A Practical and Polemical Commentary Upon 2 Timothy 3-4, Part 1 · Subpart 12
VERSE 11. Persecutions, afflictions; which came to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
THere are two things which doe usually much trouble the Ministers of the Gospel.
1. The swarms of false Teachers and Seducers.
2. The persecutions which they meet with from such.
Against the former the Apostle comforts us, Vers. 9. against the latter in this Verse; where he shewes what persecutions and afflictions he cheerfully underwent for the Gospels sake,foreign persecutio, à foreign persequor. Hostiles notat persecutiones utpote apertam vim, exilia, & clandistinas obtractationes & calumnias, quibus bonorum fama arroditur. Weinrich in Rom. 8. that so he might animate and excite Timothy to a prudent expectation and patient enduring of the like; and withall he tells him, How the Lord delivered him out of all.
In this Verse we have first Pauls sufferings set down in the lump in general. q. d. Thou knowest what persecutions I endured, and how I was chased from place to place. Thou knowest what storms and tempests were raised against me, both by Jews and Gentiles, by Grecians and Barbarians, by Princes and People; by open enemies and false Brethren, by violence and deceit seeking my ruine.
2. The better to arm Timothy, he tells him what afflictions he endured both Internal and External, in soul and body; from the world, from Satan,Per foreign seu afflictiones omnis generis calamitates & miserias intelligit, quae piis in hac vita obveniunt. and from his own corruption. The word is plural and indefinite, including all manner of afflictions.
1. External, as Imprisonment, banishment, reproach, hunger, thirst, nakednesse, cold, 1 Corinthians 4.11.12.13. he was oft in prisons, oft in deaths, five times he was scourged, thrice he was beaten with rods, once he was stoned, thrice he suffered shipwracke, &c. 2 Corinthians 11.23, 24, 25, 26, 27. and 2 Corinthians 6.4. to 11. there you may see large Catalogues of his sufferings.
2. As for internal afflictions and trials from sinne and Satan, See what sad complaints he makes against them, Romans 7. and 2 Corinthians 12.7, 8. So that his life was a perpetual Warrefare, he was beset with enemies within and without, which put him to much sorrow and affliction.
2. He descends to particulars, and names the places where he suffered, that he might the better record the whole History; and the better work upon Timothy, who was partly an eye-witnesse, and partly an eare-witnesse, and had heard of many of his sufferings by the relation of credible witnesses: for Pauls persecutions at Antioch, Iconium and Lystra are recorded, Acts 13. and 14. But Timothy began not to cleave to Paul till Acts 16.2, &c. Paul had suffered much in other Cities, as appears in the Acts of the Apostles, but he mentions his sufferings in these three Cities, because Timothy had heard more of these, being born at Lystra which was a neighbour City.
1. Antioch and Iconium, and so they were more fresh in his memory. Or else because the persecutions in those places were raysed more especially by the Jewes, who were more violent in persecuting Paul, then the Gentiles were. However the Apostle the better to animate his son Timothy, puts him in mind of these particular persecutions of his, that he might not faint, if God should call him to like sufferings. q. d. O my dear son Timothy, though thou hast suffered something for Christ, yet thou never hadst those trials that I have had, thou never wast cast out of so many Cities, nor so oft imprisoned, whipt and stoned as I have been, my troubles have been great, and my afflictions many yet this is my comfort, let it be thine also, that the Lord who hath delivered me, will also deliver thee out of all thy troubles and afflictions.
1. Paul comes to Antioch in Pisidia, not Anti…ch in Syria: this Pisidia was a part of lesser Asia, of which Antioch was the Metropolis; here the believers were first called Christians, Acts 11. hither came Paul and Barnabas, whose Ministry finding good successe, they were envied by the Jewes who expelled them out of their coasts, Acts 13.14.44.45, 50, 51. being expelled from Antioch, they go to Iconium, the Metropolis of Lycaonia, where many believe to the grief both of Jewes and Gentiles, who with their Rulers thought to stone them, which the Apostles discerning fled unto Lystra and Derbe Cities of Lycaonia, Acts 14.1. to 8. surely there they will use them better; alas, no, for there they stone Paul, and leavie him for dead, Acts 14.19, 20. All wicked men hate the good, as all Wolves do the Sheep.
