Consolations for the Afflicted, Table of contents
❧ The Contents or chiefe Points contained in the first Booke.
CHAP. I. Of Afflictions, which are the second sort of our worldly enemies, of their power and danger: what they are, and of the diuers kinds of them.
§ 1 THe Preface to the following Discourse.
§ 2 That tentations arising from afflictions are lesse dangerous then those of prosperitie, though in their first aspect they be more terrible.
§ 3 Diuers descriptions of afflictions, being diuersly considered.
§ 4 That Afflictions are either bare punishments, or else also ioyned with sinne.
CHAP. II. Of the causes, effects, subiect and adiuncts of Afflictions.
§ 1 Of the efficient and impulsiue cause of afflictions.
§ 2 Of the ends, effects, subiect & adiuncts of our afflictiōs.
§ 3 That afflictions are euill in their owne nature.
§ 4 That afflictions are not absolutely euil, but inclinable to good through Gods power and wisdome.
CHAP. III. Of the tentation of afflictions, and how it is vrged by the enemies of our saluation.
§ 1 That out of our afflictions ariseth a dangerous tentatiō.
§ 2, 3, 4. How the tentation of afflictions is vrged by Sathan, the world, and our owne flesh.
CHAP. IIiI. Of the preparation which is required before the conflict of afflictions: and first of our spirituall armour, which we must buckle vntounto vsus.
§ 1 That the dangerousnesse of these spirituall enemies must not discourage vsus from the fight.
§ 2 Of the meanes to strengthen vsus against afflictions, respecting either preparation or execution.
§ 3 That we must prepare and put on spirituall armour against our conflict with afflictions.
§ 4 Of the first part of our spirituall armor, which is sauing knowledge.
§ 5 Of the second part, which is iustifying faith.
§ 6 Of the third part, which is trust and affiance in God.
§ 7 Of the fourth part, which is hope in God.
§ 8 Of the fift part, which is the louelove of God.
§ 9 Of the sixt part, which is true humilitie.
§ 10 Of the seuenth part, which is vnfained repentance.
§ 11 That repentance is a notable meanes to free vsus from afflictions.
§ 12 That repentance bringeth vntounto vsus singular ioy and comfort, if we still remaine vnderunder the Crosse.
§ 13 Of the eight part of our spirituall armour, which is a good conscience.
CHAP. V. Of the rules and cautions which are to be obserued in our preparation vntounto the conflict with afflictions.
§ 1 The first rule, that we be diligent in the studie and meditation of Gods word.
§ 2 The second rule, that wee be frequent and feruent in praier.
§ 3 The third rule, that in prosperitie wee labour in moderating and mortifying our affections.
§ 4 The 4. rule, that wee must not faine vntounto our selues afflictions in our conceipt and imagination.
§ 5 6 The fift rule, that wee must not by feare anticipate afflictions.
§ 7 The sixt rule is, that with Christian prouidence wee foresee afflictions before they befall vsus.
§ 8 That we must not fix our hearts on worldly things, nor inioy them as perpetuities, but as moueables.
§ 9 That we must not be secure in prosperitie, but forecast what euills may befall vsus.
§ 10 The seuenth rule, that we must not securely contemne afflictions, nor faintly yeelde vntounto them.
§ 11 The eight rule, that wee must not wilfully runne into afflictions,
§ 12 That we must carefully vse all good meanes whereby we may be freed from afflictions.
¶ The Contents or chiefe points contained in the second Booke.
CHAP. I. Of patience in afflictions, what it is, and the causes and properties thereof.
§ 1 VVHat patience is.
§ 2 That there neuer was any true patience among the heathens.
§ 3 That affliction is the obiect of patience.
§ 4 Of the properties of true patience.
§ 5 That we must not with the Stoicks affect senslesse stupiditie in our afflictions.
§ 6 Of the means to auoid secure blockishnes in afflictions.
§ 7 That moderate griefe in afflictions is foretolde by our Sauiour, and put in practise by the Saints.
§ 8 That there can be no true patience, where there is no passion of griefe.
§ 9 That our patience must be ioyned with constancie.
§ 10 That our patience must be ioyned with willingnes and cheerfulnes in bearing the crosse.
§ 11 That we must shew our cheerfulnes in thankesgiuing and praising Gods name.
§ 12 That our patience must be ioyned with ioy and spirituall reioycing.
§ 13 That none can attaine vntounto perfection in patience, but yet all must labour after it.
