THE SAINT'S SOLACE: OR, The Condition, And Consolation Of The Saints in the Earth.  
Delivered in certain Sermons at Eatonbridge in Kent.  
By the Minister there.  Psal. 94.19. 
In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart: thy comforts have refreshed my soul.  
LONDON, Printed by john Haviland for Robert Bostocke, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the King's head. 1630.   

TO The right worshipful, Sir Robert Heath Knight, his Majesty's Attorney General: Grace and all good blessings from God the Father, and our Lord jesus Christ.  
Right Worshipful:  
WHat the Elders of the jews unto jesus Christ, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  of the Centurious love unto their Nation 
a Luk 7.5.  might be said unto all, of your love and care of our Eatonbridge; where by Baptism you were initiated, and whereof the spiritual wealth 
b Esth. 10.3 , you have earnestly sought, both by your own bounty, and other annual pensions procured by you, from your worthy friends *, and worshipful alliance in the adjacent parts, unto the Minister, which should be there resident, to edify the people on the most holy faith. It is not to be forgotten of any, how you began to honour God, whew he began to honour you, and how he hath gone on, in honouring you, as you have him: If any should, I cannot, nor will forget your great goodness extended towards me (of all the Lords servants the least and unworthiest) since you first saw me: your counsel, countenance, and encouragement after my first entrance into that Cure, (now eleven years past:) and lately your powerful hand stretched out, in the happy strength thereof, to save me from the reproaches of them that would have 
c Psal. 57.3.  swallowed me up; are (if I would ingratefully be silent) most evident testimonies to the understanding world. And yet unto all these (as if all these were small in your sight) it pleased you afterwards to add other favours, when you took me to your house, and sent me home, not empty, but full of comfort and courage in the work of the Ministry, for the time to come. As David unto the Lord, I might say unto you; Is this the manner of man 
d 2 Sam. 7.19. ? What shall I render unto you, for all your benefits towards me? Myself I own you, and such as I have give I you; These few impolished papers: But what are these? of which the acceptation will be the augmentation of my debt: or why these, rather than some other of my labours is that place, which some haply judge (if I would needs to it) more worthy the press? Nothing but pressure (God is witness) brought me to the press: and these (being mine immediate Meditations after the Commencement of my terrible troubles, and the fruits of those sorrows, or sorrowful thoughts, which were then, in my soul) would (as I thought) unto the people of God be acceptable; as is, unto God himself; the broken spirit, the broken and contrite heart 
e Psal. 51.17 .  
Nothing else, Right Worshipful but these rude lines, (which, in the days of my trouble, I found by enquiring in the Sanctuary of God, or otherwise by reading, meditation, observation, and experience,) have I (Me penes) to present unto you: but for you, and your honoured family, all prayers and supplications in the spirit, I will (as my daily sacrifice) offer upon the golden altar 
f Revel 8.3. , unto him who regardeth, and despiseth not the prayer of the destitute 
g Psal. 109.17 . The Lord blessed you and assist you in your high calling: The Lord give you the price of that other high calling of God in Christ jesus 
h Phil. 3.14 , for which with all Saints you press unto the mark: The Lord make you famous in Bethlehem, and always to do worthily in Ephratah 
i Ruth. 4.11 . The Lord increase you more and more: you and your children. Blessed be ye of the Lord which made Heaven and earth 
k Psal. 115.14, 15. . Thus recommending this little book, with myself the poor Author thereof, unto your implored Patronage and Pro●ection, I crave pardon for my boldness, and rest  
Your Worships ever, and in all duty bounden, Peter Bostock. Eatonbridge, june 7th. Anno Salutis, 1630.   

THE SAINT'S SOLACE: OR Comforts for Afflicted.  PSAL. 119. VER. 50. 
This is my comfort in my affliction.  
THE Book of Psalms a common promptitarie of Medicine; 
Commune quoddam Medicina promptua. arium. Ambr.  many authorities out of it in the book of jesus Christ, a Law in which his delight was, and his Disciples exercised, what other song in the house of their Pilgrimage, or rejoicing, the Saints together, what other Odes used? All admirable, but 
a Ambr. Hic psah●us tribus in rebus on nibus ●ntecellit: 1. Vtilitate. 2. Longitudine. 3. Elegantia & artificio alphabetico. Bellar in tit. b●ius psal.  as the Suns the Moon's light, this surpasseth all. The song of songs which was David's; indicted for matter accurately, 
b Muscubus. Wilcos'. ibid.  composed for memory exquisitely, many prayers to God, many praises of his Word, many professions of obedience comprised therein; Octonaries 22. the parts thereof, every verse of the 8. in every one, beginning in the Hebrew with one letter, this Section with Zaiin 
* Zaiin quasi Ziu, i. telum, quod clava figura esse vidcatur.  a club in figure, in signification a weapon, defensive, and offensive for use. A defence, to them that decline not from the Law of God, 
H●ius ●●●. vid v. 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,  but remember his Name, his Word, his judgements of old, his Statutes and Precepts to keep the same. An offence, to the proud that have the humble in derision, and to the wicked that forsake the Law. What other mystery better in the letter for the use of edifying? As other have laboured with that in Threns, 
Hieron. in Threns. jer.  we might with the Alphabetical artifice here; but comfort in affliction being (unum illud) that one thing which we seek, we will set our heart on that one thing, and give ourselves wholly thereunto.  

D. King Episs. Lond. lect. in jon.  The World a Sea in a Similitude, swelling with pride, and vainglory, the wind to heave it up, blue, and huid with envy; boiling with wrath, deep with covetousness, foaming with luxuriousness, swallowing, and drinking in all by oppressions, dangerfull for the Rocks of presumption and desperation, rising with, the waves of passions & perturbations, ebbing and flowing with lightness, and inconstancy, brinish & salt with iniquity, bitter and unsavoury with all kind of misery.  
The confession in the Text of an expert Navigator, as the light in the Admiral, by which so many as sail after him, through that vast, turbid, belluous, and circumfluous Ocean: may for the strengthening of their sea-sick Souls, behold  
His 

Condition, Affliction  
and Consolation, The Word.    
1. His Condition or state of life seasoned with Affliction. Afflicted he was greatly, 
a Psal. 116.10.  and would be remembered with all his afflictions, 
b Psa. 132.1.  particulars inducted, in Psal. 22.102. and this 119. 
c Psal. 119.23.61 69.85 86, 87. Psal 102.3, 4.8. Vers. 23 Vers. 78. Vers. 61.  the princes, the powers, the proud, the wicked combined against him, yea, sworn against him, and mad against him; 
Vers. 6●.  what lies sorged they? what pits digged they? 
Vers. 84.  persecuted wrongfully, 
Vers. 36.  consumed on the earth, 
Vers. 87.  waited for to be destroyed, 
Vers. 95.  hunted with dogs, 
Psal. 22.16.  their feet swift, their mouths deep as wide, and their teeth as sharp, compassed about with many bulls, 
Vers. 10.  beset round with strong bulls, enclosed with the assemblies of the wicked; 
Vers. 16.  gaped on with their mouths, 
Vers. 13.  laughed to scorn, 
Vers. 7  smitten with their tongues, 
Psal. 52.2, 3, 4. & 120 3, 4.  their tongues as spears and razors, and words as swords, poured out li●e water, all his bones sundered, his heart like wax melting in the midst of his bowels, 
Psal. 12.14.  his strength dried up like a potsherd, 
Vers. 15.  the reproach of men, 
Vers. 6.  yea, a worm and no man, cast out and brought into the dust of death. 
Vers. 15.   

Prevention.  Marvel not that David the servant of the Lord, sound faithful as Moses in all his house, a man after his own heart, which fulfilled all his will; 
Acts 13.22  Beloved as his name sounds, and beloved of the Lord, was exercised with such anxious and crievous afflictions, for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, in the Beloved 
d Eph. 1.6.  i. jesus Christ, the elect of God are all accepted as David was, and called all jedid his beloved 
e Psal. 127.2. ; yet none exempted from the sufferings of the present time, no not one, not one amongst the excellent from Adam to Christ, & from Christ to this our day, that hath not in some measure tasted of the cup which is full of mixture, 
f jude v. 3.  common as the salvation, and the grace of God which bringeth salvation, 
* Tit. 2.11.  tentation, and tribulation. 
g 1 Thes. 1.6.  The Thessalonians received the word with much affliction. 
h Heb. 10.32  The Hebrews enlightened endured a great fight of afflictions.  

A conclusion offered.  The whole household of faith, all the fellow citizens, all that live godly, all the sons of God, all the children of light, all that hold forth the word of life, are in this life partakers of afflictions. Thus I might conclude.  
Object. Object. But this door opened, some will oppose themselves, speaking on this wise: Hard is this saying to the Non-afflicted, that enjoy this world's joy, prosperity and peace; for being without any manner of affliction, whereof all are partakers that are 
i Heb. 12 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  sons, elect, beloved, and accepted, are they not Sp. hated, rejected, reprobated, as Edom, 
k Mal. 1.2, 3, 4.  & reserved as the wicked to the day of destruction.  
Answ. Answ. Carnal the peace altogether and without truth, or pride and security the fruit thereof with hardness of heart, it's (as the prosperity of fools) a blessing cursed, and the praeludium to destruction. 
m Psal. 92.6  A brutish man knoweth not, 
☞  neither doth a fool understand this; but the spirit speaketh expressly, When the wicked spring as the grass, 
Psal. 92 7.  and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is, that they shall be destroyed for ever. Take for example the two notorious fools, 
n 1 Sam. 25  the one, the man of Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel, a very great man, having three thousand sheep, and one thousand goats, and living in prosperity, yet smitten in a moment, his heart died within him, and he became as a st●ne; 
o Luc. 12.19.  the other, the man in the parable, who, when his ground brought forth plentifully, wanted room where to bestow his fruits, would therefore enlarge his barns, and having therein laid up much goods for many years, sing without grace requiem to his soul; Soul take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry; but the same night his soul was required of him.  
Contrà, this I say and testify in the Lord, that outward peace and prosperity had, with the peace of God, and of conscience, (the Kingdom of God first sought and found, with his righteousness, it's the blessing of the Lord without affliction or sorrow added with it 
p Pro. 10.22. . Saint john's prayer for Gaius was, that he might prosper and be in health as his soul prospered. 
q Io. ep. 3. 2.  A man behaving himself wisely in a perfect way, walking within his house with a perfect heart, 
r Psal. 102.2. Gen. 17.2. Micah. 6.7.  uprightly before God, humbly with him, doing justly, loving mercy, casting on the waters, dispersing, giving to the poor, communicating with the affliction of others in distress, if peace & truth be with him in his days, it's the face of God shining on him, the light of his countenance, and the evidence of his providence, how otherwise should the poor afflicted be relieved, and their souls sustained? 
s 1 Reg. 18.13.  Obadiah not in case to do it, who shall hide the Prophets in a cave, and feed them with bread and water? Nehemiah not in favour with Artaxerxes, 
t Neh. 4 2, 3, 4, etc.  who shall procure any favour to jerusalem? Onesiphorus, 
u 2 Tim. 1.16. Philo. ●. 7.  Philemon, and others, not enriched and enabled, how shall Paul, or the bowels of the Saints be refreshed? David poor afflicted, had friends of ability through the Lord to uphold his soul 
x Psal 54 4. , for the Lord (he said) was with them. 
y Psal. 35.27.  The Lord loveth the prosperity of his servants. Therefore blessed with it, they bless him for it, and 
z job 31.22.  the loins bless them of all that are refreshed by them, their righteousness endureth for ever, and their born shall be exalted with honour 
* Psal. 112. vlt. . Nevertheless afflicted without controversy, 

Outwardly.  
Inwardly.    
1. Outwardly: reproached and envied for following and doing the thing that good is. 
a Eccle. 4.4.  I considered (saith the Preacher) all travel, and every right work, and for this a man is envied of his neighbour. Cain, who was of the wicked one, slew Abel; wherefore? because his works were evil, and his brothers righteous 
b 1 Io. 3.12 . joseph was afflicted of his brethren 
c Gen. 37.4. , Daniel accused of the Precedents 
d Dan. 6.4. , jesus Christ rejected of his own, 
e Io. 1.11.  and they that exercise themselves to live godly in him, 
f 2 Tim. 3.12.  persecuted of unreasonable and wicked men 
* 2 Thes. 3.2. ; wherefore? know ye not that there is enmity put between the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent 
g Gen. 3.15 ? Demetrius had a good report of all men, 
h Io ep. 3. 10, 12.  yet Diotrephes prated against him with malicious words; the riotous speak evil of the frugal and moderate, that will not run with them into the same excess of riot. 
i 1 Pet 4.4  Thus may the servants of the most high God, living otherwise in as great peace and prosperity as the Carmelite, 
Nabal.  be envied of evil men, 
jer. 18.18.  and afflicted with the scourge of the tongue, yea, 
job cap. 1.  and suffer some loss in some other things, but the LORD, (as the seer to Amaziah) is able to give them much more than that, 
2 Chron. 25.9.  and to make all grace to abound towards them, that they always having sufficiency in all things, (maugre the malicious that envy and reproach them) may abound unto every good work. 
2 Cor. 9.8.   
2. Inwardly they are afflicted also, but how who knoweth? What fear and trembling in interiori domo, yea, what carefulness, 
2 Cor. 7.11  yea, what clearing of themselves from the aspersions of the evil, yea, what indignation, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Io. 17.5.  yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge upon themselves, overtaken with a fault unknown to the world? This so to be who will deny? Not one. Besides, if not in themselves, for themselves, yet afflicted they are or may be.  
In the afflictions 

