The Introduction .

AS Ionathan Sauls Sonne hearing of the troublesome perplexity of Dauid , sought him out in the wood and comforted him in his God , 1. Sam. 32.18 . So I now hauing heard of your misery and weaknesse , am come to comfort you as a neighbour , Iob. 6. ver. 24. who desire your happinesse from my heart , and therefore would haue you to consider , that God who caused Saul to returne from pursuing Dauid , and to goe against the Philistines , 1. Sam. 23. last verses , can suddenly change your griefe into gladnesse , and your misery into mirth , so that you cry with faithfull Dauid , Psal. 39.15 O spare me a little , that I may recouer my strength before I goe hence and be no more seene . Psal. 39.15 . Psal. 33.17 Psal. 33 17. The eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him , and put their trust in his mercy . verse 18. To deliuer their soules from death , and to feede them in the time of trouble and dayes of dearth .

God grant you may long for your appointed time , as the Seruant for the shadow , or the Hireling for the end of his worke : cry and say , Lord , let thy spirit within mee , so make request for mee , that thy hand may conuay mee from this vale of teares to eternall blisse . Like as thine Angell guided Peter from prison to liberty , Lord protect mee , you , and vs all from Sathans assaults , keepe vs from despaire , and secure vs from euill , giue to euery one Comfort in Conscience , Ioy in the Spirit , Peace in beleeuing , and a most setled expectation of life by thy Sonne , our Sauiour Christ Iesus .

Munday Meditations .

NOthing more profiteth Gods Children then his Crosse , this bringeth a loathing of our troubles here belowe , and an ardent loue of enioying such things as rest aboue in the Heauens . When Israel had peace in Aegypt , they thought not vpon Canaan , so wee bewitched with the world , forget our saluation . But as the Angell caught Lot when hee lingred in Sodome . Gen. 19. Gen. 19. So doth sicknesses and distasts with-hold vs from Hell , inuesting vs into euerlasting habitations in the Heauens .

Wee must not looke to bee carried into Heauen in a feather-bed ; all Gods Saints knowing this , that afflictions rest as Porters to the Kingdome of Paradise , the Cherubins keeping the East-side thereof with a blade of a shaking Sword . Gen. 3.24 .

When wee haue health , we should praise God for it , and beware it become not the cause of our ruine : You are sicke , it is a signe of your heauenly Fathers loue , and of your euerlasting happinesse : this should make the cogitations of your heart to striue as did the Children in Rebeccas wombe ; Leape wee for ioy that our names , as the names of Gods Children are written in Heauen : what though wee be poore , sicke , full of soares , and contemned of men , yet being the Elect Children of God , and our names in Gods Booke , wee may haue sound Comfort both in life and death . Remembring that sanctified Crosses rest assured notes of Gods fauour , and therefore assoone as euer wee read Gene. 6.12 . of Abrahams comming to Moreb , it is presently sayd , this Cannanite was then in the Land , by whose cruelty God meaneth to exercise both him and his ; and the like must all Gods Children looke for .

Say not thou that afflictions rather driue vs from God then to God , for where the Holy Ghost sanctifieth , all things there doe proue most excellent . Albeit Gods dearely beloued Children are put into strange extremities , yet looke they vp with comfort at the last .

The body of Anaxarchus might be brayed in a Morter , but neuer his soule : Ieremies body might bee sawed in pieces ( of Manasses his owne Cousin Germaine ) not his sanctified soule . Amos was killed with a wooden beame , St. Laurence broyled on a Grid-iron , St. Iohn had like to haue beene boyled in an hot Chaldron of scalding oyle . Doe not thinke but that your present Crosses may be seconded with manifold comforts , and those cares on your Couch with Peter in Gods kingdome . It may be the time is approaching ( of putting off your Mortality , and passing through death as through a gate into euerlasting life ) to put you in minde to bewayle your misdeeds , and to begge remission of your sinnes , with powring out of your teares , which are so gracious in Heauen , that euery sinne is washed away with such a flood , no weeds euer springing after such raine or sanctified shower : Depend vpon Gods diuine prouidence , haue patience with your Crosses , attend mercy for your comfort , beware of pride , too often the ouerthrow of Honour , be weary of this world , make now your way towards the kingdome of God .

Who long hauing tryed you with Calamities , may blesse you with eternall Comforts , be you neuer comfortlesse , for no doubt God which tryeth his seruants , will likewise blesse and comfort them .

As now sicknesse makes you sigh and be sorrowfull , so much more let the Cause thereof grieue your heart which is sinne : And bee you comforted in this , that Christ Iesus suffered for you : lay away Melancholly , plucke vp your spirits , and put your selfe onely vpon God ; liue not like a woman , but dye like a liuing Saint . Let not Impatience preiudise your heart , neither let thought pierce your heart , but make patience and mirth the best phisicke to your minde , and surest comfort in your liues .

Intreate the Lord to helpe you to beare your Crosses , and so to strengthen you with his Spirit , that you become not hopelesse of recouery , and let no sorrowes so afflict you , but as sacred Comforts may soone relieue you : Consider your whole life to be nothing else but a continuall tryall of your Conscience in the spiritual Warfare .

Remember that such as depend vpon any thing but on God alone , refuse their owne felicity , and that goodnesse which they should else receiue of God . Who knowes not this , that there is no Saluation but by Christ ? There is no true rest till I first feele Gods Iudgements , and the weight thereof which shall serue , through Christ , to my good .

God doth now and then vse to deferre his helpe for a time , before hee will comfort his Church , People , or Children , yet when it is most expedient for them , his helpe is euer ready at hand . Consider we all that the end of Gods chastisements to his Children , is , to saue them from Sathan , and with-hold them from Hell .

As God hath strooken you , so hath hee power to restore you ; as you are Gods seruant , you haue an Angell to defend you from your enemies , you are so deare vnto God , that he can no more suffer your enemies to hurt you , then a man can abide to be thrust in the eyes . Psal. 17.8 . Psal. 17.8 . Sathan sought to Iehoshuah when he was doing his Office , Zacha. 3.1 . that is , praying for the state of the Church ; where you must note , that Sathan seekes to afflict and trouble the Children of God , and hinder their saluation , from doing their duties vnto God if hee could .

The Lord hath punished you for a time , desire him now to be pacified , and visite your sinnes no more , but that you may liue in peace and quietnesse , as in the Kingdome of Christ . Esay 2.2 . Micha. 4.4 . Haggia 2.10 . Esay 2.2 . Micah 4.4 The Lords hand of helpe neuer fayleth his faithfull seruants , but resteth so powerfull in it selfe , that it bringeth all his promises and purposes to passe , although hee haue no helpe of mortall man . Zachariah in the 14. Chapter of his Prophesie telleth , that these should be the great troubles in the Church , in the Euening whereof the Lord will send comfort by a plentifull supply of spirituall graces ; marry into the new Ierusalem to continue for euer , where there shall be one God , one Faith , one Religion .