2. Paul goeth on, and tells Timothy, that he knew what persecutions he endured. viz. besides those which he now mentioned, he had suffered many things in many other places.
3. Lest Timothy should be dismayed, as he had told him of the sowre, so now he tells him of the sweet; as he had told him of his dangers, so now he tells him of his deliverance. But out of them all, the Lord delivered me. foreign significat vi & efficaciter è periculis eripere. Laurent.I came not out of these troubles by my own power or policy; but by the strength of the Lord, 'tis he, even he alone that delivered me not out of one or two, but out of all my dangers and distresses. When all created comforts fayled me, yet he never failed me, nor forsook me, in six troubles he was with me, and in the seaventh he did not leave me. Feare not therefore Timothy, for God will be the same to thee, as he was to me, if thou patiently wait upon him as I have done. Despair not then under the Crosse, but assure thy self of Victory.
1. Observe, That persecutions and afflictions are the proper portion of Gods dearest servants in this life. Paul a choyce and chosen vessel, yet loaded here with persecutions. But of this, see more verse 12.
2. Observe, That Gods people may tell of their own sufferings; so doth Paul here,See more fully Mr. Reyners Government of the Tongue, p. 303. &c. and Colos. 1.24. and 2.1. and 2 Cor. 1.6.7. Provided it be done modestly, and sincerely, not proudly and Hypocritically; for Imitation and Consolation to the godly, and not for ostentation, and self-seaking.
3. Observe, That a Christian without sinne may be sensible of the tryals and persecutions which he meets with from the world. He may groan under them; but he must not grumble; it must be the mourning of Doves, not the roaring of Beares: a sheep may be as sensible of the biting of a Dog,Non sentiremala sua n…n est hominis, & non ferre non est viri. Seneca. as a Swine is, though he raise not such a dust, nor make such a din. We may not be senseless and stupid, for Grace doth not destroy, but rectifie natural affections: hence Christ himself in his troubles and agonies in an humble manner complains unto God, and cries with tears, and was heard.
4. Observe, That persecution attends the preaching of the Gospel; where ever the Gospel comes in the power of it, it will alwayes meet with opposition from the Devil and his agents. No sooner doth Paul preach at Antioch, but presently there are some that rise against him. The whole Book of the Acts of the Apostles proves this point.Per se quidem Evangelium est res pacifica, sed malorum vitio concitatur divisio. God came not to send worldy, carnal wicked peace into the world, but a sword, Matthew, 10.34, 35. by accident the Gospel meeting with mens corruptions, breeds division.; though per se, and in it self it breeds that peace of Conscience which passeth all understanding.
5. Observe, That persecution spreads the Gospel, if the Apostles cannot preach at Antioch, they'l goe to Iconium, and when persecuted, thence to Lystra. So Acts 8.1.4. the enemies persecute the Church, and thereby spread it, contrary to their own intentions. Persecution is so farre from hindering, that (the Lord so wisely ordering it) it mightily spreads the Gospel; according to that Prophesie Dan. 12.4. many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. Such shakings make way for Christ, Hag. 2.7.Plures efficimur quoties metimur. Tertul. The Church like a quick-set hedge grows the thicker for cutting, this Vine is the better for bleeding, and this Torch burns the better for beating. The more Pharaoh opprest the Israelites, the more they increast, Exodus 1.12. As Saint Augustine sayes of his times. Ligabantur, urebantur, caedebantur, & tamen multiplicabantur: the Saints were bound, burnt, beaten, &c. yet they increased still; Pauls bonds and imprisonment further the Gospel, and made the brethren more bold in professing it,foecundi sunt vel cineres Martyrum. Philippians 1.12.13, 14. many by beholding the constancy and courage of the Martyrs, together with the cruelty of their bloody enemies, have been converted to the Truth. The Bishops by persecuting the Godly in Old-England, have spread the Gospel in New-England. Thus the Lord catcheth the wise in their own Plots, and snares the wicked in the works of their own hands, Psal. 9.16. Iob 5.12.13.