of the Church.  
of the brethren.  
of the Lord.    
1. Of the Church. 
k Psal. 137.1.  Rivers of waters ran by the rivers of Babylon, Zion remembered, 
l Neh. 1.3, 4.  the son of Hachaliah, the people of God his countrymen in great affliction and reproach, the wall of jerusalem broken down, and the gates burnt with fire, sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed. 
m 2 Sam. 1.  Vriah the ark, and Israel and judah in their tents, will not go down to eat and drink, and to sleep with his wife. The Lord saith himself, that in all the afflictions of his people he was afflicted himself. 
n Esai. 63.9  The spirit of God upon him, can any man say less of afflictions of the Churches? In the afflictions of the Chuches in France and Germany, who is not afflicted that is of the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth? 
1 Tim. 3.15.   
2. Of private persons, especially the holy brethren 
* Hob. 3.1. . Other sick, and though hard friends, yet David would put on sackcloth, and be afflicted for them. 
o Psal. 35.13. 2 Sam. 3.32, 33. 2 Sam. 1.26  For Abner how much? and for jonathan as jonathan for him. Lazarus dead, Thomas said to his fellows, Let us go that we may die with him 
p Io. 11.16. . Epaphroditus full of heaviness for the Philippians, 
q Phil. 2. 2●. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  because they heard that he had been sick, they heavy for his sickness, and he for their heaviness, full of heaviness, feeling members should it not be so? The members have the same care one for another 
r 1 Cor. 12.25, 26. , and if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; members we one of another, one body in Christ, no sympathy being in a man, how is he in the body? the rule is, 
s Heb. 13.3  Remember them that are in bonds as bound with them, and them which suffer adversity; as being yourselves also in the body.  
3. Of the Lord. Suffers he not when the wicked rise up against him 
t Psal. 139.21 , make void his law 
u Psal. 119.126 , provoke the eyes of his glory, put down his worship and him to open shame 
x Heb. 6.6. ? When they press him, and he is pressed under them, as a cart with sheaves 
y Amos 2.13.  suffers he not? or suffers he and not his servants with him? How did Eliakim, Shebua and joab rend their  at the blasphemy of Rabshakeh 
z Isaiah 36.22. ? How did those that were marked at jerusalem sigh, and cry for all the abominations that were done in the midst thereof 
a Ezek. 9 ●. ? How was just Lot vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked 
b 2 Pet. 2.7, 8. ? that righteous man dwelling among the Sodomites, in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. He that can hear & see the Lord dishonoured, his name blasphemed, his Sabbaths profaned, his Word despised, his Ministers mocked & basely misused, his worship polluted, and perfunctorily performed, and is not afflicted. The Lord knoweth whose he is, and to whom he belongs, that comes not to his help, nor bears his reproach, nor grieves for that which is said to grieve the holy spirit of God. As Haman said, honoured of all but of Mordecai. 
c Esther 5.13.  All this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the jew sitting at the King's gate, so say those whose hearts are united to the Lord, and that fear his Name; Although of themselves by place and authority they are mighty in power, their seed established in their sight, their offspring before their eyes, their houses safe from fear, their friends as the stars of heaven for eminence and multitude, their wisdom, and wealth, and world's delight, as salomon's; All these avail us nothing, so long as we see our Lord and our God, set behind, not before the sons of men, forgotten, not remembered, exposed to shame, & not honoured in the world.  
Pondered these things: I may (as I was about) conclude under affliction, the whole household of God, and set down this position to stand fast for ever without opposition. That the righteous servants of God, his beloved of his household, have all their times, (in several kinds) as David had in his, of suffering in this life. 
Psal. 34.19  Many the afflictions or evils of the righteous, the cross, on their shoulder, the yoke on their neck, and on their back the rod of the wicked 
e Esay 48, 10. . Israel, which is the Israel of God, is refined and chosen in the furnace of affliction.  
Demanded unde: From whence afflictions come & from whom the evils, let job answer; 
f job 5.6.  Not forth of the dust, nor out of the ground, but from the Lord. 
g Amos 3.6  Shall there be evil in the City and the Lord hath not done it. The Lord causeth grief 
h Lam. 3.32. , and because he loveth them, he scourgeth his beloved, whom he calleth his called 
i Isai. 48.12, 14. , whom he loveth he chasteneth 
k Heb. 12.6 , yea he hath said 
l Reuel. 3.19.  As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.  
Enquired of Quorsum; to what end he doth it? By the sure word of prophecy the answer is,  
1. For the profit of his own.  
2. And his own glory.  
First, for the profit of his own: his own thereby being, 

1. Vivified.  
2. Sanctified.  
3. Purged.  
4. Prevented.    
1. Vivified or quickened. Dead in comparison of the living, or dull of hearing, sometimes the generation of his children, and remiss in seeking, in their prosperity as the inhabitants of Lebanon and Bashan, they will not hear 
m jer. 22.21. , nor seek as the rebellious children the face of the Lord, but in their affliction they will hear him gladly, and seek him early 
n Hos. 5. vlt ; the mountain made strong, and security crying within, I shall never be moved, decryeth other cries, the people whom the Lord hath form for himself, will not in such a case show forth his praise. jacob would not, nor would Israel call upon him, but was weary of him 
o Isai. 43.21, 22. , yet the Lord gone his way and returned to his place, or his face hid; trouble came, and the their cry was heard, Come and let us return 
p Hos. 6.1. . Correspondent to the Prophet's counsel 
q Cap. 14.2. ; Take with you words, and turn to the Lord, and render unto him the Calves of your lips.  
2. Sanctified: partakers of afflictions by the hand of the Lord; partakers also of his holiness 
r Heb. 12.10. , made holy thereby 
s Non quod nos propriè sanctificent sed quod adminicula, etc. Caluin. Hosm. , yet not properly, for Christ is the sanctification, but exercised to the moritification of the flesh, consequently prepared (having escaped the corruption which is in the world through lust) as well to be received of the Lord, as also to receive the Lord to be sanctified in their heart 
* Isai. 8. ●3. ; their fear, their dread, and their sanctuary: yea, Consortes esse, to be consorts of the divine nature 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not of the substance, but of the image of God, after him created in righteousness and true holiness; 
2 Pet. 1. ●.  or of divine qualities conferred and predicated as the virtues of him, who calleth out of darkness into marvelous light 
t Pet. 2.9. : the simile is obvious 
u Perkins. aur. armil. ; As the needle to the thread, so the Cross makes way to sanctity, or amendment of life.  
3. Purged; Resty, the Saints grow rusty, turn again unto folly, gather blackness and filthiness both of the flesh and spirit: foolish l●t alone, as Ephraim to his Idols 
x Hos. 4.17 , joined to the froward, froward, as they; to the ignorant, ignorant, as they; to the brutish, brutish, as they; yea, as beasts before God 
y Psal. 73.22. . Behold the man on the mountain in the wilderness of Maon, as a dead dog in the sight of the adversary that sought his life 
z 1 Sam. 24.14. , but upon the roof of the King's house as a pampered horse looking and neighing after his neighbour's wife 
* 2 Sam. 11.2. I●r. 5 8.  not poured out from vessel to vessel; Moah like, men settle on their lees: Peace abused, defileth, and rest corrupteth those who by reason of their rest have not their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Is the prophecy hard in Dan 11.35. touching men of understanding: may we not hear it? surely such men fall sometimes, yet suffer no loss 
a  radicula, hoc est herba lanaria, qua a fullonibus haec and is velibus adhibetur, plurimum confert ad munditiem & canderem lana seu panni: ita persecutio atque afflictio subigit ecolesiam, etc. Polan. in Dan. 11.32. , but are as soiled wool with sopeweed, or fouled cloth with Fuller's earth, purged by means of the later blot from a former spot, a secret fault before not understood. Who can understand the error of his way without a fall, or will wash or purge no filth of the flesh seen to put away, nor felt ill humours in the body to expurge. Remember the Patriarches, Gen. 42.22. and 50.15.  
4. Prevented or subtracted from two great evils, which other dimitted, or left to themselves, precipitate or headlong cast themselves into: namely, transgression, and condemnation. Obstacles to these, the thorns of afflictions, in Hosea 2.6. I will hedge up thy way with thorns, saith the Lord, to be understood, 
b Zanch. in loc. Non posse intelligi nisi de electis, etc. Sapè enim etiam electi inducunt in animam, etc.  not of the children of whoredoms, but of the Elect; for even the Elect, either of ignorance, or of infirmity, or according to the notions of carnal wisdom, and motions of the flesh, determine with themselves to follow oftentimes after strange lovers, lying vanities, forbidden pleasures, things unseemly and inconvenient, or not acceptable unto the Lord, therefore the Lord walls up their ways, sets briars in their paths, sends crosses, so thick, that (as Saul 
c 1. Sam. 23.27, ●8  from pursuing David by the Philistines invading the land,) they● are turned from their intended evil courses: into the way unto excellency: Their first husband, i. the Lord their maker found to be the best 
d Hos. 2.7. , consequently kept back from the great transgression 
e Psal. 19.13. , likewise from condemnation; for when they are judged, they are chastened of the Lord, that they should not be condemned with the world 
f 1. Cor. 11.32. . The whole world lieth in wickedness 
g 1 joh. 5.19. , but they that are of God are called, and called out, and commonly come out thorough the furnace of Affliction 
h Isai. 48.10. , Esay 48.10.  
Thus for their own profit: followeth for the glory of the Lord, The Lord glorified, In his 

Power,  
and Providence.   By their 

Faith,  
and Obedience.    
1. In his power: His power made perfect in their weakness 
i ● Cor. 12.9. , weak they, they are strong in him; or falling through infirmity, he upholdeth them with his hand 
k Psal. 37.17, 24. : In his hand they are, and no man shall pluck them out of his hand 
l joh. 10.28, 29. . The mighty man may boast himself in mischief; but the power of the Lord, as his goodness, endureth continually 
m Psal. 52.1. ; thorns may be in the flesh of the faithful, the messengers of Satan buffeting them; but the grace of the Lord, which is with them, is proved sufficient for them 
n 2 Cor. 12.9. .  
2. In his providence: drawn unto him with the cords of a man and bands of love, he taketh by the arms his dear children 
o Hos. 11.3, 4.  and teacheth them to go; feedeth them, clotheth them, stirreth up others to sustain their souls: As Ravens ministered to Eliah, so supplies are sent by them, whom he will send. In the days of famine they eat, and have enough 
p Psal. 37.19. ; for as Hezekiah and his people, Jerusalem beleaguered 
q Isa. 37.30 , they either eat such as groweth of itself, and that which springeth of the same: Or else, as the Captives of judah 
r Dan. 1.15.  fed with pulse, their countenance appeareth fairer and fatter than other, which eat the portion of the King's meat. Sometimes by small means, sometimes by no means, sometimes against means, (in sustaining and preserving them 
* 1 Pet 5.7.  that cast their care on him) he beyond expectation, or man's apprehension, declareth his care of them, and demonstrateth his providence so luculently, that all cry out, as the Magicians in Egypt; This is the finger of God 
s Exod. 8.19. , Exod. 8.19.  
3. By their faith: proved and found unto praise and honour 
t Deut. 8.2. , known in the tentation what is in the heart, viz. uprightness and readiness to draw near unto God 
u Psal. 73. vlt. , and to cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of heart 
x Psa. 42.8. , prayer made to the God of their life, etc. Christ followed, the cross taken up, themselves denied, yea 
y 2. Cor. 1.8, 9  pressed out of measure and above strength, the sentence of death received in themselves, that they might not trust in themselves but in God, which after two days 
z Hos. 6.2.  (although he kill) raiseth the dead: magnified and glorified in their body their Lord and their God; whether by life, as in David 
a Psal. 18.17, 18. ; or by death, as in Peter 
b joh. 21.19. . In the end of their faith is the end of the Lord; his own glory in their salvation 
c Psal. 50.23.  corporal and spiritual, temporal and eternal, according to his word, Psal. 50.15. 
* Saepè hic & innocintes pereunt, & recti sunditùs delentur, sed tamen ad aeternam glo●iam percundo seruantur. Greg. lib. 5. Mor. cap. 14. .  
4. By their obedience: honoured as a father of his sons 
d Mal. 1.6.  submiss in their affliction; and a master of his servants, corrected obsequious, and not answering again 
e Tit. 2.9. . Had not Satan considered job the servant of God 
f job. 1.8.  in his prosperity? Enough he did to his own shame and the glory of the Lord in his adversity: for as jesus Christ (though he were a son) learned obedience by the things which he suffered 
g Heb. 5.9. : so job, and all the sons of God by faith in Christ jesus 
h Gal. 3.26. , learn of him to be lowly in heart 
i Matt. 11.29. , and by the things which they suffer obedience to their father, which is in heaven. Better this than sacrifice, 
k 1 Sam. 15.22.  Bullocks with horns and hooves not required, but obedience from the heart to the form of doctrine which is delivered 
l Gal. 5.17. : strange flesh not to be offered; but a man's own flesh to be sacrificed, which in every act of obedience is done; 
* Per victimas aliena caro per obedientiam jam verò propria caro mactatur, etc. Gr. sup. 1 Reg. c. 15. Obedire est contra audire, scilicet contra proprium sensum & propriam voluntatem. Vt. Perald. Sum. Tom. 1. par. 10. c. 2. in fin.  crucified the flesh, which lusteth against the Spirit 
m Rom. 6.17. , in which it is performed; obeyed the word, which cometh, and the Lord therein riding prosperously 
n Psal. 45.4. . This causeth honour to God in his Majesty; yea many, yet without to glorify him in the day of visitation 
o 1 Pet. 2.12. .  
The causes of afflictions efficient and final thus discovered, I proceed to the Uses which shall be For 