CHAP. II. Of the excellencie, vtilitie, and necessitie of Patience.
CHAP. III. Of the means to worke in vsus patience in afflictions; and first of Praier.
§ 1 That heathen philosophy yeeldeth no sound comfort in the time of affliction.
§ 2 That we hauehave by nature no true patience, but that it is Gods free gift.
§ 3 That seeing wee hauehave no true patience by nature, wee must seeke it of God by prayer: and the reasons moouing vsus heereunto: First, because God requireth vsus to performe this dutie in our afflictions.
§ 4 Secondly, Because it is a maine end why God afflicteth vsus.
§ 5 The third reason taken from Gods gracious promises of hearing vsus in the time of trouble.
§ 6 The fourth, because God is our sole Sauiour and deliuerer.
§ 7 The fift, because the time of affliction is most seasonable for prayer.
§ 8 The last reason taken frō the example of Gods Saints.
CHAP. IIII. Of the things which God requireth in the person of him who is to make an acceptable prayer in the time of affliction.
§ 1 The first thing required, is, that he be regenerate.
§ 2 The second, that hee bee made righteous by faith in Christ, and purged from the corruption of sin by repentāce.
§ 3 The third, that hee shew his faith and repentance by their fruits.
§ 4 The fourth, that repenting of all sins hee make an humble confession of them.
CHAP. V. Of the things required in our prayers in respect of the matter, manner, time and continuance.
§ 1 That we must in the first place craue the pardon of sins.
§ 2 Whether we may lawfully pray for deliuerance from afflictions.
§ 3 That wee must come into Gods presence with all feare and reuerence.
§ 4 That we must pray in truth.
§ 5 That we must pray in faith.
§ 6 That we must pray earnestly, & with feruency of spirit.
§ 7 That we must pray in humilitie, whereby we submit our wils to the will of God.
§ 8 That we must vse perseuerance in prayer.
CHAP. VI. That God is the chiefe cause and principall author of all our afflictions.
§ 1 That God pre-ordaineth vsus to suffer afflictions.
§ 2 That God executeth this decree, and actually layeth these afflictions vponupon vsus.
§ 3 That it ought much to comfort vsus, in that our afflictions come from God, the chiefe goodnesse.
§ 4 That wee must not looke onelyonly to inferior causes, but principally to God.
CHAP. VII. That all our afflictions are ruled and disposed by Gods most wise, iust and gracious prouidence, and of the comfort which ariseth from this consideration.
§ 1 That all things befall vsus by Gods appointment.
§ 2 3 That Gods prouidence doth rule all inferior causes of our afflictions both vnreasonable and reasonable.
§ 4 That Gods prouidence ouerruleth the actions and intentions of wicked men.
§ 5 6 Why God rather vseth wicked instruments, then correcteth by his owne hand.
§ 7 How it will stand with Gods iustice to punish wicked men for hauing been his instruments in executing his iudgements.
§ 8 That we are not vtterly to neglect the inferior causes of our afflictions▪
§ 9 That the Lord so disposeth the ends of inferior causes, that he maketh them serue for his supreme ends, namely his glory and our saluation.
§ 10 That Gods prouidence ordereth and disposeth of all our afflictions, both in respect of their manner, measure and continuance.
CHAP. VIII. Of the meritorious cause of our afflictions which is our sinne.
§ 1 That sinne is the deseruing cause of all our afflictions.
§ 2 That though God doe not alwaies afflict vsus for sinne; yet this is the best vse which we can make of afflictions to ascribe them to our sinnes.
§ 3 That all our afflictions must bring vsus to a sight of sinne and repentance for it, not onelyonly in generall but also in particular.
§ 4 That much comfort ariseth from the consideration of the meritorious cause of afflictions, first because we hauehave no iust cause of mourning, seeing Gods iustice and truth is manifested, and we receiue no wrong.
§ 5 Their obiection answered who say that they suffer as innocents.
§ 6 That God inflicteth on vsus far lighter punishments then our sinnes deserue.
§ 7 8 Of the hainousnesse of sinne.
§ 9 10 That sinne is most odious to God, and contrary to his pure nature.
§ 11 That we are guilty of all maner of sinne.
§ 12 That the smalnesse of our afflictions, being compared with the greatnesse of our sinnes, should much increase our patience and comfort.
§ 13 That others greater punishments, who hauehave lesse offended compared with our lighter afflictions should make vsus patient.