6. Observe, That when we are persecuted in one City, we may lawfully fly unto another. The Apostles being persecuted at Antioch, fly to Iconium, and from thence to Lystra. This is no more then what Christ commands, Matthew 10.23. When they persecute you in one City, flee to another. Christ doth not onelyonly permit but command us (when occasion serves) to fly, Matthew 24.16, 17, 18, 19. 'Tis no signe of an ignoble and low spirit to fly in some cases. The best of men have done it. Iacob when in danger fled, Genesis 27. and Moses, Exodus 2.15. Elijah, 1 Kings 17. Vriah Ier. 26.22. Christ himself oft fled from his enemies, Matth. 12.15 Iohn 7.8. and 20.29. and those valiant Martyrs, Hebrewes 11.37, 38. and Paul a man of an undaunted Spirit, is let down in a basket, Acts 9.25. 'Tis prudence sometimes to conceal our selves and reserve our selves for better times.Christianae prudentiae est, ferociae interdum cedere, tumultus praevertere, & rei commodius gerendae occasionem captare ac redimere. Espencaeus. Marriners in a Tempest yield to it for a time, who yet would willingly be at home. Moses desired to rescue the Israelite, in slaying the Egyptian, but when he saw the Israelites understood not his calling, and what was the cruelty of Pharaoh, he gave place to the Tempest, and reserved himself for fitter times. So that in some Cases it may be lawfull to flie. As
1. If a man be but a young beginner in Religion, and doe not finde strength to endure the brunt of persecution.
2. If the persecution be personal, then Moses, Elijah, Christ and Paul fled: So Ioseph, Matth. 2.13. Athanasius and Polycarp..
3. If our flight and concealing our selves may make more for Gods Glory, the good of his People, and the good of our own souls, 'tis lawful in such a case to fly: and if a man (for conscience sake) shall forsake Father,Ipsu fuga est confessionis species, qui enim non maluerit domi suae manere, bonis suis frui, suae gentis hominum familiaritate uti, quam pauper & ignotus in longinquam regionem peregrè proficisci. Pet. Martyr. Mother, Friends, and Lands, this is no deserting of the Truth, but a Degree of Martyrdome, and very pleasing to God. Yea, not onelyonly the Law of God, but even the Law and Light of Nature bind us to preserve our lives by all just and lawful means.
Caution. Yet when the Lord shall call us to suffering, and shall shut up all wayes of just escaping, then he will be with us, and enable us to endure the trial, so that we may not stirre. E. g. When a man is cast into prison by the Magistrate for confessing the Truth, he may not then break the doors, Violate his Promises, dissemble his Religion, or use any indirect means to get deliverance. Hence Gods servants when they were in prison, would not use any indirect means to get out again, Acts 5.19. Excellent is the Example of Master Frith, See Mr. Clerks lives. 1. Part. p. 279. Edit. 2. Vbi plura.when some of his friends had contrived his escape, he plainly tells them, that if they should leave him, and goe to Croyden without him, and tell the Bishop they had lost Fryth, I would sure follow after as fast as I could, and bring them newes that I had found and brought Frith again &c. When God calls us to witnesse to his Truth we must sticke to it, else if we be ashamed of Christ and his Truth, he will be ashamed of us, Marke 8. ult. He will take no pleasure in us▪ 'tis a Meiosis (i.) He will utterly abhorre us, Hebrewes 10.38. the fearful (i.) such as out of base fear to save their lives or goods deny Christ must be cast into Hell, Revelations 21.8. Such bring terrour of Conscience upon themselves in this life, as Spira, in Queen Maries dayes, they dishonour Religion, as if it were not worth the suffering for, and so bring dishonour upon themselves.
He that pleases may see this Case more fully debated. in Master Perkins CC. l. 2. c. 12. Q. 3. Bowler Pastor Evangel. l. 3. c. 8. *A very useful peece.Altingius Problem. P. 2. Problem. 3. there you have the Q. debated Pro & con. Ward on Matth. 10.23. Aretius Probl. loc. 2. de fuga.
6. Observe, That these whom God calls extraordinarily, he endues with extraordinary gifts. Paul and Barnabas were called extraordinarily, and they shew it by the Miracles they wrought, Acts 14.3, 8, 9. by the extraordinary successe in their Ministery, and by their understanding the Lyaconian Language without teaching: a gift peculiar to those times for the more speedy spreading of the Gospel, Acts 2.6. which shewes the folly of the Impostors of our time, who pretend to an extraordinary call (as the Apostles had) when they have not so much as ordinary gifts: when they can heal the sicke, blinde, lame, &c. and speak all manner of Languages without study, then we shall beleeve they are extraordinarily called; but till then we should esteem them (as they are indeed) Impostours and deceivers.
