THough I appear not in the face of this Assembly as One risen from the dead, yet as One raised from the very brink of the Grave, and am again sent to Preach the Word of Life, the Gospel of Salva­tion. Since I was last in this place, I have been brought very near to another World; and when I had a clearer view of it, I found that God was All; and that all this World was nothing, less than nothing and vanity. When Sickness lies heavy, and the last Enemy Death, seems entring in at the door; believe me, then it appears that Divine Favour is better than Life; the succours of our merciful and faithful High-Priest the Lord Je­sus; the supports of his Grace; and that Peace of God which passes all understanding; are things of real and of the highest value. I did not know [Page 2] but that my Work and Life might be just ending; but that I might quickly be in that place, where I should see Man no more; nor Preach any more the Word of Reconciliation. But behold! in Answer to the prayers of many, health is restored; and my Sickness will prove good both to me and you, if I am more sincere in the exercise of; and you are more serious in your attendance upon my Ministry.

I have been Once and again brought back from the gates of Death; my obligation is increased to live more to God; and to endeavour to do more good to the Souls of men. I wish these ends of my life, towards the conclusion of it, may be attained more than ever. The dealings of God with me of late have been very remarkable; I desire aright to regard the operation of his hands; and wisely to consider of his doings. He has come into my house with a Rod in his hand; and to one Member of my Family he gave a deadly blow; and others he has struck down; though not quite; yet near to the Grave. I my self have been of late twice seized with a Death threatning Malady; and am here before you all to accept the punishment of my iniquity; whereby infinitely worse has been deserved, than what I have undergone: I kiss the Rod for the needful healing strokes of it, which I have felt; and great reason I have to proclaim my Chastizers faithfulness and love; and how good 'tis for me that I have been afflicted.

In the words which I have read; these parti­culars are observable.

1. Here is an Exercise sharp and sore to Nature; and which will put Grace upon the Tryal, and prove the truth and strength of it; and this Exer­cise is Affliction.

2. The Person thus exercised is the Psalmist, who was both Saint and Preacher. Saints are afflicted, that they may be more throughly san­ctified: Preachers are afflicted, that they may Preach and labour to better purpose.

3. From whom came the Psalmists Affliction? the Rod which he felt was in God's hand: To Him he speaks in the Text; being sensible he had to do with God; and God had to do with him. Rods, though of sins meriting; are of God's making: All bitter Cups, are of God's own mingling: the kind, the measure, the continuance of Affliction is of the Lord's own appointment.

4. The Issue of Affliction follows; it issued well in the Psalmists truest good; it made him really better than he was before; therefore good for him indeed: It was medicinal to his Soul; the inward man was more renewed; heart and life both very much amended.

5. Here is a demonstration; that Affliction was thus beneficial to him; because in the School of Affliction he learnt God's Statutes better; he learned to prize them; for in the following verse, he preferred them before thousands of gold and silver: And thus looking upon them as an invaluable [Page 4] Treasure, here is an intimation that he kept them, with a conscientious and affectionate care and di­ligence.

I raise two Doctrines from the words.

The one is, That Saints are afflicted for their good.

The other is, That the Rod of God is a means to make his Word to be the better learned.

Doct. I. I begin with the first of these Do­ctrines; That Saints are afflicted for their good; they are the better and happier for being chastened; Job 5. 17. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Chastening is despised, if it be lookt upon only as a misery; which has so great a tendency to promote our happiness; Jam. 5. 11. Behold we count them happy which endure: Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Both these passages have Behold prefixed to them; they seem Paradoxes to carnal reason; but if the Eye of the Understanding be opened to look into the matter, it will be perceived that Affliction and Happiness are not disparata, which never meet in the same subject; the Saints are the more blessed the more they are corrected! That passage may be called a Threatning, because Af­fliction [Page 5] is a punishment of Iniquity; and also a Promise, because Correction ends in Amendment; Psal. 89. 30, 31, 32, 33. If his Childrrn for­sake my Law, and walk not in my Judgments; If they break my Statutes, and keep not my Com­mandments; then will I visit their Transgression with a Rod, and their Iniquity with Stripes: Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utter­ly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

In the handling of this Doctrine I shall,

First, Demonstrate the Truth of it by several Arguments.

Secondly, I shall specifie what that good is which accrews to the Saints by Affliction.

Thirdly, Conclude with the Application.

In the first place I am to demonstrate that Saints are afflicted for their good.

The Arguments demonstrating this, are these.

1. Afflictions are of God's own sending, whose goodness is manifested in the sending of them. The Afflictions which the Saints feel, are or­dered in Heaven for them. Job regards not so much the malice of Satan, nor the injustice and violence of Man, in that sore Calamity which so suddenly fell upon him; but his Eye looks as high as God in it; Job 1. 21. The Lord has taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord! Well may he be blessed; for the Lord ceases not to be good to his People when he takes a Rod into [Page 6] his hand to beat them. Afflictions in Scripture are compared to Waters; and these Waters come out of Paradise, and savour of it. Give me leave to search the Springs of these Waters, and trace them to the Fountain head; and upon due search it will be found that they flow from the truest love, the wisest care, the greatest faithfulness.

1. The Saints Afflictions flow from the truest love; Heb. 12. 6. Whom the Lord loves, he chastens; and scourgeth every Son whom he receives. Now To­kens of Love, are to be reckoned among the good things, not the evil. The Lord chastens his Chil­dren whom he delights in; that he may make them more lovely; and his delight in them may be the greater. Indeed in Nature 'tis otherwise; The same Fountain cannot at the same place send forth sweet Water and bitter; Jam. 3. 11. Yet certain it is, that all the sweetnesses, and bitternesses of a Christian, come from one and the same Foun­tain, the Everlasting Love of God in Christ Jesus.

2. The Saints Afflictions flow from the wisest care. God cares for his People, and bids them cast all their care upon him; 1 Pet. 5. 7. Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. When Nebuchadnezzar's countenance was full of rage; and the three Children were threatned with a fiery Furnace seven times heated; they were con­fident of God's care; and had said and stood to it; We are not careful to answer thee; but be it known to thee, we will not serve thy Gods, nor wor­ship the Golden Image thou hast set up; Dan. 3. [Page 7] 16, 18. God's care of them was great in this extreme peril. And he cares for all his Saints; their life, their health, their comforts are precious in his Eyes; and they shall not be toucht, but when necessity and conveniency calls for it.

3. The Saints Afflictions slow from the greatest faithfulness. The Church in the very depths of trouble cries out, Great is thy faithfulness! Jer. 3. 23. I know, O Lord, says the Psalmist, that thy Judgments are right; and that thou in faithful­ness hast afflicted me; Psal. 119. 75. The Phy­sicians faithfulness appears in giving very bitter Potions, which are a means to save the Patients life. Sharp Afflictions are often necessary to rece­ver the health of the Soul; divine faithfulness is manifested in this method of recovery. This faith­fulness of God debates with the Rod when it shoots forth, lest it should be too heavy, and rather make an end of, than mend his Children; Isa. 27. 8. In measure when it shooteth forth thou wilt debate with it; he stayeth his rough Wind in the day of the East Wind: For if both these Winds should blow to­gether, the Saints might not be able to stand against them. That is the first Argument to prove the goodness of Affliction; it is of God's sending; and in sending of it, his love, and care, and faith­fulness is manifested.

2. Afflictions are sent with a design that af­flicted Saints may be benefited. He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the Children of Men: The Lord sees they have need of it, and therefore they are in heaviness: But when Affliction is as it were [Page 8] plowing upon the backs of the Saints; and long and deep furrows are made; the Lord at that very time is sowing both light, and grace, and joy; and how plentiful will the Harvest be! Psal. 97. 11. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart; Heb. 12. 11. Chastening does yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them who are exercised thereby. Earthly Parents are oftentimes transported with passion, and act after their own humour and pleasure in correcting of their Chil­dren; and then their Children are rather pro­voked to anger, and discouraged, than amended. But hereby it most evidently appears; 'tis good for the Saints that they are afflicted; because their Father, who is the Father of Spirits, does cha­stize his Children for their profit, that is, their spi­ritual profit and advantage; that they may be partakers of his holiness; Heb. 12. 10. And the truth is, we are never more profited, than when we are most sanctified.

3. The Afflictions of the Saints are dispensed to them through Christ Jesus; therefore they must needs be good for them; for nothing comes to them through Him, that is otherwise. He has born the Saints sins, so that they are neither con­demned nor commanded by them: He unstings death, before it seizes upon any of his Members; so that the venom and poison of death, which is sin, is gone; and death without a sting is not to be dreaded. And Christ has also born the Saints Sicknesses and Infirmities; Mat. 8. 17. and so the cause of them is removed: God does not demand [Page 9] satisfaction to his Justice in the Afflictions of his People; for Christ by his Sufferings has made full Satisfaction. He does not exact Law Payment of them, for Christ was made under the Law, and fulfilled it, and bare the Curse due to Believers for transgressing of it. The Blood of Jesus Christ, how does it alter Affli­ctions! it turns them into profitable and heal­ing Medicines! Oh Blessed Troubles, in which Christ himself Sympathizes with Souls that are troubled! Isa. 63. 9. In all their Afflictions, he was afflicted, and the Angel of his Presence sa­ved them. 'Tis certain [...]y good to be in the Furnace, if the Son of God be there with us; to mitigate the heat of it, and to consume the dross only, while the Metal is secured, and pu­rified!

4. Afflictions make the Saints Conformable to Christ their Head, and 'tis never better with the Members; than when there is the greatest resemblance in them to their Head and Lord. He was perfected as Mediatour through Suffe­rings. At length he suffer'd so much, that he cried out, It is finished; he paid a full Price for his Churches Redemption; and made her Everlasting Peace. His Members also must be perfected in Mortification and Holiness by Suf­ferings also; these help to pull down Pride, and Self-confidence; to tame the Flesh, and to check and kill the Affections and Lusts of it. Happy Afflictions! which make afflicted Belie­vers more like to their Lord in whom they [Page 10] do believe! In Conformity to Christ lies our Ex­cellency and Safety. This Conformity is in a special manner designed, Rom. 8. 29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many Bre­thren. The Image of the Earthly Adam is our Shame, the Image of the Heavenly Adam is our Glory.

5. The Afflictions of the Saints are under a Promise that they shall work for good. The Medicines which the great Physician of Souls gives to Believers do Work well, as they are very proper, so very Effectual, Rom. 8. 28. We know says the Apostle, we are assured of it by Faith, and we find it true by Experience; That all things Work together for good, to them that love God; who are called according to his purpose. God himself will Work along with Calamities and Troubles of all sorts, and bring forth much good out of the very worst of them. They work upon the Hearts of the Saints, and better the frame and temper and Inclina­tions of them. They work upon their Tongues, and lay a Bridle upon them; and bring them under the Law of Holiness, Love and Kind­ness; they work upon the Actions, making them more agreeable to that Rule, which who­soever walk according to, Peace and Mercy shall be upon them. Nay Afflictions work no less than Glory, and when the Apostle consi­dered the Weight and Eternity of that Glory, [Page 11] he made light of the heaviest Afflictions; the Benefit is unconceiveably vast, that quick­ly is reaped from them, 2 Cor. 4. 17. For our light Affliction which is but for a Moment, worketh for us a far more Exceeding and E­ternal weight of Glory. Not that Affliction and Suffering though for Righteousness sake, does deserve this Glory, but it makes it the more Minded and Desired, and is a means to make us meet for the Enjoyment of it; and the Promise is sure, that if we suffer according to the Will of God, we shall also Reign with him.

6. Afflictions must needs be granted to the Saints, for they purge out the worst evil of all; and that is Sin. Oh! [...] out of measure sinful Sin! No Name so bad as thy own! No Evil so great as thou art! Let all the Calamities of the Earth, and all the Miscries of Hell, be put into the One Scale together; and Sin into the other; as Sin is the Cause of them all, so it will outweigh them all. 'Tis the abominable thing which Gods Soul hates. 'Tis the great Evil and Enemy whereby Mans Soul is ruined. How much is Affliction good for! since 'tis a So­veraign means, whereby such an Evil as Sin, is purged away, Isa. 27. 9. By this therefore shall the Iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the Fruit, to take away his Sin.

7. The Afflictions of the Saints are means to prevent their Eternal Sufferings in the other World. The Rod is of their Fathers own Appointment, [Page 12] to deliver his Childrens Souls from Hell. Present Castigation prevents Eternal Condemnation, 1 Cor. 11. 32. But when we are judged, we are chast­ned of the Lord, that we might not be condem­ned with the World. Not that, Sin has not ill demerit enough to make us obnoxious to Suffer­ings in both Worlds; not that Chastizement makes satisfaction for Transgression: But it makes the Saints to fly to the Lord Jesus, for the making up of all breaches between God and them; which Sin has made; and 'tis effectual to make them truly Humble and Penitent: Now Faith and Repentance have the Promise of Life annexed to them. Whosoever believes on the Son of God, shall not perish, but have Everlasting Life, Joh. 3. 16. And Repentance is said to be unto Salvation and consequently not be re­pented of, 2 Cor. 7. 10.

8. Afflictions bring the Saints nearer to God; and to be near to Him, how good is it for them! Psal. 73. 28. God expects a more serious seek­ing, and a nearer approach when he afflicts his People, Hos. 5. 15. I will go and return to my Place, till they acknowledge their Offence, and seek my Face; in their Affliction they will seek me early. And his People Answer his Expectation, Hos. 6. 1. They say, Come and let us return to the Lord, for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he has smitten, and he will bind us up. Afflicted Saints inquire after God, they come with their Penitential Acknowledgments; and desire more fully to know wherefore it is that he Contends; [Page 13] that the ground of the Controversie may be re­moved. It is meet that the Afflicted Saint should say, and with his Heart he does say it un­to God. I have born Chastisement, I will not offend any more; that which I see not, teach thou me, if I have done Iniquity I will do no more, Job 34. 31, 32. All that is within him now yields unto God, and being melted in the Fur­nace of Affliction, he desires to be cast into the mould of his Word. Happy blows! which drive the Saints to God, and strengthen their Resolutions to abide with God! Thus have I demonstrated that Saints are afflicted for their good.

In the Second Place, I am to specifie that good which accrews to the Saints by Affliction.

