The cure of hurtfull cares and fears. By master Thomas Pierson late rector of Brompton-Brian, in the county of Hereford

THE CVRE OF Hurtfull Cares and Feares . Philippians 4.6 .

Be carefull for nothing : but in every thing , by prayer and supplication , with thankesgiving , let your request be made known unto God . 7. And the peace of God , which passeth all understanding , shall keepe your hearts and minds through Christ Iesus .

IN the nine first verses of this Chapter , The coherence of the Text. the Apostle prescribes the practice of sundry christian duties : wherof some bee generall belonging to all Christians , verse 1.4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. Others bee speciall duties belonging to some particular persons in the Church of Philippi , verse 2 , 3. Among the generall duties are the words of my Text , prescribing unto Christians such behaviour , as best befitteth them in times of distresse , and in cases of difficulty : urging them therunto by the singular fruit that will come thereof . The behaviour it selfe is propounded in a double duty : First , by way of prohibition , what wee must not doe : Secondly , by way of precept , what we must do . The prohibition is against care : the precept is for the exercise of prayer with thanksgiving , verse 6. The encouragement unto both is from the assurance of Gods peace , which passeth all understanding , to keep our hearts and minds , through Christ Iesus , verse 7.

For the first , The meaning of the words bee carefull for nothing . This prohibition may seeme strange , and contrary to the will of God , who accounteth the carelesse and improvident worse than infidels , 1 Tim. 5.8 . and sendeth such lazy bodyes to the Ant or Pismire , Prov. 6.6 . as also commendeth carefulnes , as wel about the matters of the soule , both for our selves , 2 Cor. 7.11 . what carefulnesse ? and for others , 2 Cor. 11.28 . the care of all Churches commeth on me dayly : as also for the things of this life , Prov. 27.23 . Bee diligent to know the state of thy flock : and set thy heart upon thy herds : which implieth a great care in looking well unto them as the good huswife looketh well to the wayes of her houshold , Prov. 31.27 .

Answ. As the Apostle speaking of sorrow calleth some godly sorrow and some worldly , 2 Cor. 7.10 . so may we truly say of care some is godly , some worldly . The godly care is that whereby a Christian sets his mind upon the duty of his place , in sober manner to use lawfull meanes , sanctified by prayer , for the fruition of blessings , and freedome from evills , either spirituall or corporall , leaving the issue and successe wholly to Gods good will and pleasure . Worldly care is that , whereby a man , beside the use of meanes , doth perplexe his mind , about the issue and successe of things , which he desires or feares ; and doth not rely upon the mercy or providence of God for the same as hee ought to doe . And this is the care here forbidden by the Apostle , when he saith , Bee carefull for nothing , meaning , as worldlings be , who vexe themselves , and perplex their minds , about the issue and successe of things , which they ought to leave to GODS good pleasure . In which prohibition so conceived this point is plaine .

The doctrine observed and confirmed . The Child of GOD must not perplex his mind ; nor vex his heart with worldly carking care in any thing whatsoever . When in a sober and sanctified manner , a man hath used lawfull meanes , belonging unto him , for the fruition of blessings , or freedome from evils , corporall or spiritual , he must not busy his mind , about the issue & succes , but leave that wholly to the Lord . This duty our blessed Saviour doth plainely teach his Disciples , Matth. 6.25 . &c. Take no thought for your life ; what ye shall eate , or what ye shal drink ; or for your body , what ye shall put on . And for their better observance and remembrance , doth twice more in that Chapter repeat the same charge ver. 31. and 34. Therefore take no thought , &c. And 1 Pet 3.6 . The good wife must not bee afraid with any amasement .

The reasons of this duty are strong . Three reasons of the doctrine .

1. Worldly care is needlesse to a child of God . First , every Child of GOD hath an heavenly Father that careth for him : and so his owne worldly raking care is needlesse , 1 Peter 5.7 . Cast all your care upon him , for he careth for you . This reason our blessed Saviour urgeth strongly unto his Disciples : as well from Gods prouidence over baser Creatures , the Fowles of the ayre and the Lilies of the field , and therefore they must not thinke he will neglect his Children that are far better , Matthew 6.26 , 28. As also from his speciall notice of all their wants , verse 32. and assured readinesse to make supply thereto upon their sober use of lawfull means , when they chiefely set their hearts on heavenly things , verse 33.

Secondly , 2. Worldly care is very disgracefull to a Christian . worldly care is very disgracefull to a Christian : arguing either their shamefull ignorance of Gods providence , which indeed extends it selfe to the very haires of their head Mat. 10.30 . Or else their great weakenesse , if not their totall want , of true faith in God through Christ , and so is plaine heathenish as CHRIST telleth his Disciples , Mat. 6. v. 32. After all these things , food and rayment , doe the Gentiles seeke in a worldly manner ; as not knowing they have a Father in heaven that careth for them . For they that rest and rely upon GOD for any blessing that hee hath promised , will wait for it in the sober and sanctified use of lawfull meanes , and goe no further . Hee that believeth will not make hast , Isaiah 28.16 . but will stirre up his soule to wait on GOD as David doth , Psalm . 42.5 , 11. he that is weary of this waiting shameth his beleeving : like to Ioram King of Israel , who in the time of famine said , This evill is of the Lord , what should I wait for the Lord any longer ? 2 Kings 6.33 . as they are said not to believe in God , that trust not in his salvation , that is , that rest not upon his providence for their preservation , Psal. 78.22 .