In any wise beware of prosperity , premit & praeterit , it presseth and passeth , staying by thee to thy hurt , and flying from thee to thy griefe . Prosperity is like the golden Bracelets that Turpeus had for betraying the Romane Castle to the Sabynes , wherewith she was pressed to death . Pharaoh was humbled being afflicted , but enioying prosperity hee was hardened . Noah was sober in the Arke , but ouertaken with Drunkennesse in the Vineyard . Gen. 9. Lot vexed in Sodome abhorred all vncleanenesse , but once safe in the Mountaines , Gen. 19. hee fell into grosse Impiety . Dauid being persecuted gaue himselfe to Meditation and Prayer , but once aduanced in the Kingdome , committed bloody sinnes . 2. Sam. 11. The best doe commonly fall when they are furnished with abundance , as the Moone is not Eclipsed but when shee is in the full .

Learne therefore what to doe , when God casteth you downe , or depriueth you of any comforts you haue formerly enioyed , vnder so gracious a Lord , and louing Father as is our God . Learne wee this Lesson , that either God punisheth vs for our sins , or for the probation of our faith , when he either compasseth vs with his net , or taketh from vs the ioy of our Honours , the pleasure of our Eyes , and the Crowne from our head , with the desires of our hearts .

Now know this , that our earthly house of this Tabernacle being destroyed , we haue a building giuen vs of God , that is an house not made with hands , but eternall in the Heauens : Striue we therefore to be cloathed with a House which is from Heauen , because if wee bee cloathed , wee shall not be found naked .

For indeed wee which are in this Tabernacle , sigh , and are burdened , because wee would not bee vncloathed , but would bee cloathed vppon that Mortality might bee swallowed vp of Life . God that hath Created vs for this thing , hath also giuen vnto vs the Earnest of the Spirit : Therefore wee are alwayes bold , though wee know , that whiles we are at home in the body , wee are absent from the Lord ; for wee walke by faith , and not by sight neuerthelesse wee are bold , and loue rather to remooue out of the body , and to dwell with the Lord .

Wherefore wee also couet , that both dwelling at home , and remoouing from our home , wee may bee acceptable to him ; For wee must all appeare before the Iudgement seate of Christ , 2. Cor. 5 1 that euery man may receiue the things which are done in the body , according to that hee hath done , whether it be good or euill . 2. Cor. 5.1 . &c. to the end of the tenth Verse : the eighth to the Romans all throughout it is comfortable . It is the saying of St. Chrisostome , Crucem tollere & sequi Christum omnibus imperatur , alligatus sum ego , sed Verbum Dei non alligatum . Are you sicke ? it is not for your health , not for your hurt : Despaire not , for our Saluation dependeth vpon the will of our most louing Brother Iesus Christ , who will intreate the Father for the Children , and the Father will heare the Sonne for his Brethren , not refusing them but feasting them .

And though the best of vs haue no merits , yet our Sauiour Christ hath so imparted to vs his Righteousnesse , as if wee had effected it our selues : By which his most gracious suffering he hath most surely signed and sealed his Diuine loue and heauenly fauour vnto vs which beleeue . The Lord deliuereth his people by afflictions , preserueth them vpon his borders , Esdras 12.14 . making them ioyfull vntill the comming of the day of Iudgement . I see you rest weake and sicke , I pray you bee as quiet as you can , seeking no other remedy , but content your selfe with Christ : God oftentimes sendeth afflictions on vs , to discouer our vaine Confidence , which wee keepe secret to our selues .

Terrours and destructions make men now and then to learne that which exhortations and gentlenesse could not bring to passe : As the Plow-man hath his appointed time , and diuers Instruments for his labour , so hath the Lord for his vengeance , for hee punisheth some at one time , some at another ; some after one sort , and some after another : So that his Chosen seed is beaten and tried , but not broken in pieces as are the wicked .

The dearest of Gods Children may faint , but not finally faile and vtterly fall away . God will suffer his Church to bee afflicted , and yet at length send it deliuerance . God suffereth sometimes his dearest Children to want Consolation , that his grace afterwards may the more appeare when they feele their owne weakenesse . Doe wee not by our sins prouoke God to take our liues from vs euery night ? You are now afflicted in your bodies , yet assure your selues in the Lord , that you shall finde deliuerance at last , both for body and soule , a very translation into blisse : Gods power is sufficient without the helpe of any other , our Heauenly Father hath all meanes in himselfe to bring his will to passe .

Hee sheweth his care and fauour ouer them that are weake and tender : as God hath all power in himselfe , so doth hee vse the same for the defence and maintenance of his Members , Church and Children ; See that you neither feare neither man , nor put your trust in any saue , onely in God : you are worthy of rebuke which will not rest on the prouidence of the Almighty , but thinke that hee hath forsaken you in your troubles . All power rests in Gods hands to deliuer you when hee thinketh good .

Therefore learne to abide Gods hand with patience , and not curiously to seeke out the Cause of Gods delay in your Afflictions . Trust not in your owne Vertues , but acknowledge all good things to come from the Lord ; you are in Christs protection , and therefore safe against all dangers , and free from the feare of our infernall foes .

As a woeman cannot forget her Child , no more doe the Compassions of our heauenly Father faile vs at our needefull times of our seuerall distresses . Seeke no Counsell in your owne deuices , lest refusing the Light and Consolation which the Gospell offereth , you remaine still in sorrow , and neuer bee comforted . Esay 51. God comforteth his Church that they should not bee discouraged for their small number , but remember their Parents Abraham and Sarah of whom they are borne . The punishment of the Elect is by measure , according as God giueth grace to beare it . But in the Reprobate it is the iust vengeance of God to driue them to an insensiblenesse and madnesse . Ier. 15 16 The Church of God in time of her afflictions and Captiuity bringeth forth more Children , then when she was at liberty . Wherefore doth our God refuse vs and forsake for a while , but that with greater Compassions and euerlasting Mercies hee may imbrace vs againe as our Redeemer for euer .

It is our fault that we are not soone reconciled one to another , and iudge God by your selues : But hee is most easie to bee reconciled , offering dayly his mercies vnto vs , deliuerance is from Heauen , and God neuer forsaketh his Children .

