           of
           them
           .
           May
           wee
           not
           then
           safely
           conclude
           ,
           
             That
             the
             end
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             of
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             bettering
             of
             us
             ?
          
           When
           as
           by
           affliction
           hee
           brings
           us
           to
           a
           thorow
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           understanding
           of
           our selves
           :
           to
           judge
           aright
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           sinne
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           come
           to
           abhorre
           ,
           and
           detest
           it
           ,
           and
           last
           of
           all
           ,
           by
           affliction
           wee
           are
           brought
           to
           feare
           the
           Lord.
           Not
           that
           afflictions
           of
           themselves
           do
           work
           this
           good
           in
           any
           ,
           for
           they
           only
           make
           the
           wound
           ,
           they
           do
           not
           heal
           :
           they
           only
           cast
           us
           down
           ,
           but
           cannot
           raise
           us
           up
           againe
           :
           they
           are
           as
           a
           Schoolmaster
           ,
           to
           bring
           us
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           they
           bring
           not
           Christ
           into
           the
           
           heart
           of
           a
           sinner
           .
           It
           prepares
           the
           heart
           ,
           and
           makes
           a
           way
           for
           good
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           working
           with
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           helping
           us
           to
           apply
           the
           same
           aright
           unto
           our selves
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           efficient
           cause
           of
           all
           good
           that
           betideth
           us
           :
           yet
           because
           the
           Lord
           doth
           work
           good
           by
           affliction
           ,
           that
           thing
           is
           figuratively
           applyed
           unto
           affliction
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           proper
           worke
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           in
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           children
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
               .
            
          
           
           Is
           it
           so
           that
           the
           chiefe
           end
           of
           the
           Lords
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           is
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           ?
           Then
           are
           the
           Romanists
           grosly
           mistaken
           ,
           who
           say
           that
           God
           hath
           another
           end
           in
           correcting
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           (
           say
           the
           Papists
           )
           for
           the
           punishment
           of
           our
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           the
           
           satisfying
           of
           Gods
           Justice
           .
           All
           sinne
           doth
           deserve
           a
           double
           punishment
           ,
           both
           temporall
           and
           eternall
           .
           This
           latter
           (
           say
           they
           )
           Christ
           hath
           undergone
           for
           all
           his
           members
           ,
           but
           the
           former
           ,
           the
           temporall
           punishment
           lyeth
           upon
           our
           necks
           ,
           and
           must
           be
           undergone
           by
           us
           ,
           as
           a
           satisfaction
           to
           be
           made
           (
           of
           our
           parts
           )
           to
           the
           Justice
           of
           God.
           And
           for
           proofe
           hereof
           ,
           they
           alledge
           the
           example
           of
           David
           ,
           who
           howsoever
           hee
           was
           received
           into
           mercie
           ,
           upon
           his
           humiliation
           ,
           and
           contrition
           ,
           and
           so
           freed
           from
           eternall
           punishment
           ;
           yet
           was
           hee
           not
           quit
           of
           that
           satisfaction
           ,
           which
           he
           was
           in
           his
           own
           person
           to
           make
           unto
           God
           for
           his
           offences
           ;
           therefore
           did
           hee
           (
           say
           they
           )
           indure
           temporal
           punishments
           .
           
           A
           foul
           and
           a
           grose
           error
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           doth
           not
           only
           derogate
           from
           the
           all-sufficiencie
           of
           Christ
           his
           merrit
           and
           satisfaction
           ,
           
             for
             with
             one
             offering
             hath
             hee
             consecrated
             for
             ever
             them
             that
             are
             sanctified
             ,
             Hebrewes
          
           10.24
           .
           But
           it
           also
           takes
           much
           from
           the
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           ;
           his
           love
           and
           mercie
           is
           wonderfully
           clouded
           &
           eclipsed
           by
           their
           doctrine
           .
           For
           whereas
           the
           Lord
           telleth
           us
           ,
           that
           hee
           doth
           afflict
           us
           in
           great
           love
           ,
           for
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           ,
           for
           the
           beating
           of
           sinne
           down
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           driving
           it
           away
           from
           us
           ,
           they
           say
           that
           God
           correcteth
           us
           for
           the
           punishment
           of
           sinne
           in
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           satisfying
           of
           his
           justice
           .
        
         
           Away
           therefore
           ,
           with
           their
           blasphemous
           doctrine
           ,
           and
           beleeve
           wee
           the
           Word
           
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           be
           wee
           assured
           that
           our
           afflictions
           are
           rather
           furtherances
           of
           sanctification
           ,
           then
           any
           helps
           or
           means
           of
           satisfaction
           :
           administred
           unto
           us
           ,
           rather
           as
           medicines
           ,
           and
           preservatives
           to
           help
           us
           ,
           then
           as
           swordes
           to
           wound
           ,
           or
           hurt
           us
           .
           For
           the
           Lord
           in
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           seeks
           us
           ,
           not
           himselfe
           alone
           ,
           and
           rather
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           ,
           then
           the
           satisfying
           of
           his
           own
           minde
           ,
           
             for
             hee
             goeth
             unwillingly
             to
             punish
             ,
             Lam.
          
           3.33
           .
           And
           yet
           how
           ready
           are
           wee
           to
           turn
           the
           truth
           of
           God
           into
           a
           lie
           ?
           wee
           are
           ready
           to
           think
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           punish
           us
           ,
           to
           ease
           his
           mind
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           wee
           suffer
           to
           satisfie
           .
           Truth
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Lord
           doth
           punish
           the
           wicked
           his
           enemies
           to
           ease
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           to
           
             be
             avenged
             of
             them
             ,
             Esay
          
           1.24
           .
           But
           
           hee
           hath
           other
           ends
           (
           as
           we
           have
           heard
           )
           in
           afflicting
           his
           children
           ;
           therefore
           wee
           may
           not
           say
           ,
           by
           our
           temporall
           punishments
           wee
           are
           any
           way
           able
           fully
           to
           satisfie
           the
           justice
           of
           God
           for
           one
           sinne
           .
           If
           this
           debt
           had
           not
           been
           discharged
           by
           Christ
           our
           surety
           ,
           wee
           should
           be
           cast
           into
           prison
           ,
           wee
           should
           perish
           everlastingly
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             2
          
           
           Therefore
           hold
           wee
           this
           as
           an
           undoubted
           truth
           ,
           that
           God
           may
           forgive
           us
           our
           sins
           ,
           yet
           here
           punish
           our
           persons
           ;
           not
           to
           exact
           any
           satisfaction
           of
           us
           ,
           as
           if
           Christ
           his
           satisfaction
           were
           insufficient
           ,
           and
           wee
           reconciled
           unto
           God
           by
           halves
           ;
           but
           to
           make
           us
           better
           for
           time
           to
           come
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           the
           end
           of
           Gods
           correcting
           us
           bee
           the
           
           bettering
           of
           us
           ,
           wee
           may
           take
           notice
           of
           our
           perverse
           and
           crooked
           nature
           and
           temper
           ,
           with
           whom
           gentle
           and
           faire
           means
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           benefits
           bestowed
           upon
           us
           )
           cannot
           prevail
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           Lord
           must
           bee
           forced
           to
           take
           this
           tart
           ,
           and
           unpleasing
           course
           with
           us
           (
           namely
           correcting
           us
           )
           for
           our
           amendment
           .
           The
           Lord
           (
           as
           hee
           proclames
           himselfe
           )
           is
           a
           father
           of
           mercies
           ,
           slow
           to
           anger
           ,
           and
           of
           great
           patience
           ,
           long
           in
           his
           long-suffering
           ,
           one
           that
           delights
           not
           in
           our
           griefes
           ,
           but
           is
           rather
           
             grieved
             for
             our
             miseries
             ,
             Judges
          
           10.16
           .
           
             and
             his
             bowels
             are
             troubled
             for
             us
             ,
             Jeremie
             ,
          
           31.20
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           If
           the
           Lord
           were
           so
           unwilling
           to
           punish
           his
           children
           ,
           and
           so
           grieved
           for
           
           their
           sorrow
           ,
           and
           miserie
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           telleth
           us
           ,
           why
           doth
           hee
           not
           (
           which
           if
           it
           please
           him
           he
           might
           )
           spare
           himselfe
           that
           labor
           ,
           and
           us
           those
           paines
           hee
           putteth
           us
           unto
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           His
           love
           ,
           and
           your
           good
           constraineth
           him
           so
           to
           deal
           with
           you
           .
           Suppose
           thou
           hadst
           a
           childe
           that
           had
           broken
           his
           leg
           ,
           what
           course
           wouldst
           thou
           take
           with
           him
           ,
           for
           the
           helping
           ,
           and
           healing
           of
           him
           ?
           wouldst
           thou
           not
           bind
           him
           hand
           and
           foot
           ,
           tye
           him
           down
           to
           some
           place
           or
           other
           ,
           &
           c
           ?
           Thy
           childe
           it
           may
           be
           cries
           out
           ,
           good
           father
           let
           me
           alone
           ,
           you
           hurt
           me
           ,
           &c.
           