1. Reproof.  
2. Correction.  
3. Information.  
4. Admonition.  
5. Instruction.  
6. Instauration.   Unto which shall be added a word of Exhortation.  
1. For reproof to the vile Barbarians, which seeing a viper on a Paul's hand, or a cross laid on a Simons shoulder, cry out they arc murderers or malefactors, and vengeance will not suffer them to live at ease, or to prosper as other men; but these the brutish amongst the people; fool's alas, when will ye understand 
p Psal. 94.8 ? The time is come, that judgement must begin at the house of God, and if it first begin with them that profess and obey, what shall the end be of them that obey not, nor profess the Gospel of God? 
q 1 Pet. 4.17, 18.  If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the  and the sinner appear? If this be done unto the green trees, which bring forth fruit according as God hath dealt the measure of the spirit, what shall be done unto the dry, which digged about and dressed year after year, continue yet fruitless, as the cursed figtree? If the way unto Heaven be strewed with crosses, be full of tentations and tribulations, what shall be found in the way unto hell, or in the end thereof? 
r Pro. 14.12.  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, as the will of the Gentiles unto themselves, 
s 1 Pet. 4.3.  lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revel, banquet, and abominable idolatries, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Remember ye not the words of the Lord jesus, how he said, 
Luk. 6.25.  Woe unto you that now laugh, for ye shall weep? weep when the righteous, at whose troubles they laugh, shall be delivered out of all, and they come in their stead. Do ye think that the Scripture saith in vain; The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead 
u Pro. 11.8. ? Again, The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, 
x Pro. 21.18. Dan. 6.24.  and the transgressor for the upright? Instances, before experience had, the oracles had of God. Haman and Mordecai 
y Esth. 7.10  Hezekiah and the Aethiopians 
z Isai. 43.3. , Daniel and his accusers, Peter and his keepers. 
* Act. 12.19.  But Barbarians are blind, and cannot see afar off: The judgements of God are far above, out of their sight 
a Psal. 10.5. , on other seen, not over themselves; themselves in the condemnation, unto which before they were ordained of old, they find not, not made to suffer evil with the Saints in the earth, but for the evil day 
b Pro. 16.4. .  
Use 2 2. For correction to them that refuse correction: 
c Isa. 1.3, 4.  Such was the sinful nation, the people laden with iniquity, the seed of evil doers, the children that were corrupters. That had forsaken the Lord, and provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger, not only by going away backward, but by refusing to return. The one knoweth his owner, and what the prick of the g●ad meaneth, but Israel did not know, neither did they consider: therefore the Prophet to them 
d Ver. 5. , Why should ye be stricken any more, ye will revolt more and more. jeremiah 
e jer. 5.3.  hath the like complaint, O Lord, thou hast smitten them, but they have not grieved, thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made them faces harder than a rock, they have refused to return. It is so with many: Many there be that being afflicted, know it not: As Ephraim had grey hairs here and there upon him, yet knew it not, 
f Hos. 7.9.  nor that his strength was devoured of strangers: so wrath is on some from before the Lord, yet they feel it not, or if they feel it, they are humbled no more than the King of Israel by the famine in Samaria. Behold, he cried 
g 2 Reg. 6.33. , This evil of the Lord, wherefore should I wait on the Lord any longer? What hope is in, or is of such? Not the Anchor which is firm, but the Spider's web which perisheth: Woe unto the people that be in such a case; what is ours now? The Church in tribulation: S. john subscribed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Apoc. 1.9. A brother and Companion in tribulation. How do we? or what? when? When Hannibal besieged S●guntum, a confederate City with Rome; the Capitol of Rome, one said, was assailed: the danger and loss abroad is ours, ours the common calamities of the days; the days are evil, yea, so evil they are, that a man may say, I have no pleasure in them 
h Psal. 60.1, 2, 3. . Hath not the Lord cast us off? Hath he not scattered us? Is he not displeased with v●? Doth not the earth tremble? Is it not broken? Doth it not shake? Have we not hard things shown us, and been made to drink the wine of astonishment? Behold we not the shaking of the hand of the Lord, which he shaketh over us? stretched our still, not turned away his wrath 
i Isa. 9.12.17.21. , for all that is done: the enemy hath done exploits, groweth horribly, boasteth himself in mischief, cryeth there, there, so would we have it, ensigns set up for signs, the profession in corners, Religion in the straits, schism and ungracious heresy a float, a flood of many waters roars in our ears, the first borne of many, the hope of Germany how suddenly surrepted? Ah alas, The Lord calleth us to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sachcloth 
k Isa. 22.12, 13. , yet behold among us joy and gladness, slaying oxen, killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine; dissolute and resolute we, we refuse to be reform, we walk contrary to the Lord, who striketh, and walketh therefore contrary unto us, yea in fury, as he spoke in Levit. 26. 
l Levit. 26.28. . chastizing and punishing us seven times more, rebellious more and more. I close with one of jeremies' Lamentations, 
m jer. 8.18.  When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me.  
Use. 3 3. For information; and sith that the Lord afflicteth whom he loveth, may the afflicted be informed by three notes, whether or no they are afflicted in love. For first, whom the Lord loveth, he loveth unto the end, and will not cease from arguing and chastening them until they be converted and reclaimed, so much the spirit expressly 
n Reuel. 3.19.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: As fathers convince before they chastise their children, make known their faults and multiply stripes, until they confess them, & promise reformation: semblably the Lord; not leave will he them, whom he chooseth, halting between two; but cause them by chastening them to approach unto him 
o Psal. 65.4. and 94.12. compared. . The purifying hand upon them, the dross is purely purged, and the tin taken away 
p Isa. 1.25. : every son which is scourged, cometh out from among the multitude which do evil, toucheth not the unclean thing 
q 2 Cor. 6.17. , is thoroughly separated, before he be received, or can be. Be it so, that the wicked (the hook in their nose) return not, are not purged in the furnace from their filthiness, nor will be; what shall be done? Not purged thereby, they shall never he purged 
r Ezek. 24.13. . Vessels of wrath to be filled with the fury of the Lord: But correction in love causeth the Beloved to come in, confessing their sins, and their profiting appeareth in the amendment of their life. David scourged, was sensible of his fault, and corrigible; the correction of the Lord he refused not, but received for his good, confessed the same; Good it is for me, that I have been afflicted, that I may learn thy statutes 
s Psal. 119.67.71. , for before I was afflicted I went astray, 
Psal. 119.67.71.  but now have I kept thy word. Manasseh taken among the thorns, and bound with setters, knew at length that the Lord he was God 
t 2 Chron. 33.12. . Ephraim bowed, yielded 
u jer. 31.20. . Israel vexed with all adversity, torn and smitten, approached 
x Hos 6.1, 2. . When a man chastised approacheth unto the Lord, and yields himself, confesseth and forsaketh his sin, he may count it all joy; yea, give glory to the Lord, and make thus confession. 
y Psal. 119.76.  I know, O Lord, that thy judgements are right, and that thou hast in faithfulness afflicted thy servant.  
Note 2 The second love-token is Consolation, received in the days of evil, & communicated afterwards: for whom the Lord loveth, he comforteth in every tribulation, and enableth them thereby to comfort them which are in any trouble. By the comforts wherewith they were themselves comforted of God. 
z 2 Cor. 1.4, 6, 7.  As sufferings abound, so consolation aboundeth, and is participated to them that are partakers of the sufferings. David scourged for his sin was comforted, humbled for it; afterwards what would he? Teach transgressors the ways of God, & convert sinners unto the Lord 
a Psal. 51.13. . Peter having erred, and being converted, what should he? strengthen his brethren 
b Luk. 22.32. . When a man is refreshed being afflicted, and as he hath received any grace, if he as a good steward minister the same unto other lying in the like distress, and communicate with their affliction, he hath not been afflicted and refreshed in vain: but to good effect, in love and in mercy, to be a vessel of mercy, and conduit of love, from the fountain to the cistern, from the Lord to his chosen in the great tribulation.  
Note 3 The third is a mind content with the present things, and present state: this the obsignation of the spirit 
e Ephes. 4.30. , a certain divine impression of light, a secret manifestation of grace, the God of all grace to them that open unto him, when he knocketh at their door, with the hammer of the cross, manifesting 
d Io. 14. 2●.  himself in an admirable manner; and filling their hearts with unexpressible gladness 
e Act. 14.17 , giving them Manna, supping with them 
f Reu. 3.20. , bringing them to the banqueting house 
g Cant. 2.4, 5. , staying them with flagons, comforting them with apples, girding their hearts with his peace, which passeth understanding 
h Phil. 4 7. , pouring the spirit of grace and supplications upon them 
i Zach. 12.10. , giving them an understanding, that they may know him that is true 
k 1 Io 5.20. , opening the treasures of his all-sufficiency, fashioning their hearts, and adapting their minds to the present condition, whatsoever it is: no suitableness nor agreeableness between the mind and the condition. What is the life but a kind of living death? but suiting and agreeing the condition to the mind, the appetite accommodated, and thing desired had; had is that one thing, which is instar omnium, as it were all things. Men of heavy hearts, mirth and music grieve, when as weeping and complaints may be pleasant: company offensive, privacy may please, and poverty be an easement, abundance being a burden. Every bitter thing is sweet, trouble as peace, sickness as health, imprisonment as liberty, reproach as good report, pain as pleasure, death as life. If the heart be suitable, and the spirit made pliable to the mould into which the Lord hath cast a man; the inordinate desires, causes, of m●estitude, nothing else: The life's not falling in pleasant places, nor the heritage so goodly as other men's: a living man complaineth, but every one that is godly is dumb. 
l Psal. 39.9.  openeth not his mouth, knoweth how to be abased, and how to abound, is every where, and in all things instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry, 
m Phil. 4.11, 12.  both to abound and to suffer need, made perfect, established, strengthened, settled, 
n Pet. 5.10.  taught of God, and hath learned in whatsoever state he is, therewith to be content; the cross his crown, the shame thereof his glory, his loss his advantage, his yoke his ease, or not burdenous and grievous, but easy and light: All his evils good in effect, and working all together for his good 
o Rom. 8.28. , from whence is patience? from whence experience? from whence hope? Verily from tribulation, and these three abiding, no man is ashamed in the day of trouble, because the love of God is shed abroad in his heart by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost which is given unto him 
p Rom. 5.5. : a love-ticke the affliction, and godliness with contentment the proof thereof.  
Use 4 4. For Admonition unto all, and that all may gather some; I will suffer it to fall, and to break off itself into these four pieces.  
1. That none work out their crosses, as the spider her web, out of their own bowels, by riot, of unrighteousness, irregular walking, or inordinate living. Let none of you suffer as an evil doer, or a busy body 
q 1 Pet. 4.13. . This not thank worthy, that which is acceptable is the suffering, which is for well-doing, or otherwise according to God, and the good pleasure of his will: Therefore take he●d; know and consider what ye do; that ye yourselves do not undo yourselves.  
2. That none willingly cause other men's griefs; or be hard-hearted to the poor afflicted in the power of their hand. 
* Magna abominatio eor●m Deo est, afflicto addere afflictionem; clamatque in coelum vox sanguinis. Oecolampad. in Esa. 47.6.  In Psal. 109. from the sixth to the sixteenth verse, is a fearful curse denounced against a son of perdition, the cause expressed; because he remembered not to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart: The Lord will be jealous for his afflicted, with a great jealousy, yea, very sore displeased with them that are at ease, and help forward the affliction 
k Zech. 1.13, 14. . The daughter of the Chaldeans, the Lady of Kingdoms that was given to pleasure, dwelled carelessly: trusted in wickedness, shown no mercy to the children of the captivity, laid not the wrath to heart, neither remembered the latter end, perished in her latter end 
l Isa. 47.6, 7 8 9, 10, 11.  Therefore take ye heed how ye oppress, or grieve other men, lest bitterness be even your own hurt and hearts grief in the end thereof. It displeaseth the Lord 
m Pro. 24.17. , if a man rejoice when his enemy falleth; or suffer his heart to be glad when he stumbleth; much more if he smite with the fist of wickedness 
n Isa. 58.4. , and put a stumbling block before the innocent, or afflict such as be of upright conversation 
o Psal. 37.14. ; yea, it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them 
p 2 Theoss. 1.6.  that trouble them, which would lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  
3. That we slight not the surprisal of other men, but consider ourselves, that we ourselves in an hour yet unknown, may be also overtaken 
q Gal. 6.1. , Ille hod●è, 
Bern.  & ego cras; He to day, and I to morrow, a Father's fear, and may be ours: our lookingglass every man's evil, wherein we may see our own, present, or else to come. The breaches of joseph not remembered, made breaches on them that remembered them not: Gallant-like they lived in pleasure, and were wanton on the earth, and nourished their hearts, as in a day of slaughter, but were not grieved for the afflictions of joseph 
r Amos 6.6, 7. , until they went captive with the first that went captive, & their banquet was removed.  
Therefore take ye heed, and remember the saying familiar as the English rules, Felix quem faciunt, etc. Happy is the man whom other men's harms do make to beware.  
4. That we secure not ourselves, saying, Peace and safety, because of the present peace; and soul take thine ease, because of the present safety 
s 1 Thes. 5.3. Nescimus quid serus vesper vebat. , for who knoweth what a day may bring forth 
t 1 Pro. 24.1. , the destruction may be sudden, and if a blow be given on the blind side, we shall not know well bow to take it well, troubles are foreshowed, should be therefore expected; for as Paul, 
u Act. 20.23.  for the Holy Ghost witnesseth, that afflictions abide all them that are Christ's, and persecutions to suffer; the external peace continued, is for the men of this present evil world, which have their portion in this life 
x Psal. 17.14.  whose backs are freed from the rod of God 
y job 21. , and bellies filled with hid treasures, their houses also s●fe from fear, and possessions passing the thoughts of their heart 
z Psal. 73 7. , set yet in slippery places, and brought into desolation, as in a moment 
* Psal. 73.19. ; they spend their days in mirth and wealth, but in a moment go down to the grau● 
* job 21.13. . A kind of pond they have, or a land-floud which abideth not, the well-springs of com● 〈…〉 mourn being afflicted; Better this so to be afflicted and to mourn, than gaining the world to lose the soul, or enjoying the pleasures of sin for a season to be cast out bound into utter darkness.  
Therefore in this our day let us hearken unto wisdom, crying without and as Asah 
a 2 Chron. 14.6, 7.  built fenced cities in judah, when the land had rest; let's edify ourselves on our most holy faith 
b jude v. 20▪ , remember our Creator 
c Eccles. 1.2.1. , and work out our salvation 
d Phil. 2.12▪ , that when the consumption determined 
e Isai ●8. 22.  shall come, or the overflowing scourge 
f Ver. 15. , or the hour of temptation upon all the world 
g Reuel. 3.10. , we may, as the just 
h Hab. 2. 4●.  live ●y faith, dwell safely, and be quiet from fear of evil, according to the word 
i Pro. 1.33. .  
Use 5 5. For instruction unto the afflicted, to be distributed as the former; divided the whole into five parts, that the same may partitè, piecemeal as it were, and so the more easily, be taken and laid up.  