There shall be great afflictions in the Church , but God will euer deliuer his . True deliuerance from sinne and Sathan , belongeth to none but to the Children of God whom hee iustifieth , and when Gods will and pleasure is , hee will shew you fauour and feeling graces .

Our Heauenly Father hath no need of mans helpe for the deliuerance of his , hee can easily deliuer his Children , and punish his foes . Consider not so much what griefes and afflictions you now beare in your Body , as what Christ hath borne for you to purchase your saluation .

Remember why Israel was so sore afflicted , that they might in their troubles call to remembrance the benefits which God had bestowed vpon them in times past . Yeeld not to the Censure of thy flesh , when God doth not for Causes best knowne to himselfe , send succour vnto you presently . You are in distresse and trouble , dedicate your selfe vnto Gods Seruice , and call vpon his Name : let all your Ioy bee in Gods Seruice and Worship , no mans helpe can saue you ; put your confidence in GOD , looke for helpe at his hands , who hath better Physicke for your soules then any that commeth from Gilead . Pray with true Faith and Repentance , not for the smart and griefe which you feele to be remooued , but finally sanctified to your Honours saluation .

Remember that God is the Potter , and wee the Clay , hee hath power ouer vs , Esay 45.9 Rom. 9.10 to doe with vs whatsoeuer seemeth good in his sight . As no man that is a thirst , refuseth fresh Conduit-water which hee hath at home , to goe and seeke waters abroad to quench his thirst : So wee ought not to seeke for helpe and succour as Strangers , and leaue God which is present with vs . All which meane to enioy the Land of promise , must walke in the way of truth which God there teacheth them .

Let your Faith still striue against each temptation , and in your greatest weakenesse seeke to the Lord for strength : Know this my beloued , that the dearest Children of God may bee ouercome in the battell betweene the Flesh and the Spirit : and great inconueniences may they fall into , Iob 3.1 . &c. 15 10 till God rayse them vp againe . The Scriptures telling vs , that Iudgements begin at Gods owne house : wee may not thinke it strange that we are now grieuously punished , who haue , now and then , Ezech. 9.6 . 1. Pet. 4.14 17. played he part of Gods enemies . Extreame are the afflictions that God appointeth for euery one : as Psalme 15.8 . Esay 51.17 . But the Cup which the wicked drinke , is more bitter then that which God giueth to his Children : for hee measureth the one by Mercy , and the other by Iustice .

If you see you rest weake , commend your selues to Gods mercy , who meaneth not to destroy you for your sinnes , but to correct and chastise you , till hee haue pardoned and purged your offences ; and so burne his rod by which hee hath punished you . Esay 33.1 . Remember that as God was the Authour of Israels Captiuity for their sinnes : so was hee for his mercies their Redeemer , to restore them to Liberty .

God in the middest of all his threatnings remembreth his , and comforteth them : There is no greater signe of our Heauenly Fathers loue , then when hee correcteth vs for our amendment , preseruing vs in despite of our Enemies ; to that end whereunto he hath appointed vs , euen to the Glory of Gods Name , and good of his Church . See Esay 44.2 . and Chap. 30.10 . & 10.24 . What though we be forsaken for a time , yet the Lord casts vs not off vtterly , as though he our Husband were dead ; but in our dreadfullest afflictions still followeth vs with his fatherly fauours and manifold mercies , to make vs all praise God in Syon ; let vs still acknowledge God to be the Authour of our afflictions , to the intent that wee may still seeke to him for remedy .

Let your heauy sinnes bee continually before your eyes , as one that tyeth a thing to his hand for a remembrance : so will hee forget them , cast them behinde his backe , and tread them vnder feet . The Lord comfort and refresh your soule , still treading downe the insurgent Enemies that rise vp against you : Let no aduersity vtterly discomfort you , but wisely consider that there may bee cause of a Womans separation from her Husband , and a ioyfull meeting and comming of them both together againe .

Wee can neuer be too timely exercised vnder our Crosse , but wee are to pray , that when our afflictions grow greater , our patience also ( by experience ) may bee stronger ; and thou Lord , become a Sanctuary vnto vs in the soarest times of our saddest afflictions . Desire the Lord so to mitigate your afflictions , as you lose thereby neither Sence , nor Reason ; nor arrogate any thing to your selfe : but trust in the Lord your God , who alone doth saue soules . Let no sins so throw you downe , as once to despaire of your heauenly fathers mercies .

In the dayes of your afflictions and miseries , remember that God promised to comfort his Church in all heauinesse and deepest distresses : blesse God for your punishments , for thereby he calleth you from your iniquities ; as from the beginning God hath exercised his people vnder the Crosse ; so since Christ was offered , hath hee left this exercise vnto his Church , vntill the Dead rise againe , and Christ gather his into his Kingdome in the Heauens .

The Lord giue you patience and constancy to abide the paines and plagues , which the Lord inflicteth vpon you , for the humbling of your soule , and hasting it to eternall happinesse . And doubt not , but for your induring a painefull death , the Lord our God will giue you a precious Life : and as you yet mourne with men , cause you to tryumph with Iesus Christ ; and for anguish here below , dwell and rest with Angels aboue .

Remember the three Children in the fiery Furnace , they would not come out , nor depart thence for any feare , till the Lord bid them : neither came Noah out of the Arke , till the Lord called him forth .

Stay your soule vpon God who is now onely to comfort you , and remember how that our abhominable sinnes bring vpon our soules these horrible afflictions in our last dayes : As you are one of Christs members , you may not hasten too much ; but learne patiently to abide the Issues of Gods promise . As the Maiesty of God hath strooke you downe , so I doe not feare , but that his powerfull and heauenly hand will againe raise you vp : God that by one Angell could destroy all the world , assureth his Children so of his loue , that rather then they shall perish , hee will send forth double power , euen Christ Iesus , the Head of Angels to deliuer vs .

What troubles soeuer befall the Church of Christ and his Members , they come by the Counsell and prouidence of God , Dan. 12. and still haue happy Issues to all faithfull beleeuers . Dan. 12. The Angell noteth first how the Church shall bee in great afflictions , and trouble at Christs comming ; but God shall send his Angell to deliuer it : meaning Christ that is promised by the preaching of the Gospell . Therfore be not discouraged , though Christ come not so soone as wee cry and call for him : for what hee doeth , is to try our patience , that wee with the Elect of God might bee the more pure in our hearts , and purged truely with his Church .

Be you neuer so weake or sicke , yet remember who hath sayd , Hosea 13.14 . Hosia 13.14 . I will redeeme thee from the power of the Graue , I will deliuer thee from Death . O Death I will bee thy death , O Graue I will be thy destruction . Fly to the Lord in Death , and he will be thy Life : to auoide the Lords Iudgements , you must learne to become obsequious to his Will ; so will hee take away your Iniquities , and receiue you most graciously .