Thirdly , 3. Worldly care is a burden to the soule , exceeding hurtfull . worldly care is a great burden unto the the soule , not only vaine and unprofitable , but also exceeding hurtfull . That it is a burthen David sheweth when speaking hereof he saith , Cast thy burthen upon the LORD ; that is , whatsoever thou art carefull for and wouldest have given thee , Psalm . 55.22 . That it is vaine and unprofitable he plainly sheweth , Psal. 127.1 , 2. It is vaine for you to rise early , to sit up late , to eate the bread of sorrowes ( meaning through carking care ) if the Lords blessing bee not with you .

Also Matthew 6.27 . Which of you by taking thought can adde one cubite unto his stature ? If ye then bee not able to doe that thing which is least , why take yee thought for the rest ? Luke 12.25 , 26. And that it is very hurtfull , the notation of the word used by the Holy Ghost , sheweth plainely , importing a dividing , or parting the mind asunder : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 quasi 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . This carking care is the covetous mans disease ? They pierce themselves through with many sorrowes , 1 Tim. 6.10 . And hereby many times bring upon themselves most heavy judgements . What else did move Ananias and Sapphyrah to dissemble with the Apostle , and to lye unto GOD , about the price , for which they sold their possession , saying , they had brought all , when as indeed they kept back a part ? Vndoubtedly , they were distrustfully carefull about their future maintenance and provision : but it cost them deere , even both their lives by sudden death , Acts 5. verse 1 , 2 , 3. &c. And are not these worldly cares the chiefe of those spirituall thornes , which choake the seed of grace in the ground of mens hearts , whereupon it becomes unfruitfull ? Matthew 13.22 . and so neere unto cursing , whose end is to bee burned ? Heb. 6.8 .

3. Vses of the doctrine .

1. For instruction . True Religion is the only way to true content .

Now sith whatsoever is written aforetime is written for our learning , Ro. 15.4 . Let us make application hereof unto our selves . And first , would the Spirit of God have the hearts of his Children voyd of worldly cares ? Then undoubtedly the sincere imbracing of true Religion is the only way to get true content and comfort in any estate : for what is or can be wanting to his soule , to whom the God of heaven saith be carefull for nothing ? Hee speaketh not this to al that have the shew of godlines , but to such as have the power and truth thereof : For Gods kingdome is not in word , but in power , 1 Cor. 4.20 . and in whom this power is , in them is , righteousnesse , peace , and joy in the Holy Ghost , Rom. 14.17 . Even joy unspeakable and glorious , 1 Pet. 1.8 . such as the world can neither give to its owne , Ioh. 14.27 . nor take away from the godly , Iohn 16.22 .

But me thinkes , Two objections propounded and answered . I. Objection . I heare the men of the world call in question the truth of this point , That true Religion should afford such sweet content unto the soule . The exercises thereof bee wearinesse unto them , Mal. 1.13 . therein they can meet with no such thing .

Answ. I answer . This sweet content and comfort in Religion is a fruit of GODS holy Spirit , Gala. 5.22 . The fruit of the Spirit is love , joy , peace , &c. which Spirit God gives to true beleevers , Iohn 7.39 . who turne from sinne , Proverbs 1.23 . and make conscience of obedience , Acts 5.32 . And therefore have the godly testified the fruition and feeling of it , as David Psalm . 4.7 . Thou hast put gladnesse in my heart , more than in the time that their corn & their wine increased . Hee had more joy in Gods favour then worldlings had in all their abundance . God was his exceeding joy , Ps. 43.4 . his favour was better than life : and therwith his soule was satisfied as with marrow and fatnesse , Psalme 63.3 , 5. Vnto Ieremy also was Gods word the joy and rejoycing of his heart , Ieremy 15.16 . Paul and Silas sang prayses to GOD in the prison , when their feet were made fast in the stocks , and they had beene sore beaten and shamefully intreated the day before , Acts 16.23 , 24 , 25. They found by experience that GOD in Christ was the father of mercies and the God of all comfort who comforted them in all their tribulations : as the sufferings of Christ did abound in them , so their consolation also abounded by Christ , 2 Cor. 1.3 , 4 , 5. But naturall men , that live in sinne , doe want the spirit , Iude verse 19. and therefore no marvell though they have no savour nor rellish of joy in Religion . The naturall man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God , they are foolishnesse unto him ; neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned , 1 Cor. 2.14 . They are strangers from the covenants of promise , Ephesi. 2.12 . and a stranger doth not intermedle with this joy , Pro. 14.10 . It is one of the mysteries of the kingdome which is not knowne by nature but by the gift of grace , Matthew 13.11 . The Philistims could not read Sampsons riddle till they had plowed with his Heyfer , Iudges 14.18 . No more can naturall men discerne the sweet content of grace but by the operation of the Holy Ghost the only worker of grace .

But whence is it , 2. Objection . saith the natural man , that some who are strickt and zealous in Religion , and seeme to make great conscience of their wayes , doe yet spend their dayes in much bitternes and sorrow , giving smal evidence that any such joy is to be found in their Religion .