1. One good consequent of Affliction, is a greater Power of Spiritual Discerning. Prov. 29. 15. The Rod and Reproof give Wisdom. If Mans Rod does so, then it follows, that the Rod of God does it much more. Gods Teaching accompanies his Chastning, and who Teaches like him? Afflictions clear the Eye of the Soul; so that it is more Single and Piercing. It sees now plainly, through the deceitfulness of Sin. It sees the Worlds emptiness and Vanity, and an End of all its Perfection. It sees the Subtilty of the old Serpent, and how much it concerns all neither to believe, nor follow him. It discerns the Insufficiency, Weakness, and Wic­kedness of Self; and that 'tis neither to be tru­sted [Page 14] in, sought, or pleased. It sees the great­ness of that Salvation which is in Christ; and what an All-sufficient and Eternal Portion the Lord Jehovah is. And the Afflicted Saints Knowledge of all this, is more than Notional. He knows by Experience as well as Speculati­on the Evil of Sin; and the unsuitableness of the World is plain to his Spiritual Sense, and so is the Power of the Grace of Christ. In Affli­ction, the other World opens, and the Eye looks into it; and what a Cypher then is this whole Globe of Earth and Waters! The Apostles outward Man perished: He was exercised with Affliction; and what clear views had he then of things unseen? 2 Cor. 4. 16, 18. For which cause we faint not, but though our outward man perish; our inward man is renewed day by day. While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen; for the things that are seen are Temporal, but the things that are not seen are Eternal.

2. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is a more Pure and tender Conscience. How great a Misery is it to have a stupid Consci­ence, that is without or past feeling! When a man has all his own Guilt, and the Wrath of God abiding upon him; not a Promise in the Bible belonging to him, all the threatnings full char­ged with Curses and Woes, just ready to be discharged at him: And He himself is upon the very brink of Hell, just ready to tumble in every Moment; and yet is altogether unsen­sible [Page 15] of any danger! Such a senseless Conscience is a deadly Sign; it argues Spiritual Death to have full Power; and Eternal Death to be at the door; In the depths of Despair there is more Probability of Salvation; than in the heighth of Presumption. But Affliction startles the Conscience, how quick is its Sight and Sense then! The Saints have recourse to the Blood of Christ to purge their Consciences from all the Dead works in which they have been for­merly employed. And that Blood is sufficient for their Purgation and Peace, Heb. 9. 14. How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered up himself without Spot to God; purge your Consciences from dead Works, to serve the Living God! And afflicted Saints are exceedingly afraid of making new wounds in their Consciences, since the Smart of former wounds in their Spirits was so intolerable, Lam. 3. 19, 20. Remem­bring my Affliction and my Misery, the Worm­wood and the Gall; my Soul has them still in remembrance and is humbled in me.

3. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is the Mortification of the Sin of Pride. Pride is a Sin hateful to God, it strikes at his Glory which God aims at in every thing he does. And Pride is very hurtful to man, 'tis the hin­drance of the Help which Divine Grace af­fords; for God who gives Grace to the Hum­ble, instead of assisting does resist the Proud, 1 Pet. 5. 5. And this Pride is the forerunner [Page 16] of falls into Sin and Ruine, therefore says So­lomon. Pride goes before Destruction and an haughty Spirit before a fall The Lord can­not endure this Pride in his Saints, and Affli­ction is sent to kill it: The Troubles which the Israelites met with in the Wilderness, when they were encountred with Fiery Ser­pents and Scorpions, and Drought; and many other Calamities, the end of them all was to Humble them and Prove them, and to do them good in the latter end. Deut. 8. 15, 16. A Saint who comes out of the Fire of Affliction with a Meek and humble Spirit; his high Con­ceits and Thoughts of himself all cast down; seeing himself to be nothing, but what he is by the Grace of God; this man looks like Silver coming out of a Furnance of Earth puri­fied seven tunes, and what a shining bright­ness and lustre is upon him.

4. Another good Consequent of Affliction is a more perfect Subjection of the whole Man to God. There is a Submission to Him, by a Penitential Acknowledgment of Offences against him, and justifying of him in his severest Dis­pensations, Neh. 9. 33. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us, for thou hast done Right, but we have done Wickedly. There is a Submission to his Righteousness, a great sense, that 'tis by the Righteousness of One onely the second Adam; that the Free Gift comes upon all that are in him unto Justification of Life. Rom. 5. 18. So Rom. 10. 4. Christ is the end [Page 17] of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth. There is likewise a Subjection of Body and Soul unto the commands of God, which reach the whole man, and require service from the whole. And Affliction quickens Desires af­ter Grace, to keep these Precepts better; so that there may not be a wandring from them, Psal. 119. 10. With my whole Heart have I sought thee, oh let me not wander from thy Commandments. Sin's service becomes more irk­some, the Law of Sin more grievous; but the Lords service is accounted Liberty and Life, Rom. 6. 22. But now being made free from Sin, and become Servants to God, ye have your Fruit unto Holiness, and the end Everlasting Life.

5. Another good Consequent of Affliction is greater Exactness and Spirituality in Duty and Obedience. Affliction causes Saints to Eye their Hearts more, which God does Eye Principal­ly. Lip Labour, Bodily Exercise, outward Ce­remonies; are perceived to be, when alone, al­together insignificant. Afflicted Saints give God their very Hearts: The Strength and Vigour of their Spirits and Affections: 'tis very evident to them, that He alone is Worthy of them. And Christ, not Self, has their Confidence, Phil. 3. 3. We are the Circumcision, who Wor­ship God in the Spirit; rejoice in Christ Je­sus, and have no Confidence in the Flesh. Af­flicted Saints lift up their Souls to God; in [Page 18] his hand they are safe, and this is the Way to have them satisfied and fill'd with Joy, Psal. 86. 4. Rejoice the Soul of thy Servant for unto thee O Lord do I lift up my Soul. Du­ties to God are performed with more Grace, and Duties to Man are done with a greater regard unto God Himself. Gods Approbation is more minded; and the Eye being single looks not so much at other things, but aims at this, that God in all things may have Glory; which indeed of Right appertains to Him.

6. Another good Consequent of Affliction is a more full and compleat Victory over the World, and silencing the God of it. When Sickness seizeth upon the Saints; the Love of the World is hereby struck more dead. The World is out of Countenance, and ashamed now to appear; it's alluring Power and Charms are all gone. And Satan the God of it, does not so much care now to offer it. Mammon can neither cure the diseased Body, nor ease the af­flicted Mind. Affliction takes off the fine Mask upon Mammons Face, and then 'tis plainly seen how sorry a Master he is; and how poor all his store. The World cannot yield true Con­tentment to any, for that little while they are the Inhabitants of it; and can any thing of this World be carried away into another World? Ah no! 1 Tim. 6. 7. For we brought nothing into this World, and 'tis certain we can carry nothing out. He that has most of the World, [Page 19] what is it all to him, when he is leaving the World and all behind him?

Suppose the greatest Possessour of Earthly Ri­ches, lying upon a Death-bed; in his fainting Fits, and dying Agonies; lay some baggs of Gold upon his Pillows, bring in the sweetest Consort of Musick, shew him the costliest Rai­ment he ever [...]wore; let a Table be spread and furnisht with the choicest Dainties, and let the greatest Beauties stand by him, proffering themselves and their service to him. Alas! Alas! what's all this to a Man that is breath­ing out his last Breath; and ready to appear and give an account of himself unto the Judge of all? Affliction gives a smart Admonition, that this World is to be contemned in Com­parison of the better and enduring Substance. Satan, notwithstanding his Subtlety, is easily baffled in Affliction; think seriously of Death and Judgment; and all that He offers is just nothing; though he should make as large an offer, as he did to Christ in the hour of his Temptation, when he shewed him all the King­doms of the World and the Glory of them.

7. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is an Increase of Grace, and an abundance of the Fruits of Righteousness. Wicked men re­ceive not Correction, being put into the Fur­nace, they are found, and rejected as Reprobate Silver; but the Correction of the Saints, is [Page 20] the Probation, Augmentation, and evidencing of the Grace of God in them. Faith is tried, and by trial is strengthned, Patience, Experi­ence, Hope augmented, Rom. 5. 3, 4, 5. Tribu­lation worketh Patience, Patience Experience, Experience Hope, and Hope maketh not asha­med, because the Love of God is shed abroad in our Hearts by the Holy Ghost which is gi­ven to us. The Lords tender Compassions to­wards his afflicted Children, exceedingly endears him their Father to them! His gracious Visits, His stretching forth his own Everlasting Arm for their Sustentation, when ready to sink under their Burthens; His remembring Mercy in the greatest Severity, His being within call, and readiness to hear and help; fills their Hearts with Love, and Resolution to live and cleave to him. With how much Tenderness and Compassion, does the Lord express himself towards his afflicted ones! Psal. 69. 33. For the Lord heareth the Poor and despiseth not his Prisoners. And Psal. 22. 24. For he hath not despised nor abhorred the Affliction of the afflicted, neither hath he hid his Face from him; but when he cried unto him he heard.

Saints are great gainers by Affliction, because Godliness which is great Gain, which is profitable for all things, is more powerful than before. The Rod of Correction by a Miracle of Grace, like that of Aarons, Buds and Blossoms, and brings forth the Fruits, of Righteousness, which are most excellent. A rare sight it is indeed to see a man [Page 21] coming out of a bed of Languishing, or any o­ther Furnace of Affliction; more like to Angels in Purity, more like to Christ who was Holy, Harmless, Ʋndefiled, and separate from Sinners; more like unto God himself, being more exactly Righteous in all his ways, and more exemplarily Holy in all manner of Conversation.

8. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is an high esteem of Time, and affecting Apprehensions of Death, Judgment, and Eternity. Affliction brings Death within view. Jobs Calamity makes his Mortality much thought of; the things of the World had left him; he speaks as a man just ready to leave the World, Job 17. 1, 13, 14. My Breath is corrupt, my Days are extinct, the Graves are ready for me. If I wait the Grave is my House, I have made my Bed in the Darkness. I have said to Corruption, thou art my Father; and to the Worm, thou art my Mother and my Si­ster. He claims kindred to the Worms and Cor­ruption, Death was most familiar to his Thoughts; and in his Imagination, the Grave was his Bed already.

Now at Death the Saints consider, that Time comes to a full stop; and Judgment will follow, and fix them in Eternity. It is of great use to us; when our Thoughts dwell in Eternity, before we our selves enter upon Eternity; this makes an Ho­ly and Happy Eternity infinitely desireable in our Eyes! And how do we look unto Jesus! through [Page 22] whom Eternal Life is given! and with what Circumspection is the way of Holiness walked in, which ends in Life Everlasting! Rom. 6. 22, 23. Affliction awakens the Saints care, to improve Time, to work while 'tis day; for it will be too late to work, when the Night is once come; and how are they concerned, that there time be not ended, before Eternity be well provided for!

9. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is Serious Diligence to make the Calling and Election sure. When Affliction finds us at uncertainties in reference to our Spiritual State, our doubts and fears are amazing and tormenting. 'Tis sad for a man to look upon himself as dying, and then to say,

O my Soul thou art departing hence, but whi­ther, oh whither art thou going? What is like to be the place of thy Eternal abode, which must ne­ver be changed? To be dying and doubting at the same time is very sad, though we are really never so safe. What is a well grounded Evidence of the Love of God in Christ, worth upon a bed of Sick­ness? How valuable and comfortable the Spirits Testimony concerning our Adoption! Now Affli­ction puts the Saints upon a more strict and im­partial Self-examination; and upon a more thorow and perceivable turning unto God, Lam. 3. [Page 23] 39, 40. Wherefore, doth the living man complain, a man for the Punishment of his Sins? Let us search and try our ways and turn unto the Lord our God. Affliction makes that Admonition of the A­postle to be heeded, 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11. Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your Cal­ling and Election sure; for if ye do these things ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be admi­nistred to you abundantly into the Everlasting King­dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

When once a Christian has attained unto a Sense and Assurance of the savour of God; how prepared is he for whatever may befall him! He can lie easie upon a Sick-bed; because his God makes his Bed for him, Psal. 41. 3. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of Languishing; thou wilt make all his Bed in his Sickness. Nay the presence of his God makes him fearless in the gloomy Valley of the Shadow of Death, Psal. 23. 4. Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.

10. Another good Consequent of Affliction, is spiritualized Affections, and a Conversation more in Heaven. Saints are cast down by Affliction, that they may rise with Christ and feel the Power of his Resurrection more. That's a lesson, which every Rod is sent to teach, Col. 3. 2. Set your Affection on things above, and not on things which are upon the Earth. The harder the Ball is flung to the ground, it rebounds the higher; when [Page 24] God flings a Saint down with a mighty Hand, his Heart should rebound higher towards Heaven, imitating those excellent and faithful Ones; who confessed they were strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth, who declared plainly they sought a better Countrey, than any Countrey on Earth, because they sought an Heavenly Countrey. And God was not ashamed to be called their God, for he pre­pared for them a City. Heb. 11. 13, 16.

The Psalmist was very much helped towards Heaven by Chastisement, Psal. 73. 14. All the day long (says he) have I been plagued, and chastned every Morning. And though for a while Temptation prevailed, yet at length his Thoughts and Eyes are fixed right, upon that Glo­ry promised to such as give up themselves to God, and to be guided by his Counsel, V. 23. 24. Ne­vertheless I am continually with thee, thou hast hol­den me by my right Hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy Counsel, and afterward receive me to Glory. Afflicted Saints study and endeavour to shew forth the Power and Vertue both of their Lord's Death and Rising again. How profitable is it to Dye, and to be Crucified with him! to be Dead to the World and all the Evil of it! And how Sweet and Pleasant is it to rise with him, and by earnests and foretasts of Glory to sit with Him in Heavenly Places. Eph. 2. 4, 5, 6. But God who is Rich in Mercy for the great Love, wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in Sin hath quickned us together with Christ, [Page 25] (by Grace ye are saved:) And hath raised us up toge­ther, and made us sit together in Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus.

How great and good are these Consequents, which follow upon Affliction!

I come in the last Place to the Application.

And shall begin with some Corollaries drawn from the Doctrine.

If Saints are afflicted for their good,

1. Hence we may inferr, Afflictions are not Sings of Gods hatred, rather Tokens of his Love, They are the Lot of the Righteous. Psal. 34. 19. Many are the Afflictions of the Righteous, but the Lord delivereth them at length out of them all. They are trained up under the Yoak; and bear­ing it well, is greatly beneficial. Man is born un­to Trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Troubles like sparks of Fire are innumerable, which fill the few days of the Life of Man. But those who are born again usually have more troubles than other men. God cares for them, Hedges up their way with Thorns, which they may be afraid to break thorow; into Paths which are destructive. Hos. 2. 6. Therefore, behold I will Hedge up thy way with Thorns; and make a wall, that she shall not find her Paths. Happy Saints in their Afflictions! who have both a Thorny Hedge, and also a wall [Page 26] between them, and the broad Road which leads unto Eternal Perdition!