First, that they remember their misery, the worm wood and the gall, that their souls have the same still in remembrance, and be humbled thereby, for therein is the hope 
k jam. 3.20, 21. .  
Secondly, that suffering according to the will of God, they commit their way, and the keeping of their souls in well doing unto God, as to a faithful Creator, 
l 1. Pet. 4, vlt.  1 Pet. 4. vlt. Able he is to keep that which is committed unto him. Faithful he is, and will not suffer the faithful to be tempted above that they are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that they may be able to bear it 
m ● Cor. 10.13. .  
Thirdly, that they pray: Let a man afflicted pray 
n jam. 5.13. , pray continually 
o Col 4.5. , continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving, giving thanks for the grace present, by which Satan is resisted, and the burden sustained, praying also with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, that the burden on them may be taken of them, prayer the means to remove it; for he who heareth prayer hath given his word, that invocated in the time of trouble, he will deliver them that call vp●n his name, Psal. 50.15. 
* Ideo prenuntur iusti, ut clamer, clamanies exaud antur, ●●uditi glorificent Deum. Aug. in loc.   
F●urthly, that by pa●ience they possess their souls 
p Luk. 21.19. , and as the Thessalonians cause other to glory for their patience and faith in all their persecutions and tribulations 
q 2 Thes. 1.4. . This the victory of the Saints 
r Reu. 13.10.14.12. , the issue of tribulation 
s Rom. 5.3. , the effect of the word 
t Reu. 3.10. ; this the dawning of light, on the sprenting of that seed which is sown for the righteous. In Psal. 97.11. Light, i peace and prosperity, the fruit of righteousness, is sown for the righteous in the days of evil sitting in darkness 
* Micah. 7.8. . A phrase from the plough; Good seed sown in fallows broken up, lieth for a time covered in, the ground, and sprouteth not suddenly, but in its season: In their sufferings it is so with the servants of God; Their hearts furrowed with the coulter of the Cross, the word of patience cast upon it by the hand of faith, the harrow of godly sorrow drawn over and over it in the convulsions thereof; In his time the Lord cometh, and raineth on them righteousness, wherein unto themselves they had sowed 
u Hos. 10.12. , and tempestive peace, the peaceable fruit of righteousness 
x Heb. 12.11.  is in full sheaves brought in a time accepted home into their barns; their barns are filled, yea their hearts, with food and gladness, by their hard and tedious labours endured; therefore counted happy they that endure: Behold, saith the Apostle, we count them happy that endure 
y jam. 5.11.  Of the patience of job, that happy man, no man is ignorant, nor so blind, but may see in him the end of the Lord, that he is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. They that wait on him renew their strength, mount up with wings as Eagles, run and are not weary, walk and are nor faint: 
z Esa. 40.31.  for as they on him, so waiteth he on them, that he may be gracious unto them; and will be exalted 
a Esa. 30.18. , that he may have mercy upon them. O how blessed are all they that wait for him 
b Psal. 2.12. Psal. 34.2. P●●. 16.20. I●r. 77. !  
F●fthly, that they satisfy themselves as with the likeness of God, when they awake 
c Psal. 17.15. , so with his presence, while they sleep, or walk rather thorough the valley of the shadow of death, their eyes withholden with the present pressures that they cannot sleep; Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof 
d Mat. 6. vlt.  sufficient to the evil days the presence of El Schaddai, God all-sufficient: who but he in heaven 
e Psal 73.25. , and in earth besides him what to be desired? In him all live, and move, and have their being 
f Act 17.28 , the Author he and finisher of faith 
g Heb. 12. 2●. ; All and in all that have faith in him. In Heaven what need shall be of the Sun, or of the Moon, 
h Isa. 60 11.19.  or of candle, or of victual, or of vesture, or of lands, or of livings? Not any: for the Lord will be All, All in Heaven, and in earth All things. Therefore suffering need, what need of any thing more than of God, to sit in the mind, and to frame the same to the present state, or to dwell in the heart, and to fill the same with food and gladness? The mind on him, and he in the mind; the heart on him, and he in the heart, what want of the creatures, or of other gifts? Is not all want supplied with his fullness? What wanted Moses? Elocution: What answer from God had he but this, 
i Exod. 4.11, 12.  Who hath made man's mouth? I will be with thy mouth. Would God be a mouth unto him, or a tongue in his mouth? In effect he would, and fully be as good, yea better for use, and more effectual; of all other things wanting to the afflicted, the like may be said, Who made them? Orphans want their parents; who made their parents? He that made their parents will be unto them in stead of parents: Parents want their children; who made their children? He that made their children, will be unto them in stead of children: widows want their husbands; who made their husbands? He that made their husbands, w●ll be with them in stead of husbands: widowers want their wives; who made their wives? He that made their wives will be with them in stead of wives: brethren want their sisters; who made their sisters? He that made their sisters will be unto them in stead of sisters: sisters want their brethren; who made their brethren? He that made their brethren will be with them in stead of brethren: the poor afflicted, persecuted, want their houses, lands, means, livelihood; who made all, and gave all unto all? He that made all, and gave them all, will be unto them instead of all Varieties of comforts, in the variety of the creatures; Parents afford one k●nde of solace, children another, husbands another, wives another, brethren another, sisters another, lands and such like means another; but the Lord he is God of all consolation, not any without him in any thing, but with him is comfort in every thing. And he with his afflicted, what's the evil on them or against them? He with them in exile, what's their exile? He with them in prison, what's 〈◊〉 imprisonment? he with them in disgrace, what's their disgrace? He with them in poverty, what's their poverty? He with them in persecution, what's their persecution? much advantage, and every way much: What protection from the Lord? what propagation of the Gospel? 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  what recompense of reward without persecution? With persecution in this life an hundred sold shall be received 
* Mar. 10.30. : & in what but in the presence of the Lord, and the efficacy of his grace, which is equivalent, yea an hundred fold more excellent than the loss? I know not what better sense can be given, or how otherwise that reading is to be understood: Had he said, that after the cessation of persecution, peace shall be and wealth, etc. plain it had been, but he saith with persecution in the time thereof a man shall receive an hundred fold, and that is as plain to them that have the witness in themselves. In few to shut up the whole matter: Mark the man that shrinketh under the hand of God, and behold him that maketh the Lord his Committee, that prayeth being afflicted, that waiteth patiently, carrying the Lord's leisure, and satisfied with the presence of his grace as sufficient, endureth to the end; for the end of that man is peace 
k Psal. 37.37.   
Use 4 4. For the instauration of them, 
l ●am. 3 15, 16, 17.  That give willingly their cheeks to him that smiteth them, that are filled with bitterness, and made drunken with wormwood, covered with ashes, and their teeth broken as with gravel stones, their soul removed far off from peace, and prosperity forgotten: 
* Scriptura v●cat bonos f●umentum, malos paleam, eritur ventus, etc. Fonsec. Sabb. ante Dom. Quad.  For good men the Scripture calleth wheat, the evil chaff, ariseth a great wind of persecution, or cometh from the wilderness some terrible Blast of other sore affliction, to dissociate the good and the evil, to segregate the precious from the vile, and as wheat from the chaff, to separate true Israelites, in whom no guile is, from potsherds covered with silver dross 
* Temporizers hypocrites. . Are the Heavens now black with clouds and winds, do the winds blow, be the times boisterous, the days evil, the world troublous? The Lord is about to purge his floor, and will purge it thoroughly 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. : 
m Mat. 3.12.  the wheat he will gather into his garner, but the chaff he will scatter; yea burn it with unquenchable fire.  
After a fiery trial, professors may be fewer, but shall be better fare 
n Conjectae ecclesia in catinum, & excocta igne afflictionum, minor quidem evadit sed p●●ior. Amand. polan. in Dan. 11.35.  Necessary therefore as schisms 
o 1 Cor. 11.19.  and spurs, that they which are approved might be made manifest; and the slothful in business, more fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.  
But after Theodoret, Affliction is the Hostorie, or 
* Strickle.  Stichel of God in the hand of his justice, with which he striketh off, in his chosen vessels, the sins, that against justice, his mercy cannot bear. The gracious Lord (saith he) using a balance and a measure, 
Theod. Eccles. hist. lib. 5. cap. 1.  composed of justice and Mercy, striketh off here, by his justice, the faults which are above weight and measure. Is any among you afflicted? let the afflicted among you look unto the Lord, who doth it for their good; even to strike off with the hand of his justice, or that rod in his hand on them, the sins, which in them, surpoise the sealed balance, and surpass the marked measure of his mercy. Moreover, know ye not, that in the lowest condition is found the best success? Had not jacob, joseph, David, in the winter of their affliction, the spring of the soul? Is not Gaius his prosperity, which is of the soul, better than that of fools, which is not 
p Pro. 23.5.  or is nothing in salomon's judgement, but extreme vanity and vexation of spirit, or an evident token of perdition and destruction? As the greatest tentation is to feel no tentation, so the greatest affliction, not to be afflicted: An argument of infirmity, not of maturity; of infancy, not of manhood. The promises of outward beauties to the Church of the jews, were confined to the nonage thereof; grown upto some height, what promises of great things? 
Duo ●d te attrahunt Dei oculos, etc. Fon. sec. ubi sup.  Two things there be that draw the eyes of God unto men, Humble and prompt obedience; Pressure and persecution: Of that Abraham; of this an instance Israel in Egypt. An heart trembling at the word of God; a contrite and humble spirit, doth the like: Suffering, doth a man tremble at the word? The Lord looketh to him, Isa. 66.3. Is he of a contrite and humble spirit? the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, dwelleth with him to revive his spirit, and to revive his heart, Isa. 57.15. Deadness a sore evil, and dulness the grave of many graces, after some joys conceived, afflict sometimes the Chosen generation 
q 1 Pet, 2.3. . CAUSES; either sorrow, or excessive care, or obliquity in the use of the means given of God, to strengthen the soul in the hour of tentation, or temporary desertion; or else the commission of some sin, or the omission of some good duty, or else some other subtle device of the Devil; but CURATIONS, or Remedies, none better know I, than fear and trembling, contrition and humility; for from such the Lord is not far, but at hand, to revive them, and weary with labouring under the heavy cross, to give them happy rest. For a small moment he forsaketh, but with great mercy he gathereth 
r Isa. 54.5, 6, 7, 8. . In a little wrath he hideth his face for a moment, but with everlasting kindness he hath mercy on them, that (●s a wife of youth) are betrothed unto him 
s Hos. 2.19, 20.  in righteousness, and in judgement, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. Have I made a step out of the way? Suppose it was to call on a friend. 
☜  The external sufferings are not so grievous, as the internal are, and without the internal the external are not effectual unto sound humiliation. Therefore expedient both, both also light, and but for a moment: The sufferings of the present time 
t Rom. 8.18. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. , styled; and a kind of levity 
u 2 Cor. 4.17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  that passeth, as it cometh, in the twinkling of an eye: or staying all night the accidental mourning, 
Rico prateriens levitas. Bez.  joy cometh in the morning 
x Psal. 30.5. . A rejoicing is created 
y Isa. 65.18.  yea appointed unto them that mourn in Zion 
z Isa. 61.3. , beauty given for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, power for faintness, strength for weakness 
a Isa. 40.29. , the humbled lifted up 
b jam. 4.10. , the ruined places builded, 
c ●zek. 36.34, 35, 36, 38.  the desolate planted, the desert villages augmented, and the waste Cities filled with flocks of men as in the solemn assemblies.  
Wherefore, 
* Heb. 3.1. Exhortation.  Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, I beseech you suffer the word of exhortation 
* Heb. 13.22. ; for ye see your state, and the condition of this life; how seasoned it is; or may be to you, in the time and season, which the Lord hath put in his own power 
d Act. 1.7. . No rod now upon you; yet scourged ye may be, and be called from above to suffer many things: what ye know not, nor know I when: God knoweth when and what. Who maketh you to differ from other of the royal priesthood 
e 1 Pet. 2.9.  Other suffer to be vivified thereby, why not ye? Other suffer to be sanctified thereby, why not ye? Other suffer to be purged thereby, why not ye? Other suffer to be prevented thereby, why not ye? Other suffer, and the Lord by their sufferings is glorified in his power and providence, by their faith and obedience, why not by yours?  
I will not reprove you, for do ye that stand safe on the shore, on the dry banks, on the high rocks, rejoice against other weatherbeaten at sea, driven with fierce winds, and tossed with swelling waves, or cast over board and swimming for their lives? They do very ill that do thus 
f Pro. 17.5.  He that is glad of calamity shall not be unpunished, nor held innocent. Better were it for you, to weep with them that weep 
g Rom. 12.15.  to suffer with them that suffer, to bear their burden 
h Gal. 6.2 , to communicate with their affliction: To this I will exhort you; for in doing this ye shall do well. Ye have done well (saith Paul) that ye did communicate 
i Phil. 4.14.  with my affliction.  
I will not convent, nor summon you to corrections; for do ye despise any chastisement? do ye kick against pricks? 
k Act 9.5.  and the yoke on your necks, stiffnecked are ye as 
l jer. 31.18.  Bullocks unaccustomed to the yoke? are your faces harder than a rock? do ye refuse to return? They do very ill, that do thus: This an aggravation of the offence and punishment; yea, two great evils are perpetrated thereby: Better were it for you to shrink under the mighty hand of God, and to kiss his rod upon you, to confess your faults, and ask him forgiveness, to convert from the error of your ways, and to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. To this I will exhort you, for in doing this, ye shall have mercy 
m Pro. 28.13. , be saved from the wrath 
n jam. 4.10. & 5.20. , received and reconciled, refreshed and certified, that the Lord hath corrected you with judgement, 
o jer. 10.24.  not in anger, not in fury to kill you 
p 1 Sam. 2.25.  (as Heli's sons;) but (as Ephraim his dear son) 
q jer. 31.20.  in love to reclaim you.  
I will not argue you, that ye suffer as evil doers, or as busybodies, or slight the surprisal of other men, or secure yourselves in the mount of this world's good, and the arm of flesh. They do very ill that do thus, as they in the provocation: who would wilfully provoke the Lord, who doth not from his heart, or not willingly grieve and afflict the children of men 
r jam. 3.3. ? Besides, the troubles on other men happen unto them for ensamples, and may serve for your admonition 
s 1 Cor. 10.6.11. . Yea, they are your examples, to the intent ye should not lust after evil things, as they peradventure lusted; And will a man neglect so fair examples? Besides this, the present peace, health, and wealth is but momentany and transitory: what man is he that trusteth therein? Better were it for you, to be always cautious 
t Heb. 3.12. , lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unebeleefe departing from the living God, to be warned by the falls, or harms of other men, and to cast away all confidence in the flesh, 
u Phil. 3.3.  leaning to the, Lord, not to your own understanding 
x Pro. 3 5. . To this I will exhort you, for in doing this, ye may keep your feet, from every evil way, dwell in safety, lodge in the secret place of the most high, and abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  