           Wouldst
           thou
           give
           over
           because
           of
           his
           cry
           ?
           Dost
           thou
           not
           rather
           cry
           with
           him
           ,
           to
           consider
           what
           paine
           thou
           art
           constrained
           to
           put
           him
           unto
           ?
           
           Wouldest
           thou
           not
           tell
           him
           :
           O
           childe
           ,
           I
           may
           not
           let
           thee
           alone
           ,
           for
           then
           thou
           wilt
           be
           lame
           for
           ever
           ,
           yet
           still
           thy
           childe
           renews
           his
           cries
           ,
           good
           father
           ,
           if
           you
           love
           me
           let
           me
           alone
           .
           Wouldst
           thou
           not
           reply
           againe
           ,
           O
           childe
           because
           I
           love
           thee
           ,
           I
           cannot
           let
           shee
           alone
           ,
           for
           then
           thou
           wert
           spoil'd
           for
           ever
           .
           Even
           thus
           dealeth
           the
           Lord
           with
           us
           ,
           it
           is
           for
           our
           good
           ,
           and
           in
           love
           that
           hee
           doth
           any
           way
           chasten
           us
           ,
           this
           course
           hee
           must
           take
           with
           us
           ,
           unlesse
           hee
           should
           suffer
           us
           to
           perish
           ,
           which
           thing
           his
           love
           will
           not
           give
           him
           leave
           to
           do
           .
           He
           smites
           us
           with
           the
           rod
           ,
           that
           wee
           die
           not
           ,
           and
           that
           our
           soules
           may
           bee
           delivered
           from
           hell
           ,
           Proverbes
           23.13.14
           .
        
         
         
           Oh
           the
           wickednesse
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           the
           rebellion
           of
           our
           wils
           ,
           that
           wee
           must
           bee
           thus
           hampered
           ,
           and
           handled
           before
           we
           can
           be
           bettered
           .
           We
           may
           see
           and
           confesse
           (
           if
           wee
           were
           not
           blind
           and
           hardned
           )
           that
           corruption
           is
           deeply
           setled
           in
           us
           ,
           in
           that
           such
           sharp
           physick
           ,
           such
           bitter
           ,
           and
           unpleasing
           potions
           must
           be
           administred
           (
           and
           that
           again
           and
           again
           )
           unto
           us
           ,
           before
           we
           can
           be
           cleansed
           from
           that
           filthinesse
           of
           the
           flesh
           and
           spirit
           ,
           which
           is
           innated
           and
           setled
           in
           us
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             3
          
           
           In
           the
           third
           place
           ,
           wee
           are
           to
           be
           admonished
           from
           hence
           to
           profit
           by
           those
           light
           ,
           and
           gentle
           afflictions
           wherewith
           it
           shall
           please
           the
           Lord
           to
           exercise
           us
           .
           For
           if
           little
           ones
           will
           not
           serve
           
           the
           turn
           to
           reclaim
           us
           ,
           greater
           shall
           bruise
           if
           not
           breake
           us
           .
           If
           we
           shal
           dare
           to
           walke
           stubbornly
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Then
             will
             he
             walk
             stubbornly
             againist
             us
             ,
             and
             he
             will
             also
             chastise
             us
             seven
             times
             more
             accordng
             to
             our
             sinnes
             ,
             Lev.
          
           26.28
           .
           If
           lighter
           afflictions
           wil
           not
           serve
           the
           turn
           greater
           shall
           .
           The
           Lord
           came
           to
           Ephraim
           first
           like
           a
           moth
           Hos
           .
           5.18
           .
           you
           know
           that
           a
           moth
           though
           it
           be
           a
           noxious
           and
           hurtfull
           creature
           ,
           yet
           (
           if
           it
           bee
           looked
           unto
           betimes
           )
           the
           harme
           is
           little
           which
           it
           doth
           ,
           and
           the
           breach
           ,
           or
           hole
           which
           it
           maketh
           ,
           may
           easily
           be
           darned
           up
           again
           .
           Thus
           dealt
           the
           Lord
           at
           first
           with
           Ephraim
           ;
           hee
           did
           favorably
           and
           gently
           afflict
           them
           :
           but
           this
           salve
           was
           not
           strong
           
           enough
           ,
           to
           take
           down
           their
           proud
           flesh
           ,
           
             yet
             would
             not
             Ephraim
             bee
             healed
             ,
             nor
             cured
             of
             her
             wound
             .
          
           Therfore
           saies
           the
           
             Lord
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             unto
             Ephraim
             as
             a
             Lyon.
             Hos
             .
          
           5.13
           ,
           14
           A
           Lyon
           we
           know
           rents
           &
           teares
           where
           he
           comes
           ;
           so
           the
           Lord
           (
           when
           gentle
           meanes
           will
           not
           serve
           the
           turne
           )
           comes
           like
           a
           Lyon
           ,
           with
           tearing
           and
           devouring
           judgments
           God
           (
           when
           he
           see
           good
           to
           exercise
           his
           power
           )
           will
           make
           the
           proudest
           Pharoah
           ,
           the
           stoutest
           sinner
           to
           stoop
           ,
           and
           yeeld
           ,
           else
           he
           will
           not
           spare
           to
           follow
           them
           ,
           with
           one
           judgment
           ,
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           another
           .
           
             All
             these
             curses
             shall
             come
             upon
             thee
             ,
             and
             shall
             pursue
             thee
             ,
             and
             overtak●
             thee
             till
             thou
             be
             destroied
             ,
             Deu.
          
           28.45
           .
           Consider
           
           what
           is
           spoken
           by
           the
           Prophet
           Nahum
           1.9
           .
           
             What
             do
             ye
             imagine
             against
             the
             Lord
             ?
             he
             will
             make
             an
             utter
             destruction
             ;
             affliction
             shall
             not
             rise
             up
             the
             second
             time
             .
          
           The
           Lord
           tarrieth
           long
           before
           he
           comes
           to
           smite
           his
           enemies
           :
           he
           forbeareth
           much
           :
           but
           when
           his
           patience
           is
           abused
           ,
           then
           he
           (
           oft
           times
           )
           gives
           a
           deady
           blow
           :
           The
           spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           did
           a
           long
           time
           strive
           with
           man
           in
           the
           daies
           of
           Noah
           ,
           but
           when
           their
           sinnes
           began
           to
           bee
           multiplied
           against
           the
           patience
           ,
           and
           long
           suffering
           of
           the
           
             Lord
             ,
             When
             the
             Lord
             savv
             that
             the
             vvickednesse
             of
             man
             vvas
             great
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             that
             al
             the
             imaginatiō
             of
             the
             thoughts
             of
             his
             heart
             ,
             vvere
             onely
             evill
             continually
             Gens
             .
          
           6.5
           .
           Then
           the
           Lord
           could
           
           beare
           with
           them
           no
           longer
           ,
           then
           the
           Lord
           comes
           with
           his
           sweeping
           judgment
           ,
           
             destroying
             from
             the
             earth
             ,
             the
             man
             vvhom
             he
             had
             created
             ,
             from
             man
             to
             beast
             ,
             to
             the
             creeping
             thing
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             sowle
             of
             the
             heaven
             ,
             vers
             .
          
           7.
           
