The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 7
CHAP. VII. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about Afflictions
Quest. WHat is Affliction?
Answ. Any trouble, grief, or evil whatsoever, that happeneth either to soul or body, name, goods, or estate, for correction of sin, or for trial, as it doth to the godly: or for punishment and vengeance, as it doth to the wicked, Rom. 2.8.
Quest. Why doth God suffer his children to be distressed and afflicted?
Answ. He respects himself therein: For
First, God gaines glory many wayes by it; As first his power is seen in their distresses, his love, goodnesse, truth, &c. Then the Saints can say with Job, Mine eyes have seen thee, Job 42.5.
Secondly, not only present power and mercy is then seen, but former: we see what power was used in preventing misery, what mercy in giving comfort.
Thirdly, Then God shall have their custome and company. Children that care not for their Parents in prosperity, will flie to them in adversity.
He aimes at his peoples good therein: For
1. Whilest they are Spectators, they lay about them in getting and exercising of grace. Others deep sorrows make us see how needful it is to get much faith, patience, Scriptures, &c. in readinesse.
2. They stir up to prayers, mercies, &c. as when Peter was in prison, they thought it high time to pray, Acts 12.5.
3. When themselves be afflicted, they help themselves by the afflictions of others; Such suffered this affliction, and God loves them, why not me also? Such cried, and sped well, why may not I? Psal. 32.5, 6.
God aimes at the Parties good in great distresses: Hereby they are tried, humbled, have experience of their frailties and graces. We know little of our selves till much distressed, neither what our weaknesse, nor what our strength in Christ is: How poor our selves, no… how great our God is.
2. Hereby they are brought to receive often sentence of misery, Death, Hell in themselves; and its good to taste these things before we feel any of them: It will empty a man of himself, and make him trust in the living God. It will learn him those three lessons of Christianity, mentioned by Paul, Phil. 3.3. To worship God spiritually, to make Christ his joy, and to lay down all confidence in the flesh.
3. Hereby they are made helpful to all, For 1. We cannot pity others till experience hath taught us. 2. We will not be serviceable till affliction hath humbled and broken us. 3. We know not how to comfort others till our selves have been wounded and healed: But when we have learned by experience, we can make our plaister serve another man, and comfort him in the same affliction with the same consolation, 2 Cor. 1.4.
See Dr. Harris's Davids comfort, p. 56.
Quest. Why doth God suffer holy men to be afflicted?
Answ. Saint Chrysostome hath set down eight Reasons, to which more may be added.
First, because otherwise they would grow proud of their gifts and graces.
Secondly, lest others should over-value them, and account them Gods rather then men.
Thirdly, that Gods power might the better appear in their weaknesse.
Fourthly, that their patience might be manifested, and made exemplary, as in Job.
Fifthly, to minde and assure us of the Resurrection. For if man suffer not any that hath taken paines for him to go away unrewarded: much lesse will God suffer such as have endured so much for him, to go away uncrowned, Rom. 8.17.
Sixthly, For the consolation of others, when they see that all things fall alike to all.
Seventhly, That we may the better imitate them in their vertues, when by their sufferings we see that they were Partakers of the same nature with our selves.
Eighthly, that we may be enabled to judge aright who are indeed happy, and who are truly calamitous and miserable.
Ninthly, for the clearing of his own justice, as in David.
Tenthly, for purging out corruption by the rod of correction.
Eleventhly, to wean them from the world by embittering it to them; as in the Prodigal.
Twelfthly, to prevent sinne by hedging up the way with thornes, Hosea 2.6.
Thirteenthly, to make them flie to God, as the childe to the mother when its frighted.
See Stock on Mal. ch. 3. p. 236.
Quest. But what shall we say to extraordinary afflictions?
Answ. They are no good proofs of a bad person or condition, as in Job, &c.
Obj. But would God so afflict me if I were his childe?
Answ. So? How so?
Obj. I am crossed in a childe as never man was: so ungrateful: so unnatural?
Answ. Yea, except David: Eli▪ and yet they were beloved.
Obj. Oh, but I have such a beast to my husband as never woman had?
Answ. Yea, Abigail.
Obj. Oh, but my estate is so broken, that I am worth nothing?
Answ. So was Davids at Ziklag: So Naomies, and yet beloved.
Obj. Oh, but I have sold all, and now want bread?
Answ. So did the widow of Sarepta, 2 Kings 4.1. So Neh. 5.2. &c. and Lam. 5.6, 10.
Obj. Oh, but my body is smitten too?
Answ. So was Davids: Psal. 32.3. and Jobs: and yet beloved.
Ob. But I am disabled from all service: I can neither pray, nor read, nor heare, nor live, nor die.
Answ. So the Saints, Ps. 102.3. &c. the Church in Isay, and yet beloved.
Ob. Oh, but my spirit is wounded. I am scorched with hell-flames in my conscience.
Answ. So Job, and David, and yet beloved.
Ob. Oh, but I am torn in pieces with hellish blasphemous tentations?
Answ. Christ had such offered from Satan, and yet beloved.
Ob. Oh, but I am haunted with lusts: now impure lusts: then covetous, revengful lusts, &c.
Answ. So was Paul, Rom. 7.14. &c. Gal: 5.17. yet beloved. Resolve therefore that neither things present, nor things to come, shall be able to seperate us from the love of God, in Christ. For no affliction forfeits our title.
Ob. Oh, but mine be sins, passions, tentations?
Answ. Let them be what they will. If they be afflictions to us: If they tire, wound; and make us cry to God, as Jehosaphat did, when they pursue us, they weaken not our title.
Ob. Oh, but the smart of them may cause that without the hatred of sin! they may make us weary because painful not sinfull!
Answ. 1. They may: but these two are not well opposed: painfulness comes after from the sinfulness: were they not sinful you could brook them well enough, for their pleasure and prosperity.
Secondly, If opposed; know the pains in hippocrites only follows sin committed, whereas thou arr distressed before hand, and art afraid to commit sin, and cryest as Paul, Rom: 7:24. Who shall deliver me from this body of death.
Thirdly, Only great sins are painefull, if nothing but pain be heeded, whereas thou art …roubled with the First motions; with the whole body of sin.
Fourthly, Sin is onelyonly painful to the unsanctified, whereas thou art as much troubled for want of faith, love, humility, thankfulness, as for the overflowing of sin.
Fifthly, Paine makes an hyppocrite houle, but not to God, at least in the First place. But sin drives a Davia, First to God, then to men: It ends in prayer, not in fretting, dispaire &c. And is it thus with thee? Either thou must condemne David, or confess that a man may be crossed in wife, childe, house, goods, friends, Kinsmen, all at once: Nay, hazarded in his life, tempted in his soul, troubled in his conscience, yea plunged into a Sea of miseries, and yet be dear to, and beloved of God. Dr. Harris.
Quest. What other reasons may be rendered why Gods Children are exercised with grievous crosses?
Answ. Because they are so beset with corruption, and therefore must be purged. For
First, Gods children will sometimes venture on noisom meats, and hurtfull poison; they will feed on grosser sins; they will drink in the puddle of iniquity, and when the child hath so done what should the father doe? If David will lie, and commit adultery, and murther the innocent, what can God do less (Unless he would have him spoiled) then scourge him throughly, when he will be walking so near Hells-mouth, then take him by the heels, and make him believe that he will throw him in. Its bettet he should lose his sin them God his childe.
Secondly, If they fall not to deadly poison, yet will they surfet of lawful meats; and pleasures unlawfully: So childish we are that we cannot be turned lose to delights, and keep a meane: we cannot have prosperity but we abuse it, swell, brag, snuff, look over our brethren, and forget our selves; It was so with David, Psa. 30.6.7. Hezekiah, Jsa. 39.2.
Thirdly, God hath but need to dyet the best of us sometimes, We are so lazie when we are full, as men after a Feast: we follow our calling as if we would drop a sleep: we performe exercises of Religion as children say their lessons, minding every thing rather then that in hand: We come to Gods ordinances as fed wantons to a Feast: nothing pleaseth unless it be some cickshaw, or new invention, though the worst dish upon the Table; So one trick of wit doth more affect, then twenty gracious sentences. It stands the Lord therefore upon if he will provide for his harvest, and our good, to take some pains with us, lest he faile of his vintage whilest we want dressing.