7. Observe, That the more laborious and active any are for Christ the greater opposition they must expect from the world. As Paul laboured more then others, 1 Corinthians 15.10. So he suffered more then others. A man that goeth soltly by, is not molested with Dogs, but he that rides faster then ordinary, shall have all the Dogs in the town after him. The world lies snorting in their sin, and cannot endure such as would waken them. 'Tis observed of the Church of Sardis and Laodicea which were dead and cold, that they had no such trouble as Smyrna and faithful Philadelphia had.
8. Observe, Gratious men are constant men, no troubles can break them off from Gods wayes and works; Persecute, prison, stone them, they are still the same. As the Martyr told the Bishop, Rawlins you left me, Rawlins I am, and Rawlins by Gods grace I will continue. No dangers nor difficulties can drive them from their dueties, but if they be stoned, and knockt down in one place, they rise in another. They are faithful to the death, and so receive a Crown of Life. Revelations 2.10. many with Demas begin in the Spirit, but end in the flesh, they embrace a more easie flesh-pleasing way, and so loose all, Galat. 3.4. but the faithful have not so learned Christ: They know not what 'tis to yield, when they can stand no longer on their feet, they will fight upon their knees. Iacob will have the blessing though he halt for it, and the woman of Canaan will not leave Christ, though he call her Dog.
Observe, Not onelyonly our dangers, but also our deliverances must be observed and recorded by us. The Apostle had told us before of his persecutions, now he tels us how God delivered him out of all. We must not coldly and carelesly pass over the great things which God doth for us, but sit down and consider them with all their Circumstances, till our hearts be inflamed by them, we should sit down, and with an holy silence admire the wondrous things which God hath done for us, 1 Samuel 12.24. Zech. 2.13.
1. Observe, Gods singular wisedome in turning the Plots of Persecutors an their own Pates, Psalm 9.16. and to his own prayse, Psalm 76.10. by their opposing the Gospel he spreads it.
2. Observe, His Power in Over-powring all the Tyrants of the world, how easily and irrecoverably doth he break them in pieces even as a bar of Iron falling on an earthen Pot: Psalm 2.9.
3. Observe, His Truth and Faithfulness to his People, doing for us above all that we can speak or think; we can speak of much, and we can think of more, but God doth for us above all our words or thoughts.
4. Observe, His tender Love and care over his People. He hides us as the Hen doth her Chickens under the wings of his special Protection from the Birds of prey, Psalm 91.4. He keeps us as the apple of his Eye, Deut. (32.10. Psalm 17.8. Zech. 2.8.) which is the tenderest piece of the tenderest part, and will endure no jests; it is guarded by Nature with many Tunicles. To quicken you to this duty:
1. Consider,V. Weemse 7. Vol. l. 2. c. 3. p. 13.16. that 'tis a point of special wisedome to consider the singular providences of God towards us, Psalm 107. ult.
2. 'Twill bring us unto nearer communion and acquaintance with God, Psalm 107. ult. we shall understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord, we shall attain to a more intimate, sweet, experimental knowledge of God.
3. This will be a means to support and comfort us in future evils. David considering how the Lord delivered him from the Lion and the Bear, concludes from thence his conquest over the Philistim. So the Apostle reasons from former deliverances to future, 2 Cor. 1.10. This is Scripture Logick he hath delivered, that we know, he doth deliver that we see: therefore we conclude he will still deliver. This will be meat to us in the wildernesse, and hidden Manna to comfort us in new afflictions. A God tried and found faithful is a singular support in a time of trouble.
4. 'Twill incourage us to persevere in Prayer, Psalm 116.1.2. a secure, un-observant Christian, is a Non-praying Christian.
5. 'Twill quicken us to Praise God. The most observant Christians, are the most thankful Christians. Who can observe the singular love and care of God to him and not be thankful for it? This will make us say with admiration, Lord, what is man that thou shouldest thus magnifie him? Iob 7.17, 18. Let us therefore be much in considering both the dangers and deliverance of the faithful; their example will be a great support to us in the like trials, Psalm 34.4, 5, 6. Hebrewes 12.1.2, 3. Iames 5.10.11. 'Tis some ease to us when we see our case is not singular, 'tis no other then that which befalleth other men, 1 Cor. 10.13. and the rest of our brethren in the world, Matth. 5.11, 12. 1 Pet. 5.9.