The Saints make an ill Comment upon their Afflictions, when they say, God cares not for them, nor how he deals with them. Several of them have born the Yoak in their Youth, and have still carried it to their Graves. It is said of One who lately died, that upon his Death-bed being asked, How long he had been ill? made this Reply, that he had been ill for fifty Years together. Christ was a Man of Sorrows, and yet the Son of Gods Love. You may be very much beloved of God, and yet be very much and often acquainted with griefs.

2. Saints in their Afflictions should not be censu­red because afflicted. Holy Job, was stript na­ked, and deprived of all that he had; and was smitten in hi [...] Person from Head to Foot; yet he was truly and eminently good, and under all these Evils held fast his Righteousness and Integrity. His Censorious Friends were blame-worthy in conclu­ding him an Hypocrite, because of his Sufferings. He had a greater understanding in the things of God, a sounder Judgment, and more Grace in his Heart than they. The excellent young Elihu spake right indeed, when he pronounced Job, a man to be justified as to his State, Job 33. 32. But he blames him because in vindicating himself, he spoke that, which too much reflected upon God himself, and therefore tells him, Job 34. 23. That God will not lay upon any Man, not upon [Page 27] the best of Men, more than is Right, that he should enter into Judgment with God.

But as for the other three Friends of Job, who judged Job unsound in his Religion, because of Gods heavy hand upon him; they are very sharp­ly rebuked. The Lord owns his Servant whom they had so censured, Job 42. 7. The Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, my Wrath is kindled against thee and against thy two Friends, for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is Right, as my Servant Job. And they are commanded to make use of Job as an Intercessour for them, that they might not be dealt with according to their Fol­ly. To censure a Saint is ill, but to censure him in Affliction, and only because of Affliction is worse, because this adds so much to his Affliction.

3. There is no ground or reason for impatience in the Saints, whatever Afflictions are their Exer­cise. It may be a check to impatience, to consi­der, the very best have deserved worse a thousand­fold, than ever they have suffered, but the most effectual Remedy against Impatience, is the Con­sideration of the Profit of Affliction. Why should Saints repine and murmur at that which is so good for them? When their Father is humbling, puri­fying, and healing of them; when he is carrying on the good Work begun in them, towards great­er Perfection; why should they count themselves hardly dealt with? The Father of Spirits, is not like the Fathers of our Flesh, Will and Humour [Page 28] appears in their Corrections; but He gives not a blow, but what is for his Childrens Profit. Heb. 12. 10. And why should any be impatient at their being Profited and Advantaged? Conside­ring the blessed issue of the Saints Troubles; they should be born with all thankfulness; for sanctifi­ed Afflictions are great Promotions, and hereby mighty advances are made in Heavens way.

4. 'Tis unreasonable for the Saints, because of their Afflictions to question Divine Providence, or to conclude that Religion is vain. The Psalmist under the Rod and Temptation together, was rea­dy to draw such Conclusions. Continued chast­ning made him to think of God, and to speak of Re­ligion unbecomingly and indeed impiously. He was so foiled by the Tempter, that his Feet were al­most gone; and 'twas hard for him to recover; strange kind of Language he utters, Psal. 73. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Therefore his People return hither, and Waters of a full Cup are wrung out to them. And they say how doth God know, and is there Knowledge in the most high? Behold these are the ungodly, who prosper in the World, they in­crease in Riches; Verily I have cleansed my Heart in vain and washt my hands in Innocency; for all the day long have I been plagued and chastned every Morning.

But at length the Psalmist comes to himself, V. 15. If I say, I will speak thus: behold I should offend against the Generation of thy Children. And [Page 29] he gives himself very bad Words, but such as his yielding so far to that Temptation very well deser­ved. V. 21, 22. Thus my Heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my Reins, so foolish was I and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. But he is cured of his brutishness, and speaks like a Saint, expressing desires after God above all things in Heaven and Earth; concludes it good to draw near to God, and rejoices in him as the Strength of his Heart and his Portion for ever.

Suppose a Saint never so much afflicted; yet to be, and continue a Saint, is certainly good for him, and a wise part in him. Job when sitting upon the ground among the Ashes, full of Boyls, and Scraping himself with a Potsheard, was still dear to God. And so was Lazarus lying at the Rich mans Gate; desiring to be fed with the Crumbs which fell from the Rich mans Table. Saints under the greatest Troubles can't be misera­ble; for God is Theirs, and They are His still; and these very Troubles do promote their Holiness and their Happiness.

5. The Prosperity of the Wicked, and their Free­dom from Affliction, should not raise the Saints Envy. Saints are frequently tempted to envy the wicked their good things, and sometimes this Envy has prevailed, and has been their fault and failing; it has proved their great both Sin and Torment, Psal. 73. 3. I was Envious at the Foolish, when I saw the Prosperity of the Wiched. That Caution [Page 30] is but needful, Psal. 37. 1. Fret not thy self be­cause of evil doers, neither be thou envious at the Workers of Iniquity. For a man that is made wise to Salvation, to be envious at the Foolish; for a man that is enriched with Grace, to be envious at the Workers of Iniquity, because of their Prosperi­ty; there is no Reason at all for it. Alas! this Pros­perity of theirs is greatly to their Prejudice, and helps forward their Perdition, Prov. 1. 32. The turning away or the ease of the simple shall slay them, and the Prosperity of Fools shall destroy them. And this Destruction is hastning, and comes unex­pectedly, suddenly, and so the more unavoidably upon them, and 'twil be utter and Eternal De­struction, Psal. 73. 17, 18, 19. Until I went in­to the Sanctuary of God, then understood I their End. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places, thou castest them down into Destruction: How are they brought into Desolation as in a Moment, they are utterly consumed with terrours!

The greatest Wealth and Glory of the Ungod­ly; considering how soon 'twill end, and what will follow when it ends; should not stir our En­vy, but rather our Pitty and Compassion; for they walk in a vain shew full of vain Confidence, till their Feet go down to Death; and their steps take hold of Hell.

6. To be Incorrigible under Affliction is inexcu­sable. As 'tis good for Saints to be afflicted, so all should be bettered by Affliction. 'Tis a great [Page 31] Aggravation of Sin to smart and bleed and groan, because of it, and yet still to Love it. If Saints are afflicted for their Good; when Sinners are afflicted, a great price is put into their hands, which may be improved to an Eternal Advan­tage. In Prosperity, the Ungodly are usually hardned in Pride and Earthliness, and Wicked­ness, and Sensuality; the Lord not rebuking them, nor presently executing Sentence against their Evil Works, they are apt to think Him altogether such an one as themselves. Psal. 50. 21. and that he dislikes Sin no more than they do. Whereup­on their Hearts are fully set in them to do Evil, Eccles. 8. 11.

But when wicked Ones are visited with Trou­bles, and they feel the smart of the Rod; God is really very near them; and if they would but cry to him with their Hearts; how readily would he hear and turn them to himself, and turn his anger away from them! Jer. 31. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised; as a Bullock un­accustomed to the Yoak; turn thou me and I shall be turned, for thou art the Lord my God. And ac­cording to his desire, he was turned and instructed, he obtained sure Mercy, and became a dear Son, a pleasant Child, notwithstanding all his former foul Sins and reproachful Abominations, V. 19, 20. But when Sinners are smitten in vain; and receive no Correction: Nay like Ahaz in their Affliction trespass yet more; this Argues a great Love to Sin: [Page 32] and the more provokes the Lord to Jealousie and Indignation. Judah was strangely fond of, and wedded to their Idolatry and other Wickedness, when the Sorest Judgments could not be a means to divorce them from it, Jer. 5. 3. O Lord are not thine Eyes upon the Truth? Thou hast smitten them, but they have not grieved, thou hast consu­med them, but they have refused to receive Corre­ction, they have made their Faces harder than a Rock, they have refused to return. 'Tis the highth of Madness to be Sins Martyrs, and not only to suffer trouble in this World; but for the sake of it, to venture burning in Hell for evermore!

7. How great is the goodness of God, who can make the Evil of Affliction to Work for good to his People! 'Tis the Physicians great art so to tem­per Poyson, as to turn it into a powerful and wholesom Medicine. What is Evil in it self, and evil, and Destructive to Nature, God does make it become very good to the Saints, and to further the work of Grace in them. How securely may such a Gracious God be relied on! who can make the worst things, a Saint meets with in this World, to prove Helps and Advantages! This goodness of God is firmly to be believed, admi­red, and confided in; and considering the great­ness and freeness of it, too much cannot be expe­cted from it. Much of it is manifested, and laid out at present, and much more is laid up for the Saints in the other World, Psal. 31. 19. Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for [Page 33] them that fear thee, which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee, before the Sons of Men! If the goodness of God turns Evil into Good; what may be expected from the good things he gives his People! how much good shall they do them! how beneficial shall the Ministry of the Word, Holy Ordinances; and the Priviledges of the Sanctuary prove to the Saints! Psal. 65. 4. Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach un­to thee, that he may dwell in thy Courts; we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy House even of thy Holy Temple.

8. Saints are exceedingly culpable and to be bla­med, when after Affliction they decline, instead of growing better. It argues Corruption very strong when Affliction does not purge it out. Folly is but too fast bound up in the Heart; that the Rod of God does not drive it away. Gods Love is accom­panied with Jealousie; let Saints therefore be jea­lous of themselves, lest after Affliction their Hearts deal treacherously and prove unstedfast.

Good Hezekiah was Sick, and had the Sentence of Death pronounced upon him; but he falls a praying hard, and weeping sore; his Tears deörsum fluunt, sed coelum petunt, fell to the Ground, but Heaven is affected at shedding of them. He is heard, he is spared, he is healed; and brought into the House of God, when he expected to have been carried to the Grave. And such a Sign was given him, to assure him of going to the Temple; [Page 34] as amazed the World, the Sun in the Fir­mament went so many degrees backward. Now how much Faith, Humility, Gratitude, Obedience, might have been expected from so good a man, to whom such singular goodness had been manife­sted! But Alas! Hezekiah rendred not again ac­cording to the Benefit done to him, for his Heart was lifted up; therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem, 2 Chron. 32. 25. His Riches and Honour, which he had in abun­dance might puff him up; and the thought of that Sign, which declared him a special favourite of Heaven, as he supposed; unto the King of Baby­lon, might also make his Heart to swell within him.

No Saint that is Wise, will be Self-confident; for after the removal of Affliction, there is great danger of Security and Backsliding; Self-jealou­sie therefore, and a sense of natural impotency, and unfaithfulness to our selves, should make us cry to be upheld by Him, who is of Power to esta­blish us. If Saints receive not Correction; how soon may they be taken in hand and again lashed! And their not profiting by the Rod, fills Satans Mouth with Accusations against them; and their own Consciences with Reproaches; Gods displea­sure grows hotter, and more smarting blows may be expected, Lev. 26. 23. 24. And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; then will I also walk con­trary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your Sins.

USE II. Of Advice to more Notorious Sin­ners, whose scandalous Lives witness to the bad­ness of their State; and by their constant Evil Works they shew they are Children that have no Faith; or if their Sin be not so apparent to o­thers, 'tis apparent to themselves; Conscience, if they would but heed it; charges them with secret wickedness, which is committed with great Presumption and Boldness. If such as these, are seized upon by Sickness, or feel any other smart­ing Rod; I would give them such Advice, as if it be followed, their Affliction will have a good issue and effect upon them, as bad as they are.

1. When Affliction overtakes you, that are very wicked; Take notice how your Sin has found you out. That threatning, Num. 32. 23. is ac­complished. Ye have sinn'd against the Lord, and be sure your Sin will find you out. It has been hunting you, with Evils at the heels of it; and now it has actually overtaken you. You dream't not of this in the hour of Temptation, when Sin was represented to you by your subtle Enemy, as all Gain and Pleasure; Affliction shews the Mise­ry it has brought you to; and that 'tis full of Gall and Wormwood. Thus Sin found out Judah of old, Jer. 2. 19. Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee; know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of Hosts. [Page 36] Sin your Enemy has found you; and you feel to your Cost and Wo, that it is an Enemy indeed. Wickedness was once sweet in your Mouths, and you did hide it under your Tongue; you spared it and would by no means forsake it; but now in your Bowels 'tis turned, and is the very Gall of Asps within you, Job 20. 12, 13, 14.

2. Behold you that are wicked, how God is come forth in anger against you; there is a Rod in his hand, frowns in his face; and he is full of just Indignation against you. And who can stand be­fore that Indignation? Nah. 1. 2. God is Jealous, and the Lord Revengeth; the Lord Revengeth and is furious; the Lord will take Vengeance on his Adversaries, and reserveth wrath for his Enemies. Such Potsheards of the Earth as, the strongest and stoutest Sinners of you all, are; cannot stand be­fore your Maker, when he is Contending with you, Ezek. 22. 14. Can thy Heart endure, or can thy hands be strong, when I shall deal with thee? If the Wrath of a King, be as the Messenger of Death: What is the anger of Him, who is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who does what he will, in the Army of Heaven and among the In­habitants of the Earth, and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What dost thou? since all the Inha­bitants of the World are reputed as nothing before him, Dan. 4. 35.

This Anger of God has Almighty and Irresisti­ble Strength joined with it, and therefore 'tis ve­ry [Page 37] terrible, Psal. 90. 11. Who knows the Power of thine Anger? even according to thy Fear, so is thy Wrath. Though there be never so much fear and dread of God in the Hearts of any; the An­ger of God, if ready to fall upon them, deserves all that fear; the Devils believe and feel this wrath, and are apprehensive of its continuance and increase, therefore they tremble, Jam. 2. 20. See O Sinner, that the glorious and dreadful Ma­jesty of Heaven and Earth, is angry with Thee in Particular. Thou art the man, who hast bitterly provoked him. Thy Iniquities are hateful to him. Now if God is not at all taken notice of; if his an­ger is not at all minded; nor any course or care ta­ken to appease it; it will be blown up to the great­er fierceness, and this fire may quickly devour, consume; and having begun with thee, make a speedy and utter end of thee.