y Psal. 91.1.  What shall I more say? but (as yet have been instructed) afflicted or misrable, rememner your, affliction, and your misery: Commit your way, and the keeping of your souls in well doing unto God: pray always: possess your souls in patience: continue to the end, and in the end be saved. The present gusts and tempests purge the floor of God; therefore purged; be perpurged, even thoroughly purged, and truly separate; not touching the unclean, 
2 Cor. 6.17.  nor being (as some be) audacious adherents, and presumptuous partakers in either men's sins 
z 1 Tim. 5.22. . 
* 1 Connivendo, 2 Conticendo, 3 Consulendo, 4 Consentiendo, 5 Defendendo. V Zanch. in Ephes. 5.7.11.  The present afflictions are spurre-rowels for use, therefore afflicted sore, be stirred up easily, to follow more earnestly the thing that good is. Suspect nothing more than the adversity of the soul, in the prosperity of the body: and in the spring of the spirit, which is the winter of the flesh, put forth the expected fruit of the spirit: or if any deadness, if any dulness be in the winter of the spirit, be not dismayed, neither please yourselves therein, but rouse up yourselves, as those, which being drowsy, are willing to shake off sleep. Call upon God, and to mind his faithfulness. Returned to his place 
* Hos. 5 vlt.  for some special end; in the end he will return, and ordain peace 
a Isa. 26.12. , and work all your works in you, for you. Faithful is he that promiseth, who will also do it 
b 1 Thes. 5.24. . Do it he will for you, inquired of 
c Ezek. 36.37.  by you, to do it for you. Therefore, as he at Ziglag greatly distressed: Encourage yourselves in the Lord your God, 1 Sam. 30.6.  
Hitherto David's condition hath brought us, and forth these things: followeth his consolation, The word of God, This is my comfort.  
My comfort: 
d Psal. 87. ●.  As of the City of God, many glorious things are spoken of the word: but ●s the virtuous, woman all the other daughters 
e Pro. 31.29, , this excelleth all. Help in time of need most comfortable, and comfort in affliction most needful. This by the word: Therefore we conclude:  
That the word of God, is the best comfort.  
Comfortable at the rain unto the tender 
f Deut. 32.2.  herbs, and as showers to the grass, sweet as honey 
g Psal. 119.72.127.103.  and the honey comb; esteemed above the appointed food 
h job. 13.12 , more desired than gold, yea then much fine gold 
l Psal 19.10 , and as much as in all riches rejoiced in 
k Psal. 119.14. .  
Is it not pure, 
l Psal. 19.7.  is it not perfect, sure and sound, durable and delightful, most holy and most necessary?  
Doth it not convert, or return the soul, 
m Psal. 19.7.  being in a swoon, overcome with the present malady, or misery, and make it come again?  
Doth it not quicken 
n Psal. 19.50. , is it not the life 
o Deut. 32.47. , even The word of life 
p Act. 5.20. ? live we by bread 
q Mat. 4.4. , or thereby? Is it not the seed and food of life, milk 
r 1 Cor. 3.2  and strong meat?  
Doth it not vanquish the wicked one 
s 1 Io. 2.14. , bruise his head and him under foot? Is it not a sword 
t Pro. 30.5.  to wound his scalp, and a shield 
u Ephes. 6.16.  to quench all his fiery darts?  
Doth it not rejoice the heart 
x Psal. 19.7, 8. , make wise the simple, enlighten the eyes, every the poor 
y Colos 3.16. , sanctify every creature 
z 1 Tim 4.5. , keep from sin 
a Psal. 119.11. , heal the diseased 
b Psal. 107.20. , and comfort the afflicted?  
This the report from Heaven of the Word, which is settled for ever 
c Psal. 119.  in Heaven.  
But a voice is heard in the lower Ramahs, the miry place, 
d Ezek. 47.11.  and marshes given to salt, and not healed by the rivers of waters which flow from the Sanctuary. Give us, for our comfort, the honours of the world, the treasures of the earth, the pleasures of this life, potent friends, and let's continue in our sins: This our comfort and these: Oh, what comfort in these against the word, or without the word, with All that is in they world?  
1. What comfort in the honours of the world? 
Honours mundi, tumores mundi. Eucher.  the honours of the world, the tumours thereof, tumours and burdens, not of God; not of God, the word of God not with them: Consider what is said in job. 10.35. Gods they, or Infidels rather, unto whom the word cometh not? How can they believe, which receive honour one of another 
e Io. 5.44. , and seek not the honour that cometh from God only in the coming of the word? How do they believe, which love the praise of men 
f Io. 12.43.  more than the praise of God? How do they believe that have not, nor hold forth 
g Phil. 2.16.  the word of life? This the Beraeans had, the pharisees that: Who best? yet glorious they are, and honoured, we see; but know we not, that their glory is their shame 
h Phil. 3.19. , their excellency their ignominy, and their end obscurity? Jerome not amiss to his rising and aspiring friend, 
Hier. ep. 14. cap. 14.  It's safer to stand on the firm earth, than to sit high on a rotten scaffold. Vanity of vanities, vanity of vanities: what else is all the honour of the world.  
2. What comfort, without the Word, in the treasures of the earth? The treasures of the earth, melting snowballs 
i job 38.22. Greg. in loc. , swift flying 
k Pro. 23.5.  Eagles, uncertain 
l 1 Tim. 6.17. , deceitful 
m Mat. 13.12. , strong Cities razed, and high towers demolished in a moment, Idols, scandals, 
n Ezek. 7.19.  stumbling blocks of iniquity, leaders into temptations, foolish and hurtful lusts. They that will be rich 
o 1 Tim. 6.9.  fall foully. They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches 
p Psal. 49.6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13. , none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for his soul; neither for their own. Their inward thought is folly, as their way, and howbeit their posterity may approve their sayings, as their doings, as men wise according to the flesh; yet brutish they are, and like the beasts which perish. Their riches shall choke them, for they choke the good seed of the Word 
q Mat. 13.22.  or swallowed down, they shall vomit them up again, 
r job. 20.15 18.  God shall cast them out of their bellies: Verily, verily, this egestion will be woeful, and full of deadly pains. Therefore, Go to now, ye rich men 
s jam. 5.1, 2, 3.  weep and howl for the miseries which shall come upon you; your riches are corrupted, your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and eat your flesh as it were fire; ye heap treasure together for the last days: 
* Rom. 2.5.  yea, ye treasure up wrath unto yourselves against the day of wrath: Faithful, but fearful is the saying of jesus Christ in Matth. 19.23. A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of Heaven. A difficulty noted, not an impossibility; for after the Ordinary Gloss, a Gable, i. untwisted; a Camel also (Deposito onere & flexis genibus) may go thorough that straight gate in the walls of Jerusalem, which for the narrowness thereof was called Foramen acus, or the Needle's eye: But wealth, a strong City in conceit, and an high Tower, (as it is the rich man's, that is not rich towards God, Prou. 18.11. and Luk. 12.21. compared;) the impossibility may be avouched and averred.  
3. What comfort in the pleasures of this life, the pleasures of this life flashes of lightning: Fulgurations; 
Plutarch.  Simul orientes & morientes, arising and dying together. As the fashion of the world, 
— ●mpia dolore voluptas.  they pass away, and followeth heaviness; 
f Pro. 14.13.  cast out into utter darkness, what weeping, what howling, what gnashing with the teeth? Dead, while they live, they that live in pleasure 
g 1 Tim. 5.6. . Ye have lived in pleasure, 
h jam. 5.5.  and been wanton, an apt reproof. Awake to righteousness 
i 1 Cor. 15.34. , good counsel. Moses his pattern good 
k Heb. 11.25. , Barzilla's resolution godly 
l 2 Sam. 19.35. , the Preachers censure of mirth and laughter just 
m Eccl. 2.2. , carnal pleasure the high way to Hell, going down to the chambers of death 
n Pro. 8.27. . Had here in the depths of hell, what is to be had? Ask Abraham, or think on his answer 
o Luk. 16.25.— Tr●hit sua quemque voluptas. , bought with grief, yet how many drawn away thereby and enticed? As he that loveth silver, so is he that loveth pleasure, 
Semper voluptas samem sui habet & transacta non satial. Hieron.  never satisfied, not ever edified on the most holy faith. The voluptuous of the word heard, bring no fruit to perfection 
p Luk. 8.14 . Was Solomon a Cynic in his old age? Faithful is his saying, and worthy of all acceptation, Sorrow is better than laughter 
q Eccles. 7.3, 4. ; for by the sadness of the countenance, the heart is made better: The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.  
4. What comfort in carnal friends? Friends as the reeds of Egypt, or as reeds in the wind, shaken & unstable as the unrighteous Mammon. No friend this, for a friend loveth at all times 
r Pro. 17.17. & cap. 18.24. , and in adversity most. A brother, rather a rare friend, one that sticks fast, as cemented or glued. 
V Cartwright in loc.  I have considered that in Prou. 18.24. but all are not viri amicorum, nor have vim amicabilem. As friendliness is showed, so is it to be showed; but as it is sound, so lieth the opinion: The colours of friendship not laid in the oil of the word, a false varnish; it vanisheth as the tale that is told: Wherefore what the Holy Ghost hath of worldly wealth, might be said of worldly friendship, He that trusteth therein shall fall 
s Pro. 11.28. . Besides, a curse is denounced, 
t jer. 17.5, 6.  Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord; for he shall be like the heath in the desert, like the parched places in the wilderness, like a salt land, and not inhabited. Therefore the sweet Psalmist of Israel said 
u Psal. 146.3, 4. , Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help, his breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish. But Wolsey's confession might 
x Quod Regi potius quam Deo studuisset placere. Scultet. A●.  be made of many; Many seek the friendship of great men, more than the favour of the great God, and our Saviour jesus Christ: 
* 2 Tim. 3.5.15.25.  Istos aversemur: From such turn away.  
5. What comfort to be had in sins? Miserable comforters these, and causes of confusion; Dalilahs in conceit, in effect also, deceiving the heart, destroying the soul. Bless a man may himself in his own heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine own heart, to add drunkenness to thirst 
y Deut. 20.19. . But, There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God 
z Isa. 51. ●1. . At the door of the sinner lieth his sin 
y Gen. 4.7. Peccatum i ●ana peccati quae quasi ca●it aut Cerberus cub●ns, fores peccati obsidet tanquam peccati vindex. Corn. de lap. in loc. , as a bandog, to pluck out his throat, and to tear him in pieces, none being to deliver: Who should, the Lord? Nay, he is not chosen, nor hath been served; but sin preferred; let him go that and cry unto that which he hath chosen, and to that which he hath served. This was once the answer of the Lord, and this: I will deliver no more 
z judg. 10.13, 14. , who then should? should the Minister of the Lord? By what means, the Ministry contemned 
* 2 Cor. 5.18. , which is committed to him? visit he may a man sick with sin unto death, yet not save him from the death, which reigneth by sin in his mortal members; pray for him he may, but according to that of Ambrose to Theodosius, 
* Si dignus non sum qui a te audiar, nec etiam dignus qui pro te a Deo ex●udiar.  If he will not hear the Minister speaking from God, how shall God hear the Minister speaking for him. O consider this, all ye that comfort yourselves in your sins, following inconsiderately the multitude that do evil, after these of pleasure, days of mourning will come, and evil days, yea years, wherein we shall say, We have no pleasure in them 
a Eccles. 12.1. , nor any comfort from the time that is past. What comfort from the time that is passed of this life, the lusts of men followed, and thwarted the will of God 
b 1 Pet. 4.2. ? What comfort in those things, whereof shame is the glory, and destruction the end 
e Phil. 3.19 ? What's the end of rioting, drunkenness, covetousness, voluptuousness, idleness, unruliness, uncleanness, ungodliness? or what's the glory? What fruit had in these things 
d Rom. 6.21.  or what comfort to be had, 
e Isa. 5.3.  judge I pray you between God, and the vines which bring forth wild grapes.  
Art thou, o man, an Ephraimite 
f Isa. 28.1. , a drunkard, I mean like those of Ephraim, risest thou up early in the morning, that thou mayest follow strong drink, and continuest thou until night, till wine pursue thee? Art thou mighty to drink wine, and a man of strength to mingle strong drink 
g Isa. 5.11, 22. ? Woe and woe I find, yea woes upon woes in the Scriptures against thee 
h Hab. 2.15 , but except thou repent, no comfort find I for thee in the Oracles of God.  
Art thou a covetous person, a lover of earthly things more than of heavenly, is thy heart set on thy riches increasing, is thy desire enlarged as Hell 
i Hab. 2.5. , can it not be satisfied? Thou shalt never be satisfied with that which thou coverest; thou consultest, (by coveting an evil covetousness to thy house) shame to thy house, thou sinnest against thine own soul 
k Hab. 2.9, 10. : Thou art an Idolater, and abhorred of the Lord: These things I find in the Scriptures against thee, but except thou repent; No comfort find I in the Oracles of God.  
Art thou a swearer, swearest thou in thine ordinary communication? Thou takest the name of thy God in vain, 
Levit. 24.11. Nakab defigens trans. figens. V Trem.  thou smitest him on the face: Moses saith more, Thou piercest him, thou strikest him thorough. He that blasphemeth, traiecteth him whom he blasphemeth; and as the lying or backbiting tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it 
l Pro. 26.28. , so the swearing tongue the Lord. Thou champest the blood of God between thy teeth, o barbarous Cannibal! Thou diggest up his wounds, o damnable exulteration! Thou exposest him to shame, o impudent Miscreant! Thou art not guiltless 
m Exod. 20.7. , but cursing, cursed: The curse is upon thee, and entered into thy house. The long flying roll 
n Zech. 5.2.5.  hovereth over thee, yea, the vengeance of Heaven to cast thee down into the damnation of Hell. These things I find in the Scriptures against thee, but except thou repent, No comfort find I for thee in the Oracles of God.  
Art thou a Sabbath-breaker? seekest thou on the holy day of God, and findest thou thine own pleasure, speakest thou thine own words 
o Isa. 58.13. , and dost thou, on that day, thine own works? Thou dishonourest God 
p Rom. 2.23 , thou pollutest his worship 
q Ezek. 22.8. , thou provokest the eyes of his glory 
r Isa. 3.8. , thou breakest his Law, thou makest it void 
s Psal. 119.126. 2 Chron. 19.2. A minori admaius. jor. 17.27. ; Therefore wrath is upon thee, from before the Lord: The fuel of judgement lieth in thy gate, and thou puttest to the fire, which shall (when God will) kindle where it lieth. These things I find in the Scriptures against thee, but except thou repent; No comfort find I for thee in the Oracles of God.  
Art thou a Libertine, using all liberty for an occasion to the flesh 
x Gal. 5.13. , a contemner of God's ordinances, his words and Sacraments, his Ministry and Ministers? Thou art not spiritual 
y Rom. 7.14. & cap. 8.14. , nor led by the Spirit, but carnal altogether, and sold under sin; thou despisest God 
z 1 Thes. 4.8. , thou committest sacrilege 
a Rom. 2.22. , thou judgest thyself unworthy of everlasting life 
b Act. 13.46. , thou puttest from thee the means thereof, and turnest the same into lasciviousness 
c jude ve. 4.  no remedy remaineth, nor healing to thee that mocketh the Messengers of God, that despisest his words, that misusest his Prophets 
d 2 Chron. 36.16. . These things I find in the Scriptures against thee, but except thou repent, No comfort find I for thee in the Oracles of God. I personate no man, but if the witness within, the Conscience, accuse any, testifying and saying, Thou art the man to whom it is spoken; spoken be to him, and this further in the Spirit of our God against the works of the flesh, which are manifest, and are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revel, and such like. Qui talia agunt 
e Gal. 5 21. , They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, Gal. 5.21.  
Seeing then that these things are so, that some comfort themselves without the Word, and that without the Word there is no solid comfort. A necessity is laid upon us, both for the use of edifying, and the issue of the point, to reason in plain evidence and demonstration of the Spirit, 