Loue we the Lord God of Hostes , who is in Christ Iesus now become our heauenly Father ; whosoeuer so doth , are blessed : their branches shall spread , their beauty shall be like the Oliue-tree , and their smell like Lybanon , which shall reuiue as the Corne , flourish as the Vine , and their sent shall be like Wine of Paradise ; yet for all that shall the godliest bee so shaken with terrible temptations , that they shall not looke for continuall quietnesse in this world , but still assure themselues and soules , that wee and they shall be preserued in our deepest dangers : because God may destroy his Enemies , but will deliuer his Children .

Doth any aduersity come without Gods appointment . Esay 45.7 . God dealeth not with you as he doth with other people , but warneth you both by punishments and Prophets , to beware of his plagues : you are told by Esdras the mildnesse of the Almighty , 2. Booke , 1.28 . I haue prayed you as a Father his Sonnes , as a Mother her Daughter , and as a Nurse her young Babes : 2 Esd. 1.28 that you would bee my people , as I am your God : and that you would bee my Children , as I am your Father . God our heauenly Father compareth himselfe to an Henne gathering her Chickens vnder her wings , Math. 23.37 . And can wee once thinke that hee will cast vs out from his sight ? Mat. 23.27 .

Although you see no Prophets , yet should you hate your Iniquities ; and though the Lord God Almighty bee not seene with bodily eyes , yet should our hearts beleeue what hee doth both teach , and tell vs , what best tendeth to his Glory . 2. Esdras 3.28 . Are they that dwell at Babylon better then they which haue dominion in Syon ? The Heathen may flourish there which neuer once thinke on the Commandements of God : but in the world to come , true Israelites finde peace with God and Angels . 2. 2 Esd. 7.33 . Esd. 7.33 . Remember that the Almighty shall appeare vpon the seate of Iudgement , when miseries shall vanish away , and long suffering shall haue an end . Thy Seruant Esdras hath told vs of an eternall Paradise , whose fruit remaineth incorruptible ; wherein is safety and health if wee will enter into it . verse 53.

Draw wee neere therefore vnto the Lord for an Inheritance , because wee walke in great pride in these latter dayes of this world , therefore doe many miseries meete vs , and sundry calamities ouertake vs : But the wise must with-hold sorrowes in themselues , to allow Gods purpose , and receiue his Corrections in patience , if they looke to bee commended of him , and allowed by him : Be of good comfort O Israel , and bee thou not heauy-hearted O thou house of Iacob , 2. Esdras 12.46 . For the most High hath you in remembrance , and the Almighty hath not forgotten you in temptation . 1.12.47 . Neither will hee leaue Syon desolate , but still mercifully remembreth the low estate of his distressed Sanctuary .

The Lord giueth vs all good things , so doth hee enable vs when hee will , and as hee will : Remember wee therefore his Commandements , neither let wee them at any time bee put out of our mindes , but feare wee the Lord as wee flee from each sinne ; still doing the things which are acceptable to the Lord our God : As the Lord doth scourge , so doth he pitty ; hee leadeth to Hell , and bringeth vp , neither is there any that can auoide his hand . Our Heauenly father scourgeth vs for our iniquities , but againe gathers vs out of all Nations amongst whom wee shall bee scattered . Waite yee for Saluation from God , call vpon him to helpe you , and hee will heare your voice if it please him .

God hath not tryed you as hee did the Patriarkes , to the examination of your very hearts ; neither doth hee take vengeance on you , but punisheth you for Instruction , to bring you nearer to himselfe : God seeing vs to bee vnruly Children , doth therefore swing vs , that wee may bee come quiet ; and goe from vnder his fingers as tame Lambes , seeking for no other rest or peace , then is found in Iesus Christ . Know you not this , that hee which offereth the most blowes is Crowned ? Whither should we resort but vnto the Lord in the times of our dangers , and there cry most earnestly : death being still before vs in our owne sight , humble wee our bodies with fasting , and desire the Lord to helpe vs being desolate : Praise God in your misery , and magnifie him for his mercy ; the soules of the righteous are in the hands of God where no torment can touch them : the departure from vs may seeme as it were destruction , howbeit they were in peace . What though you now suffer paines before men ; yet is your hope full of immortality : although you bee preuented with Death , yet shall you be in rest : God taketh away his , least wickednesse should beguile the minde : It is a matter of endlesse comfort to the poore members of Christ , to see how vppon earth , none are more ful of wofull paines in body and soules then Gods children : who so full of soares as Iob , Lazarus , euen from the top to the toe ?

Some are maimed in their bodies ; Iob 5. The Poole called Bethesda , with her fiue porches , was filled with multitudes of sicke folke , blind , halte , and withered , wayting for the moouing of the Waters , after the Angels stirring : whereof , whosoeuer first stepped in , was made whole , whatsoeuer disease hee did languish of .

It is a comfort very cordiall , to all Gods children , to remember their former miseries , now turned into felicity , ioy , and happinesse ; what though you rest poore , yet may you possesse a Kingdome .

Are you here hungry and thirsty ? you shall assuredly taste of the Tree of Life : Are you now wretched and naked ? you shal bee cloathed with the Roabes of Christs Righteousnesse , and in the stead of the rags of infamy and Reproach on earth , you shall bee crowned with the Dyadem of immortall glory , in the highest heauens .

Be not sad eyther for the sickenes of your selfe , or your friends , for you cannot perish , neyther shal you be cast away , for your soules shall be presently in ioy , and your bodies buried in the Graue , as in a Bed of Doune , to take a sweete sleepe till the day of Iudgement , and then you shall rise to glory . And according to your Religion , Faith , and good deedes , in feeding and cloathing Christ Iesus in his members , he will pitty you in mercy , and now prouide comfort for you in the time of your Troubles . Assure your heart , and perswade your owne soule , that Christ Iesus resteth the most true and absolute Sheepheard , who feedeth his sheepe with most wholesome pasture , not suffering vs to Rot vpon earth , but assuring our soules to sing with Angels in Heauen .

We must not forget in the middest of our miseries , that Christ our Redeemer was wounded for our transgressions , broken for our iniquities : the chastisment of our peace was vpon him , and with his stripes we are healed . Esay 53.5 .