§ 14 They answered, who say that they are more grieuously afflicted then others who hauehave more hainously offended.
CHAP. IX. That our afflictions are not signes of Gods hatred, nor the punishments of a righteous iudge, but the chastisments of a gracious father.
§ 1 That we can hauehave no true patience, vnlesse we …e assured that all our afflictions doe spring from Gods louelove.
§ 2 That the world iudgeth of Gods louelove or hatred by the outward estate.
§ 3 That this conceipt is the ground of a most dangerous tentation.
§ 4 That afflictions are not signes of Gods hatred.
§ 5 In what sense God is said to be angry with the faithfull and to punish their sinnes.
§ 6 That the afflictions of the faithfull are not properly punishments, but fatherly Chastisements, proued by many reasons; and the contrary obiections answered, from sect. 6. to 15.
§ 15 That there were no comfort in afflictions, if they were punishments.
CHAP. X. That all our afflictions proceed from Gods meere louelove, and that this louelove appeareth, first in the measure of our afflictions, both in respect of their quantity and time.
§ 1, 2. That God loueth his children wisely like a father, and not cockeringly like a mother.
§ 3 That there is appointed to eueryevery one a certaine measure of afflictions which cannot be exceeded.
§ 4 That our afflictions are in their quantity small and light.
§ 5 That our afflictions are short and momentany.
§ 6 They answered who say, that their afflictions are long and tedious.
CHAP. XI. That God so measureth our afflictions vntounto vsus, as that they doe not exceed our strength.
§ 1 That our afflictions exceed not our strength: prooued by Scriptures.
§ 2 That Christ tempereth our cup, and therefore we may be assured that he will fit it to our strength.
§ 3, 4 That the holy Ghost assisteth and comforteth vsus in all our afflictions.
§ 5 That God mingleth comforts and benefits with our afflictions and crosses.
§ 6 They answered who complaine that their crosses exceed their comforts.
§ 7 That we must comfort our selues in our wants, by considering what benefits we still inioy.
§ 8 That God moderateth our griefe for worldly Crosses by giuing vntounto vsus spirituall comforts.
§ 9 That Paul was not afflicted aboue his strength, as his words s…eme to signifie. 2. Cor. 1. 8.
§ 10 They answered who obiect the impatiency of some of the faithfull.
§ 11 They answered, who obiect the example of some who fall away in the time of affliction.
§ 12 That the former consideration is full of comfort.
CHAP. XII. That God afflicteth vsus no more then is necessary, for his owne glory and our saluation.
§ 1 That our estate of corruption necessarily requireth affliction.
§ 2 That the Lord taketh no delight in our smart, but vseth all meanes to preuent our punishment.
§ 3 That the measure of our afflictions exceedeth not necessity.
§ 4, 5. That wee may by the greatnesse of Gods corrections guesse at the grieuousnesse of our faults.
CHAP. XIII. That Gods louelove appeareth in the ends of our afflictions. First as he vseth vsus as instruments in them to set forth his glory.
§ 1 That God is glorified in the fight of his souldiers, and in the corrections of his children.
§ 2 That he is glorified in the manifestation of his power and goodnesse assisting vsus in our afflictions.
§ 3 That he is glorified in our afflictions, as they are trials of his spirituall graces.
§ 4 That it is a great comfort in afflictions to consider that God is glorified by them.
CHAP. XIIII. That God by our afflictions doth much aduance the good of our neighbours.
§ 1 That our neighbours receiue good by our afflictions: First, as by them they learne to feare God in his iudgements.
§ 2 Secondly, as they restraine them from committing the same sinnes which they see punished in vsus.
§ 3 Thirdly, as they serue to manifest Gods graces in vsus for their good example.
§ 4 Forthly, as we are examples of humane frailty,
§ 5 Fiftly, as by them they are brought to see Gods perfections in our imperfections, that they may glorifie him in them.
§ 6 Sixthly, as by our afflictions we are made more compassionate, ready and able to comfort others.
§ 7 That the good of our brethren should much comfort vsus in affliction.
CHAP. XV. That afflictions doe no… hurt the faithfull, nor bring vntounto them any great euill.
§ 1 That though afflictions be euill in their owne nature, yet their nature is changed to the faithfull.
§ 2▪ 3 Reasons why worldly afflictions cannot hurt the faithfull. First, because they doe not depriue vsus of blessings which are of greatest worth, but rather increase them.