10. Observe, Though the righteous meet with many troubles, yet the Lord delivers them out of all, *See Mr. Henry Smiths Ser. on that Text, p. 242. See Mr. Boltons Fast Serm. on Lam. 3.26. Preached 1646. Doct. 2. p. 10.Psalm 34.19. we have here:
1. A concession, many are the troubles of the Righteous, [Rabboth ragnoth, multa & magna mala, the word will bear both:] they are for number many, and for nature great.
Per sex & septem plurimas intelligit afflictiones; septenarius enim numerus est perfectionis numerus. Lavater in Iob.2. Here's a consolation, but the Lord delivers them out of all. He is with them in six troubles, and in the seventh he doth not leave them, Iob 5.19.20, 21. Psalm 71.20. and 92.14, 15. and 118.13, 14. and 149.4. and 116.6, 7. Iohn 16.20, 21. 2 Timothy 4.17, 18. 'Tis Gods usual Me…hod to bring his people through great miseries to the enjoyment of great mercies, He first brings them through fire and water, before he sets them in a wealthy place, Psalm 66.12. Ioseph is first sold, tried, imprisoned; and at last delivered, and then his Prison is changed into a Palace, his iron chains into golden ones, and his Prison Rags, into glorious Robes. Iob past through many troubles, yet in the conclusion the Lord delivered him out of all, and made his latter end better then his beginning, Iob 42.10, 12.
Lastly, Observe, The Lord is the sole deliverer of his People: whatever the means or instruments of our deliverance be, yet he is the Author and the efficient cause of them all. 'Tis he and he onelyonly that delivers us out of all our troubles. As he brings us into troubles, so he onelyonly can bring us out again. He kills, and he makes alive, he wounds and he must make whole, Hos. 6.1. Deut. 32.39. Ier. 30.7. besides him there is no Saviour, hence 'tis doubled by way of Emphasis, Isay 43.11. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides me there is no Saviour (i.) none so great, yea none, but by and under him: hence he is called the God of Salvations by way of Eminency in the Plural number, to distinguish him from Idoll-Gods which cannot save. Psal. 68.19, 20. He that is our God, is the God of Salvations. viz. Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal.
1. All our Temporal salvations come from him, he saves us from the Sword, Famine, Plague, &c. 1 Kings 8.33. &c. and this he doth either
Immediately,
or Mediately.
1. Sometimes he saves his people immediately without meanes, by his own immediate power; he is agens liberrimum, a most free agent; and though he have bound us to the use of meanes, yet himself is bound to none. Hence when all meanes hath failed, then his own arm hath brought salvation to his people. Isay 63.5. Exod. 14.21. he himself will be to Ierusalem a wall of fire. Zeph. 2.5. he'l take away the mighty without hands. Iob 34.20. This is Miraculous.
2. Mediately.
1. By Meanes, all men and meanes are at his disposing, The very winds and Seas obey him, all are his servants ready to do his will. Psal. 119.91. He's Lord of Hosts, all armies are his, whether heavenly as Angels, Sun, Moon, Stars; or Earthly, as frogges, flies, lice, &c. or men whether good or bad,Vel robur hostium apud Deum. they are all raised and ruled by him. He teacheth their hands to war, he gives Courage, Skill, Power, Policy, and Successe.