Wee are saued by comming vnto God by Christ , Heb. 7. he euerliuing , that maketh intercession for vs . Hebr. 7 , And by none other name can wee be saued . Acts 4. Acts 4. Remember and forget not , how wee are made partakers of Christ and his benefits , euen by beeing of an humble spirit , by Faith apprehending and applying Iesus Christ with all his merits vnto our selues . Thus are we iustified before God , and sanctified for Christs sake , and therefore wee must all be content to vndergoe shame , disgrace , trouble , persecution and bonds , yea death it selfe , for Christ his sake . The Remembrance of Christs comming to Iudgement , must cheare vp your heauy soules . So labour now your heart , as you may crye with the Spouse of Christ , Come Lord Iesus , come quickely . Hope wee to liue with Christ in the Church Tryumphant , then must wee dye with him in the Church Militant : None shall liue with Christ aboue , vnlesse they suffer with him here below : nor none shall haue their teares wiped from them in Heauen , vnlesse they haue first shed them on Earth .

It is the Lords vsuall dealing , after long time of peace , to bring some tryals that the Elect and true Christians may be discerned : It is knowne to vs all how a Christian mans life rests a war-fare ; so that there is no dreaming of a Victory , before wee fight . It is our lot to suffer , and our comfort still to stay vpon Christ , who will so dispose of vs , and our seuerall troubles , as they shall leaue a blessing behind them , and we shall gayne more in the Spirit , then we can loose in the flesh . Which GOD grant we may .

Tuesday Meditations .

THis rests a Maxime in Religion , that God wil haue his owne true Church and Children to be tryed , and vndergoe the heate of persecution : Wee must learne therefore to be wise , and not to thinke our selues out of Gods fauour when wee are tryed ; nor deeme worse of the Gospell , because the Crosse still goeth with it , and wicked people still hate it .

But still let vs all learne to looke at Christ Iesus , remembring that we Seruants , may not looke for any larger priuiledge then had our Lord and Maister Christ Iesus . For a time the Father hid his face from him , but with euerlasting Compassion did hee most graciously looke vpon him at last : God resteth our Father , hauing a care ouer his Church and Children ; preseruing vs from fire and water , and each other eminent danger .

God is faithfull , who will not suffer you to be tempted aboue that you are not able ; but will euen giue you the issue with the temptation , that you may bee able to beare it : You are the Lords workemanship , and hee will vndoubtedly prouide for you ; both sheltering and comforting you , and that euen then , when you finde the heate of afflictions to shine most hottest vpon you .

Forget not to goe and come vnto the Lord in the time of your trouble and deepest distresses , knowing Christ to be our Shepheard , and preseruer in each danger . Wee cannot honour God more , then to depend on him in our dangers , and fly vnto him in our extremities , as our onely helper , hope , and fortresse .

This rests a matter of endlesse comfort , that our Lord Iesus Christ will bee a place of comfort and refreshing vnto vs , and as a shadow at noone-day in the greatest heate of bloody persecutions .

You are now cast downe as the Children of God , to the disquieting of your soule within you , yet for all that waite you still vpon God : Let no feare or danger make you deny Christ and his Gospell , who comforteth vs in his Church , refresheth vs in our troubles , and freeeth vs from the dread and dangers of Hells horrours , if wee faithfully call vpon him for pardon of our sinnes , as once did Manasses . Bee you still thirsting for life , and panting for Paradise ; powre out your hearts before him that keepeth Heauen for your house : assure your selfe of Gods helpe , bee you neuer so grieuously tormented ; the Saints of God haue still waited vpon him , to teach vs all to be constant , and to waite still for our seuerall deliuerances .

We knowing the Lord God to be the Author of each calamity , may not murmure , but seeke remedy at his hands who woundeth vs ; lift we vp our hands in hope , not boasting of our vertues , but declaring that wee still rest vpon God in the middest of all our afflictions : It is a bad seruant that will not waite on his Master .

God doth not alwayes punish our sinnes , but by hard afflictions calleth vs to the consideration of the heauenly Ioyes . Wee doe not honour our God aright , vntill wee trust in him alone ; taking his Maiesty to witnesse , that wee hunger in heart to bee vpright towards God , still crying when wee are grieued , This God is my God for euer and euer , and hee shal be my guide euen vnto death . Psa. 48.14 . Psal. 48.14

Life and death are in Gods hands , and no man can liue for euer ; howsoeuer therefore you dreame of Immortality , it is not to bee founded vpon earth : although your disease is grieuous and dangerous , yet know you this , that God hath infinite wayes to deliuer you . Did not God deliuer his people from Og King of Basan , and other Tyrants ? and his owne people from the the Red sea , when they were in great extremity and danger ?

Let not your present crosses rest an occasion of your falling from God , but rather a Cause of cleauing faster vnto him .

Howsoeuer you doe yet suffer troubles , yet hath God his time wherein hee hath appointed your deliuerance : A liuely faith assureth the soule that God is fauourable vnto him , when hee seemeth to bee angry ; and then at hand , when hee seemeth to be farre off .

Feare you not but God will heare you , though Care make you thinke , that the Lord long deferreth you : What though to day you seeme as a Sheepe beset with many Wolues , yet put your trust in God , and depend still on his prouidence , and you shall assuredly bee comforted at the last .

Vnder the temporall punishment of the Land of Canaan , is comprehended the promise of life euerlasting to all the faithfull , and their posterity .

In the time of our distresse , wee must learne to pray earnestly , and although God stay as if hee heard vs not , yet is then our deliuerance neerest , when wee seeme voide of reliefe and succour .

Are you in distresse , God hath millions of meanes to free you from miseries , and preserue you from troubles . Acknowledge our heauenly Father to bee the onely Authour of all your deliuerances from dangers and death , and that by his prouidence you are still enfranchised from troubles : God will recompence his long tarrying with double and vndoubted comfort to your soules . There rests no true praysing of God , except it come from the heart .

Promise therefore to delight in nothing ( if henceforth God send you life and health ) but onely that wherein God may bee glorified .

Remember that sicknesse is Deaths messenger , teaching vs to reioyce in nothing but in the Lord .

The faithfull must learne to depend vpon Gods hand in the time of their miseries , knowing that when things are euer at worst , then will God come and set them in order ; and so bridle the rage of the enemy , as hee shall become mightlesse , were he neuer so strong before .

Wee may not looke to bee deliuered at our first cry , our eyes may bee kept waiting for our comming with our deceitfull hearts , and searching out of our owne spirits , crying vnto GOD to know the Causes why wee are chastened , and when our sorrowes shall haue an end .

Desire you to know the way from Earth to Heauen , wee must ascend by Faith vp thither , if wee will know the waies of the LORD , or the secrets of his diuine Word and Will.

Then must wee learne what extremities God will suffer vs now and then to fall into , and why to exercise our faith before hee set to his hands to deliuer vs .