Fourthly, Crosses had need to come, and to come thick, and to come in strength to the strongest of us, because in the best there be many, and strong corruptions. Oh the pride, the pride, the unbelief, the ignorances, the self-love that lodges in the purest soul! So that the child would be spilt, if the rod were spared.
Fifthly, as God lays many crosses on us, so we may thank our selves for many too, not only because we deserve them, but in that we work them out of our own bowels: For many we draw upon our selves by riot, idleness, rage &c. and others, though heavy enough, we make more heavy through our own folly, whilst we rake into our wounds, looking no higher: and what with unbeleife, and impatience, we double the cross on our selves; when God afflicts us in measure, we make our crosses beyond measure, because we keep no meane in mourning; yea we provoke our father to give us the more for our muttering and strugling. Dr. Harris. p. 210.
Now that God hath his great day for afflicting his owne people appeares by these texts. Jsa. 42.24. Jer. 10.25. and the reasons are,
First, Because there he doth more especially love, and therefore he will assuredly visit as occasion is justly offered for his so doing. Amos 3.2. you only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you, for all your iniquities. So Jer. 25.29. 1 Pet: 4.17.
Secondly, There God more especially hates: As he loves their persons, so he hates their sins, yea by how much the more he loves their persons, by so much the more, we may in a qualified sence say, that he hates their sins, as being the only enemies of the eternal welfare of their soules, and therefore though he corrects them in measure, yet he will not suffer them to goe altogether unpunished. Jer. 30.11.
Thirdly, God is very tender, and jealous of his owne honour, it being to him as the apple of his eye, the richest jewell in his cabinet: But the transgressions of his own people asperse him with dishonour, Rom. 2.23. Through breaking the law they dishonor God: yea their sins in some respect are greater then the sins of others, being committed against greater light, sweeter motions of the Spirit, lowder cries of conscience, richer means of grace, more frequent purposes, promises, and vows of better obedience: and God hath said that such as honour him he will honour, and such as despise him shall be lightly esteemed, 1 Sam. 2.30.
Fourthly, God hath still at hand a whole world of executioners, even all Creatures who are ready to run at his command, Psa. 119.91. and therefore when the day of visiting his people comes, he cannot want either accusers, or executioners. See Conants Parlament Sermon.
Fifthly, There is some thing of Adams filth even in the purest, which must be washed out with these waters of Marah. Jsa. 27.9. and afflictions puts them upon judging themselves, that they be not judged by God, 1 Cor. 11.30.31.
Sixthly, Affliction is sometimes intended for the prevention of sin. Men are apt to offend in prosperity, Iob. 1.5. Psa. 119.67. 2. Cor. 12.7.
Seventhly, Troubles drive men to God: as sickness, lameness, blindness, &c. brought many to Christ who otherwise had never sought after him.
Eighthly, God: by these trieth the spirits of men, as he led Israel 40 years in the wildernesse to prove them, Deut. 8.2. So Rom. 5.3.4. Prov. 24.10.
Ninthly Graces are much exercised by afflictions, Hence one said, Qui nescit…are are discat navigare: He that knows not how to pray let him go to Sea, and as afflictions abound, so grace where it is once wrought abounds.
Tenthly, God intends to work glory to himself: thereby For
First, He justifies the power of his grace thereby against the slanderous accusations of Satan, who accuses our service to be mercenary, as he did Jobs, Job. 1.6.8, 9, 10, 11, but he found him the same upon the dunghill as when he was cloathed in scarlet.
Secondly, Saints are added to the Church daily, and so great honor brought to God by the examples of the patient sufferin… of Gods people, Jam. 5.10 1 P…t. 2.20.21. When the people saw the constancy of Cipryan in his Marty…dome, they cryed out, Let us also with our holy pastor die. Moriamur simul cum sancto Episcopo. & J…stin Martyr testifies of himself: that having been trayned up in the school of Pl…to, he was converted to Christianity by seeing the patience of the Christians in their Martyrdome. Sanguis Martyrum semen Ecclesia: the blood of Martyrs is the seed of the Church.
Thirdly, God shews then the glory of his power in drawing them out when they are sunke deep in sorrow. He casts them into extremities, that he might save them out of such doubtfull dangers. As with the blind man John 9.3. and Lazarus whom he suffered to lie Four days dead Iohn 11.39. So Exod. 14 13.
God also turneth the crosses of his people into Crowns, and so their afflictions make for their further glory. For
First, The readiest way to heaven is by weeping Cross. Christ who came from the noe could finde noe other way thither againe Luke, 24.26. So Acts 14.22. Heb. 12.6.8. Luke 16.22. His fatherly Correction keeps off the severity of his judgements, fits thee for mercy, and so fo… heaven too.
Secondly, As they are a way to glory, so they work a proportionable reward of glory, Q…o plus tormenti tanto plus erit gloria, .2. Cor. 4.17. Rom. 8.18. See Dr. …. Parlament Sermon.
So then thou mayst be assured if thou beest a son, thy heavenly father will correct thee yet for thy comfort remember that,
First, He never doth it till there be need. 1. Pet. 16.
Secondly, In wisdom, Heb. 12.9.10.
Thirdly, In measure Jsa. 27.8. & 28.26. &c. Jer. 46.28. 1. Cor. 10.13.
Fourthly, In love and tenderness, Prov. 3.12. Heb. 12.5.6. Rev. 3.19. Isa. 63.9.40.11. Psal.: 103, 13, 14. Hos. 11 89.
Fifthly, for a moment only Psal. 30.5. & 103.9. & 125.3. Isa: 10:25. & 54.7.8. & 57.16. Jer. 10.12. Mich. 7.18.
Sixthly, To try thee what dross of corruption, and what found mettal is in thee Deut. 8.2. Psal: 66.10. Prov. 17.3.3.. 1 Pet. 1.6.7. Jam. 1.2. &
Seaventhly, To purg out sin. Jsa. 25. and 27.9. Prov. 20.33. Psa: 119.62.
Eighthly, To refine and make the virtues of Christ more stirring in thee Dan. 11.35. and 12.10. Zach. 13.9. 1. Pet. 1.5.9. to refine and make the vertues of Christ more shining in this, Dan. 11.35. and 12.10. Zach. 13.9. 1 Pet. 1.6, 7.
Ninthly, to stir up, quicken and encrease all saving graces in thy soul, John 15.2. Rom. 5.3.4, 5. Isa. 26.9. Ja…. 1.2, 3. and amongst all the rest, faith alwayes become most famous by afflictions, as Heb. 11.
Tenthly, to make thee blessed, Job 5.17. Jam. 1.12. and 5.11. Psal. 94.12.
Eleventhly, to save thee, 1 Cor. 11.…2. 2 Cor. 4.17.
Twelfthly, he will ever be with thee in trouble, Isa. 41.10, 11. and 43.2. Psal. 91.15.
Thirteenthly, he will deliver thee, Job 5.18, 19. Psal. 34.17, 18, 19. and 50.15. and 91.15.
Fourteenthly, nay, never was Goldsmith more curious to watch the very first season when his gold was throughly refined, and fitted for use, that he may take it out of the Furnace: then our gracious God waits with an holy longing, that he may have mercy upon thee, and deliver thee, Isa. 20.13.
See Boltons Preparation to death, p. 31.
Fifteenthly, by afflictions we are made conformable to our Head Christ.
Sixteenthly, we cannot bear pro…perity. It is as strong waters to a weak stomack. It makes us forget God, and the vanity of all earthly things, and our selves, and our own mortality, and to forget others what respect is due to them. Hence David confesseth, Psal. 119.75. In very faithfulnesse thou hast corrected me.
Quest. What designe hath God in afflicting his children?
Answ. To teach them to know him and to trust in him, and to know themselves: Its a true …aying of Luther, Schola crucis est Schola lucis, the House of Correction, is the School of Instruction. foreign are foreign. His rods when sanctified are powerful Sermons to teach us.
1. To know God: and this is life eternal to know him, John 17.3. Its said of Manasseh, 2 Chron. 33.13. Then he knew that the Lord was God: Affliction teacheth us not only to know God in his power, anger, hatred of sinne, but also in his goodness and mercy. For God doth so sweeten the bitter Cup of affliction, that a child of God doth often taste more of Gods love in one moneths affliction, then in many years of prosperity, 2 Cor. 1.4, 5. and 7.4. Affliction also teaches us to know God experimentally, and affectionatively: so to know him, as to love and feare him, and to flie to him as to our Rock and hiding place in the day of distresse, Cant. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. By night, i. e. in the time of divine desertion, &c.