           The
           Lord
           suffered
           Sodom
           &
           Gomorrah
           so
           long
           that
           the
           cry
           of
           their
           sins
           did
           ring
           up
           to
           heaven
           ;
           but
           at
           length
           the
           Lord
           was
           even
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           paied
           them
           home
           for
           all
           their
           wickednes
           ;
           destroying
           them
           with
           fire
           and
           brimston
           from
           heaven
           .
           Many
           other
           such
           like
           examples
           might
           be
           brought
           to
           shew
           how
           the
           Lord
           comes
           out
           against
           sinners
           at
           last
           ,
           with
           sweeping
           ,
           and
           devouring
           judgements
           ,
           if
           they
           will
           not
           take
           warning
           by
           lesser
           ones
           .
           The
           history
           of
           the
           Jevvs
           (
           a
           people
           
           sometime
           as
           deare
           unto
           God
           ,
           as
           the
           apple
           of
           his
           eye
           ,
           and
           as
           neere
           unto
           him
           as
           the
           signet
           on
           his
           right
           hand
           )
           doth
           plainly
           teach
           us
           ,
           how
           severely
           the
           Lord
           at
           last
           deales
           with
           stiffe
           ,
           obstinate
           ,
           and
           impenitent
           sinners
           .
           The
           favors
           ,
           the
           benefits
           which
           God
           bestowed
           upon
           them
           ,
           the
           priviledges
           which
           they
           injoyed
           were
           above
           all
           the
           nations
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           yet
           for
           all
           this
           did
           they
           (
           above
           all
           other
           people
           )
           provoke
           the
           Lord
           to
           anger
           against
           them
           .
           
             They
             mocked
             the
             messenger
             ,
             of
             God
             ,
             they
             despised
             his
             Word
             ,
             and
             misused
             his
             Prophets
             untill
             the
             vvrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             rose
             against
             them
             ,
             and
             there
             vvas
             no
             remedy
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Chron.
           16.26
           .
           They
           did
           not
           onely
           kill
           the
           Prophets
           
           and
           stone
           those
           that
           were
           sent
           unto
           them
           ,
           
             but
             they
             crucified
             the
             Lord
             of
             life
             Acts
          
           3.15
           .
           Yea
           and
           preferred
           a
           murderer
           before
           him
           ;
           provoking
           the
           Lord
           so
           long
           ,
           as
           hee
           could
           endure
           them
           no
           more
           ;
           and
           therefore
           hee
           sends
           against
           them
           Titus
           the
           son
           of
           Vespatian
           the
           Roman
           Emperour
           ,
           who
           besiged
           and
           sacked
           the
           City
           of
           Jerusalem
           ,
           and
           made
           such
           havock
           of
           the
           people
           ,
           as
           is
           most
           lamentable
           to
           heare
           of
           .
           It
           is
           reported
           that
           they
           were
           besiged
           so
           long
           as
           many
           thousands
           of
           them
           perished
           through
           the
           famine
           ,
           and
           many
           of
           them
           isuing
           forth
           in
           hope
           either
           to
           escape
           ,
           or
           to
           finde
           mercy
           with
           their
           enemies
           ,
           were
           most
           cruelly
           hanged
           upon
           crosses
           and
           gibbets
           set
           
           up
           before
           their
           walls
           :
           500.
           of
           them
           somtimes
           hanged
           in
           one
           day
           ;
           so
           long
           untill
           there
           was
           no
           more
           space
           left
           unto
           them
           for
           execution
           .
           The
           number
           of
           dead
           carcases
           carried
           out
           of
           the
           Citie
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           buriall
           ,
           to
           be
           cast
           into
           the
           ditches
           (
           if
           wee
           will
           credit
           histories
           )
           was
           numberlesse
           ;
           for
           at
           one
           of
           their
           gates
           ,
           the
           keeper
           thereof
           took
           the
           the
           tale
           of
           one
           hundred
           and
           fifty
           thousand
           dead
           bodies
           .
           Nay
           ,
           through
           the
           exttemity
           of
           famine
           ,
           they
           were
           driven
           to
           eate
           their
           old
           shooes
           ,
           the
           dung
           of
           their
           stables
           ,
           and
           the
           fruit
           of
           their
           own
           loynes
           .
           And
           after
           all
           this
           ,
           thousands
           of
           them
           murdered
           by
           the
           sword
           ,
           and
           many
           moe
           thousands
           carried
           into
           captivity
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           spectacle
           to
           all
           succeeding
           ages
           of
           
           Gods
           indignation
           ,
           and
           wrath
           against
           them
           .
           And
           these
           things
           are
           recorded
           for
           our
           good
           ,
           that
           wee
           may
           not
           dare
           to
           stand
           it
           our
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           but
           speedily
           to
           amend
           upon
           the
           first
           warning
           ,
           and
           blow
           given
           us
           ;
           else
           the
           Lord
           will
           not
           give
           over
           ,
           but
           come
           with
           seven
           times
           more
           ,
           and
           greater
           judgemenes
           against
           us
           .
           
           If
           wee
           belong
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           hee
           will
           never
           leave
           afflicting
           ,
           till
           wee
           cease
           provoking
           him
           .
           If
           wee
           be
           beloved
           of
           God
           ,
           hee
           will
           still
           follow
           us
           with
           correction
           ,
           till
           wee
           fall
           to
           unfained
           and
           sound
           humiliation
           &
           repentance
           .
           For
           we
           shall
           never
           be
           able
           to
           overcome
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           give
           over
           by
           our
           stubbornnesse
           ,
           and
           resisting
           his
           blow
           ,
           but
           by
           falling
           down
           ,
           and
           yeelding
           
           unto
           him
           .
           The
           sturdy
           oke
           is
           rent
           and
           torne
           in
           pieces
           by
           the
           tempest
           ,
           when
           poore
           and
           weak
           reeds
           stand
           still
           ,
           by
           yeelding
           and
           bowing
           .
           There
           is
           no
           standing
           out
           against
           the
           Lord
           ;
           no
           resisting
           by
           force
           of
           armes
           ;
           what
           is
           a
           silly
           sheep
           to
           grapple
           with
           a
           Lion
           ?
           The
           sooner
           wee
           yeeld
           ,
           and
           turn
           from
           our
           evill
           wayes
           ;
           the
           readier
           will
           the
           Lord
           be
           to
           repent
           him
           of
           that
           evill
           which
           otherwise
           hee
           will
           surely
           bring
           upon
           us
           .
           Thou
           that
           by
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           by
           loving
           ,
           and
           gentle
           correction
           canst
           not
           be
           perswaded
           to
           leave
           thy
           sinne
           ,
           must
           know
           that
           (
           if
           thou
           belongest
           to
           God
           )
           hee
           will
           never
           leave
           following
           of
           thee
           with
           one
           affliction
           upon
           the
           neck
           of
           another
           ,
           untill
           hee
           hath
           his
           will
           of
           thee
           .
           What
           
           may
           wee
           then
           think
           of
           those
           that
           are
           little
           ,
           or
           nothing
           at
           all
           amended
           and
           bettered
           by
           any
           judgements
           that
           have
           befallen
           them
           ?
           assuredly
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           such
           as
           belong
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           hee
           is
           preparing
           of
           sharper
           Physick
           for
           them
           ;
           if
           they
           be
           none
           of
           his
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           hee
           will
           give
           them
           over
           to
           their
           own
           hearts
           lust
           ,
           and
           reserue
           them
           unto
           those
           eternall
           ,
           and
           unavoydable
           torments
           of
           the
           second
           death
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             4
          
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           is
           it
           so
           ,
           doth
           God
           correct
           his
           children
           for
           their
           great
           good
           ?
           let
           us
           then
           beware
           of
           doing
           them
           hurt
           by
           persecuting
           those
           whom
           the
           Lord
           doth
           smite
           ,
           lest
           we
           adde
           afflict
           on
           unto
           the
           afflicted
           ;
           and
           this
           wee
           do
           ,
           when
           wee
           shall
           either
           uncharitably
           censure
           ,
           or
           deride
           and
           scoffe
           
           at
           those
           that
           are
           afflicted
           ,
           or
           else
           in
           our
           mindes
           contemn
           ,
           and
           scorne
           them
           ,
           because
           it
           pleaseth
           the
           Lord
           in
           love
           (
           for
           their
           great
           good
           )
           to
           humble
           them
           .
           Such
           is
           the
           unmercifulnesse
           ,
           and
           crueltie
           of
           many
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           set
           their
           feet
           upon
           the
           necks
           of
           those
           whom
           the
           Lord
           hath
           cast
           down
           .
           Indeed
           it
           is
           an
           easie
           thing
           to
           go
           over
           ,
           where
           the
           stile
           is
           low
           ;
           hee
           that
           is
           cast
           down
           to
           the
           ground
           ,
           may
           easily
           bee
           crowed
           over
           ;
           as
           the
           Chaldeans
           would
           make
           themselves
           merry
           with
           the
           poore
           captived
           
             Jewes
             ,
             They
             that
             led
             us
             away
             captive
             ,
             required
             of
             us
             songs
             ,
             and
             mirth
             when
             wee
             had
             hanged
             up
             our
             harps
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           127.3
           .
           To
           require
           a
           song
           from
           those
           ,
           whose
           cheeks
           were
           bedewed
           with
           teares
           ,
           and
           whose
           
           heart
           within
           them
           was
           as
           heavie
           as
           lead
           ,
           yea
           even
           ready
           to
           break
           with
           sighs
           ,
           and
           sobs
           ,
           was
           a
           thing
           unreasonable
           ,
           even
           adding
           of
           sorrow
           to
           their
           misery
           .
           Whereupon
           saith
           the
           Lord
           unto
           those
           
             Babylonians
             ,
             Esay
          
           47.9
           .
           