God for a time will exercise vs with his rods , yet vnder the Kingdome of Christ shall wee rest assured both of our peace , ioy , and comfort .

I beseech you learne so to call and cry vpon God , as you neuer become weary , though GOD grant not forthwith your requests : but learne rather to be more earnest with God , and to call the more o●t●er vpon him .

Though your state rest not so glorious as you wish , yet waite with patience , and GOD will accomplish his most comfortable promises .

Acknowledge and confesse God himselfe to be the author of our saluation , who very oft in loue calleth vs by his rods to consider the shortnesse of our liues , and how that for our sinnes sake hee abridgeth our dayes , lest that his wrathfull Iudgements should fall the more heauily vpon vs . Let this be the comfort of your heart , that as God is all sufficient to defend you from dangers , so resteth hee most willing to comfort you in your most perillous agonies . Content your selfe with that life which God giueth you , for by Death the shortnesse of this Life is recompenced with Immortality . Know should wee all that God hath care ouer his , and oft chastiseth them for their wealth , that they should not perish for euer with the wicked .

Faint not in trouble , and you shall assuredly finde helpe : let mee intreate you to remember , that God requireth two things at your hands , and of all his Children in the world . First , that you detest vice , secondly , that you put your trust in God for your deliuerance ; which though they appeare not suddenly , yet rest they most sure , and are all layd vp in store for you I feare not . Bee you in neuer so great misery , yet is there euer left place for your prayers : see therefore that you labour to haue a liuely feeling of that which you desire , stedfastly beleeuing to obtaine it : Despaire not of Gods mercies , for as great as the World is , yet is it fraught with the signes of his fauour ; his mercies remoouing sinnes , as the blast of windes doe the dust . You haue nothing in your selfe to mooue God to mercy , but onely the Confession of your infirmities and misery : and though you be naturally flow to praise God , yet stirre vp your selues to the performance of all the seuerall duties of godlinesse .

Bee not carefull for those you leaue behinde you , for God which prouideth for bruite beasts , will much more extend his prouident care vnto the Children of his sonnes and seruants : there being no part of the world so barren , but that most euident signes of Gods blessings appeare therein .

God prouideth not onely Hearbs , and things necessary for vs , but also things to reioyce and comfort our hearts , as Wine , Oyle , and oyntments .

Doubt ●ou not of GODS prouidence i● caring for your Wife and Children , knowing that hee prouideth euen for the bruite Beasts : he prouideth for all Creatures their dayly food , and hee with-drawing his blessings from vs , wee all perish .

As Gods mercifull face giueth strength vnto the earth , so doth his seuere countenance burne vp the Mountaines : wee sinners doe so infect the world , that GOD our heauenly Father cannot so reioyce in his workes as hee would .

Prayse ( I pray you ) for his benefits passed , and bee you throughly strengthned and encouraged against all present and future sorrowes whatsoeuer .

So inestimable is Gods goodnesse , that hee would rather change the order of Nature , then that his people should not bee deliuered . Exo. 14.27 Exodus 14.27 . although they were wicked .

Not any one of Gods Elect , but earely or late shall feele Gods helpe in their necessity , neyther rests there any afflictions so grieuous , out of which God will not deliuer his : whereof wee must learne to bee mindefull all the dayes of our life . Not once forgetting this , that God doth punish and correct vs seldome extreamely , but because wee cannot bee brought vnto him by any other meanes .

When in mans Iudgement there seemeth in sicknesse no recouery , but all things are brought to despaire : then GOD chiefly sheweth his mighty Power , and brings vs by sharpe and heauy rods to call mightily vppon him , vntill wee finde mercy and compassion .

So by healing and helping vs when all secondary Causes , and meanes of Physicke fayled vs , it causeth vs with praise and glory to confesse Gods benefits , yeelding vnto him the sacrifices of our owne soules .

When Humane artes faile , then doth Gods prouidence preserue and bring vnto the Hauen , where wee would bee . Such loue did GOD beare vnto his Church , that hee changed the order of nature for their commodities ; euen at the Red Sea , where the Israelites went through the middest of the Sea , vpon the drye Land : The water being a Wall vnto them on their right hand , Exod. 14. and on their left . Exod. 14.

It is Gods manner sometimes to exalt vs , and then agayne to humble vs by afflictions , that we may know our selues . Know that you belonging to the Lord , all things shal turne to your profite ; trust still fully on the Lord , and hee will finally free you from your troubles and sorrows . Care not for your outward sorrowes assayling you , so the Spirit within comfort you : Shew your selfe a faithfull seruant of the Lord God : In this your present aduersity , still remembring , that as the Lord is a a iust God , so resteth hee a most mercifull father ; and when wee are in distresse , then is it our time to seeke him , and his helpe when wee rest destitute of ayde , succour , counsell , and comfort .

God hath a care ouer vs , disposing of our Death , and taking account of our Life : yet rests our best payment but thankes , laud , and prayses for his mercies . Refuse you not to be tried with temptations , but intreate the Lord so to succour you in time , as you faint not through infirmity : Know this , that with out the maintenance of Gods word , our life droppeth away like water .

Doubt not of Gods power yet , of each lawfull meanes , and neuer abuse his graces : and so shortly you shal be comforted . GOD will not suffer such as haue set foorth his glory , to groane ouer-long in griefe , and to bee ouer-come with misery , but with sound Doctrine will comfort our corrupting flesh , and languishing desires , with the society of Saints , and melody of Angels in Heauen .

Vnderstand this I pray , that wee which are not yet punished for our transgressions , haue no cause to reioyce at others which are afflicted , but rather to feare , that the dilation of our punishment wil be more grieuous : for though our God doeth come with leaden heeles , hee striketh with iron hands , recompencing the tardity of his stroake , with the grauity of the wound .

Do not grieue to depart out of the miserable cottage of this World , in-into Heauen , the Citty of Saints : where possessing Christ , wee shall enioy all things with him . Rom. 8.32 Rom. 8.32 . Farwell Riches that are vanity , pleasures that are hurtfull , and sin which is damnable . Come to mee , O my God , for thou art Truth , and thou O Christ , my Redeemer , with thy merrits ; and thou Holy Spirit , my Guide and Comforter : Regard no earthly things , for they are of short continuance : make the ioyes of Heauen the obiects of your soule , which are eternall : Desire God eyther mercifully to preuent the plagues , or else to grant you patience to sustaine them when they come .

It was Paules aduantage to haue Agabus Prophesie of his Chaynes , that so by his flight hee might eyther defeate the Iewes , or by premeditated Resolution lighten or preuent his bonds .