3. It concerns you to fear Him, under whose Power you are, and who is able to destroy both the Body and the Soul likewise, Luk. 12. 4, 5. And I say unto you my Friends, Be not afraid of them, that kill the Body, and after that have no more that they can do; But I will forewarn you, whom you shall fear; fear him who after he hath killed, hath Power to cast into Hell, yea, I say unto you, fear him. His hands did make that Earthly House of your Tabernacle; and he can bring it to the dust again. Your Souls, he can require when be pleases, and if you dye in your Sins, your Souls will be doom'd to the place, where other damned [Page 38] Spirits are; and they are lost beyond all hopes and possibility of recovery. Oh! sanctifie the Lord of Hosts, in whose hand you are, under whose hand you groan; by making him your fear and dread; he can command both first and second death to seize on you, Rev. 6. 8. And I looked and be­hold a Pale Horse, and his Name that sate on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. Death is the King of Terrors, but Hell is ten thousand times more terrible. Oh! be afraid of that mighty hand, which with one blow can both kill and damn you together. You cannot secure your selves by Hi­ding, by Flight, or by Resistance; for Gods Eye is all-seeing, his Power and Hand is irresistible, and extends it self, all Heaven and Earth and Hell over; therefore humbling your selves, and Submission, would be the best and wisest way that you can take.

4. In this ill Case in which you are, remember now your evil ways, and your doings that have not been good, Ezek. 36. 31. Then shall ye remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your Iniquities and Abominations. Your remembring of your Transgressions, is one way to have God forget them; loath your selves, and he will not loath you; condemning your selves, is the way not to be condemned by him. Humble your selves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up, Jam. 4. 10. Oh smite upon your thighs and say, What have we done? How manifold are our Trans­gressions! How mighty are our Sins! What guilt [Page 39] have we incurr'd! How monstrously black and foul are our Defilements! What wrath have we provo­ked! How hot and low a place in Hell have we deserved! Innumerable Evils compass us about; our Iniquities have taken hold upon us, so that we are not able to look up; they are more than the Hairs of our Heads, therefore our Hearts fail us. Psal. 40. 12. See how deceitful polluting and damnable the Nature of Sin is; call your selves by the right Name, Fools; foes to your selves; Self-murtherers and Self-destroyers; in giving way to Iniquity. Be utterly displeased with your selves for sinning against God, and wronging your own Souls; and fall out with all sin for ever.

5. Be Inquisitive what you must do to be saved? You that are outwardly afflicted, and also prickt in the Heart, and wounded in your Consciences; should very seriously inquire whether the door of Hope be not yet open to you, and what course you▪ must take to be saved from Sin and Wrath, and to have your Peace with God made. Indeed the Lord speaks confoundingly and terribly to wicked men in their Calamity, Prov. 1. 26, 27, 28, 29. I will laugh at your Calamity, and will mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as Desola­tion, and Destruction as a Whirlwind, when Di­stress and Anguish cometh upon you; then shall they call upon me, but I will not Answer: They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated Knowledg, and did not chuse the fear of the Lord. And do you acknowledge that the Lord [Page 40] might justly speak such Language to you; but withal know, that these distressed Sinners, had these cries extorted from them meerly by Calami­ty; but had no desire to be turned from their Ini­quities. Therefore you that are brought very low by Affliction; do not only cry to God to deliver you from your trouble; but that he would also purge away your Sins for his Name sake. Psal. 79. 9. And let not your Disconsolate Spirits doubt; for there is hope in Israel concerning you, Psal. 130. 7, 8. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is Mercy, and with him is plenteous Redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his Iniquities.

6. Look upon God as accessible, and reconcile­able in a Mediator, who is his beloved Son the Lord Jesus. Christ has suffered once for Sins, the just for the unjust that he might bring men to God, 1 Pet. 3. 18. And God is in Christ re­conciling the World to himself, not imputing their Trespasses to them, 2 Cor. 5. 19. Now then, saith the Apostle, We are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christs stead be ye reconciled to God. God is more forward to be at Peace with you, then you are aware. He intreats you to accept of that Pardon, which you desire, and so much need, but fear you shall not obtain; and if you value his favour in Christ, and intreat it with your whole Heart; you shall not die under his Displeasure, Psal. 119. 58. I intreated thy favour with my [Page 41] whole Heart; be merciful to me according to thy Word.

Are you willing upon any terms to have the breach made up between God and you? Do you consent to be any thing, to do any thing, to part with any thing which he would have you; so you may be but His, and He Yours; a God in Cove­nant with you; and a Father to you? Then let your drooping Hearts revive, for there is an Ad­vocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righte­ous, who is the Propitiation for the Sins of the whole World, 1 Joh. 2. 1, 2. His Blood speaks better things than that of Abel; cries louder for Mercy, than your Sin can cry for Vengeance. Here you may safely venture your Faith, for Christs Blood is the Blood of him, who is God as well as man; and he is able to reconcile God and Men together, and those men who have been never so much ali­enated and Enemies in their Minds by Reason of wicked Works, Col. 1. 21. In your Affliction be sensible of Gods anger; and readily grant the justness of it; but do not look upon if, as not to be appeased. If you come to him by Jesus Christ, you will find his Fury all gone, Isa. 27. 4, 5. Fury is not in me; let him take hold of my Strength, that he may make Peace with me, and he shall make Peace with me.

7. Pray to be turned from Sin it self; as well as have the afflicting hand of God removed. 'Tis an ill thing to chuse Iniquity rather than Affliction, [Page 42] Job 36. 21. Many under Sickness, cry to have bodily Health restored, but the Diseases of their Souls they feel not; neither is the health of the Soul valued. Many a man in Affliction and Pain, does call upon God, saying, Lord heal my Body! but he was a man after Gods own Heart, who said, Lord be merciful to me, heal my Soul for I have sinned against thee, Psal. 41. 4. Pharaoh cried to be delivered from the Plagues of Egypt; but not from the hardness of his Heart, neither did he desire to fear the Name of God; if he had: both his Drowning and Damnation might have been prevented. You who are afflicted, I grant, may pray for the sparing of your Lives; with Sub­mission to the Will of God; and that his stroke may be removed away from you. The Psalmist prays for both, Psal. 39. 10, 13. Remove thy stroke away from me, I am consumed by the blow of thy hand. O spare me, that I may recover Strength before I go away from hence, and be no more: But before, he had prayed, that he might be delivered from Sin; for this was the greatest Evil, Ver. 7, 8. And now Lord what wait I for? my Hope is in Thee; deliver me from all my Trans­gressions. This he Hopes, this he Longs, this he Waits upon God for; that he might be deliver'd from his Transgressions, not some only but from all of them, that neither the guilt of Sin might lie upon him, nor any Iniquity have the Dominion over him▪

You that have lived wickedly, and God is re­buking [Page 43] of you with the blows of his hand; have great cause to be Self-suspicious least all your Reli­gion and Devotion at present, be onely forced; by what you feel and fear: You had need there­fore to beg that a thorow and lasting change may be wrought in your Hearts, or else your hot fit of Religion will quickly be off; Your goodness will be as the Morning Cloud, and as the early Dew, so it will go away, Hos. 6. 4. Oh cry for the San­ctifying Spirit, that he may dwell in you continu­ally; and Consecrate you as Temples, for himself to abide in; and cause you to walk in the Laws and Ways of the Lord unto the very end.

And if You that are Notorious Sinners are spa­red; and God does send his Word and heal you, and deliver you from the Pit of Destruction. I would farther advise you in these following par­ticulars.

1. Think with your selves, if Affliction had carried you off in your Sins into another World; whither Oh! whither had you gone? At Death all Souls are disposed of in the place which they are fit for. Holy Souls are made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light, and when separated from the Body, they enter upon that Inheritance. The Souls of the Wicked were continually fitting themselves for Destruction; at Death they are ripe for it, and are thrown into it. The Wicked who die in their Sins, what a woful place are they turned into! Psal. 9. 17. [Page 44] The Wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all the Nations that forget God. That Rich and sensual Israelite, who called Abraham Father, but chose the Pleasures of Sin for a season, before Righte­ousness and Life Eternal; what became of him? After Death, the next News we hear of him was this; He was in Hell, he sees Heaven afar off, too far for him ever to Hope to come thither. He saw too late, what he had mist of; and how hot and unquenchable were the Flames in which he was tormented! Luk. 16. 23, 24. On! Sinner, if thon hadst died in thy Wickedness and Enmi­ty against God, thou hadst been dealt withal as an Enemy, sent away with a Curse into Ever­lasting Fire; without Hopes of Reconciliation or Release.

2. Admire the Patience and Goodness of God to­wards you. You burthen'd him with your Iniqui­ties, 'tis a wonder he did not ease himself of the Load; that, that Word did not take hold of you, Isa. 1. 24. Ah! I will ease me of my Ad­versaries, and avenge me of my Enemies. He might have glorified his Righteousness, Purity, Power, and Truth, in your just Condemnation and Misery; but he has pittied and spared you; and still waits to be Graoious. Now do not shew your selves such rebels, as neither Severity nor Goodness will overcome, as neither fair means, nor foul will work upon and better. Do not Act, as if you were delivered to work Abomination. Though the Patience of God be wonderful, yet [Page 45] 'tis not Eternal, and when abusing it, brings it to an end; the following Fury is dreadful to the Abusers.

3. Remember, the Sparing of you is owing to the Lord Jesus. He interceeds that the fruitless Fig-tree may be spared, and tried a little longer; and how well will it be, if at length it bring forth fruit which is good. Whatever Deliverances and Salvation wicked men partake of; Christ is the Author of them, for he is affirmed to be [...] the Saviour of all men, though [...] especially of them that believe, 1 Tim. 4. 10. And as the Lord Redeemer has interceded for your sparing, so he offers a far greater Benefit if you will accept it; to make Peace for you, to work true Grace in you, to Open your Eyes and to turn you from Darkness to Light, and from the Power of Satan to God, that you may re­ceive forgiveness of Sins, and an Inheritance a­mong them that are Sanctified by Faith which is in Him. Act. 26. 18.

4. Be sure to Sin no more Presumptuously, least a worse thing come next, Joh. 5. 14. Jesus found the man whom he had healed in the Temple, a proper place, after his recovery to be found in, and he saith to him. Behold, thou art made whole, Sin no more, least a worse thing come to thee. If after the return of health, and the remo­val of the Rod. you turn away from the Holy Com­mandment delivered to you; and it happens to you [Page 46] according to the Proverb, The Dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire. You becoming worse than ever, and more inexcusable than ever in being so; worse than ever from Gods hand is to be expected. Greater Distress may quickly seize you; and the loudest cries may have a deaf Ear turned to them, Psal. 18. 41. They cried but there was none to save, even to the Lord, but he answered them not. That may be the Lords Determination concerning you, Ezek. 8. 18. Therefore will I also deal in fury, mine Eye shall not spare, neither will I have pitty, and though they cry in my Ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.

Though Gods hand be off from you, remem­ber he can quickly lay it on again; and it may be so heavy, as to make you fall under it. See what is threatned to the tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, Mat. 3. 10. And now also the Ax is laid to the Root of the Trees, therefore every Tree, which bringeth not forth good Fruit is hewen down and cast into the Fire: And if this bringing forth no good Fruit brings the Tree to Everlast­ing burning, what fierce Flames, will burn those Trees, which bring forth a great deal of bad Fruit? Such as you read of, Deut. 32. 32, 33. For their Vine is of the Vine of Sodom, and of the Fields of Gomorrah; their Grapes are Grapes of Gall, their Clusters are bitter, their Wine is the Poyson of Dragons, and the cruel Venom of Asps. [Page 47] To go on in Sin, after recovery from Sickness may shorten your days, and make Sentence against you to be speedily executed.

5. Though Death is a little delayed, yet it will certainly and quickly come; let it not find you un­prepared. Heb. 9. 27. It is appointed unto men once to dye; and after this the Judgment. And this appointment is concerning you, as well as others. Therefore speak every one of you, as Job did, Job 30. 23. For I know that thou wilt bring me to Death, and to the House appointed for all the living. 'Tis not more certain you are a­live, than 'tis certain, that you shall shortly die. And wo to you if you lie still, and at last die in your Wickedness. If Sin be the sting of Death, then so many Sins as you have been guilty of, so many stings will your Death have. A King of Terrors indeed it will be found; when with so many stings 'tis armed! Pray hard that a saving change may be wrought in Heart and Life, be­fore the great change come; and that you may pass from Death to Life in a Spiritual Sense, be­fore in a Natural Sense you pass from Life to Death.

USE III. Of Direction more generally unto all; and here I shall direct you,

How to carry it under Affliction.

And likewise how after Affliction; that you may receive much good by Affliction.

In the first place, I am to direct you, how to carry it under Affliction.

1. Under Affliction be perswaded and take great notice that God himself is come to visit you. Though he be not the Author of sin, yet Penal Evils are all from him; chastning is called the Chastning of the Lord, Heb. 12. 5. Chastisements are stiled his rebukes. His Providence is so exten­sive, that not a Sparrow falls to the ground with­out Him. Nothing then befalls any of the Chil­dren of men; but by Divine Appointment. Fix your Eyes therefore upon God. He has ta­ken you in hand, and out of his hand none can rescue you; and the wound that is made, will remain uncured; till the same hand heal, which gave it, Job 9 13. If God will not withdraw his anger, the Proud helpers do stoop under him. The Chaldeans were the Ax; but Gods hand hewed Israel with it; they were the Saw, but Gods hand did shake it. And when you see, 'tis really God himself that visits you in Severity; behave your selves as Creatures ought to do towards their Crea­tor; who is infinitely above them; has been great­ly offended by them; can easily crush them; and yet is able and ready upon Humiliation to cure them.

If the Invisible God, who corrects, were more eyed, in all the strokes he give, you; this would have a mighty Efficacy to abase you be­fore him, and to make Affliction attain its end upon you, that an end might be put to your Affliction.

2. Under Affliction, Justifie God, and accept the Punishment of your Iniquity; in Affliction Con­science may speak very plain and home, and so as that you have nothing to reply; and the Spirit of God may set in with Conscience, and make its charge more unanswerable. Heedfully listen to Conscience, and Mind the Convictions of the Spirit. Oh search and try your ways, the ways that your Hearts and Affections have gone; as well as the Paths you have broken with your Feet. Be better acquainted with the evil nature of your own ways, and their pernicious and destructive Tendency. Lay blame where it ought to be laid, upon an evil Heart especially; for that's the fruitful womb, in which Sin is conceived, that brings forth all the Evils, wherewith the man is de­filed. 'Tis the Evil Heart, which through unbe­lief departs from the Living God; and is inclined to dead works, and lying Vanities.