De Afflicto consolabili.  
De Sermone consolabundo.  
De Ratione consolandi.    
Touching 

The afflicted that are consolable.  
The word which comforteth the afflicted.  
The manner of comforting them by the same word.    
1. De afflicto consolabili. Of the afflicted that are consolable. All men have not faith 
f 2 Thes. 3.2. , nor the knowledge of God 
g 1 Cor. 15 34. , nor be in their affliction comforted by the Word, neither indeed can be, because they are not corrigible, not docile, not humble, nor humbled: The shaking of the hand of the Lord, which he shaketh over them, not feared; nor had to work any fear in their heart the spirit of bondage. But had once this, and but once had, Running there is to God, and flying to jesus Christ, without back-sliding in heart, or any departing from him: Contrà: Not hand, nor received at all, no comfort at all, nor conversion at all, neither any constant worship. In Rom. 8.15. Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear. Not to fear again as bondslaves, but first they feared, having the spirit of bondage, as all have that labour and are heavy laden, the curses of the Law may be denounced a thousand times, and ten thousand kinds of strong judgements inflicted in vain, except the spirit of bondage be sent into the heart, to work fear therein, and in that fear to bring men home unto God in Christ. Thunder, and rain, and earthquakes have been, and yet men's hearts have been little moved, but the spirit of bondage, 
D. Preston of the new Covenant. pag. 392, 393.  or of fear on the people, they feared exceedingly, when it thundered and reigned in wheat harvest 
h 1 Sam. 12 18. , likewise at the great showers of rain in Ezra's time 
i Ezra. 10.9. , likewise the jailor, although all was safe 
k Act. 16.29 . This spirit, the plough of God, with which he ploweth up the heart, before he soweth therein the word of his grace which bringeth salvation: This spirit obliterates the image of the old man, and prepares a place for the impress of the new, whose motto is, 
l Pro. 28.14  Blessed is the man that feareth always, i. in a filial manner, for the servile is the Devils.  
Ye see the reason, (brethren) why some afflicted are not consolable; not consolable, 
Actus acti●o●um est in patient pradisposito.  not corrigible; not corrigible, not fearing; not fearing, not having to fear, the spirit of bondage. Therefore if ye fear not, nor have had to fear, the spirit of bondage. Ye have cause to fear, because ye have not Christ, 
* Rom. 8.  ye know him not, nor what he hath suffered for you, ye have no fellowship in his sufferings, not being made conformable to his death: But afflicted, if ye fear as sons in bondage, if feeling the weight of the judgement inflicted, and seeing your sins, ye fly from them (as from the face of a serpent) unto the Propitiatory, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Rom. 3.25. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Io. 16. vlt.  which is jesus Christ: Be of good cheer, the good spirit of God is upon you for good, and truly and thoroughly humbled thereby, ye shall be delivered from the temporal bondage, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. As the Law is good, Rom. 7.12. so the spirit of bondage: As the Law but a temporary Schoolmaster, until faith be informed; so the spirit of bondage, until the spirit of Adoption be infused: and as the Sun of righteousness ariseth with healing in his wings, Mal. 4.2. So the Spirit of adoption cometh with liberty in his arms. God having sent the spirit of his son into the hearts of his sons, they cry Abba, father 
m Gal. 4.6. : the love of an indulgent father apprehended, not the severity of an austere judge; and God beheld not as a consuming fire 
n Deut. 4.24. , that will devour them, but as a faithful Creator, that will have a desire to the works of his hands 
o job 14.15 . Afterwards there's no servile, but a filial fear, i. a mixture of fear and love: the spirit of love leading in the way everlasting; the spirit of fear preventing Reconciliation, and fetching home again them, that being brought home, turn again unto folly, lose themselves, and run as sheep astray. Love having respect unto all the Commandments, to keep the same: fear preserving the heart from the deceitfulness of sin: for as feething liquor, filthy f●um; so the heart boiling with fear, casts out sin, suffers it not to oestuate itself into the inward parts; adhere it may, but enters not into the frame, fabric, or constitution of the heart, to be mingled and confounded: The fear of the Lord is clean 
p Psal. 19.9. , they also pure in heart, that have it in their heart, having such an heart, that admits not the mixture of any sin, but as base and reprobate stuff, resists and rejects it. So then we say for the verdict of the Inquest; That without the humbling and cleansing fear, there's no token for good in or out of affliction, nor comfort by the Word.  
2. De Sermone consolatorio: Of the word which is the comfort in Affliction. The substantial Word there is, that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which was made flesh 
q Io. 1.14. , and he the God 
r Rom. 15.5.  of all consolation: but of him the Prophet speaketh not here, the sure word of prophecy there is also, which was unto jeremy, having found and eaten it, the very joy and rejoicing of his heart 
s jer. 15.16. , David made his heart an hiding place for it 
t Psal. 119, 11.  so became it a Sanctuary for him, yea, a fortress against the assaults of Satan, and during the obsession, Ammunition for his soul. 
u Coloss. 3.11.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (as the Apostle of Christ) All and in all: Therefore styled, Sermo 

Inscriptus,  
& Insititius.    
Many good words and comfortable words in the little Book which we hold in our hand, but the word which comforteth is, 