Answ. Answer . Surely God doth then visit upon them the dayes of Baalim , Hos. 2.13 . wherein they went after their owne sinfull pleasures and forgot the Lord : therefore doth the LORD write bitter things against them , and make them to possesse the sinnes of their youth , Iob 13.26 . Because they have sinned against the Lord , and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord , therefore is this evill happened unto them , Ieremy 44.23 . But yet if this their sorrow for their former sinnes bee godly , which wil best appeare by the amendment of their lives , they shall finde by good experience , that of very faithfulnesse God afflicted them : as David did Psalme 119.75 . For the LORD will not cast off for ever ; but though hee cause griefe yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies , Lam. 3.31 , 32. In duetime he will comfort all such mourners , and give them beauty for ashes , the oyle of joy for mourning , the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse , Isaiah 61.2 , 3. For to the upright there ariseth light in darkenesse , that is , joy and gladnesse in distresse , Psalme 112.4 . And though for a time they be in heavinesse , yet peace shall come : They that wait upon the Lord , shall renew their strength , Isaiah 40.31 . Many be the troubles of the righteous , but the Lord will deliver them out of all , Psal. 34.19 .

2. Vse for reproofe . Worldly care is unworthy the holy profession of adoption . Secondly , this shewes plainly how unworthy of the Lord , and of their holy profession of adoption , many that live in the bosome of the Church doe lead their lives . For what is more ordinary than to call God Father , in saying the Lords Prayer ? And yet who can say my heart is cleane , I am free from these worldly carking cares ? For though like bitter sap it sometime lye hid in the root of the heart , yet indeed hath it a daily spring time , as may appeare by these bad fruits which doe fearefully abound in many mens lives .

First ,

Five evidences of worldly care .

1. Vngodly practises to get worldly wealth .

manifold unjust and ungodly practises to get or encrease worldlie wealth , as false weights and measures , lying , swearing and forswearing , extortion , stealing , oppression , and the like . Where any of these are in use & practice , plaine evidence is given of distrust in GODS providence , and so of the dominion of this sinfull worldly carking care . For were men indeed perswaded that the power to get wealth came from God , Deut. 8 18. and that his blessing made them rich , Proverbs 10.22 . they would content themselves with the moderate use of lawfull meanes to serve his providence , wherein they might comfortably wait for his blessing ; and not betake themselves to such ungodly courses , as are plaine services of the Divell , the God of this world , for the wealth thereof .

2. Ordinary use of wicked meanes to remove corporall evills . Secondly , the ordinary use of wicked and forbidden meanes to prevent or remove worldly losses and corporall evils , as to consult with Magicians , witches , or Sorcerers , as Saul did when he was distressed by the Hoast of the Philistims , 1 Sam. 28.7 . Seeke me a woman that hath a familiar spirit , &c. And Ahaziah King of Israel , who sent to enquire of Baalzebub the God of Ekron , whether hee should recover of his disease , 2 Kings 1.1 , 2. This is a most fearefull proclaiming of distrust in GOD , when they seeke to the divell Gods utter enemy . Is it not because there is no God in Israel , that thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the God of Ekron ? ver . 6.

Thirdly , 3. Neglect to sanctifie the use of lawfull meanes by prayer . the ordinary neglect to sanctifie the use of lawful means by prayer to GOD for his blessing . Thus Asa one of the good Kings of Iudah sinned , when being diseased in his feet he sought unto the Physitians , and not unto the Lord , 2 Chron. 16.12 . And it is the common course of many families , to follow their worldly busines diligently , but seldome or never to sanctifie their labour and paines by prayer and thanksgiving to Almighty God the giver of all blessings .

4. Excessive sorrow and feare in times of danger . Fourthly , excessive sorrow and feare in times of danger and distresse , with great deadnesse of heart when outward meanes do faile and dangers approach : as though the power and mercy of God for their helpe and safety were tyed to the meanes . This was the sinne of Israel at the Red Sea : when the Hoast of Pharaoh drew neere unto them they were sore afrayd , and cryed out against Moses for bringing them out of Aegypt , Exodus 14.10 , 11 , 12. Hence also came all their murmurings in the wildernesse , when they wanted bread , or flesh , or water , as Exodus 16.3 . and 15 , 24. They had not yet learned to rest and rely upon his power and providence that brought them thither .

Fifthly , 5. Frailties hearing of GODS Word . fruitlesse and unprofitable hearing of Gods word . For the cares of this world are one kind of spirituall thornes that choake the seed of grace in the ground of mens hearts , that it brings no fruit to perfection , Luke 8. verse 14.

All these give plaine evidence of worldly carking care , & justly deserve reproofe for transgressing this holy command , that bids us , Be carefull for nothing .

3. Vse : for admoni ion. This lesson most needfull though hard to corrupt nature . For admonition , it serves fitly to move every one , to endeavour obedience to this command , in labouring to free his heart in every thing from distrustfull worldly care . A lesson most needfull in these evill dayes and perillous times ; hard indeed to our corrupt nature , which the Scripture calleth flesh and bloud . But the child of GOD must looke to a better guide , and not plead for it , for flesh and bloud cannot inherit the kingdome of God , 1 Cor. 15.50 . The wisdome of the flesh is death : and so rebellious to the will of God , that they that are in the flesh cannot please God , Rom. 8.6 , 7 , 8.