§ 4 That afflictions b…ing not vponupon vsus the chiefest euils, but rather the contrary good.
§ 5 That it is a great euil to be exempted wholy from afflictions.
CHAP. XVI. That God aduanceth the good of the faithfull by their afflictions, and first as they are trials of their spirituall graces.
§ 1 That God in afflicting vsus aimeth at our good.
§ 2 That our afflictions are sometime trials of Gods graces, and not chastizements for our sinnes, in respect of their maine and chiefe end.
§ 3 4 That God trieth vsus, not to better his owne knowledge, but to make vsus knowne both to our selues and others.
§ 5 That God trieth vsus by afflictions, first whether we are true christians indued with sauing grace or no.
§ 6, 7 Second, vntounto what measure of grace we hauehave attained.
§ 8 That God trieth vsus principally for his owne glory, and then for the aduancing of our good name through the manifestation of his graces in vsus.
§ 9 That God also by afffiction discouereth our infirmities and corruptions for our humiliation.
CHAP. XVII. That the former consideration to wit that our crosses are trialls tending to Gods glory and our good, may much comfort vsus in enduring of them.
§ 1 That we ought to reioyce in our afflictions in that by these trialls God is glorified and we assured of our adoption.
§ 2 How we may know when our afflictions are trialls and when chastisements for sinne.
§ 3 That we may be comforted in our trialls, in that they hauehave alwaies a good issue and tend to our great profit.
§ 4 They answered who obiect the greatnesse of their trialls and the smallnesse of their strength.
§ 5 That our greatest trialls should bring greatest comfort, because they are signes of greatest grace.
§ 6 That God much honoreth vsus in this fiery triall.
CHAP. XVIII. That God vseth our afflictions as effectuall meanes to further our conuersion.
§ 1, 2. The former point proued by scripture, and illustrated by examples.
§ 3 That God by afflictions fitteth and prepareth vsus for the hearing of his word.
§ 4 That by afflictions he worketh in vsus contrition and humiliation.
§ 5 That afflictions ordinarily are the last meanes which God vseth to conuert obstinate sinners.
§ 6 That those afflictions bring much comfort which further our conuersion.
CHAP. XIX. That God vseth afflictions as an effectuall means to preuent vsus from falling into sinne, as also to mortifie and subdue our corruptions.
§ 1 That it is one maine end why God afflicteth vsus, to preserue vsus from falling into sinnes, when we are naturally inclined to commit them.
§ 2 That this consideration should worke in vsus patience in afflictions,
§ 3 That God first vseth meanes for the preuention of sin, and then for the mortifying and subduing it.
§ 4 That afflictions effectually mooue vsus to forsake sinne, and to leaue our wicked courses.
§ 5 That afflictions make vsus carefully vse all good meanes for the mortifying of our sinnes.
§ 6 That God by afflictions especially mortifieth our pride, carnall concupiscence, selfe-louelove, and louelove of the world.
§ 7 That we would immoderatly louelove the world, if we were not weaned from it by afflictions.
§ 8 That the Lord in great mercy weaneth vsus by afflictions from the louelove of the world.
§ 9 That we doate vponupon the world though it be miserable, and therefore much more would we fondly affect it, if wee found in it nothing but prosperitie.
§ 10 That the louelove of the world, if it were not mortified, would betray vsus to the diuell.
§ 11 That we are much to reioyce in afflictions, seeing God vseth them as means to mortifie our sinnes.
§ 12 That our grieuous afflictions argue our grieuous sins.
§ 13 That if wee indure much with patience to be eased of temporall euils, much more should we willingly beare, to be freed from those which are euerlasting.
CHAP. XX. That God by afflictiōs increseth in vsus al his spiritual graces, & first those which are seated in the vnderstāding.
§ 1 That afflictions exercise, and by exercising, preserue in vsus Gods sauing graces.
§ 2 That afflictions increase and multiply in vsus Gods sauing graces.
§ 3 That God by afflictions increaseth in vsus sauing knowledge and spirituall wisedome.
§ 4 That the benefit of spirituall wisdome much exceedeth our hurt by afflictions.
§ 5 That afflictions are notable meanes to put vsus in remembrance of God.
CHAP. XXI. That God by afflictions doth much confirme, strengthen and increase our faith.
§ 1 That afflictiōs strengthen our faith by making vsus more carefull in the vse of the meanes, and by exercising it with these trials.