             I
             was
             wroth
             with
             my
             people
             ,
             I
             have
             polluted
             mine
             inheritance
             ,
             and
             given
             them
             into
             thine
             hand
             ,
             thou
             didst
             shew
             them
             no
             mercy
             ,
             but
             thou
             didst
             lay
             thy
             very
             heavie
             yoke
             upon
             the
             ancient
             ,
             therefore
             now
             shall
             destruction
             come
             upon
             thee
             .
          
           Though
           God
           doth
           afflict
           his
           children
           for
           their
           good
           ,
           yet
           hee
           will
           not
           give
           their
           enemies
           leave
           to
           trample
           them
           underneath
           their
           feet
           ,
           or
           unmercifully
           to
           triumph
           ,
           and
           insult
           over
           them
           ,
           because
           he
           hath
           brought
           them
           under
           .
           When
           Jobs
           miserable
           comforters
           
           began
           to
           crow
           over
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           censure
           him
           for
           his
           great
           afflictions
           ,
           Job
           tells
           them
           ,
           that
           hee
           
             that
             is
             in
             miserie
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             comforted
             of
             his
             neighbour
             ,
             but
             men
             have
             forsaken
             the
             feare
             of
             God
             ,
             Job
             .
          
           9.14
           .
           What
           dost
           thou
           know
           to
           the
           contrary
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           brought
           thy
           neighbor
           into
           misery
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           object
           of
           thy
           mercie
           ?
           that
           thou
           shouldest
           exercise
           thy
           charitie
           upon
           him
           ,
           releeve
           and
           comfort
           him
           ;
           which
           if
           thou
           dost
           not
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           argument
           that
           thou
           wantest
           the
           true
           feare
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord
           hath
           commanded
           us
           to
           relieve
           the
           oppressed
           ,
           Esa
           .
           1.17
           .
           It
           is
           a
           service
           most
           acceptable
           unto
           God
           ,
           to
           relieve
           and
           refresh
           our
           brethren
           when
           they
           are
           in
           any
           trouble
           ,
           or
           distresse
           ,
           and
           such
           
           a
           service
           as
           seldome
           or
           never
           goes
           without
           a
           blessing
           .
           
             Blessed
             is
             hee
             that
             considereth
             the
             poore
             ,
             the
             Lord
             will
             deliver
             him
             in
             the
             time
             of
             trouble
             .
             Psalm
             .
          
           41.1
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           as
           thou
           desirest
           that
           God
           should
           blesse
           thee
           ,
           be
           thou
           as
           willing
           ,
           as
           thou
           art
           able
           to
           succor
           and
           comfort
           those
           that
           are
           in
           adversitie
           .
           If
           thou
           wantest
           outward
           means
           of
           helping
           and
           relieving
           of
           them
           ,
           let
           them
           have
           a
           word
           of
           comfort
           from
           thee
           to
           support
           them
           ;
           advise
           ,
           counsell
           and
           direct
           them
           as
           thou
           art
           able
           :
           if
           not
           ,
           yet
           pittie
           them
           ,
           pray
           for
           them
           ,
           that
           God
           would
           sanctifie
           their
           crosses
           ,
           give
           them
           faith
           and
           patience
           to
           beare
           their
           crosses
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           them
           (
           in
           good
           time
           )
           a
           good
           issue
           out
           of
           them
           :
           and
           in
           the
           
           mean
           time
           ,
           do
           thou
           entertain
           a
           charitable
           opinion
           of
           them
           ,
           do
           not
           say
           ,
           or
           think
           that
           they
           are
           greater
           sinners
           then
           others
           ,
           because
           (
           peradventure
           )
           their
           afflictions
           and
           crosses
           are
           greater
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           pleased
           to
           prove
           them
           more
           then
           others
           ,
           for
           their
           greater
           good
           .
           This
           wise
           judging
           ,
           and
           mercifull
           considering
           of
           the
           poore
           afflicted
           ,
           even
           when
           some
           heavie
           and
           strange
           calamities
           do
           befall
           them
           ,
           is
           a
           thing
           which
           God
           much
           respecteth
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           will
           certainly
           recompence
           with
           some
           blessing
           or
           other
           .
           But
           if
           thou
           beest
           censorious
           ,
           or
           regardlesse
           of
           others
           woe
           ,
           and
           miserie
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           signe
           that
           thou
           wantest
           bowells
           of
           pitty
           ,
           and
           compassion
           ,
           thou
           wantest
           true
           charity
           ;
           for
           this
           would
           
           teach
           thee
           to
           remember
           them
           that
           are
           in
           affliction
           ,
           
             as
             if
             yee
             were
             also
             afflicted
             in
             the
             body
             .
             Hebr.
          
           13.3
           .
        
         
           Thus
           it
           is
           with
           Christ
           the
           head
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           hee
           is
           touched
           and
           affected
           with
           all
           their
           afflictions
           ,
           hee
           hath
           a
           feeling
           of
           every
           evill
           that
           befalls
           them
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           did
           befall
           himselfe
           .
           They
           may
           be
           brought
           unto
           a
           low
           ebbe
           ,
           and
           pittifull
           plight
           by
           reason
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           yet
           doth
           not
           Christ
           esteem
           them
           the
           worse
           ,
           neither
           is
           he
           then
           ashamed
           to
           call
           them
           ,
           and
           take
           them
           for
           his
           brethren
           ;
           yea
           hee
           esteems
           of
           poore
           afflicted
           Christians
           ,
           as
           a
           part
           of
           himselfe
           ;
           though
           they
           be
           vile
           and
           contemptible
           in
           the
           e●es
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           yet
           are
           they
           honorable
           and
           precious
           
           in
           his
           sight
           ;
           though
           they
           be
           hated
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           yet
           are
           they
           beloved
           of
           him
           .
           Thus
           should
           it
           bee
           with
           all
           true
           and
           sound
           members
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           :
           we
           must
           have
           a
           fellow-feeling
           of
           the
           afflictions
           of
           our
           brethren
           :
           
             to
             weep
             with
             them
             that
             weep
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             of
             like
             affection
             one
             towards
             another
             ,
             Rom.
          
           12.15
           ,
           16.
           
           So
           full
           of
           pitty
           and
           charity
           was
           Paul
           ,
           that
           hee
           was
           touched
           with
           the
           misery
           of
           all
           his
           brethren
           .
           
             Who
             is
             weake
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             not
             weake
             ?
             who
             is
             offended
             ,
             and
             I
             burn
             not
             ?
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           11.26
           .
           Nehemiah
           was
           a
           man
           in
           favor
           ,
           and
           credit
           with
           King
           Artaxerxes
           ,
           hee
           enjoyed
           the
           pleasures
           of
           the
           Court
           ,
           and
           felt
           no
           want
           ,
           yet
           when
           he
           understood
           of
           the
           affliction
           of
           his
           brethren
           ,
           and
           in
           what
           contempt
           ,
           and
           
           miserie
           the
           people
           of
           God
           were
           ;
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             hee
             fell
             down
             and
             wept
             ,
             and
             mourned
             certain
             dayes
             .
             Nehe.
          
           1.4
           .
        
         
           The
           Prophet
           
             Jeremiah
             wished
             that
             his
             head
             were
             full
             of
             water
             ,
             and
             his
             eyes
             a
             fountaine
             of
             teares
             ,
             that
             hee
             might
             weep
             day
             and
             night
             ,
             for
             the
             miseries
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             Jerem.
          
           9.1
           .
           But
           alas
           !
           how
           few
           are
           they
           that
           do
           lay
           to
           heart
           the
           afflictions
           of
           their
           neighbors
           ?
           