2. Not only to know God, but to trust in him also, 2 Cor. 1.9.
3. To know our selves also: when the Prodigal was in adversity he came to himself, Luke 15.17. they teach us to know that we are but men, Psal. 9.2. yea, but frail men, Ezek. 21.17. and that God can crush us as easily as we do moths: which will make us to stand in awe of God, and to study to serve and please him.
Secondly, Gods aim in affliction is to keep us from sin. So 2 Cor. 12.7. or when we have sinned, to bring us to repentance for it, and from it. For
1. They open the eyes to see sin, as Gen. 42.21. Oculos quos culpa claudit, poena aperit.
2. They open the eares to discipline, as Deut. 5.27. For Jer. 2.24.
3. They open the mouth to confesse sin, Judg. 10.15.
4. They command us to depart from iniquity, Iob 36.8, 9, 10. They are Gods Furnaces to purge our drosse: Gods Files to pare off our spiritual rust: Gods Fanns to winnow out our chaffe, Dan, 11.35. and 12.10.
Thirdly, Gods end is also to make us holy and righteous, Isa. 26.9. Hebr. 12.10.
Fourthly, to make the world bitter to them, and Christ sweet. For Prov. 10.4.
Fifthly, to prove their graces, Rev. 2.10. Deut. 8.2. 1. The truth and sincerity of them. Hence he loaded Job with afflictions: and the strength of our graces; for it requires a strong faith to endure great afflictions.
2. To emprove our graces: For as the Palme-tree, the more its pressed, the hi… her it grows, so do the graces of Gods people.
Sixthly, it is to put an edge upon their prayers, and all their other holy services.
1. Upon Prayer: what a fervent prayer did Manasses make when he was in fetters in the dungeon, 2 Chron. 33.13, 18, 19. When Saint Paul was struck off his horse▪ and smitten with blindnesse, then he prayed to the purpose, Acts 9.11. So Isa. 26.16.
2. Upon Preaching. Prosperity glutteth the spiritual appetite, Adversity whets it.
3. Upon the Sacrament. How sweet is the Sacrament to a true Saint, after a long and great sicknesse.
4. It makes God and his Word precious. If God set our corne-fields on fire, as Absalom did Ioabs, then we come running to him: and how sweet is a Scripture-Promise to a childe of God in his distresse, Hos. 5. ult.
Quest. What considerations may chear up our hearts in the time of affliction?
Answ. First, that God never afflicts his people, but out of pure necessity, 1 Pet. 1.6. as a tender father never corrects his children, but when he is forced to it, Lam. 3.33. Isa. 27.9. Its sin that puts thunderbolts into Gods hand. God never scourgeth us, but it is with a whip made of our own sinnes, Prov. 5.22. Rom. 2.5. Hence Isa. 28.21. Its his strange work.
Secondly, he doth it out of his true and real love, Heb. 12.6, 7, 8.
Obj. Do not divine afflictions proceed from anger? was not God angry with Moses for speaking unadvisedly, Psal. 106.33. and with David for Adultery?
Answ. This anger was a fatherly anger rooted in love. It was not Ira quae reprobat, but Ira quae purgat: It was not Ira hostilis, & exterminativa, but Ira paterna, & medicinalis. As its sometimes a great punishment for God not to punish, Isa. 1.5. Hosea 4.14. So its a great mercy sometimes for God to withdraw his mercy.
Thirdly, afflictions are a part of divine Predestination: that God that hath elected us to salvation, hath also elected us to afflictions, 1 Thes. 1.3, 4, 6. Rom. 8.29.
Fourthly, they are part of that gracious Covenant which God hath made with his people, Psal. 89.31. &c. In which Text three things are observable.
1. A supposition of sin? If his children forsake my Law, &c. For it is alwayes the cause sine qua non, the cause without which God would never chastise us, and mostlie its the cause for which he chastiseth.
2. A gracious Promise, Then will I visit their transgressions with the Rod, and their iniquiry with stripes.
3. A merciful qualification, Nevertheless, my loving kindnesse will I not take from him, nor suffer my faithfulnesse to faile, &c. So Psal. 119.75.
Fifthly, Consider that afflictions are part of the Saints blessednesse, Iob 5.17. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth, &c. Afflictions when sanctified are instructions, and so are evidences that we are in a blessed condition, Psal. 94.12. Job, when upon the dunghil, wonders why God should so set his heart upon him, as to visit him every morning, and try him every moment, Job 7.17, 18. Lazarus full of sores, and in his rags, was happier then Dives in his robes: P…ilpot in his Colehouse, then Bonner in his Palace.
Sixthly, consider the gracious ends, and designes that God hath in afflicting his children, mentioned before.
Seventhly, the sweet and precious Promises that he hath made to them, to comfort and support them in the day of their affliction.
…i…hly that all afflictions shall at last work for their good, Rom. 8.28. God beats his children as we do our cloathes in the Sunne, only to beat our dust and mo…hes: God puts them into the Furnace, not to hurt, but to untie the bonds of their sins, as D…u. ….25. God will either deliver them out of afflictions, or send them to heaven by them.
Quest. What else may comfort us in the times of affliction?
Answ. First, consider that by afflictions we are conformed to the Image of Ch…ist, Rom. 8.29.
Secondly, that Christ himself suffers with us, nay, suffers in us. Act… 9.4. Christ bein… the head of that mystical body, whereof we are members.
Thirdly, he will … then us with his grace, that we shall be able to say with the Apostle, Phil. 4.13. I can do all things, (yea, and suffer all things too) through Christ tha… s…g…neth me.
Fourthly, Christ will sweeten all those waters of Marah to us, that we shall finde them most delicious in the clo…e, Cam. 1.13. A bundle of … is my beloved to me, he shall lie all night between …y br…sts: though a bundle of bitternesse, yet I'le lodge him as near my heart as may be.
Fifthly, as li…ht is to a man that hath lien long in a dungeon: as the Haven is to the M…riner that hath been long tossed at the Sea: So shall Heaven be to that soul, that hath been under long and grievous afflictions.
Quest. What must we do to prepare for …fflictions?
Ans…. First, get a stock of graces: For sicknesse is a time of spending, not getting grace. Wo to that man that hath his graces to get when he should use them.
Now the Graces to be stirred up before-hand are▪
1. A t…ue and a stron… f…ith: for a little faith will faint under great afflictions: when the win…e blew fiercely▪ Peters little faith …ailed, Mat. 14.30.
2. A great measure of patience to enable us to wait quietly and contentedly, till God comes in with help, who many times deferres till the fourth watch of the ni…ht, as Mat. 14.25.
3. A great stock of self-denial, humility, contempt of the world, heavenly mindednesse: Such will be as safe as No… in the A…k: and as those which had sufficient food in the seven years dearth in Egypt.
Secondly, a stock of assurance of salvation: For grace without assurance, and knowledge of it, cannot comfo…t in the day of distresse, …ob 19.25. this was Jobs comfort. So Paul, Rom. 8.…8.
Thirdly, a stock of divine experiences, whereby we may argue from them in the day of adversity: So Moses, Numb. 14.19. and David, 1 Sam. 17.37. and Paul, 2 Cor. 1.10.
Fourthly, a stock of Sermons: we should use Sermons as good husbands do their money: some they lay out for their present occasions, and some they lay up in case of sicknesse: Hence Isa. 42.23. we are commanded to hear for aftertime.
Fifthly, a stock of Scripture-Promises which will be as so many reviving cordials, and spiritual Anchors to uphold us from perishing in the day of distresse. So D…vid, Psal. 119.92. I had perished in mine affliction, unlesse thy Law had been my delight.
Quest. But what may we do to know the meaning and voice of Gods Ro…?
Answ. Gods Rod ordinarily speaks three Languages. 1. It corrects for sin. 2. It tries and exercises grace. 3. It instructs in holinesse: sometime its for the two latter, and not for the former: as in Jobs, and the blinde mans case. But usually its for all three, Lam. 3.39. Isa. 42.24. Luke 1.20. 1 Cor. 11.30.