§ 2 That our faith is strengthned in afflictions, first through the experience which wee hauehave of the truth both of Gods threatnings and gracious promises.
§ 3 Secondly, by causing vsus to renue our repentance, and by assuring vsus that our sinnes thus corrected shall not come into condemnation.
§ 4 Thirdly, as they are signes of our effectuall calling.
§ 5 Fourthly, as they are signes of our adoption.
CHAP. XXII. That God by our afflictions confirmeth and increaseth in vsus, our affiance, hope, louelove, feare, and humilitie.
CHAP. XXIII. That God by our afflictions worketh and increaseth in vsus repentance and new obedience.
§ 1 That by afflictions we come to examine our ways, to see our sinnes, and to bewayle them.
§ 2 That by afflictions we are mooued to hate our sinnes, to confesse them vntounto God, to flee and forsake them, and to serue the Lord in the dueties of holines and righteousnes.
§ 3. 4. That by afflictions God worketh and increaseth in vsus new obedience.
§ 5 That these fruits of new obedience springing from afflictions should mooue vsus to beare them with patience.
§ 6 That God by afflictions maketh vsus more zealous in the dueties of his seruice.
§ 7. 8, 9. That God by afflictions maketh vsus to performe more frequently & feruently vntounto him the duty of praier.
§ 10 That by our afflictions wee are made more sincere in our confession of sin, and more earnest in our petitions.
§ 11 That by them wee are mooued more frequently and heartily to giuegive thankes vntounto God.
§ 12 That the former consideration may much comfort vsus in affliction.
§ 13 That God by our afflictions worketh and increaseth our patience.
CHAP. XXIIII. That God by afflictions worketh and increaseth in vsus all those vertues which concerne eyther our neighbors or our selues.
§ 1 That by afflictions wee are mooued to doe iustice vntounto all men.
§ 2 Secondly, to be more merciful & compassionate towards others in miserie.
§ 3 Thirdly, to be more meeke, humble, & curteous towards our neighbours.
§ 4 That by afflictions wee attaine vntounto the knowledge of our selues.
§ 5 That the exercise of afflictions increaseth our strength to beare them.
§ 6 That God by afflictions increaseth our courage and christian fortitude.
§ 7 That thereby he increaseth in vsus temperance, sobrietie, modestie, and chastitie.
CHAP. XXV. That the Lord vseth our afflictions as meanes to conuey vntounto vsus diuers worldly benefits.
§ 1 That by afflictions we profit much in worldly wisedome and policie.
§ 2 That by afflictiōs we are enabled to discern our friends from flatterers.
§ 3 That afflictions crowne vsus with a good name, whilest they discouer our spirituall graces.
§ 4 That by afflictions we come to rellish better Gods blessings and benefits.
CHAP. XXVI. The Lord vseth afflictions as a notable means to preserue vsus from condemnation, and to further our eternall glory and happinesse.
§ 1 That the Lord by afflictions preserueth vsus from condemnation.
§ 2 That by them he furthereth our euerlasting glorie and saluation.
§ 3 That afflictions fit and prepare vsus for the kingdome of heauen.
§ 4 That by them we are assured of euerlasting happinesse: first, through Gods gracious promises made to the faithfull which are afflicted.
§ 5 That by Gods workes the faithfull which are afflicted may be assured of heauenly happinesse.
§ 1 That afflictions keepe vsus in the way of righteousnesse, which leadeth to Gods kingdome.
§ 7 That afflictions are the way whereby we must enter into heauen.
§ 8 That wee may comfort our selues in our afflictions, by remembring that they further vsus in attaining vntounto happinesse.
§ 9 That by our afflictions our heauenly ioy and glory shall be much increased.
§ 10 That this should make vsus not onelyonly patient, but also ioyfull in our greatest afflictions, and how by degrees wee must ascend vntounto this reioycing.
CHAP. XXVII. That afflictions in their owne nature doe not deriue vntounto vsus the former blessings, but as they are sanctified vntounto vsus for these ends by the spirit of God.
§ 1 That God by his infinit power & wisdome altereth the nature of afflictions, and maketh them profitable vntounto vsus.
§ 2, 3. That afflictions tend to the hurt of the wicked, not making them better, but much worse.
§ 4 The causes why wicked men profit not by their afflictions, but grow worse and worse.