Now the practise of this duty stands in this : Wherein the practise of this duty stands . that using lawfull meanes moderately , for the fruition of blessings , or freedome from evils , we then sanctifie the same by prayer to GOD for his mercy and blessing ; and then leave the issue and successe wholly to his good pleasure , whatsoever the case be . Thus doing we shall neither tempt God by neglect of meanes , nor yet perplex our selves about the successe , What ground we must lay that wee may do so . through distrust in his mercy . And that wee may so doe , wee must lay this good foundation ; Make sure we stand rightly in covenant with GOD through faith in CHRIST IESUS : for hee that commeth unto God must beleeve , Hebrewes 11.6 . and then we have good title to all Gods promises , whereat true faith doth ever looke : and to them that have obtained that pretious grace are given exceeding great and pretious promises , 2 Peter 1.1 , 4. All the promises of God are in him , yea , and in him , Amen , that is , in Christ Iesus most sure and certaine to true beleevers , 2 Cor. 1.20 . This estate once had we must in every thing that may perplex us stir up this pretious grace of faith , and set it a working : which seemes to be the Lords meaning in that golden sentence oft repeated , The just shall live by faith , That faith may have its perfect worke three things to be considered . Hab. 2.4 . Rom. 1.17 . Hebr. 10.38 . And that this grace may have its perfect worke , to free our hearts from distrustfull and perplexing worldly cares , wee must rightly informe our selves in three things .

First , in Gods soveraigne right to inflict upon his dearest servants , when , where , and how hee pleaseth either death it selfe , or any evill that is a forerunner thereof , for their sinnes originall and actuall .

Secondly , in the different nature of Gods promises , and in his divine royalty , for time , measure , and manner of performance .

Thirdly , in Gods good pleasure to exercise his Children and servants many times under sore afflictions : all of which he will cause to worke for their good , out of his tender love in Christ which remaineth constant unto them , under their greatest miseries .

1. Gods right and soveraignty . For the first : that God hath right and soveraignty to inflict upon his dearest servants , either death it selfe , or any evill that is a forerunner thereof , as famine , sicknesse , sword of the enemy and the like , when , and where he will , for their sinnes originall and actuall , is most plaine , Romans 5.12 . By one man sinne entred into the world and death by sin , and death went over all , in as much as all have sinned , Hebr. 9.27 . It is appointed unto man once to dye . Death then being our debt to God , who shall deny him liberty to call for his due . And for his right to inflict upon them hunger , thirst , sicknesse , sorrow and the like , none can deny it , that considers the afflictions of the godly : as of Iob in losse of goods , and of all his Children by sudden death , Iob 1.15.16 , 19. in grievous boyles upon his body , from the sole of his foot unto his crowne , Chapter 2. ver. 7. and of David , who complaines that hee had no soundnesse in his flesh , Psal. 38.3 . his wounds stanke and were corrupt verse 5. his loynes were filled with a loathsome disease verse 7. he was feeble and sore broken : yea hee roared for the very disquietnesse of his heart , verse 8.

2 〈◊〉 different nature of Gods promises . For the second : Gods promises are of two sorts : some concerne the life that now is ; others that which is to come , 1 Tim. 4.8 . And among these latter , which be heavenly and spirituall there is a difference . Some are of blessings absolutely necessary to salvation , as justification , adoption , regeneration and the like : others are very comfortable , but yet not simply necessary to salvation , as the sensible feeling of Gods love , and inward joy therupon , strength of faith and great increase in other graces , farre above that measure which is simply needfull to the being and truth of grace . Now GODS promises of blessings simply needful to salvation , be absolutly made in Christ to true beleevers , without exception ; as Acts 16.31 . Beleeve in the Lord Iesus and thou shalt bee saved . But other spirituall graces lesse necessary , and all temporall blessings must bee understood to be promised with the exception of the Crosse : to wit , that true beleevers shall have them upon their sober and sanctified use of lawfull meanes , unlesse it seeme good to GOD , by the want of such blessings , to correct them for their sins , as he did David , 2 Sam. 12.10 , 11. The sword shall never depart from thy house , because thou hast despised me , Psalme 118.18 . The Lord hath chastened me sore , but hee hath not given mee over unto death . Or else to make tryall of their faith and patience , as hee dealt with Iob in his afflictions , Iob 2.3 . Thou movest mee against him to destroy him without cause : and Chapter 23.10 . He knoweth the way that I take : when hee hath tryed mee I shall come forth as gold .

Also Gods royalty for time , manner , Gods royalty . and measure of performing his promises is very remarkeable . In these circumstances he retayneth and exerciseth divine liberty , and looketh that his Children should wait for the evidence of his good pleasure , and rest contented therewith when he doth manifest the same , though it doe not answer their desires . And he blameth those , that will limit or confine him in any of these , as his people did in the wildernesse , when they would as it were point out their own provision , For time . Psalme 78.20 , 41. In particular , for the time , when GOD will do this or that thing , which hee hath promised indefinitely , he shewes his royalty to his Disciples , Acts 1.7 . It is not for you to know the times , which God hath put in his owne power . In this circumstance he requireth the patience of faith , saying , Manner . Hee that beleeveth shall not make hast , Isa. 28.15 . And for manner of performance sometime he giveth the particular blessing asked : As upon Elias prayer he sent first drought , and then after rayne , Iames 5.17 , 18.