Quest. How shall we know whether our afflictions are only for trial and instruction, and not for sin?
Answ. Its safest to believe that they are for sin also, when upon our selves, though out of charity we judge them not so to others, Rom. 5.12. For though all afflictions are not sent directly and specially for sin, yet sin is the original of all afflictions.
Quest. What course must we take to finde out that particular sin for which God corrects us?
Answ. First, Somtimes we may reade our sin in our punishment. As in Adonibezek, Judg. 1.7.
Secondly, consider, what that sin is, for which thy conscience most accuseth thee.
Thirdly, what is the sin of thy constitution: what is thy dilectum delictum, thy peccatum in delitiis, thy beloved and bosome-sin, of which David speaks, Psal. 18.23. I have kept my self from mine iniquity.
Fourthly, when sick and near death, consider what sin doth most trouble and perplex the conscience.
Fifthly, What those sins are, for which thy godly Minister, under whose charge thou livest, doth reprove thee, and of which thy true and real friend doth accuse thee. But if thou canst not hereby finde out the particular sin, labour to repent of all, and then we shall be sure to destroy that sin for which God afflicts us.
See Mr. Calamie's Godly mans Ark.
Quest. What means may we use to quiet our hearts in afflictions?
Answ. First, Remember that they are inflicted by the Decree of Heaven, and that God is the Author of all our afflictions implied, Job 5.6. So Jer. 51.53, 55. Psal. 39.9. &c.
Secondly, that they are sent to try thy patience: to shew how well thou canst suffer.
Thirdly, its the common state of all mankind: we are all borne to sorrow, Job 5.7. As a man we must beare what is common to man, and as a sinful man we bring troubles on our selves, and therefore should say with the Church, Mich. 7.9. I will beare the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him.
Fourthly, that God takes care for his children, and then especially when they are in affliction, Psal. 40.17. I am poor and needie, yet the Lord thinketh of me. So Jer. 29.11. Isa. 49.13.14, 15.
Fifthly, that God intends us no evil but good thereby, Jer. 24.5. For Rom. 8.28.
Sixthly, when in affliction, be assured that it shall be better with thee then now, and so let thy future hopes work thy heart to patience, James 5.6. the darkest night shall have a faire morning; The Rod of the wicked shall not alwayes rest, &c. So Isa. 54.11. and 62.3.
Seventhly, what we lose by afflictions are such things as may be spared, and which God will make up in as good or better, God, and Christ, and Grace, and Heaven cannot be lost. Zach. 10.8. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9. Zeph. 3.19.
Eighthly, no affliction shall be too much, or too long, for that only is too much,
1. That exceeds our desert. Whereas Ezra 9.13. Thou hast punished us lesse then our iniquities deserve.
2. Nor too much in regard of our strength, for God proportions his burdens to our backs, and his stroaks to our strength, Isa. 27.7.
Obj. But Paul saith, 2 Cor. 1.8. that he was pressed out of measure?
Answ. First, Indeed he met with unreasonable men who knew no measure, and his afflictions were above his strength as a man; but he was able to do, and to suffer all things, through Christ strengthening him, Phil. 4.13. At such times God encreaseth their power, Isa. 40.29, &c.
Secondly, nor too long, though we are apt to cry, How long? and a little time seems long; But God who intends our good, must take a time answerable to his own intentions; when the sore is cured, the plaister will fall off; If we be not in the fault, usually thy time is short: A day: the evil day, Eph. 6.13. A night, Psal. 30.5. A peice of a night, Isa, 17.14. A moment, Isa. 54.8. A small moment, ver. 7.
Quest. How can this be when afflictions are oft much longer?
Answ. First, in the times of affliction there are many lucida intervalla, intermissions, partly, by ease from the pain and grief that oppresseth, and partly, because of the joy and sweet communion with God, which times being substracted, there remaines but a little time.
Secondly, when the affliction is past, and we look back to see what good came by it, how lusts were purged or prevented: how graces were cherished or encreased: how sweet mercies are when restored, we shall easily say that it was not too long, only our patience was too short.
Thirdly, if we consider the eternity, wherein we shall reap the fruit of our sufferings, we shall conclude that it was not too long.
See Mr. Valentines Parl. Sermon.
Quest. What are the benefits of receiving our afflictions as from God?
Answ. First, it will put us upon serious humiliation for our sins, whereby we have provoked him against us, the rather because no hand can heal us, but the same that hath wounded us, Hosea 6.1. 2 Chro. 7.14.
Secondly, it will bear up our spirits, not to sink when our afflictions come thickest, and lie heaviest upon us. For it is our Fathers Cup, and that only for correction, Psal. 76.10.
Thirdly, it would restrain us from using any unwarrantable meanes for our deliverance.
Quest. What is especially to be feared when afflictions are heavy, and long upon us.
Answ. First, then especially fear, and look to the seeds of rage and madnesse which are in thy heart. Never more need to look to the banks, then when a tempest is upon the sea. Have you seen a beast break his teeth upon the chaine that ties him? or a dog poure forth his revenge upon the stone that hurt him, then have you seen some dark shadowes of that fiercenesse and fury that is apt to rise out of our hearts, when Gods hand lies close upon us. When thou hearest of the strange impatience of Jonah, at the beating of the Sun upon his head, unto whom yet it was a wonder that he did now see the Sun: when thou hearest of those deep expostulations of David with God, Psal. 77.9, 10. Hath he forgotten to be gracious? forgotten his Promises? forgorten his Truth? forgotten his Power and Mercy? and shut up all his kindnesse in displeasure? when thou hearest the impatiencies of Job, yet a man renowned for his patience, Jam. 5.11. expostulating and charging God, Is it good for … that thou shouldest oppresse? Iob 10.3. when thou hearest of those deep curses of Jeremy against the day of his birth, Ier. 20.14, 18. of those froward expostulations and debates of the people of Israel with Moses, and of Moses with God, VVhy hast thou evil entreated this people? why hast thou sent me? Exod. 5.28.22. Oh then reflect upon thy selfe, and be afraid of thine own evil heart, which is farre more likely to break out against God, then any of those were; and for prevention hereof keep in thy sight the history of thy sins, make them as hainous to thy own view as they are in their own nature. The way not to rage against afflictions is to know our selves aright; that will make us to confess as Ezra, That the Lord hath punished us less then our iniquities have deserved. Ezr. 9.13. The way to bear the hand of God with patience is to confess our sins, and to be humbled for them. Levit. 26.40, 41. Wherein is shewed that the sight of our sinne and humiliation for it, is the way to make us accept of the chastisements of God: so Lament. 3.39. Wherefore doth the living man complain? a man for the punishment … his sins. Where are three strong reasons why we should not murmure in our affliction. First, We are men, and what an impudency is it for the clay to swell against the Potter that formed it, and complaine why hast thou made me thus? Secondly, We are sinners all the punishments we suffer are the wages of our owne iniquities, an… what a madness is it to complaine against the justice of our Judge? Thirdly, We are living men, and therefore God hath punished us less then our sins deserve: for the wages of sin is death: Rom. 6.23. and what ingratitude is it to repine against mercifull, and moderate punishments? and yet we are prone hereunto; But it is the cure; See v. 40. Let us search, and try our wayes, and turne again unto the Lord our God, the more that we grow acquainted with our sinful estates, and marvellous provocations, with the patience, and promises of God, the more we shall justifie God, and wait upon him; the more we shall judge our selves less then the least of Gods mercies, forbearances; as Mich. 7.9. q. d. I have pressed, and vexed, and wearied him with my sins without any care of his glory, but he hath visited me in jugdment not in fury: In wrath he hath remember mercy, and not consumed me as he might have done, he hath not rewarded me according to my sins, &c. but hath spared me as a son, when I dealt with him as a Traytor. See Dr. Raynolds sinfulness of sin, p. 175.
Quest. How shall we beare afflictions rightly?
Asw. First, If we count it no strange thing to lie vnderunder it, 1 Pet. 4.12. but rather that it is that whereunto we are ordained of old, to be conformed to Christ in afflictions that we may be like him in glory. Rom. 8.29. Yea, if we esteem them as the beaten path, by which God will have all his Children to enter into heaven. Acts 14.22. 2 Tim. 3.12.