§ 5 That the present afflictions of wicked men doe not free thē frō future punishmēts, but rather much increase thē.
§ 6 That afflictions sometime for want of a right vse of them, bring no present benefit to the faithfull themselues.
CHAP. XXViII. Consolations taken from the subiect place of our afflictions, & from their adiuncts, namely their necessity, profit, breuity and lightnes, and from the assistance of our associates.
§ 1 That God hath appointed vsus in this world to suffer afflictions, and to inherite happinesse in the life to come.
§ 2 That this world is the place of triall and tentation, and preparation and spirituall exercise.
§ 3 That this world is the place of our pilgrimage, and therefore we must looke for pilgrimes entertainment.
§ 4 That the world is the place of our warfare, and therefore we must expect conflicts and the hard vsage of poore souldiers.
§ 5 Consolations taken from the necessity, profit, shortnesse and lightnesse of our afflictions.
§ 6 That God appointeth his holy Angels to assist vsus in our afflictions.
§ 7 That in all our afflictions we hauehave Christ an assistant and copartner with vsus in our griefes.
CHAP. XXIX▪ That we may receiue much comfort by comparing our lesser and lighter afflictions with those greater and heauier which Gods dearest Saints hauehave suffered.
§ 1 That it hath beene alwaies the portion of the faithfull to indure in this world misery and affliction.
§ 2 to 8. Of the afflictions of Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Iacob, Moses, Iob, Dauid, Paul and the rest of the Apostles.
§ 9 That the Scriptures foretell these afflictions of the faithfull.
§ 10 That we may receiue much comfort by the examples of the afflicted Saints.
§ 11 A consolation for those who complaine, that they are afflicted for their grieuous sinnes.
CHAP. XXX. Consolations arising from the comparing of our light & small afflictions, with those grieuous punishments which Christ suffered for vsus.
§ 1 Of the manifold afflictions which Christ suffered both in his life and death.
§ 2 That Christ suffered all these miseries being iust and innocent.
§ 3 That h… suffered them for vsus who are sinners.
§ 4 That wee shall be adiudged vnworthy to raigne with Christ, if we be not content to suffer with him.
§ 5 That God hath preordained those to be like Christ in his sufferings, who shall be like vntounto him in glory.
§ 6 That many would willingly raigne with Christ, but few are content to suffer with him.
CHAP. XXXI. That we may much comfort our selues, by comparing our afflictions with the punishments of the wicked from which Christ hath freed vsus.
§ 1 Of the manifold and great miseries which worldlings suffer for the attayning vntounto earthly vanities.
§ 2 Examples of Heathen men.
§ 3 Of the paines, dangers and miseries which worldlings suffer to attaine vntounto earthly trifles.
§ 4 That we may receiue much comfort if we compare our light afflictions with the hellish torments of the damned.
§ 5 That it wil much comfort vsus, if we compare our earthly afflictions with the heauenly ioyes.
CHAP. XXXII. That we must with our spirituall consolations ioyne worldly comforts, when by lawfull meanes we may enioy them.
§ 1 That we ought not to neglect any lawfull meanes of comfort or freedome from the crosse.
§ 2 3 That we must make knowne our griefes to some wise and faithfull friend, of whom we are to make fit choise.
§ 4 Lawfull recreations must be ioyned with honest labors.
CHAP. XXXIII. Of the consolatiōs which arise from the assurance which we hauehave of our deliuerance out of our afflictions.
§ 1 That God deliuereth the faithfull in that time which is most fit and seasonable.
§ 2 That God seeth and taketh notice of all our afflictions to deliuer vsus out of them.
§ 3 That he is present with the faithfull in all their afflictions to helpe and relieue them.
§ 4 Of the consolation which ariseth from the assurance of Gods presence with vsus.
§ 5 That Gods power is omnipotent and all sufficient to help vsus.
§ 6 That he most dearely loueth vsus, and therfore is willing and ready to helpe vsus.
§ 7 That God especially sheweth his louelove to the faithfull in the time of affliction.
§ 8 Consolations arising from Gods gratious promises of helpe and deliuerance.
§ 9 That the Lord is the God of comfort and consolation, and therefore will comfort vsus.
§ 10 Examples of those, who hauing trusted in God, hauehave beene deliuered in due time.
§ 11 Of the consolation which ariseth from these exampls.
§ 12 That we may comfort our selues in the remembrance of our owne deliuerances.