2. By weak means he oft delivers his people, 'tis all one with him to help with few or many. 2 Chron. 14.11. by frogges and flies, he confounds Pharaoh. By Iael a woman he slays valiant Sisera, 'Twere Trumpets not of silver or gold, but of Rams-hornes, which blew down the walls of Iericho. Heb. 11.30. what's a worm against a mountain, 'tis impar congressus, a very unfit match, yet God can make Iacob a worm to thresh mountaines. Isay 41.14, 15. and his Church that is weak like a woman, to compasse and besiege a man (i. e.) to besiege Babylon and take it. Ier. 31.22. Luther▪ an obscure Monk, King Edward the sixt a child, and Queeen Elizabeth a woman, shall advance the work of Reformation in despight of all opposition: when the Temple was to be rebuilt, it was not by might or power of men, but by Gods spirit on a few. Zech. 4.6. 'Tis by the mouthes of babes and sucklings, that he confounds his foes. Psal. 8, 2. God usually hangs the greatest weights on the weakest wyers, that so his name may have all the praise.See Mr. Marshalls Ser. on that Text. Oct. 28. …646. See an excellent Treatise of Mr. Fran…is Tayler on that Text. p. 123. &c. and Mr. Corbets Fast Serm. By poor contemptible fishermen, he confo…nds the wise men of the world, and by things that are not, he confounds the things that are. 1 Cor. 1, 27, 28, 29. (i. e.) those men and meanes which are so sleighted, as if they had no being at all; these shall confound the things which are, viz. of great esteem in the world. Of those 277, that were burnt in Queen Maries time, 84. of them were Artificers, 100. Husband-men, servants, and labourers, 55. women and two boyes. Gedeons thirty two thousand must be brought to 300. and those shall get the victory, that the praise may be given to God, and not to Israel. Iudg. 7.2. One Abraham and his family with a little ayde overthrew four Kings. Gen. 14. little David overcomes a great Goliah. Shamgar with an Oxe goad slayes 600. Philistines, and Sampson with the Jaw-bone of an Asse, a thousand. Iudg. 3.31. and 15, 16. Though Gods people be a poor, weak, shiftlesse society, yet better and safer it is to be one of Christs little ones, then to be one of the Zanzummims, Nimrods and men of renowne amongst the wicked of the world. This kind of deliverance is Marvellous.
3. By contrary Meanes. He can make clay (which in all probability would put out sight) to open the eyes of the blind. Iohn 9.9. He can make the plots of wicked men to become their plagues, and their own doings to become their undoings. He can snare them in the work of their own bands. Psal. 9.16. He can make the wheeles go forward, when we think they go backward: and those wayes of providence which we think will ruine the Nations, he can make them to raise them, He can make wounds to heale us, losses to enrich us, and divisions to unite us. This is glorious.
2. Spiritual deliverances come from him. He wounds the conscience, and heales it. 'Tis his Prerogative Royall to bind up the broken spirit, and heal such as be of a contrite heart.
3. He's the authour of eternall salvation, to all that obey him. Heb. 5.9. This will further appear, that God is the sole deliverer of his people.
1. Negatively, and exclusively, none else can help us if he be against us, all creatures answer as the King of Israel answered the woman of Tekoa that cryed to him for help, if the Lord do not help, how shall I help thee. 2 Kings 6.26, 27. as he's the God of all comfort and consolation, both Affirmatively and Negatively. 2 Cor. 1.3. So he's the God of all our help and deliverance both Negatively and Affirmatively, all our comfort and help is in him, and there is none to be had without him. Psal. 124. ult.
'Tis not 1. Idolls, that can save us.
'Tis not 2. Riches. that can save us.
'Tis not 3. Friends. that can save us.
'Tis not 4. Strong-holds that can save us.
'Tis not 5. Armies. that can save us.
'Tis not 6. Carnal policy, nor sinfull shifts. that can save us.
1. Idolls cannot help us. They are vanities, teachers of lies, Hab. 2.18. Ionah 2.8. Nothing in respect of any divine power or vertue.Idolum nihil est (i. e.) nihil tale quale prae se fert, quia nihil habet numinis vel sanctitatis. Materialiter est lignum, formaliter nihil. à Lapide 1 Cor. 8.4. though it be something in respect of mens vain Imaginations, who honour it as their God, yet 'tis nothing in respect of vertue or value, for it can neither help nor hurt. Ier. 10.5. They cannot save themselves from fire and plunder, Micah's Gods were stollen. Iudg. 18.18, 24. They are cursed that worship them. Psal. 97.7. they shall have sorrow that follow them. Psal. 16.4. and be greatly ashamed that trust in them. Isay 42.17. great then is the folly of the Papists, who fly to S. Loy for their horses, S. Anthony for their pigs, Saint George for their warres, S. Apollonia for their teeth, S. Steven for the night, S. Iohn for the day; according to the manner of their necessities, so are their Gods.