             They
             sing
             to
             the
             sound
             of
             the
             violl
             ,
             they
             drink
             wine
             in
             bowles
             ,
             and
             anoint
             themselves
             with
             the
             chiefe
             ointment
             ,
             but
             no
             man
             is
             sorry
             for
             the
             afflictions
             of
             Joseph
             ,
             Amos
             ,
          
           9.5
           ,
           6.
           
           Thus
           too
           many
           Christians
           shew
           themselves
           to
           be
           Stoicks
           ,
           or
           rather
           stocks
           ,
           without
           any
           charitable
           affection
           ,
           without
           any
           bowels
           of
           compassion
           .
           
           Many
           will
           be
           kind
           unto
           their
           friends
           ,
           all
           the
           while
           they
           are
           able
           to
           requite
           their
           love
           with
           kindnesse
           againe
           ,
           but
           in
           the
           day
           of
           adversitie
           (
           as
           was
           touched
           before
           )
           they
           are
           ready
           to
           turn
           their
           backs
           upon
           their
           neighbors
           :
           whereas
           
             a
             true
             friend
             loveth
             it
             all
             times
             ,
             and
             a
             brother
             is
             borne
             for
             adversitie
             ,
             Pro.
          
           17.17
           .
           These
           are
           hollow-hearted
           ,
           and
           false
           friends
           ,
           who
           like
           many
           a
           dog
           ,
           will
           fawn
           upon
           a
           man
           ,
           and
           follow
           him
           all
           the
           while
           hee
           hath
           somthing
           to
           give
           him
           ,
           but
           when
           all
           is
           gone
           ,
           hee
           is
           gone
           also
           .
           So
           that
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           which
           the
           Wise
           man
           speakes
           ,
           
             Wealth
             maketh
             many
             friends
             ,
             but
             the
             poore
             is
             separated
             from
             his
             neighbor
             ,
             Prov
             ,
          
           16.4
           .
           Take
           wee
           heed
           therefore
           ,
           that
           wee
           be
           not
           so
           taken
           up
           
           with
           our
           own
           fulnesse
           ,
           and
           prosperity
           ,
           that
           wee
           forget
           the
           wants
           and
           miseries
           of
           others
           ,
           so
           as
           there
           is
           left
           no
           place
           in
           our
           hearts
           to
           grieve
           for
           them
           :
           for
           if
           wee
           be
           without
           compassion
           ,
           God
           will
           one
           day
           smite
           these
           incompassionate
           hearts
           of
           ours
           ,
           that
           wee
           shall
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           ,
           and
           be
           glad
           to
           have
           pittie
           from
           others
           ,
           but
           it
           shall
           be
           denied
           us
           .
           
             For
             there
             shall
             be
             judgement
             mercilesse
             ,
             to
             him
             that
             sheweth
             no
             mercie
             ,
             Jam.
          
           2.13
           .
           Therefore
           let
           us
           beare
           
             one
             anothers
             burthen
             ,
             and
             so
             fulfill
             the
             law
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Gal.
          
           6.2
           .
           Thou
           helpest
           to
           beare
           thy
           neighbors
           burthen
           ,
           when
           thou
           labourest
           to
           comfort
           him
           in
           the
           time
           of
           affliction
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           a
           great
           ease
           and
           comfort
           unto
           him
           ,
           that
           is
           in
           any
           distresse
           to
           have
           others
           
           to
           condole
           with
           him
           ▪
           to
           have
           companions
           of
           our
           sorrow
           ,
           to
           have
           those
           that
           fellow-feele
           with
           us
           ,
           cannot
           but
           be
           a
           comfort
           to
           any
           that
           are
           in
           misery
           .
        
         
           Little
           do
           you
           think
           what
           refreshing
           (
           if
           not
           ease
           )
           it
           is
           to
           one
           in
           affliction
           ,
           to
           heare
           ,
           or
           see
           another
           to
           pittie
           his
           case
           :
           to
           weep
           with
           those
           that
           weep
           ,
           and
           mourn
           with
           those
           that
           mourn
           ,
           doth
           excedingly
           abate
           ,
           though
           not
           remove
           and
           take
           away
           the
           smart
           of
           their
           affliction
           .
           We
           shall
           be
           the
           more
           ready
           and
           willing
           to
           put
           forth
           our
           hand
           of
           comfort
           ,
           to
           lift
           our
           neighbor
           out
           of
           the
           ditch
           ,
           if
           wee
           consider
           how
           soone
           his
           case
           may
           be
           ours
           ,
           and
           our selves
           (
           before
           it
           be
           long
           )
           may
           stand
           in
           as
           much
           need
           of
           pitty
           and
           comfort
           as
           our
           neighbor
           
           now
           doth
           .
           What
           measure
           you
           meat
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           measured
           to
           you
           againe
           .
           Matt.
           7.2
           .
           Therefore
           denie
           not
           unto
           the
           afflicted
           any
           comfort
           which
           thou
           art
           able
           to
           afford
           him
           .
           But
           above
           all
           ,
           beware
           (
           as
           I
           said
           before
           )
           of
           insulting
           over
           those
           that
           are
           afflicted
           .
           This
           was
           the
           sinne
           of
           the
           Edomites
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           reproveth
           ,
           and
           threatneth
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Obadiah
             ,
             Thou
             shouldest
             not
             have
             rejoyced
             over
             the
             children
             of
             Judah
             ,
             in
             the
             day
             of
             their
             destruction
             ,
             neither
             shouldest
             thou
             have
             spoken
             proudly
             in
             the
             day
             of
             their
             affliction
             .
             As
             thou
             hast
             done
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             done
             to
             thee
             ,
             thy
             reward
             shall
             returne
             upon
             thine
             head
             .
             Obadiah
             ,
          
           vers
           .
           15.
           
           The
           Lord
           will
           not
           have
           any
           to
           solace
           themselves
           with
           others
           sorrow
           ;
           nor
           make
           themselves
           
           merry
           at
           others
           misery
           ;
           though
           hee
           were
           our
           enemie
           .
           
             Bee
             not
             thou
             glad
             when
             thine
             enemie
             falleth
             ,
             and
             let
             not
             thine
             heart
             rejoyce
             when
             hee
             stumbleth
             ,
             least
             the
             Lord
             see
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             displeaseth
             him
             ,
             and
             hee
             turn
             his
             wrath
             from
             him
             ,
             towards
             thee
             ,
             Prov.
          
           24.17
           ,
           18.
           
           But
           rather
           pitty
           those
           that
           are
           afflicted
           ,
           and
           then
           no
           doubt
           ,
           but
           the
           Lord
           will
           stirre
           up
           the
           hearts
           of
           others
           to
           extend
           mercy
           ,
           and
           bowels
           of
           compassion
           towards
           thee
           ,
           when
           thou
           art
           in
           affliction
           .
           And
           if
           there
           be
           no
           man
           to
           pittie
           thee
           here
           ,
           the
           Lord
           himselfe
           will
           most
           certainly
           remember
           and
           recompense
           thy
           kindnesse
           hereafter
           ,
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           wherein
           hee
           will
           reward
           every
           one
           according
           to
           his
           workes
           ,
           and
           will
           say
           unto
           the
           mercifull
           ,
           
             Come
             yee
             
             blessed
             of
             my
             Father
             ,
             inherit
             yee
             the
             kingdome
             prepared
             for
             you
             from
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             for
             I
             was
             an
             hungry
             and
             yee
             gave
             me
             meat
             ;
             I
             thirsted
             ,
             and
             yee
             gave
             me
             drink
             ;
             I
             was
             a
             stranger
             ,
             and
             yee
             lodged
             me
             ;
             I
             was
             naked
             ,
             and
             yee
             clothed
             me
             ;
             I
             was
             sicke
             ,
             and
             yee
             visited
             mee
             ;
             I
             was
             in
             prison
             ,
             and
             yee
             came
             unto
             mee
          
           ;
           for
           as
           much
           as
           wee
           have
           done
           these
           things
           to
           the
           least
           beleever
           (
           yea
           ,
           if
           wee
           do
           them
           to
           a
           bad
           liver
           for
           Christs
           sake
           ,
           wee
           have
           done
           them
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           who
           will
           abundantly
           recompense
           us
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             5
          