CHAP. XXXIIII. How to strengthen our faith, hope and patience, when God deferreth to performe his promises concerning our deliuerance.
§ 1 How we are to vnderstand Gods promises concerning our deliuerance out of afflictions.
§ 2 The first meanes of comfort is to meditate in Gods word, and first of Gods commandement to wait.
§ 3 Secondly to meditate on Gods gracious promises.
§ 4 Thirdly to consider that these promises are infallible.
§ 5 Fourthly to consider, that God vsually deferreth to helpe those who are most strong in grace and most deare vntounto him.
§ 6 Fiftly to consider, that God neuer failed to performe his promises at last to those who hauehave waited vponupon him.
§ 7 Sixtly, To consider, that the Lord deferreth to deliuer vsus from the furthering of our eternall good and saluation.
§ 8 Seuenthly, to consider that the Lord oftentimes deliuereth the faithfull out of affliction, when their estate seemeth most desperate.
§ 9 Eightly, To consider, that God waiteth vponupon vsus to saue and deliuer vsus in the fittest time.
CHAP. XXV. Of certaine duties to be performed for the strengthning of our faith, hope and patience, when God deferreth to deliuer vsus, and of our thanksgiuing when we are deliuered.
§ 1 The first dutie to be performed, is often to renue our repentance.
§ 2 That vnlesse we performe this duty of repentance, we can hauehave no assurance of helpe and deliuerance.
§ 3 The second duty is to renue our faith in Gods promises.
§ 4 The third duty is humbly to submit our selues to Gods good pleasure.
§ 5 The fourth duty is to trust in God at all times, in the presence and absence of inferior meanes.
§ 6 The fift duty is frequent and feruent praier.
§ 7 That after our delouerance we must render vntounto God praise and thankesgiuing.
§ 8 What kind of thankefulnesse is to be offered vntounto God for our deliuerance.
A. In the third part of the Christian Warfare against the World, we are to consider.
1. Of the enemies against whō wee must fight, which are the worlds forces on the left hand: viz. afflictions, in which wee are to consider, chap. 1, 2, 3.
1. Their nature and quality, which is deciphered by lib. 1. c. 1, 2.
Diuers descriptions of afflictions. lib. 1 chap. 1. sect. 3, 4.
Shewing their
Causes:
Efficient.
Finall.
Effects. lib. 1. c. 2.
Subiect.
Adiuncts and properties.
2. The manner of their fight by a dangerous tentation l. 1. c. 3.
Arising from them. l. 1. c. 3.
Strongly vrged by
1. Sathan. l. 1. c. 3. s. 2.
2. The world. s. 3.
3. Our owne flesh. s. 4.
2. The meaner to ouercome them, which respect either
Preparation to the sight: vntounto whish is required
Prouisiō of spirituall armor, cōsisting of many parts: as, lib. 1. cap. 4.
1. Sauing knowledg. l. 4. c. 4. s. 4.
2. Iustifying faith. s. 5.
3. Truth or affiance in God. s. 6.
4. Hope in God. s. 7.
5. LoueLove of God. s. 8.
6. True humilitie. s. 9.
7. Vnfained repentance. s. 10, 11. 12.
8. A good conscience, s. 13.
Training in this warfare, vntounto which is required the learning and obseruing of eight rules, whereby we may be inabled to demeane our selues well in this conflict. lib. 1. cap. 5.
Fight it selfe.
B. The fight it selfe, vntounto which is required holy and christian behauiour both in the
Conflict, in which is required that we beare our afflictions with patiēce, wher we are to consider;
First, of patience it selfe. libr. 1. c. 2. where is shewed:
1. what it is, c. 1. sect. 1. 2.
2. The obiect of it.
3. The nature and properties of it. sect 4. to. 13.
The means to attain to it, which ar of 2. sorts.
1 Reasons commēding this vertue to our louelove, & inciting vsus to seeke after it, as the
1. Ecellency c. 2. sect. I.
2. Vtilitie sect. 2.
3. Necessity sect. 3.
2 Actiōs to be performed of vsus, which respect eyther
Prayer, where consider
Of the reasons which may moue vsus to perform this duty in our afflicitons, c. 3. sect. 2. to. 8.
Of the things required in this prayer, both in respect of the
Person that prayeth.
Praier it selfe, whereof the
matter.
maner.
time & continuance.
Meditation, vie C.
Victory, namelythankesgiuing and praysing God. lib. 2. c. vlt.