Fail not to clear the Justice of God, as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy say­ings, and mightest overcome, when thou art judg­ed, Rom. 3. 4. Judge likewise and condemn your [Page 50] selves, and your Sin as the meritorious cause of all your Sorrows and Sufferings. Never look up­on Sin, but behold the long train of Evils that follow after it; and if you were not deliver'd from Sin it self, this train of Evils would run Parallel with Eternity. God requires the Heart should be humbled, and accept the Punishment of its Iniquity. The Heart must firmly believe that Sin is that, whereat God is displeased; that Sin is the procuring Cause of all other Evils that are felt, and that the true Reason of Gods Contro­versie, is because, even because his Word and Com­mandments have been cast behind the back, de­spised and broken, Levit. 26. 41, 43.

3. Under Affliction, be sensible of the Plagues of your own Hearts; and Consent with Earnest Desire to have them presently and throughly healed. The Sickness and Perishing of the outward man, is for the restoring the inward man to Health. The Humours, and Appetites, and Inclinations of the Body, are an occasion of much Sin in the Soul; which should make you the more conten­ted, that the Flesh should be diseased, and pained, and ready to perish, that the Spirit may be healed, and saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Corporal Diseases, attain not their end, unless they make you sensible of Spiritual Maladies. Is thy Head, thy Breast, thy Back, or any part of thy Body out of Order? presently look with a diligent search into thy own Heart, to know what that ailes; that there may be the more serious and [Page 51] speedy Application to the great Physician of Souls.

Ephraim when chastized was sensible of the stubbornness of corrupted Nature, and its back­wardness to come under the Yoak of God. I was says he, as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoak, and he prays not so much for the removal of the Rod, as for Grace that might Convert him unto God, who did correct him. Afflictions are Spiritual Medicines much made use of by the Lord who heals his People. Sick-beds are the places where he Works great cures; when the Face is Pale, when the Pulse beats disorderly, when the Blood is boiling hot, and the whole Body in a Flame, and the frame of Nature seems just ready to be dissolved; all this has a mighty Influence unto the Souls Healthiness and Prosperity. How are dreggs then purged out, and how Pure, Humble, and Heavenly minded is the Heart then!

4. Under Affliction, desire Instruction, and that you may learn all the Lessons, which the Rod is sent to teach you. You are commanded to hear the Rod, Mic. 6. 9. The Lords Voice cryeth unto the City, and the Man of Wisdom shall see thy Name; hear ye the Rod and who hath appointed it. The Rod has a Voice, and 'tis strong and start­ling; if you will but heed it, it will be very ar­ticulate and plain to you. Chastning is truly beatifical, makes the chastized blessed, when the Lord does chastize and teach together, or gives [Page 52] Instruction with and by Correction, Psal. 94. 12. Blessed is the man, whom thou chastnest O Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law. When the Schoolmaster has a Rod in his hand, has given several Lashes, and is ready upon neglects and new faults to give more; how does the Scholar mind every Word his Master speaks to him! with what Care and Diligence is his Lesson learn­ed▪ The Rod of God should quicken Attention to his Voice, and cause a most serious regard to his whole Will and Pleasure.

Is the Lesson of the Rod concerning thy Pride? 1 Pet. 5. 5. Be cloathed with Humility, for God resisteth the Proud, but giveth Grace to the Hum­ble. Is the Lesson of the Rod concerning thy Love to the World? 1 Joh. 2. 15. Love not the World, neither the things that are in the World; if any man love the World, the love of the Father is not in him. Is the Lesson of the Rod concerning thy Sloth? Heb. 6. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises. Is the Lesson of the Rod concerning thy foolish fleshly and hurtful Lusts? 1 Pet. 2. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as Strangers and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly Lusts which war against the Soul. Finally, Is the Les­son of the Rod concerning thy unruly Passions? Prov. 14. 29. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding, but he that is hasty of Spirit exalt­eth Folly. So that 'tis very visible and exposed to the view of all, Jam. 1. 20. The Wrath of [Page 53] man worketh not the Righteousness of God. Eph. 4. 31, 32. Let all bitterness and wrath, and an­ger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another; even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you. Whatever the Lesson of the Rod be; let it be your care to be throughly instructed in it; and practise in those who have learned to pur­pose.

5. Under Affliction, sincerely turn and seek to that God who smites you. A thorough Conver­sion is the end of Correction. Take notice of the false ways in which you have gone astray, and how near you were to the brink of Eternal Perdition; venture not to take so much as one step farther, in Hells Road. But return to God unfeignedly and with your whole Heart. Con­sent to be wholly His; that your whole man should be at his Command, and have respect to all his Precepts without Exception, Psal. 119. 5, 6. Oh that my ways were directed to keep thy Sta­tutes! then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy Commandments.

Judah is branded for this, that they refused to turn to him that smote them. No wonder that Gods anger did abide, and that his hand was still felt very heavy upon them, Isa. 9. 12, 13. For all this his anger is not turned away; but his hand is stretched out still; for this People turneth not to [Page 54] him that smiteth them, neither do seek the Lord of Hosts. The hand that smites you, if you will not turn, can give worse blows; nay it can give a deadly blow, that may strike you quite down, both into the Grave and Hell together. The hand that smites, alone can heal, therefore it concerns you to humble your selves under it.

How great is the goodness of God, that he gives you leave to turn to him! that he requires you to seek him! and that for no less than his Favour, his Grace, and Eternal Glory, and Blessedness! And all this shall be yours, if you seek diligent­ly.

6. Under Affliction, take heed of despising the chastning of the Lord. Heb. 12. 5. Ye have for­gotten the Exhortation, that speaketh unto you as unto Children, My Son despise not thou the chast­ning of the Lord. Chastning is despised, when the Lords hand in chastning is not taken notice of, nor his end in Correcting is Minded or Com­plied with; when neither his displeasure manife­sted in rebukes is observed; nor Sin mourned for, which does displease him. Thus for a while chastning was despised by him, you read of, Isa. 57. 17. For the Iniquity of his Covetousness was I wroth and smote him, I hid me and was wroth, and he went frowardly on in the way of his Heart. But at last he was brought to a better temper. The Lord humbled him, and healed the fro­wardness of his Heart; and likewise removed [Page 55] his stroke from him, V. 18. I have seen his ways and will heal him, I will lead him also, and re­store Comfort to him and to his Mourners.

In Affliction take notice of God as the Affli­cter, else you contemn him; take notice of Sin, as the cause why you are afflicted; for if Sin be not laid to Heart, that God whom you Sin against is disregarded. Nay Saints in a sense despise chast­ning, if they don't behold that the Rod they feel is in their Fathers hand, (for the Exhortation, the Apostle tells us, speaks as unto Children,) and that it is a token of his Paternal Faithfulness and Love, Prov. 3. 12. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, even as a Father the Son in whom he delighteth. To look upon Afflictions meerly as evils is to despise them. They ought to be lookt upon as Arguments of Gods Fatherly Wisdom and Care; and as Talents improvable to great Spiritual Advantage. The Cup is in the hand of a Father, and all the Ingredients in it are healing. Every Member of Christ, therefore should speak that Language, which his Head spake before him, Joh. 18. 11. The Cup which my Father hath gi­ven me, shall I not drink it?

7. Under Affliction, faint not, neither be wea­ry of Correction. He is infinitely wise who does correct, and therefore Correction shall not be ex­cessive but in measure, Jer. 30. 11. I am with thee, saith the Lord to save thee, I will not make a full end of thee, but will correct thee in measure [Page 56] and not leave thee wholly unpunished. The mea­sure of Affliction is such as he, who is best able to judge, sees to be needful, and no more; 1 Pet. 1. 6. Now for a season if need be, ye are in hea­viness through many Temptations. God will ligh­ten your burthen; or if he should add to your Load, he will proportion Strength, that you may be able to bear it. Faint not under his hand, for when he strikes he also sustains, and in Wrath remembers Mercy. Be willing that Affliction should remain, till 'tis sanctified, and has done its work for which 'twas laid upon you. 'Tis sad, when Affliction goes off without doing any good to the afflicted; when the Rod is like the first King that Israel had, given in Gods Anger, and taken away in his Wrath.

When the Lord afflicts; his Dispensations are mixed Checker-work; Black and White; Good­ness and Severity together; and there should be a Mixture of Holy Affections that are diverse one from the other, answerably in your Hearts. This is notably represented by one of our English Poets, and his Verses have a great deal of Sense and Di­rection in them.

Be not too eager for the removal of the stroke you smart under; that removal is but a common Mercy; but the Sanctification of it, is peculiar kindness, that which accompanies Salvation. If the Plaister lies not on long enough, it heals not the Sore; if the Potion be cast up again, assoon as taken down, it works not a cure. God knows when 'tis fittest to remove your trouble; therefore be dump with Silence and wait with Patience till this fittest time comes. David did so, though he was in an horrible Pit in the Miry Clay, he was not over eager to be pluckt out, but exercised Patience, and how Happy was the issue! Psal. 40. 1, 2, 3. I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry; he brought me up also out of an horrible Pit, out of the Miry Clay, and set my Feet upon a Rock and established my goings. And he hath put a new Song in my Mouth, even Praise unto our God; many shall see it and fear and trust in the Lord.

8. Under Affliction, let there be a most pro­found Subjection to the Father of Spirits, Lights and Mercies. The Father of Spirits, will take special care of Souls; and consult their Health and Reace, and endless welfare. If the Soul be safe, the Body must be safe in the same Bottom. The Body that belongs to a sanctified Soul, must be a Glorious Body at the Resurrection of the Just. [Page 58] And since the Lord is the Father of Lights, you may conclude he perfectly understands, what is most conducive to your Interest, and what kind and degree of Affliction, is most expedient and best for you; and because he is the Father of Mercies; Mercy he delights in, as a man does in his own off-spring; he will deal tenderly with you, Mercy shall not be forgotten in the greatest Severi­ty, Psal. 103. 13. Like as a Father pittieth his Children, so the Lord pittieth them that fear him; for he knoweth our frame and remembreth we aye dust. Subjection to God when he afflicts be­comes you, and besides this Subjection is the way of Life. Heb. 12. 9. Furthermore we have had Fathers of our Flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them Reverence; shall we not much rather be in Subjection to the Father of Spirits and live? Subjection to God is the wisest course to have temporal Life prolonged, and liv'd to purpose, and Eternal Life, at length vouchsafed.

In the second Place, I am to direct you how to carry it after Affliction; now is a time of great danger, when the Heart is apt to shew both its Wickedness and Deceitfulness together, and to grow secure as if all Peril were over; there­fore,

1. Keep alive in your Hearts, the same Appre­hensions of things after Affliction which you had under Affliction. Things are really as they were, though we of Sick grow well again, therefore our [Page 59] thoughts of them should not alter. The great Truths revealed, and so much insisted on in the Word of God; in Affliction had deep Impressi­ons upon our Spirits. How clearly and concern­edly, did we then perceive, that Christ is the one­ly Saviour! that all things were justly to be ac­counted loss that he might be gained! We lookt upon time as too precious a thing to be spent Idly or Wickedly. The Soul was lookt upon as more worth than the whole World, and more to be re­garded; not to be neglected for the Worlds sake, Mat. 16. 26. What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole World and lose his own Soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his Soul? How did the thoughts of Eternity affect our Hearts, when we were in the depth of Afflicti­on! Our Apprehensions of this Truth were ama­zing. That all must quickly be in Eternity, and all must be unto Eternity, either in Joy or Wo. Our Conceptions of these and such like things, were most rectified in Affliction; there­fore when Affliction is removed, our Judgments should still remain the same. The concerns of another World should always be esteemed far greater, than the highest concerns of this. Se­riousness well becomes us, in those matters which are of Everlasting Consequence, where carelesness or mistake will issue in endless ru­ine; understanding Diligence in Eternal Happi­ness.

2. After Affliction, be very Jealous over [Page 60] your own Spirits, which are so very prone to deal treacherously both with God and your selves. You are not naturally trusty to either; but un­faithful to God, and unfaithful to your own Souls. Hearken how the Lord complains, Hos. 6. 7. They like men have transgressed the Covenant, they have dealt treacherously against me. You do not know your selves to be men, if you don't know your selves to be treacherous; and strongly inclined to break through all ob­ligations in Point of Duty, Gratitude, and Inte­rest it self; which you are under: ever since the first Adams Apostacy and fall from God, his Posterity have a vehement Propension to start aside alike deceitful bowes.

A notable instance of the Hearts treachery in Afflictions, and instability upon the remo­val of it, you have, Psal. 78. 34, 35, 36, 37. When he slew them then they sought him, they returned and inquired early after God, they re­membred that God was their Rock, and the high God their Redeemer; nevertheless they did flat­ter him with their Lips, and lied unto him with their Tongues, for their Heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his Covenant. Mens Resolutions in Afflictions, are like Nautarum Vota, the Vows of Marriners in a Storm, the first things that are broken when once they get safe to Shore. Be sure therefore to check your hearts and lift them up to God to secure them, when first you per­ceive [Page 61] them so much as begin to start aside. A­postacy begins in the Heart, that does first turn back from God, then afterwards the steps de­cline from his ways; distrusting therefore your own Hearts follow Solomons Counsel, Prov. 4. 23. And keep them with all diligence, and unto your own strictest Vigilancy, add fervent Prayer, that the Lord would make your Hearts clean Hearts, and that he would renew and keep your Spirits right with him, Psal. 51. 10.

3. Cry for Strength to be vouchsafed conti­nually from above, to perform your Resolutions made in the day of your Affliction and Distress. If you are not strong in the Lord, and in the Power of his might, you will be too weak to do, what your selves with the greatest firmness have seem'd to purpose. And you must pray hard, and 'tis worth praying for, that this Pow­er may rest upon you. The Psalmist saw his need of Strength from Heaven, he begg'd for it, and had it, Psal. 138. 3. In the day, when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthnedst me with strength in my Soul.

There are two sorts of Resolutions which are most commonly made, but neither of them are kept; so as the Resolvers thought they would be. Resolutions meerly to stop and gag the Mouth of a clamorous Conscience; and Re­solutions which are made in mens own strength, who Question not, nor trouble their Heads much [Page 62] about, their Ability and Integrity to perform them. These Resolutions shews their falshood, and fickleness; and how bold men are to dis­semble with God; and how foolish in trusting and cheating themselves.

But the Religious Purposes of the Psalmist were of another Nature, in another manner. He is indeed very serious and Peremptory in his Resolution, and confirmed it with a Pro­missory Oath; Psal. 119. 106. I have sworn and I will perform it, that I will keep thy Righteous Judgments. But he is sensible, that neither his own Power, Promise, nor Oath were strong enough to hold him; and keep him sted­fast to these Testimonies of God, therefore he prays twice together to be upheld, Psal. 119. 16, 17. Uphold me according to thy Word that I may live, and let me not be ashamed of my Hope. And again, Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, so shall I have respect to thy Sta­tutes continually.