           
           Fiftly
           ,
           is
           this
           the
           end
           of
           God
           afflicting
           of
           us
           ,
           that
           hee
           may
           better
           us
           ?
           Then
           let
           faith
           perswade
           thy
           heart
           ,
           and
           wait
           in
           hope
           of
           a
           blessed
           and
           happy
           issue
           ,
           and
           end
           of
           thy
           affliction
           .
           Though
           thou
           hast
           
           not
           wisedome
           enough
           to
           make
           good
           use
           of
           thy
           chastisments
           ,
           yet
           thy
           God
           who
           is
           perfect
           wisedome
           will
           make
           good
           his
           promise
           ,
           and
           perfect
           his
           own
           handy-wotke
           ,
           so
           as
           (
           if
           thou
           beleeve
           )
           thou
           shalt
           finde
           thy selfe
           one
           day
           much
           bettered
           by
           thy
           affliction
           .
           If
           thou
           beleeve
           ,
           thou
           wilt
           patiently
           wait
           for
           the
           fulfilling
           of
           Gods
           promise
           ,
           a
           beleeving
           patient
           had
           rather
           be
           held
           to
           a
           long
           and
           continuall
           course
           of
           physick
           in
           hope
           of
           future
           health
           ,
           then
           to
           be
           in
           danger
           of
           his
           life
           ,
           by
           interrupting
           his
           course
           of
           Physick
           .
           And
           for
           asmuch
           as
           our
           understandings
           are
           exceedingly
           blinded
           through
           ignorance
           and
           selfe
           love
           ,
           and
           much
           darkned
           with
           fleshly
           lusts
           (
           as
           you
           shal
           see
           a
           looking
           glasse
           to
           be
           
           sometime
           covered
           with
           dust
           )
           that
           we
           can
           neither
           see
           what
           is
           amisse
           in
           our selves
           ,
           nor
           yet
           amend
           on
           the
           suden
           what
           we
           find
           amis
           in
           us
           ,
           we
           had
           need
           to
           exercise
           our
           faith
           in
           praier
           &
           in
           patience
           to
           wait
           for
           the
           accomplishing
           of
           that
           good
           the
           Lord
           intends
           us
           by
           afflicting
           us
           .
           For
           as
           God
           prescribes
           the
           physick
           ,
           so
           he
           must
           cause
           it
           to
           work
           ,
           &
           blesse
           it
           unto
           us
           :
           we
           of
           our selves
           are
           like
           children
           who
           being
           taken
           in
           som
           fault
           and
           feeling
           the
           smart
           of
           the
           rod
           ,
           are
           ready
           to
           promise
           amendment
           ,
           but
           presently
           forget
           both
           the
           fault
           ,
           the
           punishment
           ,
           and
           our
           promise
           .
           Faith
           will
           teach
           us
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           beg
           grace
           from
           God
           to
           amend
           our
           lives
           ,
           but
           also
           help
           and
           strength
           from
           him
           to
           walke
           more
           closly
           with
           him
           .
           For
           as
           no
           force
           of
           the
           hammer
           
           can
           worke
           the
           Iron
           unto
           any
           forme
           unlesse
           it
           be
           softned
           by
           the
           fire
           ,
           even
           so
           afflictions
           will
           beat
           in
           vaine
           upon
           us
           ,
           until
           God
           by
           his
           spirit
           molifie
           ,
           and
           soften
           these
           hard
           hearts
           of
           ours
           ,
           and
           teach
           us
           to
           profit
           by
           our
           afflictions
           .
        
         
           And
           although
           thou
           dost
           not
           presently
           finde
           or
           feel
           that
           good
           to
           be
           wrought
           in
           thee
           which
           the
           Lord
           intendeth
           ,
           yet
           live
           by
           faith
           ,
           and
           wait
           with
           patience
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           end
           thou
           shalt
           confesse
           ,
           that
           God
           hath
           shewed
           thee
           his
           love
           ,
           made
           good
           his
           promise
           ;
           and
           much
           bettered
           thee
           by
           afflicting
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             
               Vse
            
             6
          
           
           Lastly
           ,
           if
           the
           end
           of
           Gods
           afflicting
           of
           us
           bee
           the
           bettering
           of
           us
           ;
           be
           wee
           then
           both
           thankfull
           to
           the
           Lord
           for
           our
           afflictions
           and
           joyfull
           in
           them
           .
           Suppose
           thou
           
           wert
           fallen
           into
           some
           dangerous
           pit
           ,
           or
           quagmyre
           in
           danger
           of
           perishing
           ,
           wouldst
           thou
           not
           be
           glad
           to
           see
           any
           comming
           neere
           to
           help
           thee
           ?
           wouldest
           not
           bee
           thankfull
           to
           that
           person
           that
           should
           bee
           a
           meanes
           of
           thy
           deliverance
           ,
           though
           it
           were
           by
           putting
           some
           hook
           into
           thy
           flesh
           which
           may
           for
           the
           present
           hurt
           ,
           and
           wound
           thee
           ?
           Sinne
           is
           a
           dangerous
           pit
           ,
           and
           gulfe
           ,
           wherein
           many
           soules
           do
           perish
           ;
           When
           the
           Lord
           afflicts
           thee
           he
           doth
           cast
           a
           cord
           unto
           thee
           to
           lay
           hold
           of
           ,
           or
           it
           may
           bee
           hee
           strikes
           some
           hooke
           into
           thy
           flesh
           ,
           some
           sore
           affliction
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           desires
           to
           pull
           thee
           out
           of
           thy
           sinne
           ;
           hast
           thou
           not
           then
           great
           cause
           of
           thanks
           ,
           and
           rejoycing
           offered
           unto
           thee
           when
           the
           Lord
           afflicteth
           
           thee
           ?
           If
           wee
           had
           wisedome
           and
           understanding
           to
           consider
           aright
           of
           Gods
           goodnesse
           and
           love
           toward
           us
           ,
           there
           would
           be
           more
           thanks
           for
           ,
           and
           cheerfulnesse
           in
           affliction
           ,
           and
           lesse
           repining
           and
           mourning
           amongst
           us
           ,
           then
           there
           is
           .
           If
           wee
           were
           not
           poysoned
           with
           infidelity
           and
           distrust
           ,
           it
           could
           not
           be
           ,
           but
           wee
           should
           be
           more
           joyfull
           in
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           thankfull
           for
           them
           ,
           then
           wee
           many
           times
           seeme
           to
           bee
           .
           Some
           (
           when
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           is
           upon
           them
           )
           are
           like
           to
           a
           man
           cast
           into
           a
           deep
           lethergie
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           
             drousie
             ,
             and
             forgetfull
             sicknesse
          
           ,
           when
           the
           use
           of
           memory
           and
           reason
           is
           almost
           ,
           or
           altogether
           taken
           from
           us
           ;
           so
           they
           are
           like
           stocks
           ,
           and
           stones
           ,
           insensible
           of
           their
           afflictions
           ,
           they
           have
           neither
           
           hearts
           ,
           nor
           eyes
           to
           consider
           of
           ,
           or
           see
           their
           sinnes
           which
           have
           pulled
           this
           judgment
           upon
           them
           ,
           nor
           yet
           the
           end
           which
           God
           aimes
           at
           in
           smiting
           them
           .
           And
           there
           be
           other
           some
           of
           a
           contrary
           temper
           ,
           and
           these
           are
           like
           to
           a
           man
           in
           a
           phrensie
           ;
           hee
           rages
           ,
           and
           stormes
           ,
           if
           not
           blasphems
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           upon
           him
           ,
           kicking
           ,
           and
           spurning
           against
           the
           Lord
           ,
           unwilling
           to
           beare
           that
           burthen
           the
           Lord
           is
           willing
           should
           lye
           upon
           him
           :
           of
           both
           these
           sorts
           of
           people
           the
           Prophet
           Jeremiah
           speaketh
           ,
           
             Thou
             hast
             consumed
             them
             ,
             but
             they
             have
             refused
             to
             receive
             correction
             ,
             they
             have
             made
             their
             faces
             harder
             then
             a
             stone
             ,
             and
             have
             refused
             to
             return
             ,
             Jerem.
          
           5.3
           .
           They
           were
           unwilling
           either
           to
           beare
           their
           correction
           ,
           or
           to
           be
           bettered
           by
           it
           .
           