2ly, If we observe the example of all, or the most excellent of Gods servants, and especially of his only Son, from the beginning of the world to this day, Heb. 12.1.2
Thirdly, If we inure and accustome ourselves: to beare the yoak from our youth, it will tame our proud and rebellious hearts, and frame us to beare afflictions the better ever after. Lam. 3.27.
Fourthly, If we consider that Satan every day invents new mischief against us, Job. 1.6. &c.
Fifthly, if we remember that it's a sign of Gods love, Heb. 12.7. Rev. 3.19. and that the issue will be good and blessed, Psal. 37.5. Esth. 4.16.
Sixthly, If we remember the many good uses of afflictions. For hereby Gods power appears in our weakness: and we have the better proofe of his grace dwelling in us: 2 Cor. 12.9. as Faith, Hope, Love, humbleness of minde, patience, &c. that these light, and momentany afflictions work an exceeding, and eternall weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4.17.
Quest. How shall we be sure to profit by afflictions?
Answ. First by the confessions of the Saints, who have experimented it: as David, Psal. 119.67, 71. Manasseh. 2 Chron. 33.13.
Qu. How come we by wisdom not only patiently to bear, but to profit by afflictions?
Answ. First, it's obtained of God by prayer, Jam. 1.5, 6, 17.
Secondly, by a due consideration of the end, fruit, and uses of afflictions.
Quest. What are the ends of afflictions?
Ans. First, To keep us from wandring, or to bring us back when we have erred, & to make us tractable schollars in the school of Christ. Ps. 119.67.71. 2 Cor. 1.10.
Secondly, To make us know God, and our selves as they did Manasseh: 2 Chron. 3 & 13.
Thirdly, To give us experience of Gods gracious hand in our deliverance. Psa. 34.17, 19.
Fourthly, To discover to us our faith, and patience, Rom. 5.4.5. Jam. 1.3.
Fifthly, To keep us from being condemned with the world. 1 Cor. 11.31, 32.
Sixthly, To purge out our dross of profanness, and unbeliefe. Dan. 12.10. and as mustard laid upon the breast, to weane us from the world. Psal. 131.2.
Seaventhly▪ To manifest Gods love, and our election, Heb. 12.6, 8.
Eightly, To make us partakers of his holiness, and to bring forth the quiet fruits of righteousness. Heb. 12.8, 9. See practice of Christianity.
Quest. Are not all afflictions evil in their own nature?
Answ. Yes, and so the Lord stills them, Isa. 45.7. Amos. 3.9.
Secondly, They are of a contagious nature, spreading their poison, and making those things evil which are good in themselves. Henc…, Prov. 15.15. All the days of the afflicted are evil▪ and Genesis 47.9. Few and evill are the days of my Pilgrimage, &c.
Thirdly, They are in their own nature, punishments of sin, fruits of Gods displeasure, harbingers of death, the First beginnings of everlasting torments, and enemies to our joy, peace and comfort.
Fourthly, sense shews that they are evill: For afflictions are the mother, and nur…es of smart and sorrow, terrible in their very sound, fearful to look upon, bitter to tast, painful to our feeling, and they torment us whilst they touch us: Hence affliction, and mourning are joyned together Lam. 3.19.
Fifthly, They bring forth evil fruit, unless grace alter their nature, For wicked men the more they are afflicted the more they hate God, despair of his mercy, murmure at his providence, and use all unlawfull means to ease themselves.
Quest. Are afflictions then simply, and absolutely evil?
Answ. No, for thus sin is only evil, but they are of an indifferent nature.
Quest. How then come they to be good.
Answ. First, In respect of the cheif efficient, or author whence they come, they are good, either as they are punishments inflicted by a righteous Judge, or chastisements coming from the hand of a merciful Father.
Secondly, Because they have had for their subject the cheif goodness, even Christ, God and man, who whilest he lived in the world, was exceedingly afflicted, whose pure nature could not admit of any thing that was simply evil in its nature.
Thirdly, As they help us to come to the cheif goodness: For God hath ordained them as means to further his elect in attaining to salvation, Rom. 8.29. 1 Thes. 3.3.
Fourthly, As they are means to draw us nearer to God by true repentance, and fervent Prayer Mat. 7.14. Act. 14.22.
Quest. What rules are we to observe in preparing our selves unto the conflict with afflictions
Answ. First, We must hear, read, and study the word of God: For
First, Its a speciall means to comfort and uphold us in our troubles, without which we cannot stand, Ps. 119.92.
Secondly, Its the sword of the spirit whereby we may defend our selves, and repel the fury of our spritual enemies, and get the victory over them in the day of battel. Its our souls Armory wherein are stored up all our weapons which we must use in this spiritual conflict. Its our Card and Compass to direct us through this Sea of miseries to our Haven of happiness: our light to guide us in this hard passage, and our thread to lead us through the Laborinth of troubles. Its our quickner when we are wounded, Psal. 119.25, 50. Its our joy in all our sorrows, v. 143. and its our cheif comforter in all our miseries.
2. We must be frequent, and fervent in Prayer, acknowledging our sins, that all our affections are justly infflicted upon us, beging pardon for Christs sake, and the removall of our afflictions, or that if he please to continue them, that he will arme us with faith, and patience that we may meekly beare them; come more pure, and approved out of this fiery furnace, and brought nearer unto God, both in respect of the illumination of our mind, and the reformation of our lives, and then God will forgive us. Prov. 28.13. 1 John 1.9.
Thirdly, In our prosperity we must labour diligently in the moderating, and and mortifiing our inordinate affections, and unruly passions that we may bring them in subjection to the good will of God, and make them serviceable to holy reason. Especially we must mortifie the passions of Fear, which doth much aggravate the weight of misery, and is oft more intollerable then the evil suffered, both as it deformes the minde of resolution, and as it anticipates the griefs before they come. Yea many times such as are only faigned in the imagination, & never befall us. We must also in our prosperity limit our hopes: for the further they are extended, the more are we directed when they faile us: and commonly when there have been no bounds to our expectation, there will be, no measure in impatiency, when things so much desired, and expected answer not our hopes. The like may be said, of immoderate desires after earthly things, inordinate lusting after superfluities, which will set us on the rack of discontent when they are not satified, making lesser comforts great crosses, and the lightest afflictions intollerable burdens, So in prosperity we should exercise our selves: in mortifiing rash anger: for if a man be froward when he is pleased in his desires, he will be stark mad when he is crossed, &c. So also we should subdue pride which is the nurce of impatiency, &c.
Fourthly, we must not fain unto our selves afflictions in our conceit, and imagination, laying crosses upon our selves by a false opinion when God lays none upon us. Many through conceit become wretched before their time, and are onelyonly miserable because they are so in their imagination. Thus some torment themselves because they have not the upper hand at meetings, respect, and observance from their Inferiors: Commendations, and applause for their good parts. Others grievously afflicts themselves, because they have lost part of their superfluities: Yea so powerfull is opinion in producing these effects, that not only a false apprehension causeth a true affliction, but it is able also to turn comforts into Crosses, benefits into miseries, and that which this mans opinion makes his Hell, another mans opposite conceit would make his Heaven, and happiness.
Fifthly, We must not by feare anticipate afflictions, making our selves miserable before our time. Thus some are more tormented with the feare of evils, than with the evils that they fear, and suffer longer and greater sorrows with the expectation of their miseries before they come, then they doe after they are come, and lie upon them. Thus some excruciate themselves with fear and grief when they heare but uncertain rumors of great calamities, as though they were already overtaken by them, whereas it may be they will never happen: So in the time of Pestilence, and warre, and decay of trading, &c.
Sixthly, With wise, and Christian providence we must forsee crosses, and in the time of peace, and prosperity continually expect when we shall be called forth to encounter with afflictions, that so we may be the better armed for the conflict. For though we are not with a cowardly apprehension to torment ourselves: with crosses before they come, yet must we wisely forsee them that we may prevent those that may be lawfully avoided, and with patience beare those which will necessarily be fall us. Luke. 14.28.31. Mat. 16.14.
Seventhly, We must not fix our hearts upon any thing in the world, but use these outward blessings as though we used them not, and enjoy them as those that may presently lose them, For what we possess with immoderate love, we lose with immoderate grief: and if we look upon these things as perpetuities, we shall be subject to much sorrow and finde small patience when they prove movables. So we should look upon Honor, riches, relations, health, &c.