Other while instead of the blessing asked , hee giveth some other thing answerable thereunto , making more for his owne glory and the good of his servants : as when Paul besought the Lord thrice , that the thorne in the flesh , the messenger of Satan might depart from him , God said , my grace is sufficient , 2 Cor. 12.7 , 8 , 9.

GOD did not free him from the assault , but gave him ability of grace to resist . Yea our blessed Saviour in his bitter agony in the Garden , offered up prayers and supplications , with strong crying and teares , unto him that was able to save him from death , and was heard in that he feared , Hebr. 5.7 . Not by a totall freedome from the Cuppe of his bitter passion , though he had said , Father , if it be possible let this Cuppe passe from me , Matthew 26.39 . but by making him willing and able to beare it , and in suffering to overcome . For after this prayer he said to Peter , The Cuppe which my Father hath given mee , shall I not drink it ? Iohn 18.11 . and in suffering bee overcame , And measure of performing his promises . Rev. 3.21 . Likewise in the measure of his gifts and blessings to his servants , and of their deliverance from evills , he retayneth and exerciseth divine liberty and soveraignty . Some he maketh high , others low : some rich , and others poore , Iob 34.19 To one he giveth five talents , to another two , to another one , Matthew 25.15 . He suffered no man to doe wrong to Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob , but rebuked Kings for their sakes , Psalm . 105.14 . Yet he will suffer Ioseph to be sold for a servant , and to be layd in irons wrongfully , verse 17 , 18. and hee suffers his servant Iob to be robbed of his goods , bereaved of his Children , sore afflicted in his body , and grieved by his dearest friends , so as he escaped , but with the Skin of his teeth , Iob 19. verse 19 , 20.

3. Gods good pleasure to exercise his Children in affliction for their good foure wayes .

1. To purge out some corruption .

For the third , it pleaseth God many times to exercise his deere children under sore afflictions , for his glory in their good sundry wayes ; as First , to purge out some corruption , and to make them white , Dan. 11.35 . Some of them of understanding shall , fall to try them , and to purge , and to make them white , Iob 23.10 . When hee hath tryed mee I shall come forth as the gold .

2. To teach them obedience . Secondly , to teach them obedience , as well in eschewing evill , Psal. 119.67 . Before I was afflicted I went astray : but now have I kept thy word : as also in doing good , so Christ Iesus learned obedience by the things he did suffer , Heb. 5.8 . and the Apostles learned by afflictions to trust in God , 2 Cor. 1.9 .

Thirdly , 3. To try their faith and patience . to try their faith and patience , as hee did in Iob : whence great afflictions are called fierie tryalls sent to try Gods Children , 1 Pet. 4 12. as Hebr. 11.36 , 37. Others also were tryed by cruell mockings and scourgings , yea by bonds and imprisonments : they were stoned , sawen asunder , tempted , slaine with the sword , &c.

Fourthly , 4. To further them in holines and happinesse . for their furtherance in grace and holinesse here , and in joy and happinesse hereafter , Iames 1.3 . The tryall of faith worketh patience , Hebr. 12.10 . God doth chasten us for our profit , that we might bee partakers of his holinesse , verse 11. though it bee not joyous for the present , yet after it yeeldeth the quiet fruit of righteousnesse . Affliction is Gods Schoole wherin he teacheth the soules of his Children many a sweet lesson , as Psalme 119.71 . It is good for me that I have beene afflicted that I might learne thy statutes .

This brings down their hearts , and causeth them to be more frequent in humble and earnest prayer , and more carefull to meditate on Gods word and works , as Psalme 77.2 . In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord , verse 3. I remembred God : I complained , I considered the dayes of old , &c. all which are notable means of growth in grace , whereby , no doubt , their present joy & future glory shall bee much increased : for our light affliction , which is but for a moment , worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternall weight of glory , 2 Cor. 4.17 . The tryall of faith shall be found unto praise , and honour , and glory at the appearing of Christ Iesus , 1 Pet. 1.7 . If wee suffer we shall also raigne with him , 2 Tim. 2.12 . All which are great benefits of afflictions , and may well perswade us , that in the very extremity of them Gods love in Christ is constant towards us . For what shall separate us from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation , or distresse , or persecution , or famine , or nakednesse , or perill , or sword , &c. Nay in all these things we are more than conquerers , through him that loved us . For I am perswaded , that neither death , nor life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to come , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God , which is in Christ Iesus our Lord , Rom. 8.35.37 , 38.39 . God correcteth every son whom he receiveth , and therein offereth himselfe unto us , as to sonnes , Hebr. 12.6 , 7.

These things well understood and thought upon will much enable faith to quiet and stay the heart in any distresse whatsoever . Application of the doctrine in a case of spirituall distresse through feare of damnation . For , to beginne with the greatest matter of all , say thy soule is perplexed about thy salvation , thou hast great feares of hell , and little hopes of heaven , what must thou now doe .