After Affliction, take heed of that which your Hearts naturally are most prone to Idolize. Whatever has had Gods Room, that is to say, the highest Room in your Hearts; is certain­ly your Idol. Be very strict in the Inquisi­tion to find the Idol out, and be sure to de­pose it; let it be at the Footstool, while the Lord alone in the Throne, and has by far the Preeminence above it in your Affections. If [Page 63] any of you Love Pleasure more than God, Pleasure is your Idol, or if you love Gain more than God, or if you love Relations, Prefer­ments, or Ornaments more than God; these things are Idolized; now remember how vain the Idol was in your Affliction and Distress, and how helpless then it was found. The de­lights of Sense, the earthly Treasures, the Re­lations; and other things you were so fond of, you were forced to see that help was not in them.

The Heathen Poet notably expresses this.

Which may be thus Englished.

Idolatry in a special manner provokes the Lord to Jealousie; The bowing of the Knee to Images, as Pagans and Papists do; displeases the Onely true God. But if that leading affe­ction of Love, which is one of the highest pieces of Worship, is placed principally upon any thing besides God; hereby his anger and jealousie is blown up to a great heat and hight; and [Page 64] mark, what the Apostle says, 1 Cor. 10. 22. Do we provoke the Lord to Jealousie? are we stronger than he? As his Strength is infinitely beyond ours; so there is an Infiniteness in the Folly and Madness, when any Adventure to pro­voke him to Jealousie. Love is the greatest Grace, 1 Cor. 13. 13. Love is the first and great Commandment; what ever therefore is most apt to steal away your Love from God, keep your Hearts, while you live, shut against it with an Holy Indignation, Hos. 14. 8. E­phraim shall say, what have I to do any more with Idols? I have heard him and observed him: I am like a green Fir-tree, from me is thy Fruit found.

5. After Affliction, be diligent against the Sin, which does most easily beset you, Heb. 12. 1. Let us lay aside every weight, and the Sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with Pa­tience the race which is set before us. Every Sin is a Weight and Clog. I wish that every one lookt upon it as such! But the Sin, which by Reason of our Complexions, Callings, or the general Practice in the Age and Place we live in; is most apt to Prevail; that is the heavy Weight, and the worst Clog of all to hinder us in our running the Christian Race.

You had need to be watchful against the Corruption of your Nature which though there [Page 65] be the Grace of God in Truth in you, is far from being perfectly healed; and is ready upon all Occasions, and Temptations, to break forth, to the displeasing of God, the wounding of your Consciences, the defiling of your Souls, and the disturbance of your Peace.

And whatsoever Iniquity it is, which because it pretends your Security from danger, or your Pleasure and Gain; you find your selves most strongly addicted to; verily there is need of the stricter watch, and more fervent Prayer; that you may not be overcome by, nay that you may not so much as enter into Temptation. The Sin which does most easily beset you, has al­ready done you the greatest mischief, and is likely to do you more still; and if you should at last fall into Hell; This would be one of the heaviest weights to sink you thither.

6. After Affliction beware of sloath and Idle­ness. Live the rest of your time in the Flesh, not to the Lusts of men; but to the Will of God, 1 Pet. 4. 2. Let not your own Lusts, as so many Cormorants devour your time, while you are making Provision for them, and ful­filling them. And let not the Lusts, Humours and Pleasures of others have you and your time at Command. And though they think it strange, that you run not with them to the same excess of Riot, speaking evil of you, yet be not discou­raged; for they shall give an account unto him [Page 66] that is ready to Judge the quick and the dead, 1 Pet. 4. 4, 5. And that Judge will con­demn them, and will Approve and Reward your Diligence in seeking him, and working for him.

You have not improved your Afflictions, if you have not ceased to wast, if you have not learned to improve your time. In your Sick­ness and Distress, what a view had you of E­ternity? and what a trouble was it to you, that such a deal of time had been stolen away and lost in Sin and Vanity? Perhaps Eternity was so amazing, in the vastness and unchange­ableness of it; that you concluded, that if you were to live Methuselahs Age; 'twould be un­reasonable to mispend wilfully one hour of it. Now after Affliction is over; and so little of your time is behind; will you be lavish of that time still: will you lose any more? Oh see the Wisdom of redeeming Time, Eph. 5. 15, 16. See then that ye walk circumspectly not as Fools but as wise, redeeming the time be­cause the days are evil. And fear the loss of time, 1 Pet. 1. 17. If ye call on the Father, who without respect of Persons judgeth according to every mans work; pass the time of your sojourn­ing here in fear.

Be sure to lose no more; for to lose all your time; is most certainly to lose your selves, and that for ever. In the other World there [Page 67] is no obtaining Mercy by those who all the while they were in this World, slighted Mer­cy. There is no working out your own Sal­vation after death; if all your Life-time Sal­vation be neglected.

7. After Affliction be full of gratitude, Ho­ly Ingenuity and Love. The Calves of your Lips, most acceptable Sacrifices; should be offe­red frequently, nay continually, with an enlar­ged Heart, with a willing mind. David was in danger of losing his Life among the Phi­listines, God preserves it. How Fruitful are his Lips in Praises! Psal. 34. 1, 2, 3, 4. I will bless the Lord at all times, his Praise shall con­tinually be in my Mouth; my Soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Oh magnifie the Lord with me, and let us exalt his Name together! I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delive­red me from all my fears. Hezekiah had been deliver'd from deadly Sickness, he was raised by special Favour and Power; when according to Nature, Death was unavoidable. Coming so unexpectedly and so quickly from a seeming Death-Bed to the Temple, how does he make that Temple Ring with his Thanskgivings! Isa. 38. 17, 19. Behold for Peace, I had great bit­terness; but thou hast in love to my Soul deli­ver'd it from the Pit of Corruption; thou hast cast all my Sins behind thy back. The li­ving, the living, he shall Praise thee as I do [Page 68] this day: the Father to the Children shall make known thy Truth.

Not onely must your Mouths be fill'd with Praises, but your Hearts with Love; and In­genuity should make you study what to ren­der unto God. Observe the working of the Psalmists grateful Breast, after God had deli­ver'd his Soul from Death, his Eyes from Tears and his Feet from falling, Psal. 116. 1. I love the Lord because he hath heard my Voice and my Supplication. V. 3. The Sorrows of Death com­passed me, the Pains of Hell got hold upon me. V. 5, 6. Gracious is the Lord and Righteous, yea our God is merciful; I was brought low and he helped me. V. 7. Return to thy rest, O my Soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. V. 12. What shall I render to the Lord for all his Benefits towards me? He thought nothing too good, nothing too much for that God, who had been so good to him; who had done so much for him!

Still you should be contriving to make more suitable returns for what you have re­ceived, and with your Praises and Service, your Hearts and Love must be the Principal part of the returns you make. Love lies in Desire and Delight; no Mercies so desirable as the Father of Mercies; God Himself is more to be delighted in than any of the Benefits he be­stows. Take heed of loving Deliverance more [Page 69] than your Deliverer. Mercies themselves are I­dolized, and it provokes the Lord to Jealou­sie; if they are prized and delighted in, more than the Lord God of your Mercies. There­fore the Psalmist, though he valued Deliverance from Enemies, and Trouble; yet principally re­joices in God himself, Psal. 9. 2. I will be glad and rejoice in Thee, I will Praise thy Name O thou most High! Rejoice in God more than in the return of Health, more than in the Pro­longation of Life, or any other Comfort and Enjoyment. Mercies attain their end, when God is more endeared to you by them. God will be all in all in Heaven; and the more he is your all at present, the more of Heaven you enjoy on Earth.

8. After Affliction be sensible you are not safe in your own Hands; therefore commit the keeping of your Souls to God, 1 Pet. 4. 19. Let them commit the keeping of their Souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a Faithful Creator. If you are indeed wise and know your selves, you will distrust your selves. Self-Confidence is an undeniable Argument of Self-Ignorance. Trust your selves in no hands, but those out of which none shall ever be able to pluck you, and those are hands of Christ and the Father, Joh. 10. 27, 28, 29. My Sheep hear my Voice, and I know them and they follow me, and I give unto them Life Eternal, and they shall ne­ver perish, neither shall any pluck them out of [Page 70] my hand; My Father which gave them me is greater than All, and none is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. Not onely in the Hour and Agony of Death; but all your lives long; every Day and Hour, you have need still to be commending your Spirits unto God: for they are safe with none besides, Psal. 31. 5. Into thy hands do I commit my Spirit, thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of Truth.

USE IV. Of Counsel more peculiarly to Saints, who are afflicted. Shew your selves to be Saints indeed, and let your Graces now be much in Exercise. Spices beaten in the Mor­tar, are the more Fragrant; Afflicted Saints should manifest a rare and excellent Spirit; but no Dissatisfaction or Discontent; considering the Truth of this Doctrine, that they are af­flicted for their good. You that are Saints; in your Troubles you need Counsel; and 'tis not to be doubted but you will heed it; I shall give it in these particulars.

1. Be Patient whatever your Affliction is. That God whom you serve is patient to­wards Man; has been patient towards you; how many affronts and Provocations has he born, put up, and pardoned! The Lord Jesus Christ was a Pattern of Patience and Meekness; When he was reviled of Men, he reviled not again; when he suffered he threatned not, 1 Pet. 2. 23. Nay many had Life by his Blood, [Page 71] who imbrued their hands in that Blood and shed it. And when it Vivificat [...] Christi sanguine, etiam qui fudit san­guinem Chri­sti; Talis est Christi ac tanta patien­tia; quae nisi talis existeret; Paulum quo­que Apostolum Ecclesia non haberet. Cypr. de bono Patientiae. p. mihi 316. pleased his Father to bruise him and to put him to grief, yet as a Lamb brought to the slaughter; and as a Sheep before her Shearers is dumb; so he opened not his Mouth. Isa. 53. 7. The Members of the Bo­dy should imitate Christ the Head in Patience.

It may be an Inducement to a quiet bear­ing of Affliction; that far worse has been de­merited by the very best, than is endured, Ezr. 9. 13. Thou our God hast punished us less than our Iniquities deserve. But the Benefit of Affliction, proves that Patience is a Grace with a great deal of Reason in it; for who can ra­tionally take it ill, when good comes to them; and spiritual kindnesses, which are the most re­al kindnesses, are done them?

I have demonstrated the good of Affliction to the Saints; I shall now demonstrate, the good of Patience.

Patience is your great Security, and makes you to keep Possession of your Selves, Luk. 21. 19. In your Patience, possess ye your Souls. A Patient man, whatever he loses, whatever he suffers, is still himself, not discomposed, not [Page 72] distracted and hurried away from the Conduct and Satisfaction of that Holy Wisdom, and the Grace of God which is in Him. By Patient Continuance in well-doing, and by patient Suf­fering rather than he will cease in well-doing, his Soul is safe, and shall never be lost; for he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved. Mat. 24. 13. And in what a calm has he Possession of his own Spirit, when his outward Condition is most Stormy and Tempestuous! He has cast Anchor within the Vail; and that An­chor is sure and stedfast, Heb. 6. 19. Keeps his Mind from Fluctuation and tossing too and fro. Patience is the Souls Garrison, and pre­serves it in that Peace; which neither Earth nor Hell are able to disturb.

Patience is that which makes you perfect, Jam. 1. 4. But let Patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wan­ting nothing. The more there is of Christian Patience, and Strength to persevere both in Active and Passive Obedience, which God calls you to; 'tis an Argument you are arrived to the greater Degree of Perfection▪ in Grace and Holiness. And besides this, Patience will make you less concerned at those Wants; which to impatient Creatures are so sensible an Affliction. He that is very Patient under Sickness, may truly be said not so much to want health; He that is Patient under Poverty, does not so much want Riches. The Christian is not di­sturbed [Page 73] at the want of those things, which he can be contentedly without. Patience made the Apostle go through great variety of Con­ditions with a most even and composed Mind and Spirit, 2 Cor. 6. 4, 8, 9, 10. In all things approving our selves as the Ministers of God in much Patience, in Affliction, in Necessities, in Distresses; By Honour and Dishonour, by evil Report and good Report, as deceivers and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dy­ing, and behold we live; as chastned, and not kill'd; as sorrowful, yet always rejoycing; as Poor, yet making many Rich; as having nothing and yet possessing all things.

Patience very well becomes you, considering the Relation you stand in to God, who is a Father too Good and Wise, to give to any of his Children, a just ground for unsubmission, things cannot be ordered better or with more Wisdom than He orders them. The compli­ance of your Wills with His; will be a great evidence that you are renewed in the Spirit of your Minds, and that you have the new Heart promised in the new Covenant. And this Patience of yours being manifested in what­ever you feel from the Hand of God or Man; will be a great Credit to Religion; and a Con­viction to the World, that there is a great Efficacy in the Truth of the Gospel, and in the Grace of God, which can carry you so far beyond the Strength of Nature.

Patientia est quae nos Deo commendat & servat. Ipsa est quae iram temperat; quae linguam fraenat, quae mentem gubernat, pacem custodit, in­cendium simultatis extinguit, coercet potentiam divitum, inopiam pauperum refovet; facit humiles in prosperis, in adversis fortes; contra inju­rias & contumelias mites; tentationes expugnat, perse­cutiones tolerat, passiones & martyria consummat. Cypri­an. De Patientiae bono, pag. mihi 319. Finally Patience will make and keep you ac­ceptable to God, it will restrain Anger, and eve­ry other disturbing Pas­sion, it will bridle the Tongue; keep the Spi­rit under Rule and Go­vernment, it will extin­guish Contention, and keep Peace from being broken. It will be co­ercive of the Power of the Rich; and it will refresh the neediness of the Poor. It will make you humble in the height of Prosperity; so strong as not to faint in the depth of Adver­sity; it will make you mild against the great­est injuries, it will break the force of Temp­tation, and fortifie you against Persecution; though it should rise so high as Martyrdom. Let all this perswade you to the exercise of this admirable Grace of Patience; and see that it fail not in Affliction. Cry to the Lord for the increase of it, and that nothing may be too hard or heavy for it. He is called, [...]. The God of Pa­tience and Consolation; the more Patience is wrought in you; you are likely to Experi­ence the greater Comfort.