Although no Repentancs can alter the Almighties decree , yet resolued patience may the better endure it : the safest shelter in all our afflictions , is our faithfull relying vppon Gods assistance . And our best improouements of Gods power , is by our infirmity .

No stronger instigation of mercy , then our acknowledgement of misery , as the priuiledge of greatnesse is to relieue the impotency of distressed supplicants .

We must labour to gayne by faith , and not to loose by infidelity , well knowing prosperous issues daily to attend the liuing images of the Deity : your faithfull weaknesse becommeth not any disaduantage for glorious tryumphes .

No Martyre insulted vppon by the furious tyranny of his inraged aduersity , but hath faith for his Aduocate ; naked Truth for his Guardian ; and the Holy Ghost to keepe him farre from disconsolate distresse . Let your still armed confidence tyre out your tormented sorrowes , or sickenesses whatsoeuer : Let vs all rest vndaunted , well knowing that God sustaynes vs , who doubts of the Sunnes being , although it doe not alwayes shine ? Or of the faith of Iob , though it were ouer-whelmed for a while . Know this , we should all , that the Elect themselues may fall , though built vpon the Foundation of GOD : yet the Lord keepes them from perishing , though when they stand , he keepes them not from falling .

That blessed Apostle Saint Paule , tooke betweene Damascus and Ierusalem , the happiest fall that euer the Earth was honoured withall : In via Iudaeus cecidit , vt resurgat Christianus , sayth Chrisostome . Hee fell in the way a Iew , or rather from a Iew , that he might arise a Christian . It is our heauenly Fathers mercy that rayseth vs when wee are fallen , but our faith must keepe vs from falling : When wee are raysed wee stand by Faith , and wee come through Faith into this Grace , wherein we stand : Shall we stand by the habits of Gods mercy and grace , Rom. 5.2 . and shall wee fall from the acte thereof by a wilfull Apostacy , God forbid ? Let vs rather perseuer in Faith , and that vnto the Death ; weighing what wauering Age we are fallen into , and strange opinions , euen of the pillars of these times .

Content wee our selues to passe from troubles and calamities , into euerlasting ioyes : for Death is but an entrance into blisse , and as it were , a casting Anchor into the Hauen of Heauen : Crye to God with Dauid , What profite is there in my Blood , when I shall go downe into the graue of forgetfulnesse .

Likewise Hezekiah prayed against Death , desiring to be reconciled vnto God , to giue satisfaction to God , and his children .

None so free from sinne , but stand in great neede to bee purified from sinne , and purged from the soares , blaines , and blemishes of iniquity : Beware of grudging when the Lord striketh you , because it is alwayes for our good , and he resteth both able and willing to deliuer vs at his pleasure . Psal. 33.17 . Behold , the Eye of the Lord is vppon them that feare him , Psal. 33.17 and put their trust in his mercy , to deliuer their soules from Death , rest there neuer so many turbulent tryals : Yea , it is indeede our commodity that God doeth not accomplish his promises , so soone as wee could wish , that staying with patience his leasure , wee may bee crowned with the more glory in the end . As euery father nurtureth his sonne , so doeth the Lord his children , but it is to walke in his waies . The Children of God shall knowe this , that all sorrows and sicknesses , crosses , and troubles , are to prooue vs whether wee will : Loue the Lord God with all our hearts and Soules , Deut. 13.3 in our greatest griefes , and saddest sorrowes , yea or no. Deut. 13.3.4 . Gods seruants must bee no flinchers , but both followers and fighters in the Lords quarrell , preferring the Lords glory , before their owne soules safety .

Do not thinke that each trouble commeth on you , because the Lord is not with you : For the most tender hearted mother will now and then hide her selfe from her Childe , to trie the kinde and louing affection thereof towards her , that afterwards finding the loue of her little one , shee may , as it were , put it in her bosome : So our heauenly father , to finde out our corruptions ( whereof wee our selues are ignorant ) hee doth swinge vs for our follies , that falling weeping at his feete , he might louingly take vs vp , and kisse vs with his mouth .

No euils come vpon vs , but when we forsake God , who rideth vppon the Heauens for our helpe , and on the Clouds for his owne glory . Deut. 33.16 . When the hand of God is vpon you , repent of your sins heartily , rather then by your power and pollicy to resist the working thereof : whatsoeuer your disease is , fayle not for to consecrate your selfe , both soule and body , to the Lord of glory , and you shall not doe amisse . No remedy but we must needs enter into the way of all the World , know we all therefore in our hearts , and perswade our soules , that all the good things which the Lord hath promised vs , shall come to passe vnto vs , and no euill can come vnto vs , but by our Disobedience . God that plagued Egypt , brought Israel out of Egypt : Hee that brought Israel into the Red Sea , knew how to bring them out to their enemies confusion , and the comfort of his children . Do we according to the course of nature , we may hope vndoubtedly to liue in the state of grace : the Lord beeing farre more willing to blesse then to curse : But alas , it is the nature of our flesh , no longer to obey God , then when we are vnder the Whippe or scourge .

Therefore doeth the Lord make it oftentimes the end of his punishment : to call vs to Repentance , that wee may seeke both for health and helpe at his hands : The Church of Christ now is , and must be still subiect to manifold afflictions , how be-be it , God at length will giue ioyfull issue , deliuering them from all troubles .

Desire rather the comfort of your poore soules , then the ease of your bodies ; for the Almighty giueth much bitternesse to their soules , that now and then had the fairest bodies , to cause vs to haue more care and respect to the inward man , then to the outward forme . It is vsuall with God to plunge into aduersities , not to hurt but to heale , not to kill our bodies , but to saue our soules from destruction .

It is GODS mercy towards his Children , and his fauour vnto his Friends and followers , to make them pertakers of piety , and examples of Holinesse in their places . I desire you call vnto minde this one thing , which is , that although Dauid were annoynted King , and that by a Prophet , yet God would trye him in sundry sorts , before he had the vse of his Kingdome . Art thou a Dauid ? thinke it not much to fall vpon thy face to the ground , before Ionathan , to crouch knees , and kisse to saue thy life ; much more for a while to be sicke ( that in fine ) thou mayest become a Saint . In man resteth no Iustice , what s good in vs , rests all of Gods mercy , from him we receiue it . It is our infirmity that in time of our sorrows we do no more comfort our selues in the Lord our God then we doe .

In each trouble and aduersity wee are to consider the prouidence of God , and not like raging Beasts to forget both our owne duty , and contemne GODS appointment ouer vs . It is Gods pleasure , to make as though he would leaue vs for a time , yet if wee trust in him , wee shall bee sure to finde comfort .