Answ. First , look thou stand rightly in covenant with God , through faith in Christ Iesus , in whom hee revealeth himselfe to bee the God of grace and mercy , justifying the ungodly and saving sinners , and believe in the Lord Iesus . Secondly , whether thou use the means ordained to this end . Now Gods meanes for this blessing is to believe in the Lord Iesus , Acts 16.31 . Beleeve in the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt be saved , Iohn 3.16 . God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Sonne , that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish , but have everlasting life . What it is to believe . Now thus to beleeve is to rest and rely upon that which Iesus Christ as Redeemer and Mediator hath done and suffered for the salvation of his Church . Aske then thine owne heart , whether thou bee not perswaded , that which God in Christ Iesus is plentifull redemption and salvation , and in none other ? demand againe , whether thou doe not unfeignedly desire to be found of God in Christ , and to rest and rely upon that , which hee hath done and suffered for thy justification and salvation ? Then consider , whether thou doe use Gods Ordinances conscionably , and in an holy manner , to get this grace of faith , and to grow therein . Gods Ordinances , we know , GODS means for faith , the Word and Prayer . are the word and prayer : for faith commeth by hearing the word of God preached , Rom. 10.14 , 17. and prayer obtaines the HOLY GHOST , Luke 11.13 . Which is the spirit of faith , 2 Cor. 4.13 . therefore did the Disciples by prayer seeke faith at Christs hands , saying ; Lord increase our faith , or put faith into us , The holy manner of using the meanes of faith in 3. things . 1. Breaking of the course of every knowne sinne . Luk. 17.5 . The conscionable and holy manner of using the foresaid Ordinances stands in three things .

First , breaking off the course of every knowne sinne , which is a worke of darkenesse ; wherein wee cannot live and have fellowship with Christ , 1 Ioh. 1.6 . Therefore Solomon saih , Turne you at my correction . Lo , I will powre out my spirit upon you , Proverbs 1.23 . and Iohn Baptist prepared the way of the Lord by preaching repentance unto the people , Matth. 3.1 , 2 , 3. without which there is little hope of attayning true faith in Christ , Mat. 21.32 .

Secondly , 2. Hartily desiring the grace we seeke for . we must truly and hartily desire the grace we seeke for . This desire is spirituall hunger and thirst whereto God hath made a promise of satisfaction , Isaiah 44.3 . I will powre water upon him that is thirstie , and flouds upon the dry ground : I will powre my spirit upon thy seed , Mat. 5.6 . Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse for they shall bee satisfied .

Thirdly , 3. Yeelding conscionable obedience to that wee know . we must yeeld concionable obedience to that we know , as well in eschewing evill as in doing good : for to such belongs the gift of the Holy Ghost , Acts 5.32 . Wee are witnesses , and the Holy Ghost , which GOD gives to them that obey him . Thus every one that would bee saved must bee carefull to doe . And when we have so done we must cast our burthen upon the Lord , Psalme 55.22 . that is , rest and rely upon the LORD for that thing , which wee so seeke for , in the foresaid use of meanes : and then have we his promise for the obtaining thereof ; for he hath said , Commit thy way unto the Lord , trust in him , and hee shall bring it to passe , Psalm . 37.5 . On which promise if wee rest , and wait patiently wee shall bee sure to speed : for hee hath said , I will never leave thee nor forsake thee , Heb. 13.5 . What though wee yet feele not the joy of his salvation , whereto David desired to be restored ? Psalme 51.12 . Yet if wee wait upon God in the use of meanes , wee may say to our selves as David did , Why art thou cast downe , ô my soule ? why art thou disquieted in me ? hope thou in God , for I shall yet praise him , who is the health of my countenance , and my God , Psalme 42.11 . When Abraham beleeved God , so as it was imputed to him for righteousnesse , hee had in himselfe no sense or feeling of any thing , wheron to ground his hope of that blessing which GOD promised : but only looked at God , being fully perswaded , that hee who had promised was able to performe it , Romans 4.18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22. And on this practice of Abraham must we cast our thoughts , when wee our selves are perplexed with doubting in our selves about our salvation : so shall wee give glory to God , and receive his gift of eternall life , promised to all that believe : As Abraham and Sarah gave glory to God , in beleeving his promise , and received a sonne , when they were past age , in themselves hopelesse Hebr. 11.11 .

Againe , Application of the doctrine in cases of distresse with outward evils say thou be distressed with outward evills , as warres , famine , sicknesse , banishment poverty , imprisonment or the like : Nay , say that many of these come together upon thee , so as thou art pressed out of measure above strength , and in thine owne thinking thy case is desperate , must thou not be carefull now ? Answ. Surely no further than to use lawfull meanes for thy comfort and deliverance , sanctifying the same by prayer to God for his blessing thereupon : which when thou hast done , though thy misery bee with much extremity , yet if thou hast faith , and canst set it a working , thou shalt undoubtedly , by some of the three forenamed considerations , much quiet thy selfe , and free thy soule from excessive feare of evill .