Eighthly, We must not be secure in prosperity promising to our selves, immunity from future crosses, and the continuance of our delights: This world that is a valley of tears will not be a Paradise of pleasure to us. Consider that our providence, and foresight of afflictions will prevent many, and lessen all. Wise men make themselves acquainted with future evills by thinking on them before they come, and make those afflictions light by meditating on them, which are made light to others by their customable bearing of them.
Ninthly, Having in our meditations discovered these enemies approaching, we must neither securely contemn them, nor faintly yield to them before we are assaulted. The former of these evils is to be avoided, because there is scarce any force so weak which will not vanquish a secure enemie, and therefore that we may not be endangered hereby, when we see afflictions approching, let us intertaine a valorous fear which may excite us to arme against them, not a cowardly fear which would make us faint, and run away: Hence. Heb. 12:6: Psla. 119.120. and indeed we have small cause to contemn afflictions if we consider our own weaknesse and want of patience &c. The latter of these evils is to be avoided; because we should be couragious in the power of Gods might, and not faint. Heb. 12.6. we should resolve with Job: Though thou kill me, yet will I trust in thee, Job. 13.15. such resolution was in the three Children, Dan. 3.18. In Peter, and John, Act. 5.29, & In Paul, Act. 21.13. Hence Rom. 8.35.38. Remember his promise. 1 Cor. 10.13.
Tenthly, We must not wilfully run into afflictions, but use all good meanes either to avoid them before they come, or to be freed from them when they are come. As we must not hide our selves from them under the covert of sinful shifts when they are sent of God to finde us; so we must not voluntarily seek them, and dare them to encounter us when they would be quiet, and mean us no harm. We must not fill this bitter Cup to our selves, but only drink of it, when God puts it into our hands, John 18.11.
Eleventhly, As we may not take upon us voluntary afflictions, when we may lawfully escape them: so neither may we lie under them still, when we may by good and lawful meanes be freed from them; for this is to tempt the Lord, when we needlesly desire to make experience of his Power, Providence, and promised Assistance, either for our delivery, or for strength and patience to undergo these wilful trials. For herein we resemble stubborn children, who wilfully fall that their Parents may catch hold of them, and being down, lie still and cry, that others may help them up. This is to tempt the Lord, Mat. 4.7. Jacob used all good meanes to escape his brothers fury, Gen. 32.11, 13. Moses fled from Pharaoh, Exod. 2.15. David from Saul and Absalom, 1 Sam. 19.12. 2 Sam. 15.16. — Joseph and Mary from Herod, Mat. 2.14. Paul from the Jewes, Acts 9.25. and 22.21. and 23.
Quest. What considerations may move us, patiently and quietly to bear those afflictions which God layes upon us?
Answ. First, that afflictions are not laid upon us by God as punishments to satisfie his justice: For,
1. Christ bore all our sins in his body upon the Crosse, 1 Pet. 2.24. Isa. 53.5, 6, and had not Christ done this, he had not been a perfect Saviour, nor had offered to his Father a full and al-sufficient price for our Redemption. But he was a perfect Saviour, Luke 1.74. Heb. 7.25. and 9.12, 26. Mat. 20.28. John 1.29. 1 John 1.7.
2. Christ taking upon him our debt, by being our Surety, he hath discharged it to the uttermost farthing. Yea, he hath also cancelled the hand-writing of Ordinances, and the obligation of the Law by nailing them to his Crosse, Col. 2.14. Gal. 3.13. and therefore God cannot require a new satisfaction by our sufferings, &c. Yea, God is so far off from punishing, where his Justice being satisfied, willeth him to spare, that when he corrects his people, its called his strange work, Isa. 28.21. and he is grieved for it, Judg. 10.16.
3. Where there is no sin, there is no place for punishment: but in the faithful there is no sin, because it is not imputed to them: their sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, and being justified for his righteousnesse and obedience, they are accepted as righteous in Gods sight, Col. 1.14. and 2.13. Rev. 1.5. 1 John 1.7. John 3.29. Jer. 31.34. Isa. 1.18. Jer. 50.18. Mich. 7.19. Psal. 31.1, 2.
4. Afflictions tend to our good, to the mortifying of our sins, and to the multiplying and encreasing Gods graces in us, and furthering our everlasting happinesse, Rom. 8.18, 28. 1 Cor. 11.32. Heb. 12.10, 11. 2 Cor. 4.17. Lam. 3.27. therefore they are not punishments for sin, not being inflicted for our hurt, but for our good.
5. That which is either a cause, or meanes of eternal blessednesse, cannot be a punishment for sin: but so are afflictions to the godly, Psal. 94.12, 13. and 23.4. and 16.11. and 119.67.
Secondly, that afflictions are to the godly the chastisements of a gracious Father, wherewith out of meer love he corrects them as his children, not for any displeasure he hath against their persons, nor for any pleasure he takes in their pain, but only for their profit both here and hereafter. And that,
Because we have testimonies and examples in Scripture to make this out, Ier. 25.29. 1 Pet. 4.17. Amos 3.2. Prov. 3.11, 12. Heb. 12.5, 6. Rev. 3.19. 1 Cor. 11.32. So we see in the examples of Job, David, 2 Sam. 12.25. 2 Sam. 7.14. of the Church, Psal. 89.31, 32, 33. Ps. 99.8. Rom. 8.35, 38.
Quest. How is this love of God manifested unto them in their afflictions?
Answ. First, by the measure of afflictions, and that
1. In general, in that he corrects us in measure, when our sins have been out of measure, both in their greatnesse and number, as also having been committed against so infinite a Majesty, Isa. 64.9, 12. Jer. 30.11. and 46.28. Mat. 10.30 So we see in Job 1.12. and 2.6. and Israels bondage, Exod. 12.40, 41. Jer. 25.11. and 29.10. Rev. 2.10. and 12.6.
2. In that all our afflictions are small and light, far inferiour to the desert of our sins, Lam. 3.22. 2 Cor. 4.17. 1 Cor. 11.32. 2 Cor. 6.9.
3. In that they are momentany, and of short continuance, 1 King. 11.39. 2 Sam. 7.14. Isa. 57.16. Lam. 3.31, 32. Mich. 7.18. Psal. 103.8, &c. Mal. 3.17. Ps. 30.5. Hos. 6.1, 2. Isa. 54.8. Ps. 71.20.
Secondly, In that our afflictions exceed not our strength: In anger he remembers mercy, Hab. 3.2. He corrects in judgment, Jer. 10.24. and 30.11. 1 Cor. 10.13. yea, he proportioneth them according to the scantest measure of necessity, laying no more upon us then he is necessarily enforced to do, having therein respect to his own glory, and our benefit.
Thirdly, in that God the Father hath committed the tempering of our Cup to Christ our Saviour, who as he hath manifested his love to us, in giving his life for our Redemption; so hath he no lesse skill in tempering a Cup fit for our strength. For he remembreth whereof we are made, &c. Psal. 103.14. Yea, he himself began to us of this Cup, and drank it all off, and hath left us only some few drops. His was given him in anger for the purging away of punishment in respect of sin: but ours in love, either to purge out sin, or to prevent sin, Isa. 53.4, 5. Heb. 4.15, 16. and 2.17, 18. and 5.2. Job 5.18, 19. Mat. 12.20.
Fourthly, in that the Holy Ghost is present with us, and powerfully assisteth and comforteth us in all our afflictions, whereby we are enabled both to bear and overcome, Mat. 8.24. Exod. 2.23. and 14.10. Psal. 118.18. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9. Rom. 8.35. 2 Cor. 1.5, 7. Psal. 94.19. and 46.4. and that he gives strength also, See Isa. 40.29, 30, 31. Psal. 41.1, 3. 2 Thes, 3.3. Isa. 41.10, 13, 14. Psal. 46.1, 2, 3. God uses to moderate our grief for worldly crosses, by giving us spiritual comforts, Rom. 5.3. Act. 7.76.
Fifthly, God afflicts us no more then is necessary for his own glory and our salvation. For
1. He takes no delight in our sufferings, but uses all means to prevent our punishment, Lam. 3.33. Isa. 28.21. Mich. 7.18.
2. The measure of our afflictions exceeds not necessity, and therefore first he corrects us gently, and if that prevail, he proceeds no further.
3. By Gods corrections and medicines we may guesse at the greatnesse of our faults and grievous diseases,
4. Our great afflictions argue that our sins are great, either in their own nature, or as they are aggravated by circumstances.