[Page 75] 2. You that are afflicted Saints, Pray that your Faith may be so far from failing, that it may continually be increasing. Faith is a Grace of great Necessity and Use; the Christian lives by Faith; he sees by Faith; he stands by Faith; he works by Faith; and is kept through Faith unto Salvation. In Affliction Faith is the Saints mighty support; for Faith bears hard upon the Faithfulness of God, which will never fail; God is faithful not onely in giving the good things he has promised; but also in vouchsafing Cor­rection which he sees 'tis needful. The Psalmist speaks thus. I have believed, therefore have I spoken, I was greatly afflicted, Psal. 116. 10. The greatness of Affliction hindred not the Act­ing of his Faith; but his Faith hindred his fainting under the greatest Affliction, Psal. 27. 13. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the living.

God may be trusted in, though he hides his face; though there are rebukes and frowns in his Countenance; God may be trusted in, though his ways are Dark and Cloudy, and his Hand heavy. Nay Holy Job says, Though he slay me yet will I trust in him, Job 13. 15. Though the Providence of God seems hardly reconcileable with his Promises; but looks as if it thwarted his Promises; this is onely De­ceptio visus, the Eyes mistake. Let Faith be­lieve [Page 76] what Sense cannot discern, and Sense will be forced at last to grant, that Faith was in the right.

In all Afflictions God is making good his Everlasting Covenant, which is well ordered in all things and sure, he is still pursuing his design of Mercy towards his People, and promoting the Work of Grace, and Salvation. Believe this and rest satisfied, onely let desires be strong, that what God designs in sending Af­fliction, may be attained; and that his Dis­cipline may be to good effect and pur­pose.

3. You afflicted Saints, give Glory to God, who afflicts you. Here you must know that God is of none, but of himself; his Perfecti­ons undenied; He is unchangeable, no Additi­on can be made to his Essential Excellency or his Blessedness. As all that come to him find him All-sufficient, so, which is a great deal more, He is Self-sufficient; Infinitely more must be to the Blessedness of God, then would be enough, for the Blessedness of ten thousand Worlds of Men and Angels. So that your glorifying of God is apprehending, acknowledging, and decla­ring his Glory, not making him really more glorious than he was.

Glorifie God by Believing him to be what he has revealed himself, by giving him the [Page 77] highest room in your Hearts; depend upon him for all things. This Fountain of living Wa­ters is glorified, when Saints always lie at it, perpetually derive Streams from it, and the broken Cisterns are forsaken. Glorifie God by an higher Valuation of his Favour in Christ; and a greater Contempt of earthly things in Comparison. Glorifie God by more willing service, and resolute cleaving to him. God is honoured indeed, when nothing can separate the Saints from him: When neither the fier­cest Wind (to allude to the Tabb) can blow away, nor the hottest Sun can make them to cast away that change of Raiment with which he has cloathed them. When they can say with the Church of old, Psal. 44. 17, 18, 19. All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten Thee, neither have we dealt falsly in thy Covenant; Our Heart is not turned back from thee, neither have our steps declined from thy ways; though thou hast sore broken us in the Place of Dragons, and covered us with the Shaddow of Death.

Finally, Glorifie God by such Works, as are not a denial of God; but a Demonstration, what a Lord he is; and what his Grace is able to effect. The Works of many Professors prove them Atheists, Tit. 1. 16. They profess that they know God, but in Works deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. But when Saints by good [Page 78] Works are shining Lights; hereby Glory re­dounds to their Heavenly Father. For as the Works of Creation, are an Argument to prove most plainly an Eternal Power and Godhead; so the Works of New Creatures, so different from, and so excellent above the Works of o­thers; make it evident that God is in these New Creatures; and his Grace is with them of a Truth.

4. You afflicted Saints, observe the Special Sins, for which your Father is angry with you, and corrects you. That Grace which is in you makes you weary of its contrary; and the more Grace you have, the more weary you will be of Sin which remains in you. Cry to be cleansed from faults that are so secret; that they hardly are discerned to be faults, Psal. 19. 12. Lurking Feavers, how dangerous are they! and much more dangerous are latent Corruptions. Therefore Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have born Chastisement, I will not offend any more; that which I see not teach thou me, if I have done Iniquity I will do no more. Job 34. 31, 32. Find out, and purge out all the old Leaven, whether it be the Leaven of Pride, or Hypocrisie, or Earth­ly-mindedness, or Uncharitableness or any other Wickedness, that ye may be a new Lump as ye are unleavened. The bitter Cup is in­tended as a purging Potion. Earnestly therefore desire, that the Iniquity which has most pre­vailed, [Page 79] and defiled you, may be taken a­way.

5. You afflicted Saints answer the Lords Ex­pectations from you, lest Wrath from the Lord be upon you. He is sometimes very severe to them, that are very dear to him. He forgives their Iniquities, but takes Vengeance of their In­ventions, Psal. 99. 8. That eminent Moses be­ing provoked in his Spirit spake unadvisedly with his Lips, Psal. 106. 33. And that Word cost him his Life. He falls, before Israel en­ter'd into Canaan. Hezekiah was a Gracious Man, full of Faith himself; and a Prince ve­ry zealous for the Reformation of Judah. See what a Character is given him, 2 Chron. 31. 20, 21. Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Ju­dah, and wrought that which was good and Right, and Truth before the Lord his God; And in every Work, that he began in the Service of the House of God; and in the Law, and in the Commandments to seek his God, he did it with all his Heart and prospered. And yet this Excellent King after Affliction, not watch­ing his Heart, but Suffering it to be lifted up; Wrath 'tis said was upon him, 2 Chron. 32. 35.

Though Gods Love to his Children be ne­ver turned into hatred; yet notwithstanding his Love to them, he may be very angry with them; he may take them up and lash them [Page 80] in the view of all, to vindicate his Holiness, and to make it evident, that he takes no plea­sure in Wickedness by whomsoever it is com­mitted. After you have felt his strokes, fear your Fathers Frowns and Anger; please him in all things and abound in so doing; this he justly looks for, after he has shewn Care and Kindness both in Correcting you, and in fling­ing the Rod out of his hand.

6. Let the Rod, you have been chastized with, cause you to mend your Pace in Heavens way. Why should Saints be as so many Snails, who ought rather to be swifter than Eagles hasting to the Prey? Is there such an Holy and Mighty Spirit to help your Infirmities? Are there such Promises of assisting Grace? Is there such a glorious Crown and Prize at the end of the race? And does your Salvation grow nearer and nearer every day? Oh put on with greater speed. And let not a greater Violence be used by earthly men for meer tri­fles; than is by you, for the Heavenly King­dom. Imitate those wisely eager ones, Mat. 11. 12. From the days of John the Baptist un­til now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth Vio­lence, and the Violent take it by force. Imitate the Apostle Paul, who though he had labou­red so abundantly, was far from tiring, but press't on still with greater forwardness towards the Mark, for the prize of the high Calling of God.

[Page 81] 7. Abound in that Work for God here upon Earth, which cannot be done when you come to Heaven. Fill up your Time, well with that business, which will cease when you enter up­on Eternity. The Preachers of the Gospel may do much at present, which they cannot do here­after. Now they may warn Sinners to flee from the Wrath to come. Now they may call them to turn from their evil ways and live; now they may pray them in Christs stead to be reconciled to God. Now they may take heed to all the Flock over which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers to feed the Church of God, which he has purchased with his own Blood, Acts 20. 28. And take heed to their Ministry which they have received in the Lord, that they may fulfil it, Col. 4. 17. Now they may shew themselves in all things Pat­terns of good Works, Examples to the Flock; always labouring fervently for them in Prayer, that they may stand perfect and compleat in all the Will of God.

Christians also have their Work now to do; which cannot be done in the other World. Now they may adorn the Doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. Now with well-doing they may put to silence the Ignorance of fool­ish men, 1 Pet. 2. 15. Now by a Conscienci­ous Performance of Relative Duties, they may be great Blessings to their Relations, and great­ly [Page 82] promote their Eternal Interest. They may be blameless and harmless without rebuke; in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation, acting like the Children of God, shining as Lights in the World, holding forth the Word of Life, Phil. 2. 14, 15, 16.

But when once Death has seized on the Preachers of the Word, their Mouths are stopt with Earth, and they are effectually silenced; they can speak unto, and oversee the Church no longer. At Death also Christian's Work is at an end in this World; therefore before the approach of Deaths Night, when it will be too late to work; Let all in the mean time work the harder.

8. Though you are deliver'd out of Affli­ction, recover'd from your Distempers, be sure to die daily. So did the Apostle, 1 Cor. 15. 31. Dying daily, implies a daily Meditation of Death, looking upon your selves every day within the reach of Death, and a continual preparedness for Death, and a stedfast Resolution rather to suffer Death, than to make Shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience. Do not rec­kon upon long Life; but be perswaded, to live well is to live indeed. Live as those that must die certainly; as those that may die sud­denly. Be not offended at the Cross of Christ, though it should ly so heavy upon you, as to press you to Death. Sinful saving the Life, [Page 83] is losing it; but they who are valiant for the Truth of Christ, and will venture the losing of Life for Christs sake, shall find it, Mat. 16. 25. And if natural Life be continued; be earnestly desirous that Spiritual Life and liveliness may be increased. Pray to be quick­ned, as the Psalmist often does, Psal. 119. and look unto Jesus, who is a quickning Spi­rit, 1 Cor. 15. 45. The first Man Adam was made a living Soul, the last Adam was made a quickning Spirit. As he has given you Life, so he is ready to give it more and more a­bundantly; this will make you to live to him, and to be unweariedly active for him. The quickned Apostl's earnest desire was that Christ might be magnified by him; his Life was at his Lords Service; and he was ready to die also to serve him. Phil. 1. 20. According to my ear­nest Expectation and my Hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also, Christ shall be magnified in my Body, whether it be by Life or by Death.

USE V. Of Consolation to Saints to whom it is so good, when they are afflicted. Unto the Righteous there ariseth Light in the Dark­ness. The Rainbow, the emblem of Peace and token of the Covenant, is often seen in the blackest Cloud. The Saints are never in such depths; but Comfort belongs to them, 'tis good for them to be as they are; nay all things considered; 'tis best for them.

Believers should never say, they had rather it might be otherwise with them; than God sees it fit it should be; when the Plough of Affliction pierces deepest, Light and Joy is sowing; and the Hopes of what at last will be reaped, should allay the Sorrow wherewith the sowing is attended. The Grounds of Con­solation to afflicted Saints are these.

1. Gods goodness is unquestionable, howe­ver he is pleased to deal with his People. Let them be plagued, let them be chastned never so sore; yet God is good to Israel, even to them that are of a clean Heart, Psal. 73. 1. God is their God, and his dealings are ever accor­ding to his Gracious Covenant. His wound­ing of them, is not like the wounds given by an Enemy, but like the Chyrurgians Lan­cings in order to greater soundness and for Lifes Preservation, Isa. 27. Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? No no, great is the Difference between the Rod and the Scorpion; between Believers being chastned as Children; and the Wicked their falling into the hands of the Living God, who takes Ven­geance upon them.

2. That good which Saints receive by Affli­ction is Spiritual. The Soul has a great kind­ness [Page 85] done to it. The Conscience is bettered as to calmness and cleanness, the Heart is made more pure, the Spirit of the Lord works a greater change into the Image of God; so that there is an advancing from Glory to Glo­ry. When Job had been some while afflicted, his Spirit began to run more clear, Job 23. 10. But he knoweth the way that I take, when he hath tried me, I shall come forth like Gold. The Fire and Furnace in Zion purges the Dross, and how then does the Gold shine!

3. That good which the Saints reap by Affliction, is peculiar and distinguishing. Wic­ked men are either stupid under Affliction; or if they are startled; they return to their former Security after Affliction. To have Af­fliction sanctified is a favour peculiar to Gods peculiar People.

4. This good which the Saints receive by Affliction at present, is an earnest to them of Eternal good things in the other World. Affli­ctions are part of the Purgatory, through which the Saints pass and are made meet for Glory. The Popish Purgatory is a meer Inven­tion for that Antichristian Churches secular Gain. The Dead find it to be nothing; but vast is the Worldly gain accrueing hereby to the living; by this Craft comes in the Priests Wealth. But the Purgatory of Affliction, pro­motes [Page 86] Purity, and is really Beneficial. The Rod at present yeilds the peaceable fruits of Righteousness, and when these are brought forth a Crown of Righteousness is assured, 2 Tim. 4. 8.

I have done with the first Doctrine, That Saints are afflicted for their good.

I shall be Brief in the Second which fol­lows.

D. 2. The second Doctrine, which I raised from the Text was this. The Rod of God is a means to make the Word of God to be the better Learned, Psal. 119. 67. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy Word. Affliction was the means to put a stop to the Psalmists wandring; it brought his Feet into the right Path and established his goings. What a light shines in the School of Affliction? Things are seen naked there! Sin; the World, Hell and Destruction; are all na­ked. The great things of the Word, are plain­ly seen to be great and good indeed; and are no longer lookt upon as strange things.

In the handling of this Doctrine, I shall,

1. Shew you when the Word of God is in­deed learned.

[Page 87] 2. What influence the Rod of God has unto the better Learning of his Word.

3. Make Application.

In the first Place, I am to shew you, when the Word of God is indeed and aright learn­ed.

1. Learning the Word implies, a Perswa­sion of the Words Divine Authority and Truth. He has not learned the Word, who does not believe it to be indeed the Word of God, who cannot lie, 2 Tim. 3. 16. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God. Mens Contradi­ctions to the Word are audacious and damna­ble falshoods. And if Angels from Heaven should speak contrary to it, they must not have our Assent, but our Anathema, Gal. 1. 8. But though we or an Angel from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you; than that which we have preached unto you; let him be accur­sed. They who have learned the Word of God, perceive the Harmony of all its parts; and believe the whole, and are influenced by that belief, for the certain Truth of the Word makes it most Encouraging and Comforta­ble to the Saints; and with what Sweet Se­curity do they rest upon it! And the same Truth should make it very Terrible to all im­penitent Sinners!

[Page 88] 2. Learning the Word implies, an observing the Scope and Design of the Word of God; now the Design and Scope of it is, the Glory of God; and Mans Happiness and Salvation. God cannot have an higher end in what he does, than Himself, for he is above all; therefore he has made and does all things for Himself; and truly since of him and through him are all things; he is worthy that all things should be referred to him, and that in all things, he should always be glorified, Rom. 11. 36. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things to whom be Glory for ever, Amen. In Subordination to his own Glory; the Lord de­signs mans wellfare, Luk. 2. 14. Glory be to God in the Highest, on Earth Peace, good will towards men. When the Word of God is truly learned; great notice is taken of its de­sign; and the Learners aim is accordingly di­rected. The Glory of God and mans truest good are inseparably conjoined. So that this is past doubt, when man most Minds Gods Honour, he Minds most his own Interest and Happi­ness.