For first , doth this trouble thee , that thou art so sore distressed with sickenesse , poverty , want , imprisonment , or the like ? Here then call to remembrance GODS right to inflict upon thee any , or all of these evills , when and where , and in what manner he pleaseth . For if thou bee a true beleever , thou wilt not think thy selfe exempted from any of those evils , which the Scripture saith be incident to Gods children . It is the thought of the wicked to say to himselfe , I shall not be moved : I shall never be in adversity , Psalme 10.6 . Indeed sometime corruption remaining will suggest the like into the godly : hence David said in his prosperity , I shall never bee moved ; but GOD quickly taught him another lesson , Thou didst hide thy face , and I was troubled , Psalme 30.6 , 7. and though godly Iob said in the dayes of his honour and prosperity , I shall dye in my nest : I shall multiply my dayes as the sand , Iob 29.18 . Yet it seemes he had many times thoughts of his changeable estate ; for saith hee , when his sore afaffliction was upon him , The thing which I greatly feared is come upon me , Iob 3.25 . And no doubt , if true faith be called to councell in the dayes of peace , it will say it is the Lords mercies thou art not confounded : the continuance of thy freedome is the fruit of his patience : thou art debtor unto GOD for the suffering of any outward evill , yea and of many inward feares , either for correction of sinne , or tryall of grace , whensoever he is pleased to call thee to it : Now shall the debtor thinke it strange , that his creditor doth demand his due ? Here the thiefe upon the Crosse that repented will shame thee for repyning , though thou shouldst suffer a shameful and painfull violent death : fearest thou not God , saith he to his fellow , seeing thou art in the same condemnation ( meaning with Christ Iesus ) wee receive the due reward of our deeds : but this man hath done nothing amisse ; Luke 23.40 , 41. Looke therefore unto Iesus the Author and finisher of thy faith , who endured the Crosse , and despised the shame , Hebrewes 12.2 . He was led as a sheepe to the slaughter , and as a Lambe before the sheerer , dumb , so opened he not his mouth , Acts 8.32 . And hereunto we are called , that is to suffer afflictions patiently , because Christ also suffered for us , leaving us an example , that we should follow his steppes , 1 Pet. 2.21 , 22 , 23. But here thou thinkest upon GODS promise of deliverance made to his servants that call upon him in the day of trouble , Psalm . 50.15 . and because thou hast prayed and art not delivered , therefore thou doubtest of his favour , as Psal. 22.1 , 2.

Answ. Here then , according to the second thing before commended to our consideration , call to remembrance the different nature of Gods promises , and the exception of the Crosse to bee understood in all promises of blessings temporall , and spirituall also , which are not simply necessary to salvation . Let thy heart also think upon Gods prerogative royall for time measure and manner , of performing these promises : and know that if God have given thee faith and patience in afflictions , though they bee great and of long continuance , yet he hath vouchsafed gracious audience to thy prayers : even the same that he did to our blessed Saviour in the time of his passion , as before is shewed .

Thirdly , when thy distresse and griefe is very great , is thine heart affraid of Gods forsaking of thee ? and canst thou hardly think he will suffer it to goe so ill with those that bee his Children , as it doth with thee .

Answer . Yet bee not dismaid : it is no marvell to see the weake reeds shaken with those blasts which make the strong cedars to bow and bend . When Ionas the Prophet was in the Whales belly , hee saith to GOD , I am cast out of thy sight , Ionas 2.4 . Nay , our blessed Saviour himselfe cryed out upon the Crosse , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken me , Matthew 27.46 . know therefore thou that makest conscience of thy wayes , that this feare of Gods forsaking thee , in times of distresse , is from humane frailty , which the best have in them while they bee in this world , and will more strongly assault them , upon the remembrance of former sinnes , though repented of , and upon the conscience of corruption remaining , though it doe not raigne : as wee may see in Iob when he saith unto God , wherefore hidest thou thy face , and holdest mee for thine enemy ? For thou writest bitter things against me , and makest mee to possesse the iniquities of my youth , Iob 13.24 , 26. and more fully in David acknowledging his frailty in this very case ; My spirit , saith he , was overwhelmed , I am so sore troubled , I cannot speake . Will the Lord cast off for ever ? Is his mercy cleane gone ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? And I said , this is mine ininfirmitie , that is , this is my great weakenesse to doubt of Gods mercy , because of my present troubles , Psalme 77.3.4 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10.