Sixthly, Gods love appears in the ends of our afflictions, which are his own glo…y, and our good. For the first,
1. As a Souldier, behaving himself valiantly in fight, the honour returnes also to his Captain: so when we fight manfully against temptations and afflictions, God our General is glorified thereby: and that in the manifestation of his power and goodnesse, assisting us in our afflictions, 2 Cor. 12.9. and 4.7. Ps. 44.3, 5, 6, 7, 8. 2 Cor. 10.17. Isa. 25.3, 4. 1 Sam. 2.6. Psal. 50.15.
2. God is glorified in our afflictions, as they are trials of our spiritual graces, John 21.19. Psal. 44.22.
Thirdly, that God by our afflictions doth much advance the good of our neighbours, and that
1. As they learn by them to feare God in his judgments, 1 Pet. 4.17.
2. As they serve to restrain them from committing the like sin, which they see punished in us: Thus God severely chastened Moses and Aaron for their distrust, that others might be aware of the like: so David for his adultery: Lots wife for looking back, Luke 17.32. So 1 Cor. 10.6, 11.
3. As they serve to manifest Gods graces in us, and so make us examples of piety unto them, and Presidents for their imitation. So Abrahams trial in offering Isaac, Gen. 22.2. Moses was tried both with prosperity and adversity, Heb. 11.25. So Jam. 5.11. Acts 5.41. Jam. 5.8, 10. Mat. 5.12. Phil. 1.13, 14.
4. As they are Partners of humane frailty, whilest in our afflictions we bewray impatience: For this will comfort a man when he beares his Crosse with much weaknesse and imperfection, in that he observes that Gods dear children, yea, and great Worthies have shewed the like frailty, as Job 3. Jer. 20.18.
5. As they are occasioned hereby to acknowledge and magnifie Gods power, appearing in our weaknesse, his wisdom in our foolishnesse, and his goodnesse, and the vertue of his graces in our frailty, and natural corruption, 2 Cor. 1.11.
6. As our hearts are made tender by afflictions, so that we are apt to pity others in the like miseries: as also because after we are delivered, we are the better able from our own experience, to comfort others with those consolations, wherewith ourselves have been comforted. So Psal. 34.4, 5. 2 Cor. 1.4. So it was in Christ, Heb. 2.18.
Quest. How will it appear that afflictions cannot hurt the children of God?
Answ. First, because the afflictions of this life do neither deprive us of any of those things which are of chiefest excellency, not bring upon us any of those evils which are principally to be avoided. They cannot separate us from the love of God, Rom. 8.38, 39. Heb. 12.6. they do not extinguish no… diminish in us Gods sanctifying Graces, but rather they are encreased by them; they do not make us more slack in the service of God, but rather kindle our affections in them. Nor do they hinder our heavenly happinesse, but rather further it. Again, they bring not upon us the chiefest evils that are to be avoided: For they do not empair our spiritual estate: for though the outward man decay, the inward man is renewed daily: they defile us not with sin, but rather (like files) scoure off our rust; they do not subject us to the Curse of the Law, or to the wrath of God, or to the torments of Hell: but rather by bringing us to a fight of our sin, and sense of our misery, drive us to Christ the great Physician of our soules, they hurt us not in the day of death, but by our being inured to suffer them, death becomes much more tolerable, &c. Psal. 34.19, 22. and 129. 2, 3. 2 Cor. 4.8, 9. Exod. 3.1, 2, 3.
Secondly, because God not only aimes at, but powerfully effects our good by afflictions. He b…ings honey out of this gall: blessings out of these curses, Rom. 8.28. Deut. 8.16. Lam. 3.27. Ps. 119.71. So Gen. 50.20.
Quest. How doth God intend, and work our good by afflictions?
Answ. First, in this life, whether we consider them as trials, or as fatherly corrections.
1. As trials, for they are not alwayes chastisements for sin, but somtimes gracious trials, whereby God trieth us for his glory, and our own good. So Deut. 8.2. Zach. 13.9. 1 Pet. 4.12, 13. Job 1.9, 10, 12. and 23.10. Psal. 139.1, 5. and this God doth, not to better his own knowledge: for, Psal. 139.1, 2. Jer. 17.10. Heb. 4.13. but to make us known better, both to our selves and others. Again, God tries us by afflictions, whether we are true Christians or no, lest we declare ourselves to others as the stony ground did, Mat. 13.5, 6. So Mar. 10.22. Christ tried the young man. Yea, God by afflictions trieth what measure of grace we have attained unto, as what measure of faith and affiance we have in God. So Acts 21.13. Rom. 8.35, 38. Job 13.15. So also of our love, patience, humility and obedience, Acts 20.19. 2 Cor. 6.4, 5. 2 Sam. 15.26. Mar. 14.36.
2. He trieth us for the advancing of our credit, and esteem also, through the manifestation of his graces in us, Prov. 17.3. Ars tua Typhe jacet si non sit in aequore fluctus, &c.
3. He tries us likewise for the discovery of our infirmities, and corruptions for our further humiliation, Psal. 81.7. Mat. 26.70, 71.
Quest. VVhat comfort may the consideration hereof afford us in our afflictions?
Answ. First, this consideration may justly move us to bear all our afflictions, not only with patience and humility, but also with thanksgiving, and spiritual rejoycing; and that
1. Because nothing should seem too difficult to be attempted, nothing too grievous to be borne, if it tend to the advancement of Gods glory, which should be the supreme end we should aime at in all we do, and suffer.
2. Because hereby we may get assurance that we are Gods children; for God trieth, and in trying purifieth us, that we may be vessels of glory for his own use, Isa. 48.10. Psal. 11.5. Iam. 1.2, 3.
Quest. How may we know that our afflictions are trials, and not punishments for sin?
Answ. First, when by them we are purified, and made to shine more gloriously in the eyes of God and men, through the brightnesse of those saving graces which are manifested by them.
Secondly, when we a…e not overcome in the conflict, so as to murmure against the dispensations of God, but shew Christian fortitude notwithstanding, and overcoming all these assaults.
Thirdly, When they prove profitable to us in humbling us for sinne, and quickening us in prayer for pardon and reconciliation through the blood of Christ.
Secondly, we may be comforted in our afflictions, because they have always a good issue, and tend to our great profit both in this life, and in the life to come. For what end soever the devil and his instruments have in afflicting us, yet God tempts no man to evil, Jam. 1.13. but he tries us to do us good, Deut. 8.16. 1 Pet. 1.6, 7. and that after victory we may receive the Crown of eternal life, Rev. 2.10. Job 23.10.
Obj. But my afflictions are great, and my strength small, so that I feare I shall be overcome?
Answ. God knows how to fit his trials to thy strength, and he hath bound himself by Promise to do it, 1 Cor. 10.13.
Obj. Yea, but in the mean time I am so pressed, that I discover many corruptions?
Answ. Happily this is necessary and profitable for thee, that thou mayst be humbled by the sight and sense of thy corruptions, brought to unfeigned repentance for them, and an hearty endeavour in the use of all good meanes, to be freed from them.
Thirdly, we may be comforted, as our greatest trials bring greatest comfort, because they are signes of greatest grace bestowed upon us: for where there are abundance of afflictions, there God bestows abundance of patience, faith, and other graces, whereby we are enabled to bear and overcome them, as we see in Abraham, Iob, David, Paul, &c.
Fourthly, we may be comforted because God much honoureth us by these trials; and that
1. By enriching us first with his graces, and then trying them, whereby their excellency is manifested to all that behold them.
2. By crowning his graces in us, when as by trial they are approved: as the Armorer first graces his armour by good Workmanship, and then brings it to the proof, and lastly employes it in his Princes service.
Fifthly, we may be comforted, because God uses afflictions as an effectual meanes to further our Conversion, Hosea 5.15. and 6.1, 2. Isa. 17.7. Ps. 83.16. and 78.34, 35. Isa. 26.16. 2 Chron. 33.12. Act. 9.5.
1. For by afflictions he fits, and prepares us to hear the Word, Hos. 2 6, 7. Job 33.16, 17. and 36.15.
2. By afflictions he works in us contrition and humiliation, 2 Sam. 15.26. 1 Chron. 21.17. Lam. 3.22.
3. Afflictions are usually the last meanes that God useth to convert obstinate sinners, Jer. 8.5, 6. Amos 4.6, 12. If they profit not by these, their case is desperate as in those foregoing texts. So Isa. 1.5. and 9.13.