2. If God be against us, Riches cannot help us. They oft hurt us in a time of trouble. The finger many times is cut off for the gold Ring, and the souldier enquires not for the poor, but for the rich man. Riches avail not in a day of wrath. Prov. 11.4. Ezek. 7.19. Zeph. 1. ult. they flye from us when we are dying or in trouble, and have most need of help. Prov. 23.5. Hence they are called uncertain riches, they are like a broken reed, that not onelyonly faileth, but wounds him that trusts in them. Isay 36.6. he that trusteth in them shall fall. Prov. 11.28. and be reproached for his folly, with a Lo this is the man that took not God for his strength, but trusted in his riches. Psal. 52.7. Luke 12.20.
3. Friends cannont help be they never so many or mighty, the greater they be the worse, and the sooner we are deceived by them, because we are apt to trust in them: men of low degree are vanity, but men of high degree are worse, they are not onelyonly lyars, but a lye in the abstract. Psal. 62.9. Hence we are forbidden to trust in them be they never so great. Psal. 146.3, 4, 5. Trust not in Princes, (yet if any men can help us 'tis they) why so? for in them is no help, they dye or change their minds, and then all thy plots perish.
4. Strong holds cannot save us, if God be against us. They shall all drop as ripe figs, which with a shake or summons come down. Nahum. 3.12.14. though wicked men build walls as high as heaven, and make ditches as deep as hell, yea and make their nest in the starres, yet sin will bring them down. Ier. 49.16. Obad. 4. if sin raign within, all the fortifications without are but vain. Lam. 4.12.17. Isay 22.8. to 14.
5. 'Tis not Armies, Charrets, Horses, &c. that can help. A King is not saved by a great host. Psal. 33.16, 17, they fall that trust in them. Psal. 20.7, 8. many trust in their long sword, and think that it should save them, but God tells those that work wickednesse, yet stand upon their Sword, that the sword shall destroy them. Ezek. 33.25, 26, 27.
6. 'Tis not carnal policy, nor sinful shifts that can help us. Achitophels policy ended in folly. And so did Pharaohs working wisely. Exod. 1.10. become his bane. Hence Henry the third of France, forsaking the truth turned Papist, thinking thereby to get the Monks on his side, he was killed by a Monk; yea he became contemptible to his people, Paris and his great Townes revolting from him. There is no power or policy can prevaile against God. Prov. 21.30. many turne with the times, forsake the truth, make lies their refuge, and under falshood do they hide themselves. Isay 28.15. this is the basest refuge of all others. Sin never did good to any, it's an ill refuge which makes God our enemy. Isay 47 10. thou hast trusted in thy wickedness.Vt domus in arena sita etsi ventis non sit agitata, ipsa tamen per se ruit; sic fiducia fundata in flagitiis etiam à nemine oppugnata ipsa per se dilabitur & evanescit. Pintus in Isa. What followes? Verse 11. therefore evill shall come …pon thee.
2. Affirmatively and inclusively, all our help is onelyonly in the Lord. He is the salvation of his Israel. Ier. 3.23. the creatures answer in this case, as they did concerning wisdome, Iob 18.12.14.20. where shall wisdom be found? the depth sayes 'tis not in me, and the Sea sayes 'tis not in me. So where shall help in trouble be had? Parliaments say 'tis not in us, and Armies say 'tis not in us, and Riches say 'tis not in us, &c. But 'tis God onelyonly who is El-shaddai, All-mighty, All-sufficient. Gen. 17.1. who is a strong Tower. Prov. 18.10. and a present help in trouble. Psal. 46.1. when trouble is present, then God is (auxilium praesentissimum) most present by his Wisdom to direct us, by his Power to protect us, and by his Spirit to comfort us.
Quest. How doth the Lord deliver his people, when we oft see them lye under sad afflictions.
Answ. Deliverance is two-fold.
1. When the Lord doth actually deliver his people, as he did the three young men from the fiery furnace. Dan. 3. Daniel from the Lions den, and Peter from prison.
2. Sometimes he lets the trouble continue, but upholds the Spirit under it. Thus Ioseph was in prison, but the Lord was with him. Paul had not the tentation removed, but he had strength given him to bear it.