Here thou must bring thy heart to the third thing before , commended to thy observation , viz. That GOD is pleased to exercise his own deare children under great and sore afflictions , for most excellent ends , as before is shewed . And indeed , what distresse can befall thee , wherein faith , set a worke to consider of Gods dealing with his own children , may not set before thy view some of the Lords worthies , better than thy selfe , who have suffered the like or far greater evills then are upon thee ? Was not righteous Lot taken captive in Warre , with all his goods ? Gen. 14.12 , 14 Was not Ioseph sold for a servant , cast into prison , and layd in irons ? Psa. 105.17 , 18. Was not the Prophet Ieremy smitten , and cast into the myrie dungeon ? Ier. 37.15 , 16. Was not David hunted after to bee slaine by Saul , as one hunteth a Patridge in the Mountaines ? 1 Samuel 26.20 . Was not Ziklag , where David and his men dwelt , burnt with fire by the Ama lakites and their wives , and Children with all their goods taken captives , 1 Sa. 30.1 , 2 , 5. Were not the Lords Priests , to the number of fourescore and five persons , their City , both men , Women , and Children and sucklings , Oxen , Sheepe , and Asses smitten with the edge of the sword by the command of their owne King , upon a false surmise of conspiracy with innocent David ? 1 Sam. 22.13 , 18 , 19. Was not Ionathan , Davids dearest friend , slaine by the uncircumcised Philistims ? 1 Sam. 31.2 . Nay was not good King Iosiah slaine by Pharaoh-Neco at Megiddo like unto whom there was no KING before him , that turned to the Lord with all his heart , with all his soule , &c. 2 King . 23.25 , 27. Was not Iohn Baptist , greater than whom there rose none before him among them that are borne of women , Matthew 11.11 . imprisoned by Herod , for doing his duty , in telling him it was not lawfull for him to have his brother Philips Wife : and afterward beheaded upon a most triviall occasion , even to gratifie a damsell for her dancing ? Mar. 6.18.26 , 27. Which of the Prophets did not the people of the Iewes persecute ? Acts 7. 52. Had not other of Gods servants , before Christs incarnation , triall of cruell mockings and scourgings , of bonds and imprisonments ? Were they not stoned , sawen asunder , tempted , slaine with the sword : did they not wander about in Sheep-skins , and Goat-skinnes , being destitute , afflicted , and tormented , though the world were not worthy of them ? Hebrewes 11.36 , 37 , 38. And were not Christs own Disciples , and holy Apostles sent forth as Lambes amongst Wolves ? Luke 10.3 . and set forth as men approved unto death , made a spectacle to the world , reviled , persecuted , defamed , made the filth of the world , and the of-scouring of all things ? 1 Cor. 4.9 , 13. Was not Paul in labours abundant , in stripes above measure , in prison frequent , in death oft ? Received hee not of the Iewes five times forty stripes save one ? was hee not thrice beaten with rods ? once stoned ? and thrice suffered shipwracke ? was he not in journyings often , in perills of waters , in perills of robbers , in perills by his owne country men , in perills by the heathen , in perills in the City , in perills in the wildernesse , in perills in the Sea , in perills among false brethren : in wearinesse and painefulnesse ; in watchings often , in hunger and thirst , in fastings often , in cold and nakednesse ? &c. 2 Cor. 11.23 , 24 , 27. Nay , which is more than all the former , was not our blessed Saviour himselfe persecuted , and apprehended by the hands of the ungodly ? Was he not buffeted and spit upon , crowned with thornes , scourged , and most shamefully condemned and crucified ? Now then , what thinkest thou of thy selfe ? art thou better than these ? dost thou thinke God forsooke them in their afflictions ? Why then , stirre up thy heart to say unto the Lord , with subjection to his will , even for the sustaining of death it selfe ; It is enough , Lord , take away my life , for I am no better then my fathers , 1 Kings 19.4 .

When affliction increaseth , and death approacheth , then look unto Iesus the Author and finisher of thy faith lest thou be wearyed and faint in thy mind . He left himselfe an example , that we should follow his steps , in suffering affliction patiently . Now when Peter would have rescued his apprehension by force of armes , he forbade him , saying , The Cup which my Father hath given me , shall I not drink it ? Iohn 18.11 . And remember this word of his , The servant is not greater than his master : If they have persecuted mee , they will also persecute you , Iohn 16. ver. 20.

Adde hereunto the consideration of Gods speciall providence over thee in all thine afflictions : whereupon Christ Iesus bids thee , not to feare them that can kill the body , but are not able to kill the soule . Are not two Sparrowes sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father . The very haires of your head are all numbred . Feare ye not therefore , for yee are of more valew then many Sparrowes , Matthew 10.29.30 , 31. God is faithfull who will not suffer you to bee tempted above that you are able , but will with the temptation also make a way to escape , that ye may be able to beare it , 1 Cor. 10.13 .

Lastly , remember that his love in Christ Iesus is firme and constant unto thee , in thy greatest affliction ; See Romans 8.35 , 38 , 39. What shall seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Iesus ? Surely nothing can doe it , as the things there named , and accounted unable , doe plainely shew , tribulation , anguish , or distresse , persecution , famine , perill , sword , &c. For whom hee loves in CHRIST his Son , he loves to the end , Iohn 13.1 . his gifts and calling to grace and favour in CHRIST are without repentance , Rom. 11.29 . Nay more , rest assured , that as the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to bee compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us , Rom. 8.18 . so our light affliction , which is but for a moment , worketh for us a farre more excellent , and eternall weight of glory , 2 Cor. 4.17 .

The conclusion of the whole By these and such like considerations will the spirits of the godly sustaine their infirmities . Thus will true beleevers , with godly David , encourage themselves in the Lord their God , even when violent death approcheth towards them , 1 Sam. 30.6 . In the multitude of their owne perplexing thoughts within them , will the Lords comforts delight their soules , Psal. 94.19 . Take notice therefore of this duty to strive against distracting worldly cares . Consider the grounds , or reasons , wherby it is pressed : as that thine heavenly father careth for thee : these worldly cares discredit and disgrace thine holy profession ; they are a great and needlesse , nay a very hurtfull burthen to thy poore soule : for the avoyding wherof thou must set faith a worke in every difficulty , small or great , according to the direction before prescribed . So though thou bee weake in thy selfe , yet shalt thou be strong in the Lord , and in whatsoever state thou art , thou shalt bee therewith content . Thou shalt know how to be abased , and how to abound ; both to bee full and to be hungry ; both to abound and to suffer need : yea , to doe all things through Christ which strengtheneth thee , Phil. 4.11 , 12 , 13.

FINIS .