The Inscribed Word.  
The Engrafted Word.    
1. Sermo inscriptus: 
Sermo consolatorius inscriptus sermo.  The word inscribed and written, not with ink, but with the spirit of the the living God 
x 2 Cor. 3.3 , not in Tables of stone, or books like this, but in the fleshy Tables of the heart; the heart mollified the spirit sent into it, which writeth therein the comforting word, even the word of grace in the New Covenant, i. worketh within the heart a disposition correspondent to the word which cometh 
y Io. 10.35. , and the grace which appeareth 
x Tit. 2.11. . As face to face in a glass, or in the waters, as Tally to Tally, as Indenture to Indenture, as the Impression in the Wax to the Seal that made the same, so the holy disposition (which is, The Consolation) answereth to the word, which is in the heart written, yea graved by the spirit of God, as letters in marble, never wearing out. Let a man therefore examine himself, and brethren, prove your own selves, whether such a disposition and correspondence to the Word be in you, yea or no? If your heart and the word meet as friends, even as mercy and truth, and kiss each other as righteousness & peace 
a Psal. 85.10. . If your heart close with the word, as the clay with the mould, and the ink to the paper, fixed and fair, without any blur or foul fault, quarrel or difference: It is inscribed, it is the word which comforteth in affliction; but if enmity be put between, or if your heart and the word look as enemies the one upon the other, no comfort is therein, nor in the affliction.  
2. Sermo insititius, Sermo consolatorius: The word of consolation, S. james calleth the engrafted word 
b jam. 1.21. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. , which when Paul planteth 
c 1 Cor. 3.6 , he cleanseth, 1. the stock, 2. maketh insition, 3. inserteth the imp, 4. closeth it about, 5. fenceth it, finally expecteth fruit. Suffer me to review and open these unto you, that your eyes opened by the evidence produced, ye may see the things, that pertain to your peace, in your warfare on the earth.  
1. The stock, which is the heart, is to be cleansed, foul it is in all, all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness about it, which is to be laid aside 
d jam. 1.21. , with all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings 
e 1 Pet. 2.2 , or else the sincere word will be turned aside. If the stomach rise, & the soul be lifted up 
f Hab. 2.4. , when the heavenly husbandman, about to plant the word, is about to purge the stock. If any rancour or excrescency of malice, bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour be; 
g Ephes. 4.31.  Now he striketh me, he intendeth me, he cutteth me, who can hear him, who can endure him? Aërem coedit, He beateth the air, he washeth the Aethiopian, his labour is in vain. Cut to the heart ye know, who were with the words of Stephen, and to what effect; 
h Act. 7.54.  who were pricked and healed by the same Word received with meekness, ye also know 
i Act. 2 37.  verily, as the Apostle of him that praying wavereth like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed: 
k jam. 1.6, 7.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord: So may we of the man, that hearing the word, and having it nigh him, paring, or pricking, or cutting, or cleaving him, to be engrafted in him, is like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt, 
l Isa. 57.20.  is moved, waxeth angry, flingeth it off in fury, and kicketh against pricks, Non existimet homo ille, Let not that man think that the word shall be, or possibly can be in him, doing thus, effectually engrafted: Qui aurem audiendi habet, He that hath an ear to hear let him hear, and hear ye it my beloved brethren, if ye would receive the engrafted word for your comfort in that day, sanctify yourselves, and cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit 
m 2 Cor. 7.1. , prepare your heart, or (as jeremy phraseth it) 
n jer. 4.14.  wash your heart, from the desperate wickedness and deceitfulness thereof: or, keep your feet 
o Eccles. 5.1.  when ye enter into the house of God, and be more ready to hear the hardest word, than to cast it off as a burden too heavy for you to bear. Hard as iron is the heart of man; therefore is the word first as fire, and an hammer for it 
p jer. 23.29. ; full of knots and wild stems, which must be cut off; therefore is the word sharper at the first, than any two-edged sword 
q Heb. 4.12. , yet to be suffered without any prejudicate or prevaricate opinion of malicious personating, or envious particularising; your souls (dear Brethren) must (if ye would be numbered with the elect of God, and reckoned of his peculiar people) be dealt with in particular, and your particular sins reproved, yea hewed and hewed, as Agag by Samuel, in pieces, before ye can feel any comfort by the word: Many things we speak in love, to warn you 
r 1 Cor. 4.14. , not in malice to shame you, but the more we love you thus 
s 2 Cor. 12.15. , the less we are loved of you: we love your persons, we tender your souls; but (as our own) we hate your sins, and would (if we could) strike them dead, because they work by their passions 
t Rom. 7. ●.  and motions in your members (as in ours) to bring forth fruit to death unto death.  
But how can a Preacher smite a man's sin really, and not touch his person intentionally? Our controversy writers in that great dispute about justifying faith; 
D. Abbot against Bishop. pag. 481.  Whether faith justifieth alone without charity and good works, distinguish thus:  
Separation of things, one from another, is either real in the subject, or mental in the understanding, that denied, this subdistinguished, negative or privative; that, when in the understanding there is an affirming of one thing, and denying of another; this, when of things that cannot indeed be separated, the one is understood and omitted: the other, ver. great. light and heat cannot be separated in the fire, yet the light may he considered, & not the heat, or the heat and not the light: So charity and good works are not negatively separated, but privatively made as effects & consequents, not concurring causes of justification.  
Sembably (my Beloved) although we cannot really separate between your sins and your persons, yet negatively we say, that we intent not your persons, but privatively in our minds we consider your sins, bearing the image of Satan, at which we strike, I say at the image of the Devil and Satan, not at your persons, made as we ourselves, after the similitude of God.  
O that ye would believe this, and when your sins are smitten on the face with the rod of the mouth 
u Isa. 11.4. , or with that sharp two edged sword which goeth out of the mouth of the Lord 
x Reu. 1.16. , ye would reason with yourselves, or commune with your own heart, and be still or speak on this wise one unto another in the faithful assemblies: This Preacher speaks with authority above himself, it's the very word of God which he preacheth, the word which he preacheth is quick and powerful 
y Heb. 4.12. , pierceth and divideth things asunder in us, discerneth the thoughts and intents of our hearts, pulleth down strong holds 
z 2 Cor. 1●▪ 4, 5.  casteth down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; apprehendeth our sins, grappleth with them, evinceth them, convinceth us, 
2 Tim. 2.15  dealeth as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, & applying it according to the rule thereof. Are we not ourselves or many of us husbandmen, what do we ourselves in our profession? do we cast our seed into unclean places, or amongst briars, & thorns, and stones, & rubbish no, we first cleanse and manure our ground, sow afterwards our seed, and have long patience for the precious fruit: beside, in our orchards, when we plant or graft, do we suffer to grow the fiens of the crabtree? No, we cut them off, and cleanse the stock: What then doth the spiritual husbandman more in his sphere, than we in ours; before he will sow the holy seed, or let in the heavenly plant, he laboureth with great difficulty to prepare the ground where he would sow, and purge the stock on which he would engraff the word. Must he therefore be blamed, or slovenly would we have him to do his work, or negligently, or unfaithfully? Absit, God forbidden: This in our own servants is not tolerated, much less it to be in the servants of the Lord 
* jer. 8.11.  To cry peace, peace, when there is no peace, is to heal hurts slightly *; false Prophets will do it, but otherwise, the man that is sent from God. Consider what I say, and God give you understanding. The word to be ingraffed, the stock is to be cleansed: The stock cleansed, incision for insition is made; a division made between the soul and the spirit 
a Heb. 4.12 Nomen a●timae saepe idem valet quod spiritus; sed cum simul iunguntur, prius comprehendit sub se affectus omnes, etc. Caluin. in lic. Allegoria quadam & hyperocha ●dumbrare v●luit Apostolus divinisermonis vim & efficaci●m, etc. B●llinger. , natural things, and spiritual things, reason and the light, which is the life of men, the affections and the intellectual faculty: This division Experience reacheth tacitè, and converts best know how it is. How were the first pricked in their hearts, and divided in themselves, n●t knowing what to do 
b Act. 2.37. , after the incision made, before, before the immission of the heavenly plant? nor doth any man: The word which saveth the soul, of whom received without much affliction by the internal division, after the infition? Such it is, I think, as the groan of the Spirit, making intercession according to the will of God, it cannot be uttered: the Thessalonians received the word with much affliction, but what kind of affliction, or how grievous it was, he saith not.  
Therefore, whensoever incision is made, your heart smitten, and smiting you being smitten by the word, attend still; or divided in you selves, all the faculties slit, and cloven the affections, your reason visited with the dayspring from on high, your understanding enlightened, your soul fainting, your spirit panting, a conflict begun, and a striving within you, as in Rebeccahs' womb, between Esau and jacob, Nature and Grace. Be not dismayed, for this must be, and is, where the word is about to be ingraffed to the saving of the soul.  
3. Incision for insition made; the sien of holy science is infited and set in, the word let in (that heavenly plant by heavenly Art) into the understanding: The sense given thereof, and the reading understood.  
Therefore hearing the word of the kingdom, apply your heart to wisdom, and your mind to understand the wondrous things 
d Psal. 119.18.  the mysteries which were kept secret since the world began 
e Rom. 16.15.  yea, pray always with all manner of prayer and supplication, in the spirit, that it may be given unto you, to know the mystery of God 
f Coloss. 2 2. 1 Tim. 3.16. , and of godliness, that seeing ye may see, that hearing ye may hear and understand 
h Mat. 13.16. ; David prayed how often? G●ue me understanding, make me to understand; An understanding heart, salomon's hearts desire 
i Reg. 3.9. ; and Paul's, that the Churches might abound more and more 
k Phil. 1.8, 9  in all knowledge, and in all judgement, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding: This by the Word. The word read or heard, and not understood, profiteth not; but by reading, and hearing, and prayer made to God, entrance is made into the understanding, heavenly light let in, and worldly darkness out: 
l Psal. 119, 130,  The entrance of the word giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple.  
4. The sien insited, is bound fast, and closed about with all loving affections stirred up unto it; yea, shut up and riveted in the heart, to dwell richly therein in all wisdom, not left lose; for grasses so let, fall out anon, or be blown out.  
Therefore love ye the incitive word, lest ye lose it unawares, embrace it with all complacency of affection, so shall no storm stir it, nor force amove it; it is not enough to receive the word, except ye receive the love of the word; Shall not some be damned because they received not the love of the truth 
m 2 Thes. 2.10. ? O how I love thy laws 
n Psal. 119.97.  saith David, it is my meditation all the day, yea, day and night the exercise of the blessed man; it is enclosed within him, it is in his heart, and loved with his heart, the heart as soon to be lost as the word ingraffed therein, and incorporated; 
Psal. 40.8. Psal. 51.6.  desired in the inward parts, and hidden in the hidden part.  
5. Bound fast and closed about the imp of the word inserted; it is consepted and strengthened, yea, (as an orchard or vineyard with walls and hedges) fenced and fortified with holy cares, and godly jealousies, lest wild and harmful beasts break it off, or bite it off, or come nigh it to hurt it. How many caveats hath the Apostle in his Epistles to this purpose; Deceive not yourselves; Be not deceived 
r 1 Cor. 6.9 Gal. 6.7. ; Let no man deceive you with vain words, 
s Ephes. 5.6. ; Let no man beguile you with enticing words; Let no man spoil you through Philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, or after the rudiments of the world 
t 2 Coloss. 2. ●. . Besides, the beasts of Ephesus 
u 1 Cor. 15.32. , and the grievous wolves 
x Act. 20.29. , what care took he to detect and defeat, to prevent and prevince 
* Pravincire Gal. 2.5. , propugning the truth, oppugning the adversaries, not giving to them place by subjection, no not for an hour, that the Gospel established might continue for ever. Let the same mind be in you which was also in him. The word ingraffed hedge ye about, fence and keep safe from malignant persons, evil cogitations, cares, riches, the pleasures of this life, unbelief, Apostasy, and such like. The envious man will (if he can) make a breach upon it, and bring in these destroyers; Therefore take ye heed, yea, let him that thinketh he standeth 
z 1 Cor. 1●▪ 11, 12,  take heed lest he fall, or be surprised in an hour that he knoweth not.  
Finally, fruit is expected to be had unto holiness, and the end everlasting life 
a Rom. 6.22. . Summer and winter the plant the same, fat in old age, and flourishing as the Palm tree, not blasted with the winds of other vain doctrines, not nipped with the frosts of hearts hardness, or nature's remissness; not beaten down by the messengers of Satan, buffeting the branches, nor withered so much as in one leaf, with the extremities of the times, but as those that be planted 
b Psal. 92.13.  in the house of the Lord, (the 
c 1 Cor. 3. ●.  increase given of God) fruitful in old age, and comfortfull in affliction.  
Let a man therefore examine himself, and brethren prove yourselves, whether ye have or no the comforting word, which is the ingraffed word. The heart unclean, incision not made for insition, no si●ns immitted nor closed about with loving affection, no censure about it, nor any fruit appearing, it is not ingraffed, nor affordeth it refreshment to the soul that is weary: But the heart clean through the word which is spoken, incision made, the imp settled and closed on every side with embracements of love, fenced and fruitful, it is ingraffed, and THE WORD, which is comfort in affliction.  
Remaineth what is expected, De ratione consolandi, how and in what manner the poor afflicted are comforted by the word. In Isay 30.21. it is said; Thine ear shall hear a word behind thee saying, This is the way, etc. 
d Emphaticè verbum audiendi ponitur: Deum hic padagoge comparat, qu● pueret sibi ante occulas statuit, etc. Marlo●●t. in loc.  As pupils from behind them hear the voice of their Schoolmaster or Tutor teaching and admonishing them, so the servants of the Lord his heavenly-voice, and in their affliction they are (by the word mixed with faith incordiated, hid in the heart, inscribed and ingraffed) informed and comforted as here followeth.  
1 By the word through faith, they understand, That afflictions are effects of God's decree, which is sealed, and remaineth sure as 
e Psal. 125.1.  Mount Zion, not to be removed; falls a sparrow to the ground 
f Mat. 10.29. , or an hair from the head without him? The sufferings of the Saints are fore-ordained, as themselves foreknown 
g Rom. 8.29. . Thus when I remember, I pour out in me my soul thus 
* Psal 42.4. : Hath God decreed to me, and appointed me to bear the evil upon me? I will without any reluctation bear it, the stiffnecked strive with the yoke to their hurt; it is good to yield in youth 
h Lam. 3.27. , in the first hour, in the last all must. D●th Shimei curse me? The Lord hath bidden him 
i 2 Sam. 16.10. : Doth Saul persecute me? Vexed he is with an evil spirit sent from the Lord 
k 1 Sam. 19▪ 9 : Do other men, unreasonable and wicked, insedable and absurd, infest, oppose, plot against me, thrust sore at me, that I might fall, and fall into the pit which they have digged for me 
l Gal. 3.1. ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, they are (as Paul of the Galatians) mad men, distracted in their minds, they know not what they do; what 
m Io. 8.44.  do they but the lusts of the devil? What are they but his agents and instruments? yet permitted all of my Lord & my God to humble me, & to prove me 
n Deut. 8.2. , & to know what is in me; whether I will trust in him, & cleave to him; or 
* Tentatio probatio in, non perditionis. , it is a tentation of probation, not of destruction. Doth sickness afflict me? it is the servant of the Lord coming and going as the Centurions 
o Mat. 8.8, 9  according to his word. Doth any pressure or other disaster ingravate or grieve me? nothing happeneth or is done, nor shall happen or be done unto me, but what the hand of God and his counsel hath before determined to be done 
p Act. 4. ●●. . Therefore being vile in mine own eyes, and base in mine own sight 
q 2 Sam. ●. 22. ; I say as he that went up barefoot by the ascent of Mount Olivert 
r 2 Sam. 15 2●, ; Behold, here I am, let the Lord do to me as seemeth good unto him. Surely he will not cast off for ever, but though he cause grief 
s Lam. 3, 32, , yet will he have compassion; and This is my comfort in my affliction.  
2 By the word through faith they understand, That afflictions are arguments of the adoption of sons unto God 
t Heb. 12.6. , every son whom he receiveth, flagellat, he scourgeth, yet not in his anger, but with judgement, to teach them his judgements. Impunity a note of bastardy, yea, saith the spirit 
u Verse 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. , if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards and not sons. Bastard's may escape that increpation, correction, discipline, & nurture, which sons must suffer: many vile servants have much more liberty and money in their purse, than many dears children.  
The natural son, a bod●e prepared him, had his ears bored and opened as other men's, Isay 50.6. 
x Isa. 50.6. . A man of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs 
y Isa. 53.3. , tempted himself 
z Heb. 2. vlt. , buffeted and smitten, yet not rebellious, neither turned he away his, back from the smiters, nor his face from shame and spitting. The adoptive sons (when they are chastened with pain upon their bed, 
a job 33.19, 20, 21, 22.  and the multitude of their bones with strong pain, when their life abhorreth bread, and their soul dainty meat, when their flesh is consumed away, and their bones stick out, when their soul draweth near to the grave, and their life to the destroyer) have also their instructions sealed.  
This when I remember I pour out in me my soul thus; Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil 
b Psal. 49.5. , when punishment or death, the iniquity of my heels compass me about, it is at the worst but a bruise in the heel. The serpent's head is broken, and the hunter's snare: I see myself now saved from wrath, of which I was by nature the child 
c Eph. 2.3. . The child of God I am adopted, I know it, because chastened, I endure the chastisement. A son without controversy, of a truth I perceive it: because I forget not the exhortation which speaketh unto me, as unto a son.  
My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction, neither faint when thou art rebuked of him; for whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth and rebuketh, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 
Pro. 3.11. and Heb. 12.5, 6. compared.  A dear son I am 
d jer. 31.19, 10. , I am a pleasant child, my father which is in heaven taketh pleasure in nice; his bowels found and are troubled for me; surely he will have mercy on me ashamed of myself; surely, he will delight himself in me: confounded in myself, for that I bear the reproach of my youth. Therefore I will, whatsoever things I suffer, delight myself in him. This shall swallow up my griefs, this shall give, or cause to be given unto me the desires of my heart 
e Psal. ●7. 4. , this the strength of my life. This the strong consolation; and this is my comfort in my affliction.  
3. By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions are evidences of the brotherhood in Christ, of conformity to him, of communion with him, the lustre of his image, and the marks thereof, the marks of the Lord jesus in his members, yea the sufferings of Christ 
f Phil. 3.10 , and on the whole body, which is called Christ 
g 1 Cor. 12.12. , accomplished in the brethren which are in the world 
h 1 Pet. 4.13. , and reflected on him, who is not ashamed to call them, that suffering are sanctified, brethren 
i Heb. 2.11. : Is not his care and sympathy expressed? 
k Act. 9.4.  persecuted he is in them that bear his name, and his is their reproach: 
l Heb. 11.26.13.13.  The reproach of Christ called.  
This when I remember, I pour out in me my soul thus. Why art thou cast down, o my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me 
m Psal. 42.5 . No burden now on thee, that is not now on the brethren abroad. The same afflictions 
* 1 Pet. 5.9. , the same also the sufferings of Christ; not a tear shedst thou, which he puts not into a bottle, not one sigh from thy broken heart, which enters not into his open ears; not one gash on thee, of which his soul is not sensible; not one scratch or scar in thy face, which appears not in his; not one furrow on thy back, which turns not upon his. A brother of low degree, yet brother to jesus Christ in the highest.  