Sixthly, we may be comforted, as God useth our afflictions as an effectual meanes to prevent our falling into sin, as also to mortifie and subdue our corruptions, Heb. 12.10. Job 33.16, 17. Isa. 4.4. Ezek 24.11.
Seventhly, we may be comforted as God useth afflictions to encrease all his spiritual graces in us.
1. First, those which are seated in the understanding; as saving knowledge, and spiritual wisdom, Prov. 19.15. Isa. 28.19. Hos. 6.1, 3. Job 33.16, 17. and 33.15. Psal. 119.71. and the benefit of this spiritual wisdome, doth much exceed our hurt by afflictions, Prov. 3.11, 19. and 3.15. John 17.3. Psal. 94.12.
2. They much confirm, strengthen and encrease our faith. So in Abraham, Heb. 11.9. and this they do through the experience which we then have of the truth both of Gods threatenings and gracious Promises. So 1 Sam. 17.36, 37. 2 Cor. 1.9, 10. As also by causing us to renew our repentance, and assuring us that our sins, for which we are thus corrected, shall not rise up to our condemnation, 1 Cor. 11.32. They also strengthen our faith as they are signes of our Election, Rom. 8.29. Luke 24.16. 2 Tim. 2.12. Acts 9.15, 16. Amos 3.20. and as they are signes of our effectual calling, 2 Tim. 3.12. Luke 9.23. 1 Pet. 4.17. …er. 25.29. John 15.19. and as they are signes of our Adoption, Gal. 4.1. Heb. 12.6, 8. 2 Sam. 7.15, 16. Gal. 4.29.
3. They confirm and encrease in us affiance, love, hope, feare, and humility. Our affiance, Jer. 10.6. Psal. 23.4. and 46.1, 2. 2 Cor. 1.9, 10. Job 13.15. So for our hope, Rom. 5.4. and 4.18, 21. and our love, Cant. 8.6, 7. and our feare, Psal. 119.120. Heb. 12.31. Isa. 57.11. Psal. 111.10. and our humility, Psal. 115.1. Dan. 9.7. Deut. 8.2. 2 Cor. 12.7. 2 Sam. 15.26. 2 Chron. 12.6. and 33.12. Lam. 3.28, 29, 30.
4. They encrease in us repentance and new obedience, as they put us upon self-examination to see our sins, and to bewail them with greater grief, Gen. 42.21. Psal. 32.4, 5. 1 Kings 8.35, 36. God by them encreases in us obedience to his Will, Heb. 12.11. 1 Pet. 4.1, 2. John 15.1, 2. 2 Chron. 12.8.
5. They make us more devout and zealous in his service: as in prayer, Isa. 37.1, 2, 3. Psal. 18.1, 2. 2 Chron. 33.12. Isa. 26.16. Psal. 78.34. and 81.7. and 107.6, &c. and 108.12. In thanksgiving, Psal. 103.8. Lam. 3.22. Exod. 15.1. Jude 5.1. Psal. 30.11, 12. and 59.16, 17. and 9.13, 14. They encrease our patience, Rom. 5.3. Jam. 1.3. 2 Sam. 15.26. Heb. 5.8.
2. Secondly, God by afflictions worketh and encreaseth in us all those vertues, which concern either our neighbours, or our selves. For,
1. Hereby we are moved to do justice unto all men.
2. We are made more merciful, and compassionate towards others in misery, Heb. 5.2. and 2.18. and 4.15, 16.
3. We are by them made more humble and courteous towards our neighbours, Prov. 18.23. 1 Kings 20.10, 18, 30, 31.
4. Afflictions bring us to a knowledge of our selves, Psa. 30.6. and 104.29. Hag. 1.9.
5. By the exercise of afflictions our strength is encreased to bear them, Prov. 24.10.
6. By afflictions God works and encreaseth in us temperance, sobriety, modesty, and chastity.
Thirdly, God useth afflictions as meanes to convey to us divers worldly benefits and advantages. As
1. By afflictions we profit much in civil wisdom and policy.
2. By them we are enabled to discerne our friends from our foes; He who is a friend in need, is a friend indeed.
3. By them we come the better to relish Gods blessings and benefits, Prov. 27.7.
Quest. What further helps are there to comfort us in, and under afflictions?
Answ. First, if we compare our lesser and lighter afflictions with those greater and heavier, that many of Gods Saints that were dearest to him, have suffered. As Abraham, Gen. 12.1, 2, 10. and 13.7, 8. and 14.12, 14. and 16.2. and 20.2. and 21. Of Isaac, Gal. 4.29. Gen. 25.35. Of Jacob, Gen. 27. and 34. and 35.22. and 37.35. Of Moses, Heb. 11.25. Of Job, David, Jam. 5.11. 1 Sam. 30▪ 2 Sam. 18.33. Of Paul, Act. 9.15, 16. 1 Cor. 4.10. &c. and 2 Cor. 4.9, 10. and 6.4, 5, 6. and 11.23, &c. And its the lot of the whole Church militant to suffer afflictions, Isa. 41.14. and 54.11. 1 Thes. 2.14. The Scripture often foretels the manifold afflictions of the faithful, Luke 9.23. John 16.20. Revel. 3.19. 2 Tim. 3.12. Heb. 12.6, 8. Acts 14.22. 1 Pet. 5.9. Heb. 10.33, 34.
Secondly, if we compare our light and small afflictions with those grievous and intole…able punishments which Christ suffered for us, Isa. 53.2, 3. Heb. 2.10. and 5.8. Luke 24.16. and 8.3. and 9.58. Mat. 27.38, &c. 46. and consider further.
1. That Christ suffered all those miseries being innocent, Isa. 53.9. 1 Pet. 2.22. 1 Iohn 3.5.
2. Yea, he suffered them for us who are sinners, dead in our sins, children of wrath, and enemies to God, Isa. 53.4▪ 5. 1 Pet. 2.24.
3. That we shall be adjudged unworthy to reigne with Christ, if we be not content to suffer with him, Matth. 10.38, 39. and 16.24, 25. Luke 14.13.
4. That God hath pre-ordained those to be like Christ in sufferings, who shall reign with him in glory, Rom. 8.29. 1 Pet. 2.21. 2 Cor. 8.9. Mat. 20.22, 23.
Eighthly, we may be comforted▪ by comparing our afflictions with the punishments of the wicked, which Christ hath freed us from. For,
1. The wicked endure many and great miseries in this life, for the attaining of earthly vanities, J…r. 5.9. Hab. 2.13.
2. But especially their intolerable torments in hell, do infinitely exceed all the miseries of Gods people in this world.
Ninthly, we may be comforted if we compare our earthly afflictions with our heavenly joyes, Luke 6.21. John 16.20. Rom. 8.18. 2 Cor. 4.17. 1 Pet. 1.4, 6, 7. 1 Cor. 2.9.
Tenthly, we may comfort our selves from the assurance we have of deliverance out of all our afflictions, Psal. 118.18. Psal. 34.17, 19. and 147.3. Heb. 12.10. Psal. 125.3. Isa. 57.16. For,
1. God takes notice of all our afflictions to deliver us out of them, Psal. 34.15. and 94.7, 9. and 33.18, 19. 2 P…t. 1.9. Psal. 40.17.
2. God is present with us in all our afflictions to help and relieve us, Job 5.15, 16. and 36.15. Psal. 34.18. and 121.5. and 145.18, 19. and 91.14, 15. John 14.18. Isa. 43.1, 2. and 41.10, 13, 14. and 46.1, 2, 3. 2 Chron. 32.7, 8. and our God is Omnipotent, and therefore able to help us, Psal. 18.31. Isa. 63.1. Nahum 1.6, 7. Isa. 26.4. Yea, he loves us, and therefore will deliver us, Deut. 7.6. and 32.9. Tit. 2.14. 1 Pet. 2.9. Jer. 31.3. Psal. 103.13. Isa. 49.15. and he never shewes his love more then in the time of affliction, Isa. 63.9. Judg. 10.16. Jer. 31.20. Lam. 3.31, 32, 33.
Mr. Downhams Christian Warfare.