           But
           let
           it
           not
           be
           so
           with
           any
           that
           love
           the
           Lord
           ,
           or
           their
           own
           good
           :
           let
           both
           these
           extremities
           be
           avoided
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           let
           us
           exercise
           the
           golden
           mean
           ,
           to
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           cheerfull
           and
           thankfull
           for
           our
           affliction
           ,
           seeing
           (
           as
           hath
           been
           proved
           )
           so
           much
           good
           commeth
           unto
           us
           by
           them
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           If
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           that
           afflictions
           are
           so
           profitable
           ,
           then
           may
           wee
           ,
           yea
           ought
           wee
           to
           pray
           that
           God
           would
           afflict
           us
           ;
           for
           may
           not
           every
           one
           ,
           nay
           should
           not
           every
           one
           pray
           for
           that
           which
           may
           be
           profitable
           for
           himselfe
           and
           others
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Those
           things
           which
           in
           themselves
           are
           evill
           ,
           howsoever
           by
           the
           wise
           Providence
           ,
           and
           mercifull
           disposition
           of
           
           God
           they
           may
           have
           a
           good
           issue
           ,
           and
           work
           together
           for
           the
           best
           to
           those
           that
           love
           God
           :
           yet
           may
           wee
           not
           lawfully
           pray
           for
           such
           evills
           to
           light
           upon
           our selves
           or
           others
           ,
           upon
           presumption
           of
           Gods
           goodnesse
           to
           turn
           them
           to
           the
           best
           .
        
         
           The
           disasters
           ,
           and
           miserable
           calamities
           which
           for
           many
           yeeres
           together
           have
           rent
           and
           torn
           the
           Church
           ,
           have
           stirred
           us
           up
           to
           seek
           ,
           and
           cry
           mightily
           unto
           ●he
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           humbled
           with
           fasting
           before
           him
           ;
           may
           wee
           therefore
           pray
           that
           the
           rod
           of
           God
           may
           still
           lie
           upon
           the
           backs
           of
           his
           people
           ,
           that
           ruines
           and
           the
           breaches
           of
           Sion
           may
           not
           be
           repaired
           ?
           Surely
           no
           :
           for
           wee
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           the
           peace
           of
           
             Jerusalem
             ,
             That
             peace
             may
             be
             within
             her
             walls
             ,
             
             and
             prosperitie
             within
             her
             pallaces
             .
             Psal
             .
          
           122.6
           ,
           7.
           
        
         
           Death
           in
           it selfe
           is
           an
           evill
           thing
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           
             the
             wages
             of
             sinne
             .
             Rom.
          
           6.23
           .
           Yet
           by
           the
           infinite
           power
           and
           mercy
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           delights
           to
           bring
           good
           out
           of
           evill
           ,
           it
           is
           made
           the
           period
           of
           all
           our
           labors
           ,
           and
           an
           entrance
           into
           Gods
           own
           presence
           ,
           may
           we
           therefore
           (
           being
           wearle
           of
           our
           lives
           )
           desire
           death
           sooner
           then
           the
           Lord
           will
           ?
           Albeit
           afflictions
           ,
           when
           the
           Lord
           sendeth
           them
           unto
           us
           ,
           shall
           bring
           good
           unto
           his
           children
           ,
           yet
           ought
           wee
           not
           either
           to
           pray
           for
           them
           ,
           or
           wilfully
           to
           cast
           and
           plunge
           our selves
           into
           them
           .
           Therefore
           Agar
           praies
           unto
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Give
             me
             not
             poverty
             nor
             riches
             ;
             feed
             me
             with
             food
             convenient
             for
             me
             ,
             Prov.
          
           30.8
           .
        
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
           Wee
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           such
           a
           condition
           in
           which
           the
           Lord
           sees
           wee
           shall
           be
           best
           able
           to
           honor
           and
           glorifie
           him
           ,
           and
           procure
           most
           good
           to
           our selves
           and
           others
           .
           Now
           whether
           this
           will
           be
           by
           prosperitie
           ,
           or
           adversitie
           ,
           wee
           must
           leave
           it
           to
           the
           wisedome
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           knoweth
           better
           then
           our selves
           what
           is
           expedient
           and
           needfull
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           
             
               Object
               .
            
          
           But
           if
           it
           be
           so
           ,
           that
           afflictions
           are
           so
           profitable
           unto
           us
           ,
           whether
           being
           in
           them
           ,
           may
           wee
           pray
           for
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           or
           no
           ?
        
         
           
             
               Answ
               .
            
          
           Wee
           are
           to
           pray
           for
           deliverance
           out
           of
           them
           ,
           if
           wee
           have
           received
           that
           good
           by
           them
           ,
           which
           God
           intended
           us
           ;
           otherwise
           wee
           
           are
           to
           be
           willing
           ,
           nay
           desirous
           that
           the
           Lord
           would
           not
           take
           off
           his
           plaister
           ,
           untill
           the
           sore
           be
           healed
           ,
           lest
           it
           ranckle
           ,
           and
           grow
           worse
           ,
           and
           so
           wee
           cause
           the
           Lord
           to
           apply
           some
           sharper
           medicine
           ,
           to
           lay
           upon
           us
           some
           greater
           affliction
           .
           Therefore
           in
           thine
           affliction
           ,
           call
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           Smite
           Lord
           ,
           correct
           me
           still
           ,
           untill
           thou
           hast
           done
           me
           good
           by
           thy
           rod
           ,
           let
           me
           have
           this
           affliction
           sanctified
           ,
           else
           let
           mee
           not
           be
           eased
           ;
           let
           it
           not
           be
           taken
           off
           me
           .
           Are
           there
           not
           many
           delivered
           oft
           times
           out
           of
           sicknesse
           ,
           for
           whom
           it
           had
           been
           better
           in
           respect
           of
           their
           souls
           ,
           they
           had
           still
           continued
           upon
           their
           sicke
           bed
           ?
           The
           like
           may
           bee
           said
           of
           many
           other
           kinde
           of
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           that
           it
           
           had
           been
           better
           for
           some
           they
           had
           never
           come
           out
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           when
           wee
           are
           in
           affliction
           ,
           let
           us
           not
           pray
           for
           freedome
           ,
           and
           deliverance
           ,
           but
           conditionally
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           the
           will
           of
           God
           to
           inlarge
           us
           ,
           and
           if
           he
           seeth
           that
           deliverance
           will
           be
           better
           for
           us
           .
           Otherwise
           ,
           to
           desire
           the
           Lord
           to
           keep
           us
           still
           under
           ,
           and
           to
           give
           us
           patience
           and
           faith
           to
           beare
           his
           rod
           ,
           and
           to
           profit
           by
           it
           .
           But
           if
           any
           shall
           unwillingly
           beare
           the
           Lords
           yoke
           ,
           using
           all
           means
           he
           can
           to
           cast
           it
           off
           ,
           and
           to
           pull
           his
           head
           out
           of
           the
           collar
           ,
           this
           shewes
           ,
           that
           such
           a
           person
           doth
           not
           desire
           that
           the
           Lord
           should
           do
           him
           good
           ,
           neither
           doth
           hee
           acknowledge
           the
           Lords
           wisedome
           and
           righteousnesse
           ,
           but
           seemeth
           to
           tell
           
           the
           Lord
           what
           hee
           thinkes
           were
           better
           for
           him
           .
           And
           let
           him
           know
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           will
           either
           keep
           him
           in
           affliction
           longer
           ,
           then
           otherwise
           hee
           would
           ,
           or
           else
           ,
           that
           this
           affliction
           shall
           be
           but
           a
           fore-runner
           of
           some
           greater
           judgement
           .
           Therefore
           let
           us
           not
           vexe
           ,
           or
           disquiet
           our selves
           in
           our
           afflictions
           ,
           and
           so
           make
           them
           more
           grievous
           unto
           us
           then
           the
           Lord
           would
           have
           them
           .
           Lee
           us
           cast
           our selves
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           resolve
           to
           abide
           his
           pleasure
           ;
           and
           assure
           wee
           our selves
           ,
           that
           the
           longer
           wee
           are
           under
           his
           hand
           ,
           the
           more
           good
           he
           will
           do
           us
           ,
           
           and
           the
           better
           able
           we
           shall
           be
           to
           beare
           his
           hand
           .
           You
           shall
           heare
           a
           new
           cart
           in
           the
           street
           which
           will
           squeak
           and
           make
           a
           noise
           ,
           if
           the
           least
           load
           that
           can
           be
           ,
           lie
           upon
           it
           ,
           
           whereas
           an
           old
           seasoned
           cart
           will
           go
           under
           a
           great
           weight
           ,
           and
           make
           no
           noise
           ;
           even
           so
           many
           a
           Christian
           (
           not
           used
           to
           beare
           affliction
           )
           will
           squeak
           ,
           and
           cry
           out
           upon
           every
           little
           trouble
           ,
           whereas
           hee
           that
           hath
           been
           seasoned
           long
           ,
           and
           exercised
           with
           afflictions
           ,
           undergoes
           many
           great
           and
           grievous
           ones
           cheerfully
           ,
           and
           contentedly
           .
           Wert
           thou
           never
           in
           affliction
           untiil
           now
           ?
           then
           look
           up
           to
           the
           promises
           of
           God
           ,
           acquaint
           thy selfe
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           make
           thee
           cheerfull
           and
           thankfull
           for
           thy
           affliction
           .
           