* jam. 1.9.  Rejoice therefore in that thou art exalted, and run with patience to the race which is set before thee, looking aswell unto jesus Christ the Author and finisher of thy faith, thy faithful brother and bearer of thy griefs, 
o Isa. 53.4.  as also to the brethren enduring the same cross, and despising the shame thereof in the world: If any draw back 
p Heb. 10.38.  whose soul shall have any pleasure in such? Nothing hath taken thee, but that which is common, 
q 1 Cor. 10.13.  common the exinanition to them in the body, before the exaltation: and this is my comfort in my affliction.  
4. By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions are tokens of the presence of God, going before his Israel out of Egypt into Canaan 
r Deut 8.2, 3. . Know ye not what he did to humble them, as they went? Who knoweth not what the presence of a father amongst children doth? even keep them in awe, or not awful rebukes are heard, and had stripes. The righteous are recompensed on the earth 
s Pro. 11.31 , sometimes by the wicked and sinner, The hand of the Lord, and the sword in his hand 
t Psal. 17.4. , turning every way (as the 
* Gen. 3. vlt.  Cherubims flaming sword) to keep them whom he keeps in the way everlasting. These recompensed also as they behave themselves ill in their doings. Amalekites their end to be destroyed for ever 
u Num. 24.20. . But jacob not smitten 
x Isa. 27.7.  as the smiters of jacob, nor slain according to the slaughter of his adversaries overturned, overturned, overturned with an ah 
y Isa. 1.24. , and damned as Sodom 
z 2 Pet. 2.6.  with an overthrow. The Lord's portion 
a Deut. 32.9.  is his people, and theirs his adversaries. 
b Exod. 33.14.  His presence is always with them, and shall be to day as yesterday, and so for ever. Might I, with your favour, change my voice, I might show you a mystery to be admired of you.  
As the Lord is, so is his Israel, and as they are, so is he in the world 
c 1 Io. 4.17. Nulla est in mundo miseria aut afflictio in quam Deus non respiciat, etc. Fonsec. Sab▪ aunt Dom. Quadra.  Hearing their cries, and seeing their injuries, he manifested himself not as a consuming fire, but as a burning bush, as confined himself within a bush, his people straitened in the confines of Egypt; and they offended as burning himself, grieved his soul for their misery, judg. 10.16. and afflicted himself in all their afflictions, Isa. 63.9. Although he speak sharply, and deal roughly with them, yet he earnestly remembers them, jer. 31.19. and will save them from their enemies, from the hands of them that hate them, from making of pots, from the iron yoke, from the heat of the furnace.  
This when I remember, I pour out in me my soul thus: Doth the Lord beat me with his rod, and strike me with his fluff, his rod and his staff both comfort me 
d Psal. 23.4 ; His hand not fare off, nor his presence from me, but at hand, and with me, to deliver me: Infirmities, reproaches, necessities, distresses environ me, yet trembling, and not sinning, not resisting, nor rebelling against him that is with me; as he in me, I may take pleasure in them 
e Isa. 25.4. ; This Lord is with me, a mighty terrible one, a strength to me poor, a strength to me needy in my distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the horrible ones is as a storm against the wall 
f 2 Cor. 4.8, 9  troubled I am on every side, yet not distressed; perplexed, yet not in despair, or not altogether destitute of means; persecuted, yet not forsaken; cast down, yet not destroyed; when I fall, I shall arise, when I sit in darkness, the Lord is a light unto me 
g Micah▪ 7.8. ; when I am impleaded, he shall plead my cause, when I am judged, and in the hands of the wicked, he will not leave me 
h Psal. 37.33.  but execute judgement for me: when I am sifted of Satan as wheat, he will confirm my faith 
i 1 Cor. 1.8. : when I am cast down he will comfort me. 
k 2 Cor. 7.6.  Gracious he is, I know, and am persuaded, that he will perform all things for me 
l Psal. 57.2, 3. , yea send from Heaven, all helps on earth failing, and save me from them that would swallow me up. Therefore I cast myself on him, I roll, I commit my way unto him 
m Psal. 37.5, etc.  He shall bring it to pass, my righteousness as the light, and my judgement as the noonday, my refuge is under the shadow of his wings, until these calamities shall be overpast 
n Psal. 57.1 , my rock he is, my fortress, my deliver 
o Psal. 18.1 , my buckler, my high Tower, my God, and his presence the horn of my salvation: And this is my comfort in my affliction.  
5. By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions are the high way unto heaven 
p Act. 14.12. , no walking on pillows thither, but on thorns and stones, the straight gate not easily entered at, pressing there is and must be violence, 
q Mat. 11, 12.  or else no entrance there. In the broad way is elbowroom, but thorough the straits, as the blessed go to the everlasting gates, are strong oppositions by the principalities and powers, by the rulers of the darkness of this world, and the wickednesses in the high places 
r Eph. 6.12 .  
This when I remember, I pour out in me my soul thus: The world which now laugheth and rejoiceth, maketha me, wretched man, to weep and lament; yet is my sorrow turned into joy, yea I count it all joy, when I fall into temptations 
t jam. 1.2. , I am exceeding joyful in all my tribulations 
u 2 Cor. 12.10. ; Are they not portals before the house of God, and the gates of Heaven? Guides and marks they are in the strait street, in the old way to the soul's rest, of the new and living way to perfection, the footsteps of jesus Christ, made perfect he through sufferings 
x Heb. 2.10 , and endured for the joy that was set before him 
y Heb. 12.3 , such oppositions and contradictions of sinners against himself, as are written in the volume of the book, so will I being confident of this very thing, That the present pressure is the way unto peace in the after ends 
z Psal. 37.37. , the pains of Hell unto the joys of Heaven, the reproaches of Christ to the everlasting pleasures, the valley of the shadow of death, the path of righteousness unto perfection: And this is my comfort in my affliction.  
6. By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions are the Porters, which open the doors of distressed souls, that the gracious promises may come in; what are the gracious promises of our God? Verily, to have mercy on his afflicted, Isay 49.13. according to the multitude of his tender mercies, Lam. 3.32. to gather them with great mercies, and to have mercy on them with everlasting kindness, Isay 54.7, 8. to be with them in trouble, to deliver them, and honour them, Psal. 91.15. yea, to be with them for ever, even unto the end of the world, Matth. vlt. vlt. never to leave them, never to forsake them, Ios. 1.5. spoken first to that great Duke, but applied by the spirit unto the little flock of the little ones, Hebr. 13.5. unto the least of the little ones that believes on jesus Christ, The Lord hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.  
This when I rememher, I pour out in me my soul thus: 
Pro. 3.10.  By sight I see how many live not by faith, their barns filled with plenty, 
Luk, 12.19  and their presses bursting out with new wine, they sing hearts case, and soul take thine case, but the bread of adversity, and water of affliction or of oppression given. 
Heb. 11.13  The just live by faith, seeing the promise (as the fathers) afar off, yet saluting them as present, and embracing the same, as the very joy and rejoicing of their heart. Therefore it is good for me to rest myself on, and in the promises of God; 
jer. 1.12.  for he will hasten his word to perform it: his word he will remember unto me his servant, 
Psal. 119.149.  upon which he hath caused me to hope: 
Heb. 10.35.  I will not cast away my confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, patience in me shall have her perfect work, 
jam. 1.4.  that I may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. I will do the will of God, that I may receive the promise, yet a little while and he that shall come, 
Heb. 10.37.  will come, and will not tarry, even the God of all grace in a time accepted, then shall my light break forth as the morning, and mine health shall spring forth speedily; 
Isa. 58.8.10.  the dayspring from on high shall visit me: I shall see in that day, 
Hab. 2.3.  the word in the work. The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie, though it tarry, I will wait for it, because it will surely come with refection: And this is my comfort in my affliction.  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  7. By the word through faith they understand: That affliction have with them power from bone, preservative and sanative, had not jonah been swallowed of the Whale, he had been of the sea; and Bethesda's pool healed, when troubled: Happ●e i● the man whom God errecteth, job 5.17. This happiness who can declare? not one, not known, overwhelmed with a flood, what gulf is escaped, who knoweth? or what malady cured, some misery endured.  
This when I remember, I pour cut in me my soul thus: The smarting rod upon me, may be a supporting staff unto me, without it I might fall into a fouler ditch. Had not it, a worse thing might have happened unto me: Physic makes sick before whole, a time of health for this trouble will come, and I will expect it. Behold, my Physician standeth before the door, he looketh upon me, and me he looketh 
Isa. 66.3.  curent spasmum medici procurent febrim. . This ague to shake me, he doth procure me to cure a more dangerous convulsion in me: or as Lot was in Sodom, I may be in this world, 
Gen. 19.6.  and these troubles (as the Angels on him) lay hold on me, the Lord being merciful unto me to bring me forth, and to set me without the bounds of destruction: I will therefore take in all that come, for in doing this (as other in their tents) I may entertain, in this earthly tabernacle, Angels unawares. 
Heb. 14. ●●  An Angel sent from God, for some special good to me, is my tribulation, and this is my comfort in my affliction.  
8. By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions demonstrate faithful and fruitful branches. Every branch of the vine that beareth fruit is purged, that it may bring forth more fruit. 
Io. 15.2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, defractionem partium luxuriantium. Aret. in loc. Fert uberiorem fructum post refectionem. Aret. ubi sup. Vitis foditur circumciditur, sterceratur, putatur aliisque multis exercetur laboribus, etc. Aret. ubi sup.  For as after the refection & defraction of the parts luxuriant, the branches of the vine yield more fruit, so the faithful in their afflictions, (which are as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or rustic purgations) are the more fruitful, not pruned at ease, and grow wild apace, or their grapes wild, but purged afflicted, wounded within and bruised without, every gift is stirred up, and set to work every grace that is in them; the lights put under a bushel before, shine afterwards as in candlesticks set upon hills. What use before of faith, or of patience? before, what hope or joy in the holy Ghost? As the wine forced runs out of the press, and as the weights of a clock turn all the wheels about, so the loads of afflictions press out of them that are Christ's, the praises of Christ 
* 1 Pet. 2.9. , and show forth the hidden virtues of them that are the hidden ones of God 
* Psal. 83.4. .  
This when I remember I pour out in me my soul thus: Pinched I am, pruned and pared nigh, yea, cut to the quick, that I bleed in spirit; but needful the compunction, it is the first degree of inward humiliation; if a wound be, it is the second, and not hurtful; nor the third, which is the contrition itself. Better is a conscience wounded, 
D. Slater: Salve for a wounded spirit.  than a conscience seared; better a heart ground to powder with the millstone of wrath turning about upon it, than one dedolent, and past feeling of sin and wrath; better a soul to be lopped in the passions of sins, than to be obducted with rank lusts, or neglected and rejected. Not merely poenall the wounded spirit in the children of God, as in Cain and judas, the beginning of their hell, but either castigatory for the chastisement of some particular disobedience, as David's, or probatory for trial, as jobs, or percursory for prevention, as Paul's thorn in his flesh, lest through the abundance of revelations he should be exalted above measure, 
2 Cor. 12.  or purgatory, for the cleansing of unclean and evil thoughts, imaginations, and reasonings, touching God's providence, the word, the profession, the power of nature, selfe-abilitie to convert, inherent righteousness, good works, freewill, and security in the arm of flesh. How such sparkles rise in unswept chimneys, the fire blown with the bellowes of hell, who knoweth not, that knoweth the devices of Satan? 
Phil. 2.  Therefore I will through him that worketh the will and the good deed, give all diligence to search and try mine own ways. In every crooked way I may find a cross, 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  my crosses indigitate mine exorbitancies: As I deprehend them, I will amend them, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, new obedience in all things, the old things in me shall become all new. When I shoot forth, 
Isai. 27.8.  the Lord will in measure debate with me, and stay the rough wind, in the day of the East wind, when I blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit in its season: for I will approve myself as the servant of Christ, 
2 Cor. 6.5, 6.  in much patience in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in tumults, in labours by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand, and on the left; by honour and dishonour, by good report and evil report, as persecuted, yet not profligated, as chastened, and yet not killed, as sorrowful, and yet rejoicing, as pruned being pampinous, too full of needless sprigs, and superfluous twigs, yet not taken away as the fruitless branch, nor cast forth, nor withered, nor gathered of men, nor cast into the fire, but purged for fructification: 
Io. 15.6.  and this is my comfort in my affliction.  
9 By the word of God through faith, they understand, that afflictions are necessary exercises, Heb. 12.13. a kind of wrestling between the Lord and his servants. Troubles on them, his hands on them, and theirs on him, the right hand of faith. 
2 Tim. 2.5.  Thus it is wrested, and who prevaileth? Always the afflicted, striving lawfully. The lawful striving learned of jacob, Hoseah his interpreter, he had power with God, and prevailed, for he wept, and made supplication unto him, Hos. 11. so may all overcome, if the Lord may overcome; the heart yielded up, the strife is ended, humbled in the sight of God, immediately lifted up, jam. 5.10. tears seen, he yields, supplications made, he takes away his hand; the victory with facility had; grievous the conflict for the present time, yet joyous afterwards; 
Heb. 12.11.  the Lord not let go, the blessing not obtained.  
This when I remember I pour out in me my soul thus: Is the evil upon me, the hand of the Lord, Doth he thereby wrestle with me, wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me? 
Rom. 7.24.  He will himself hold me down with his left, and uphold me with his own right hand; my faith his gift; 
Io. ●. 2●.  his work that I believe in him, believing in him I cannot, nor shall be cast down of him, or out of his sight, 
Gen. 35.25  touched happily the hollow of my thigh, as he wrestleth with me, it may slip out of joint, or the sinew may shrink, and I may halt upon it, but my faith shall not fail. Therefore will I, while the Lord with me, strive lawfully with him, holding myself fast by him, weeping before him, and making incessant supplications unto him: exercised this shall be my exercise until I prevail, and through him, I shall prevail with him, he will hold me fast, see my tears, 
Psal. 6.8.  hear the voice of my weeping; 
Isai. 38.5.  give me the petitions that I desire of him, bless me with the new name, 
Reuel. 2.17.  in the white stone given to him that overcometh, I shall have princely power with God and men. 
Psal. 118.6.  I will not fear what men can do unto me, advantageous the disadvantage, the agitation requisite, lucrative the luctuation: And this is my comfort in my affliction.  
Lastly, By the word through faith they understand: That afflictions precede the joy of the Lord, and glory to come, as the pleasures of sin, destruction and damnation. To them that make their bellies their Gods, 
Phil. 3.18.  and that mind earthly things, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 
Rom. 29, 10.  Tribulation and anguish, indignation and wrath; but to them that lie amongst the pots, in stocks, in the dungeon, in the briers and in the burning bushes, enduring the fiery trial of their faith, fullness of joy and brightness of glory, the trial of their faith being much more precious than of gold which perisheth, though it be tried in the fire, shall be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of jesus Christ. The Passover of the great 
* Reuel. 5.14.  tribulation celebrated, or the same passed over, they shall wash their robes, 
Phil. 3.21.  and make them white in the blood of the Lamb, their vile bodies also be fashioned like unto the glorious body of jesus Christ, shall shine as the firmament, yea as the Sun in the height of his glory.  
This when I remember, I pour out in me my soul thus: Of a truth I perceive, 
Rom. 8.18.  that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in me, I reckon not the temporal evil, but have respect to the eternal good: I faint not, 
2 Cor. 4.16, 17.  for though mine outward man perish, mine inward is renewed day by day, my light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Therefore under my pressures, 
Rom. 2.10.  I will by patiented continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honour, and immortality, and eternal life; for I am persuaded, that neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution; nor famine, 
Rom. 8. 3●  nor nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, nor 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 prevent the joy, or to separate me from the glory to come, the spirit of glory resteth already on me, and full is my heart of joy in the Holy Ghost. The God of all grace hath by Christ jesus called me into his eternal glory, and after that I have suffered a while, 
* 1 Pet. 5.10.  will cause me to enter into his joy, which is fullness of joy, and crown me with his glory, which is eternal glory. To him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever, Amen.  
FINIS.