3. If God do suffer the wicked to take away their temporal life, yet he gives them eternal life for it, change (we say) is no robbery, but this change is a great advantage, so that sometimes the Lord removes the Crosse, sometimes he mitigates it, but he alwayes works patience in the hearts of his people, and gives a happy issue and event, if not by life, yet by death which is best of all. Philip. 1.23. neither can any Tyrants take away their lives from them till they have run their race, and finisht the work which God hath given them to do. Luke 13.32. Iohn 17.4, 5. David was oft pursued by Saul, yet dieth not till he served Gods will in his generation. Acts 13.36. Peter died not till he was ripe for Martyrdome. 2 Pet. 1.14. Paul escapes abundance of dangers both by Sea and Land, till his time was come that he was beheaded at Rome by Nero. 2 Tim. 4.6. Queen Elizabeth was cursed by many Popes, yet she out-lived nine or ten of them; and when she had finisht her course, she died in her bed in Peace. God hath numbred our dayes which we cannot passe, nor our enemies abridge us of. Iob 7.3. our times are in Gods hands, and not in the hands of our enemies. Psal. 31.15.
Quest. But why doth not the Lord deliver his people out of trouble?
Answ. 'Tis not either because he cannot or will not; but for good Ends.
1. To draw out the Graces of Gods people, that their Faith, Love, Patience, and Constancy, may be made more perspicuous to the world, we had never heard of the Chastity of Ioseph, the Patience of Iob, the Zeale of David, the constancy and piety of Daniel, nor of the Faith of those Martyrs. Heb. 11. if they had not been tryed.
2. 'Tis but to purge us and try us, not to destroy us. Isay 27.9. Iames 1.2, 3. 1 Pet. 4.12.
3. To wean us from the world, the Lord layes wormwood upon its breasts. Luther for a time found some reluctaucy in him to that Petition, Thy Kingdome come, but after that God had tossed him up and down with the waves and tempests which he met with from the world, Then no Petition was more welcome to him.
4. For the fuller discovery of the cruelty and malice of wicked men, that all the world may see and say, The Lord is righteous in their ruine.
Vse. 1. If God be the help and deliverer of his people, then woe to those who hurt them, if he be the preserver of men. Iob 7.20. then woe to those who are like their father the Devill. who is Abaddon and Apollyon the destroyer and devourer of men. Revel. 9.11.
2. Hath God delivered thee? kisse not thine own hand, do not sacrifice to thine own net, but give all the praise to the God of thy salvation. Ionah 2.9. say with the Church, not unto us, &c. Psal. 115.1.
3. As we must praise him for deliverances past, so pray to him for deliverance out of trouble, Whither should we go for water but to the Sea, or for light but to the Sun? or for help but to the God of all help? If he but speak the word, he can command deliverance for us. Psal. 44.4. for
1. He's an Omnipotent Helper, ther's nothing too high or too hard for him. The sons of Zervial may be too strong for us, but not for him. He beholds all nations as a drop, &c. Isay 40.15, 17.
2. He's an Omnipresent Help, the eyes of his providence run to and fro through the whole earth in defence of his people.
3. He's an Omniscient Help, though we know not how to help our selves, yet he knowes how to deliver his. 2 Pet. 2.9. he knowes the fittest manner,Notitiam Dei hîc intellige, non simpliciter Theoreticam, sed Practicam potius & auxiliatricem. Laurent. time, and season for our deliverance, when 'twill be most for his glory and our good.
Rules.
1. If we expect help and deliverance from God, we must be such as Trust in him. Psal. 37. ult. he's the Saviour of all men by a common providence, but his special providence extends onelyonly to such as believe. 1 Tim. 4.10. such need not fear what man can do unto them. Isay 12.2. Iehosaphat that trusted in the Lord when a great Army came against him, was delivered from them.
2. We must be sincere and righteous men. Prov. 18.10. 2 Pet. 2.9. when a mans heart is upright, and his conversation pure, God hath a special eye on such. 1 Pet. 3.11, 12. God will be a terrour to the wicked, but a strong Tower to the Righteous. Deut. 4.3, 4. Zeph. 2.3.
3. We must be poor in spirit, and sensible of our own wants, that we may go out of our selves and rest solely on God. He gives power to the faint. Isay 40.29. and saves such as have no power. Iob 26.2. and when we are children without a father, then Christ will be a Father to us. Iohn 14.18. he will not leave us Orphans or fatherlesse, to such the promise runs. Hos. 14.3. Iob 3.15. Zeph. 3.12,
4. We must be such as mourn for the sins of the times. God marks such in mercy. Ezek. 9.4. he hath a Zoar for Lot, whose soule was vexed with wicked Sodomites, a grave for mourning Iosiah to hide him in from evills to come. Iob 14.13.