Our heauiest lamentations ought not to bee excessiue , but moderate ; well considering this , that wee are to praise and glorifie GOD in all his doings , and remembring that many sobbes and feares both follow and befall the faithfull ones : yet shews GOD himselfe most liberall to his seruants , when they seeme to bee vtterly destitute of any comforts at all .

Holy Scriptures doe warne vs at large , that there is neyther rest nor quietnesse to bee looked for in the world , but variety & change of things both in Church & Common-wealth , longer then God preserues them by his protection ; where his Word is truely set forth , Vertue ! esteemed , Vice punished , and Concord mainetayned , there all things flourish : but abhominable vices must wither before commendable Vertue can grow : wee must loath the way to the dungeon of Hell , before that with courage wee can clime to the Kingdome of Glory .

The sufferings of the faithfull haue their priuiledges . 1 Reg. 2.26 . 1. Reg. 2.26 . King Salomon would not slay Abiather , because hee had borne the Arke of the Lord God before his father Dauid , and because hee had suffered in all wherein his father bad beene afflicted . Eliah was a good man , and both beloued of God and man ; yet wearied in the Wildernesse , fate downe vnder a Tree , willing to dye , sayd ; It is enough O Lord , take my soule , for I am no better then my Fathers . And why was this ? because hee was iealous for the Lords Glory , which wee all should stand out for to the losse of our limbes and liues .

Gods punishments are not to destroy vs vtterly , but to chasten vs , and to bring vs to the knowledge of our selues : and to know how much better it is to serue God , then Tyrants . God neuer seeketh the Death of a sinner , but his Conuersion . Ezec. 18.32 . &c. 33.11 .

The Lord is with vs while wee be with him , and will be found of vs , if wee forsake him not : God doth reserue vnto himselfe a number whom hee will heare , both for himselfe and others : Pray faithfully , and your confidence cannot bee frustrate . Bee wiser then Asa , who when hee was sicke , in the extremity of his disease , sought rather vnto the Phisitians , 2 Chron. 16.12 . then vnto God . 2. Chron. 16.12 . Where all Christians should know , that first wee should seeke God to purge our sinnes , which rest the chiefe causes of our Diseases ; and afterwards vse the helpe of the Physitian , as a meanes by whom God waketh . Remember I pray you , that affliction giueth vnderstanding ; so that such as haue hated God in their prosperity , must now in their miseries both sue and seeke to him .

The best of vs are no better then was King Manasseh , who neuer regarded God till hee was put into fetters , and bounden in Chaines , and carried to Babell : Where being in tribulation , hee then prayed to the Lord his God , and humbled himselfe greatly before the GOD of his Fathers ; and God was intreated of him , and heard his prayer ; and brought him againe to Ierusalem , into his Kingdome : then knew Manasseh that the Lord was God .

See how God by our afflictions doth giue vs vnderstanding , so that whereas wee hated God in our prosperity , now in our misery wee seeke vnto him . When God punisheth vs , it is to make vs see our miseries : he would not exercise vs vnder our Crosses , but to make vs loath the Earth , and loue the Heauens . Why are we all exercised with woefull crosses , and most bitter calamities ? not to hinder , but further our passage to Paradise .

I hold it farre better in time of your sicknesses , to commend and commit your selfe to God , and his protection ; then by seeking ordinary meanes to giue an occasion to others , to think you doubt of Gods power .

Are wee in misery , let vs all fast and intreate God for mercy , and hee will not finally forsake vs : wee should consecrate our selues to him that made vs , so shall wee be deliuered at the last from each malady , hell , death , and dangers : Our louing God and heauenly father would not afflict vs , but to the enforcing of vs to the better keeping of his Commandments , whereunto we could not be brought by Gods great benefits . Ahashuerus and Haman sate merry , and drinking Wine , when Esther was fasting , and Mordecai mourning ; yet went merry Haman to the Halter , and Mordecai to preferment .

I intreate you that you neuer doe mistrust the rare prouidence of God , who turneth the ioy of the wicked into sorrow , but the teares of the godly into gladnesse . It 's the lot of holy men not onely to bee afflicted outwardly in body , but also inwardly in minde and conscience , with temptations of seeming friends , and diabolicall disputations vrging to despaire .

Sathan will tell thee , that God is a seuere Iudge , and thy mortall enemy ; and therefore it is but in vaine to sue to him for succour : Such comforters as these bee not come to comfort you , but torment you and to adde one affliction to another . Bee you therefore constant to resist the Deuill , and all his temptations ; and so at length you shall bee sure of good successe .

I know my Brethren , that yee rest not like a blocke , insensible ; but that in your patience you feele afflictions and griefe of minde : yet keepe you a meane herein , and rebell not against God as the wicked and vngodly doe : But confesse you that God is wise and good , although his hand be soare vpon you , yet doth hee all things in Iustice and Equity .

Cease not therefore to feare God , when his plagues are most vpon you : for the more you suffer , the more glorious shall bee your Crowne : Sathan can goe no farther in punishing you , then the Lord will permit him for your good .

Iob teacheth vs not to measure Gods fauour by the vehemency of the disease wherewith wee are perplexed : for then might Iob , and peraduenture your selfe suppose that God had cast you off , because he vseth often to leaue his owne without helpe , and most wonderfull afflicted with soares , sorrowes , and diseases . As wee rest contented with prosperity : so should wee be with aduersity , acknowledging his mercy in the former , and his Iustice in the latter ; still bridling our Impatiency or murmuring against God .

Iudge none the more sinfull because of their sorrowes , neyther ought wee to bee weary of our liues , because wee are subiect to infirmities : But because wee are giuen to sinne and rebellion against God ; therefore should wee feare and tremble , and the rather because murmuring against God in affliction doth but increase the paine , and vttereth mans folly . Iob 5.17 . Behold , blessed is the man whom God correcteth . Therefore refuse not thou the chastisements of the Almighty : vers. 18. For hee maketh the wound , and bindeth it vp , hee smiteth , and his hands make whole . God sendeth trouble after trouble , that his Childred may not for one time , but continually trust in the Lord ; and how they shall haue a comfortable issue euen in their greatest and last temptation : which promise though it bee not alwayes performed , yet it doth the LORD recompence it otherwise , to their aduantage .

My GOD might damne mee to Hell , whilst hee whippeth me for Heauen : the afflictions I sustaine , came for my owne sinnes ; and promise to my soule through my Sauiour Christ Iesus , a most happy conquest ouer them all .

By afflictions God keepeth vs as in prison , and restraineth vs from doing euill ; neither can any set at liberty but God our Lord , who is not rigorous to any , but righteous to all . God sanctifie your afflictions , and free you from misery , comfort you in Paradise , and establish you really with Glory , Amen .