C. Meditations vponupon such reasons as may increase …ur patience and comfort, which rea…ons concerne either the
Enduring of the crosse: and these are either
Spirituall, springing out of holy Scriptures, which are either
Simple, arising either from the
Causes and effects of our afflictions,
Efficient. Vide D.
Finall. Vide E.
Subiect & adiuncts of our afflictions:
Subiect: taken from the consideration of the place. c. 28.
Adiuncts: as the
Necessitie
Profit
Breuitie
Lightnes of them. c. 28. s. 5.
And our assistants,
The Angels. s. 6.
Our Sauiour Christ s. 7.
Comparatiue, raised by cōparing our lesser afflictions with the greater of
1. Gods deerest children, as either
All the faithfull. c. 29.
Our Sauiour Christ. c. 30.
2. Of worldlings, for attaining their worldly ends. c. 31. s. 1, 2, 3.
3. With the punishments of the damned. s. 4.
4. With the eternall ioyes which follow our short affliction. c. 31. s. 5.
Ciuill, and worldly, grounded vpō meere morall cōsiderations: which are especially two:
Imparting our grief to a friend. c. 3. 2. s. 2, 3.
Lawfull
Labour. s. 4.
Recreation. s. 4.
End, assuring vsus of a seasonable deliuerance: which are taken from Gods
Al seeing knowledge.
Presence with vsus to helpe vsus.
Omnipotent power.
Infinite louelove. c 33.
Gracous promises, where of the meanes to strengthen our saith when God deferreth to accomplish his promises. chap. 34.
D. Causes efficient, are either the causes
Inflicting, namely God, in a three fold respect:
1. Predestination, ordaining vsus vntounto them: c. 6. s. 1.
2. Execution, whereby according to his purpose he doth effect it. c. 6. s. 2, 3, 4.
3. Prouidence, whereby hee rules and disposeth them for his glory, and our good. c. 7.
Moouing the Lord to afflict vsus, which are either in
VsUs, the deseruing cause, sinne, c. 8.
God, namely, his louelove, correcting vsus as a father; and not his wrath, punishing as a Iudge: cap. 9. which louelove appeareth in our afflictions, both in the
Measure, chap. 10. both in respect of
The afflictions themselues, and that in respect of their
Quantitie, which is small. § 4.
Time, which is short. §. 5.
VsUs who beare them, seeing they doe not exceed
Our strength. chap. 11.
Necessitie. chap. 12,
Ends make knowne in their effects.
E. Finall causes of afflictions are either
Our good, and that whether we respect our
Neighbours.
Our selues, where is prooued that afflictions,
are not hurtfull, chap. 15.
Are profitable, both in respect of
this life, and that whether we consider them as
trialls.
chasticements in which respect God aduanceth our good, and that both
spirituall, vide F.
earthly and worldly benefits, which are increased by afflictions, as
1. wisedome and policie, c. 25. sect. 1.
2. abilitie to discern friends from flatterers, sect. 2.
3. a good name. sect. 3.
4. better taste of Gods benefits, sect. 4.
life to come, for by them …e
preserueth vsus from condemnation, c. 26. sect. 1.
furthereth our saluation, an… increaseth our happinesse, sect. 2. to. 9.
F. Spirituall, seeing by them the Lord furthereth our
Sanctification whilest God vseth them as meanes to
free vsus from sinne, both by
preuenting, c. 19. sect. 1, 2.
Mortifying, c 19. sect. 3.
To furnish vsus with sanctifying graces, the which is proued:
First in generall, c. 20. § 1. 2.
2. More particularly, the special graces wherewith they furnish vsus, respect eyther
God, either in the
Vnderstanding which are either the
knowledge of God. c. 20 sect. 3. 4.
Remēbrance of God. c. 20. sest. 5.
Heart and affections▪
Affiance,
Hope,
LoueLove,
Feare,
Humilitie c. 22.
In both together, namely,
faith, c. 21.
fruits of them all,
Repentance.
New obedience. c. 23.
our neighbours, for by afflictions we are moued to imbracë
iustice, c. 24 sect. 1.
compassion, sect. 2.
Humilitie and Meeknes, sect. 3.
Our selues, for by afflictions wee hauehave increase of
The knowledge of our selues, sect. 4.
Strength to beare them. §. 5.
Courage and fortitude, §. 6.
Temperance, sobrietie, modestie, chastitie. sect. 7.