           
             It
             is
             my
             comfort
             in
             my
             trouble
             ,
             for
             thy
             promise
             hath
             quickened
             me
             ,
             Psal
             .
          
           119.50
           .
           Say
           as
           
             Sydrac
             ,
             Meshac
          
           and
           Abednego
           said
           ,
           
             our
             God
             whom
             wee
             serve
             is
             able
             to
             deliver
             us
             ,
             and
             hee
             will
             
             deliver
             us
             .
          
           Hast
           thou
           been
           formerly
           afflicted
           ,
           and
           delivered
           ,
           let
           former
           deliverances
           confirm
           and
           strengthen
           thy
           faith
           in
           this
           present
           ,
           or
           future
           afflictions
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           Paul
           ,
           wee
           should
           not
           trust
           in
           our selves
           ,
           but
           in
           God
           ,
           
             Who
             delivered
             us
             from
             so
             great
             a
             death
             ,
             in
             whom
             we
             trust
             that
             yet
             hereafter
             hee
             will
             deliver
             us
             ,
          
           2.
           
           Cor.
           1.10
           .
           In
           the
           mean
           time
           resolve
           to
           tarry
           the
           Lords
           leisure
           ,
           consider
           not
           what
           now
           thou
           feelest
           ,
           but
           what
           good
           hereafter
           thou
           art
           like
           to
           find
           by
           thine
           afflictions
           .
           Blesse
           God
           that
           hee
           will
           take
           this
           course
           with
           thee
           ,
           as
           Job
           said
           ,
           
             What
             is
             man
             ,
             that
             thou
             dost
             magnifie
             him
             ,
             and
             thou
             settest
             thine
             heart
             upon
             him
             ,
             And
             dost
             visit
             him
             every
             morning
             ,
             and
             triest
             him
             every
             moment
             ?
          
           We
           would
           take
           it
           as
           a
           
           great
           grace
           and
           honor
           ,
           if
           the
           King
           should
           every
           day
           send
           to
           know
           how
           we
           do
           :
           but
           if
           hee
           should
           daily
           come
           in
           person
           to
           visit
           us
           ,
           how
           highly
           should
           wee
           think
           our selves
           honored
           ?
           It
           is
           thy
           case
           that
           art
           afflicted
           .
           The
           King
           of
           Kings
           hath
           sent
           his
           servant
           ,
           nay
           comes
           with
           his
           servant
           to
           visite
           thee
           ,
           when
           he
           sendeth
           affliction
           unto
           thee
           .
           Assure
           thy selfe
           he
           mindes
           thee
           ,
           nay
           ,
           sets
           his
           heart
           upon
           thee
           :
           if
           he
           regarded
           not
           thy
           good
           and
           welfare
           ,
           hee
           would
           suffer
           thee
           to
           take
           thy
           swinge
           in
           sin
           ;
           but
           because
           he
           loveth
           thee
           he
           correcteth
           thee
           .
           It
           is
           a
           truth
           ,
           the
           Lord
           hath
           spoken
           it
           ;
           
             As
             many
             as
             I
             love
             ,
             I
             rebuke
             and
             chasten
             ;
             bee
             zealous
             therefore
             and
             amend
             .
          
           So
           be
           it
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A02744-e5650
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Fervent
             Zeal
             what
             it
             is
             .
          
           
             Doct.
             1.
             
             The
             best
             have
             afflictions
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             findeth
             out
             sinnes
             .
          
           
             Iob
             36
             8
             ,
             9
             
          
           
             Affliction
             purges
             out
             sinne
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             is
             physick
             for
             the
             soul
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             preventeth
             sinne
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             teacheth
             us
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             trieth
             the
             truth
             of
             grace
             in
             us
             
          
           
             Affliction
             doth
             fit
             us
             for
             Gods
             service
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             teacheth
             us
             to
             prize
             Gods
             benefits
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             weaneth
             us
             from
             the
             world
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             stirs
             us
             up
             to
             prayer
             .
          
           
             0.
             
             Affliction
             quickneth
             our
             devotion
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             cōformeth
             us
             unto
             Christ
             .
          
           
             Vita
             crucis
             ,
             vita
             lucis
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             prepareth
             us
             for
             glory
             .
          
           
             Censure
             not
             the
             afflicted
             .
          
           
             How
             are
             we
             said
             to
             be
             conquerers
             when
             conquered
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Store
             thy self
             with
             comfort
             out
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Break
             off
             thy
             sinnes
             by
             repentance
             .
          
           
             Afflictions
             of
             the
             godly
             and
             wicked
             differ
             .
          
           
             Seek
             to
             the
             Lord
             by
             prayer
             .
          
           
             Comfort
             for
             the
             afflicted
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam.
             2.17
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             M.
             Culverwell
             of
             faith
             .
          
           
             Desire
             to
             be
             with
             Christ
             .
          
           
             Death
             how
             it
             may
             be
             desired
             .
          
           
             Woe
             to
             those
             that
             are
             not
             afflicted
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Doct.
             2.
             
             All
             our
             afflictions
             come
             from
             God.
             
          
           
             God
             filleth
             both
             heaven
             and
             earth
             .
          
           
             Againe
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             ,
             God
             worketh
             all
             things
             as
             he
             will.
             
          
           
             All
             creatures
             are
             subject
             unto
             the
             Lord.
             
          
           
             Away
             with
             Fortune
             and
             luck
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             God
             disposeth
             of
             all
             tempests
             .
          
           
             Patient
             in
             afflictions
             .
          
           
             1
             Helps
             to
             the
             patient
             bearing
             of
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Our
             enemies
             are
             but
             the
             Lords
             rods
             to
             whip
             us
             .
          
           
             Comfort
             for
             the
             afflicted
             .
          
           
             God
             doth
             order
             our
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Go
             to
             God
             for
             issue
             and
             deliverance
             .
          
           
             Fero
             ,
             spero
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Vncheerfulnesse
             doth
             much
             hurt
             .
          
           
             Doctr.
             3.
             
             Perswasion
             of
             Gods
             love
             will
             helpe
             us
             to
             beare
             our
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Because
             God
             will
             helpe
             our
             crosse
             .
          
           
             God
             intends
             our
             good
             in
             afflicting
             us
             .
          
           
             No
             misery
             can
             make
             Gods
             people
             miserable
             .
          
           
             Nothing
             can
             separate
             us
             from
             God.
             
          
           
             We
             learne
             from
             hence
             why
             we
             be
             so
             troubled
             with
             our
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Be
             perswaded
             of
             Gods
             Love.
             
          
           
             Tokens
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             of
             us
             in
             love
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Doct.
             4.
             
             The
             chiefe
             end
             of
             Gods
             afflicting
             us
             ,
             is
             the
             bettering
             of
             us
             .
          
           
             By
             affliction
             wee
             come
             to
             know
             our selves
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             By
             affliction
             wee
             come
             to
             judge
             aright
             of
             sinne
             .
          
           
             Affliction
             makes
             us
             to
             feare
             God.
             
          
           
             The
             feare
             of
             Gods
             is
             very
             profitable
             .
          
           
             Wee
             do
             not
             make
             satisfaction
             by
             our
             afflictions
             .
          
           
             Our
             stubbornnesse
             provoketh
             God
             to
             afflict
             us
             .
          
           
             Amend
             by
             little
             ,
             else
             greater
             affliction
             will
             come
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Adde
             not
             affliction
             to
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             but
             pitty
             them
             .
          
           
             Live
             by
             faith
             in
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Be
             thankfull
             for
             affliction
             .
          
           
             Note
             .
          
           
             Dan.
             3.17
             .