3. Learning the Word, implies taking due notice of the Purity and Holiness of the Word of God. Psal. 12. 6. The Words of the Lord are pure Words, as! Silver tried in a Furnace of Earth purified seven times. The Psalmist saw this Purity, and did not take offence at it, [Page 89] but very much liked it, and loved the Word the better for it, Psal. 119. 140. Thy Word is very pure; therefore thy Servant loveth it. God the Author of this Word is of Purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity; no wonder that the Word is purer than to allow of any Ini­quity. The Word will not permit Sin in the Tabernacle, Job 11. 14. If Iniquity be in thy Hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacle. The Word prohibits our contentedly Suffering Sin to ly upon our Bro­ther, Levit. 19. 17. Thou shalt not hate thy Bro­ther in thy Heart; thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour; and not suffer Sin upon him. The hands must be cleansed, and so must especially the Heart, Jam. 4. 8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you, cleanse your Hands ye Sinners, purifie your Hearts ye double minded. If Sin commands the Tongue, Religion is but vain; if Sin be regarded in the Heart, Pray­er is to no purpose. How excellent and pure is this Word of God! and those that learn it see both the Necessity and Excellency of Pu­rity and Holiness; and they hunger and thirst, and follow after Righteousness and true Holi­ness.

4. Learning the Word, implies beholding wondrous things in the Word of God, Psal. 119. 18. Open thou my Eyes, that I may be­hold wondrous things out of thy Law. And V. 129. Thy Testimonies are wonderful, there­fore [Page 90] doeth my Soul keep them. The Light which shines forth from hence, is marvellous, 1 Pet. 2. 2. That ye should shew forth the Prai­ses of him, who hath called you out of Dark­ness into marvellous Light. The Mercy is a­mazing; which saves from so much Sin; pre­vents no less than endless Misery; and brings those to Eternal Life, who deserved to die the Eternal Death, Jud. v. 21. Keep your selves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal Life. That Wisdom, which appears in the contrivance of Mans Redemption by Christ the Mediator, is the Admiration of the elect Principalities and Powers, Eph. 3. 10. To the intent that now un­to thee Principalities and Powers in the Hea­venly Places, might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God. And the Love of God in Christ, is most sweetly astonishing! 'Tis without Motive, without Measure, without Alteration, its height and length and depth and breadth are past our reach and finding out. And how highly are those who are interested in this Love, advanced! 1 Joh. 3. 1. Behold what man­ner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the Sons of God! and all his Sons are heirs of Everlasting Glo­ry.

5. Learning the Word, implies knowing the Truth as it is in Jesus, Eph. 4. 20, 21. But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye [Page 91] have heard him, and been taught by him, as the Truth is in Jesus. To know the Truth as it is in Jesus, is to know Christ himself, and all Divine Truths with respect to Christ. He is the Center in which all the Lines in Scrip­ture meet. If God be lookt upon without re­spect to this Mediator; the remembrance of the Holy and Righteous and Almighty Jehovah; must needs be terrible and confounding to guil­ty and defiled Sinners. But the Knowledge of God in Christ, is beneficial and reviving; for in Christ he is accessible, and a God in Cove­nant; and how encouraging is the Knowledg of Duty; when we look to Jesus, because in Christ we have assisting Grace to do it sincere­ly; and when 'tis thus done, in Him we have acceptance, 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye also as lively stones are built up a Spiritual House, an Holy Priest­hood to offer up Spiritual Sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Though the House be Spiritual; though the Priesthood be Holy, though the Sacrifice be Spiritual; yet 'tis not upon their own, but upon the account of Jesus Christ, that they are acceptable. Looking to Jesus, we may look upon Sin and Misery without dismay, nay with thankful Hearts, for He saves from both, and through him an abun­dant entrance is administred into the Everlast­ing Kingdom. He has not learned the Word to any purpose, who does not know that Christ is all in all, and fills all in all.

[Page 92] 6. Learning the Word of God, implies feel­ing the Power and Efficacy of this Word; till the Spirit accompanies it and sets it home up­on the Heart; and there is an experience of its Power; the Word is not aright learned. 1 Thess. 1. 5. Our Gospel came to you, not in Word onely, but in Power also, and in the Ho­ly Ghost and in much Assurance. The Holy Ghost made you sensible of the Gospels Effi­cacy, and its Efficacy assured you of its Di­vinity. So 1 Thess. 2. 13. Ye received it not as the Word of men, but as it is in Truth the Word of God, which worketh effectually in you that believe. This Word shews its Power in pul­ling down strong holds, in casting down Imagi­nations; and every high thing that exalteth it self against the Knowledg of God; and in bring­ing thoughts into Captivity and Obedience to Christ, 2 Cor. 10. 4, 5. The Spirit of God wrought Signs and Wonders and divers Mira­cles, according to his own Will; for the Con­firmation of the Gospel when first it was pub­lished in the World; and these were part of the Spirit's Demonstration of its Truth. And Miracles in the New Creation cease not to be wrought still by the same Spirit. The Word is made an effectual means, to make the dead in Sin alive to God, to make the Blind to see, and the Lame to walk in the Way of Gods Commandments.

[Page 93] 7. Learning the Word, implies a ready and Hearty embracing, what the Word of God Of­fers and Promises. Mammon and Satan make but very poor and mean offers and their Pro­mises are deceitful, they can offer nothing but what is temporal, the things they boast of are onely good in appearance; and they quickly vanish away. Indeed there is something that is Eternal, but 'tis Eternal Wo and Misery, that abides the worldly and the wicked; but this Satan studiously endeavours to conceal from them. Whereas the offers of the Gospel are great and glorious, worthy of all accepta­tion, and by all to be accepted; the Promi­ses here are so firm, that they shall remain, when Heaven and Earth shall pass away, Psal. 119. 152. Concerning thy Testimonies, I have known of old, that thou hast founded them for ever. If the Children of men might have their wish, and would wish but wisely; they would wish, for what the Word assures to all Ac­cepters of it. Here is justifying Righteous­ness for the guilty and Condemned; here is Healing, Sanctifying Grace for the Diseased and Defiled; here is Strength for the Weak, and Comfort for them that are cast down; and for lost Souls great and Everlasting Salvati­on. How can he be said to have learned the Word of God; or to know when he is well offer'd; by whom such offers are refused?

[Page 94] 8. Learning the Word, implies the Subjecti­on and Conformity of the whole man to the commands of the Word of God. Promises and Priviledges are to be studied and embraced; and Precepts and Commands are to be recei­ved. He that casts the commands behind his back, is very Presumptuous in applying Promi­ses to himself. That Hope will make a man ashamed, which is not accompanied with Obe­dience. Hearken to the Psalmist, Psal. 119. 166, 167, 168. Lord I have hoped for thy Salvation, and done thy Commandments. My Soul hath kept thy Testimonies, and I love them exceedingly, I have kept thy Precepts and thy Testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee. He that has learned the Word of God, knows that the Law is not made void by Faith, but established, Rom. 3. 31. Do we then by Faith, make void the Law, through Faith? God for­bid, yea we establish the Law, Christ the Churches Head and Prophet, in his Sermon upon the Mount, shews the extent of the Law, requiring Purity in the Heart and Thoughts, as well as in the Life and Actions, condemns them who shall break the least of these Commands and shall teach men so; but those that teach and do them, he owns as great in his Kingdom, Mat. 5. 19. The Law spoken from Mount Si­nai is established by the Legislator Christ, in Mount Sion as a Rule of Righteousness. And they who are rightly instructed, which walk [Page 95] according to this Rule, both Heart and Con­versation will be order'd according to its Di­rection, and Peace and Mercy will be upon them, and hereby they shew themselves indeed the Israel of God.

9. Learning the Word, implies a living in Expectation and Hope of that Glory which God in his Word has revealed, Rom. 5. 2. By whom we have access by Faith into this Grace where­in we stand, and rejoice in Hope of the Glory of God. The Apostle tells that our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished Death, and hath brought Life and Immortality to light by the Gospel. What Joy is set before us to encou­rage patient continuance in Faith and well-do­ing! Were it not for this; the Disciples of Christ would be of all men most miserable: 1 Cor. 15. 19. But since the Glory hoped for is so sure and near; they are the onely Happy ones in the World. He that learned the Word aright, Heaven is in his Eye; there is his Heart and Treasure. He knows he can­not be perfectly Holy or Happy, till he come thither; and when once come there; Holiness and Happiness will be perfect in degree; and endless in Duration. Nothing therefore can move him away from the Hope of the Gospel. He abides in the Word, and the Word in him; and stands fast in the Lord himself, and at last receives the blessed Life that is promi­sed, 1 Joh. 2. 24, 25. Let that therefore abide [Page 96] in you which ye have heard from the begin­ning; if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you; ye also shall con­tinue in the Son and in the Father; and this is the Promise that he hath Promised us, even Eternal Life.

And if all this be implied in Learning the Word of God;

How many may Conscience reproach for ne­ver having learned the Word to this day! Strangers they are to its Power, and haters of its Purity, and most foolishly and wickedly neglect that Grace and Salvation, which is there tender'd to them!

How many may Sigh for Sorrow, that they have learned the Word of God no better! that their Faith is no stronger, their delight in the Word of God no greater! and that there are so many defects in their Obedience to it!

How should we all groan with earnest de­sires, that God Himself would be our Teacher, and make us right Learners of his Word! And if He is pleased to teach us, how Blessed, Holy, and Wise will his teaching make us! and such also we shall continue; for that teach­ing will have a lasting effect upon us, Psal. 119. 33, Teach me O Lord the Way of thy Statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.

In the second Place, I am to shew the In­fluence, that the Rod of God has to make his Word the better Learned.

1. The Rod of Affliction awakens the Con­science. So that it is very punctual in doing its Office; Conscience being startled causes fear; Where there was too much unconcernedness and stupidity before. The Consciences of Jo­sephs Brethren after the great Injury they did him; lay in a deep sleep for many Years to­gether; but Distress and Affliction awakened them, Gen. 42. 21. They said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our Brother, in that we saw the anguish of his Soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. Conscience being awakened is full of remorse, because the Word of God has been observed with no more care. Conscience also is still urging, To the Law, and to the Testimony. This is the way to be freed from Trouble, and to attain to Peace, Psal. 119. 165. Great Peace have they that Love thy Law. Gal. 6. 16. And as many as walk according to this Rule, Peace be on them, and Mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

2. The Rod of Affliction, takes off from worldly Business and Diversions; and hereupon they that are afflicted, are at better leasure to consider their ways, Eccles. 7. 14. In the day of [Page 98] Adversity consider. God is not to be complain­ed of for punishing Sin; but men who are pu­nished should search and try their ways and turn to Him. Lam. 3. 39, 40. Inconsiderateness is spoken of, as the occasion of a World of Wickedness, and 'tis exclaimed against as very offensive and inexcusable, Isa. 1. 2, 3. Hear O Heavens and give ear O Earth, for the Lord hath spoken; I have nourished and brought up Children, and they have rebelled against me; The Ox knows his owner, and the Ass his Ma­sters Crib, but Israel doth not know, my Peo­ple doth not consider! Now the more any con­sider what they do; the greater heed they will take to the Word of God; for this Word Counsels safely; it directs and leads in the way of Peace and Truth, and Life, Prov. 6. 23. For the Commandment is a Lamp, and the Law is Light, and Reproofs of Instruction are the way of Life.

3. The Rod of Affliction brings God to re­membrance, whose the Word is; and God being remembred, his Word is the more awfully re­garded. Most men forget the Lord all their days, Jer. 2. 32. Can a Maid forget her Or­naments? or a Bride her attire? yet my People have forgotten me days without number. And forgetting the Lord they forget themselves, their Duty and their Interest. Affliction is a means to bring God to mind; and his hand being lifted up, and there being a Rod in his [Page 99] hand; there is a more heedful looking into his Word to know his Pleasure, and what is the ground of his present displeasure and contro­versie. Job was desirous to know his Trans­gression and Sin; and wherefore it was that God hid his Face and counted him for his E­nemy, Job 13. 23, 24.

4. The Rod of Affliction, brings Iniquity to remembrance, which is contrary to the Word of God. The very first stroke of Correction, how of a sudden has it opened mens Eyes, and mar­shall'd their Sins more terrible than an Army with Banners before them! Psal. 50. 21. I will reprove thee and set them in Order before thine Eyes. Now the remembrance of Sin is a great ingredient in true Contrition and Repentance, which the Word of God so often calls for, Ezek. 36. 31. Then shall ye remember your evil ways, and doings that have not been good, and shall loath your selves in your own sight for your Iniquities and Abominations. To re­member Sin in Hell, will be to remember Sin too late; and the Eternal Remembrance of it, and the Folly and Perverseness in giving way to it; will be a great part of the Sinners Eternal Torment. But to remember Sin, in Affliction; is very profitable; how evident now is the deceitfulness of it! All its pretences of Impunity, Gain, and Pleasure; are found alto­gether vain. This is One great Lesson of the Rod. Sin cheats all its Servants, and quickly ends in Sorrow.

[Page 100] 5. The Rod of Affliction, brings Duty to remembrance, which the Word of God requires. Omission and neglect of Duty, and negligence in Duty, are then reflected on with grief; for if Duty had been more seriously and fre­quently performed, possibly the stroke might not have been felt; and suppose it had; im­proving of Ordinances might have furnished the Heart with more Faith and Patience to have born it. And now says the Rod be bet­ter acquainted with the Word, know thy Du­ty, and from what Principle thou art to act; after what manner, and to what end. Act from Spiritual Life, let Faith work by Love; and the more there is of the Heart and will, in Obedience; 'tis the better; and let it be the constant design, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 4. 11. Af­fliction vehemently urges unto practical God­liness, and unto walking in newness of Life. Doers of the Word are blessed in their deed, whereas those Professours are Self-deceivers, who satisfie themselves with a Faith which Works not, but is dead, Jam. 1. 22. But be ye doers of the Word, and not hears only deceiving your own selves. V. 25. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the Work; this man shall be blessed in his deed.

[Page 101] 6. The Rod of Affliction brings Death to remembrance, and Death brings the Night, when the Work, which the Word of God calls for, can be done no more, Joh. 9. 4. I must work the Works of him that sent me while 'tis day, the night cometh when no man can work: When a man seriously meditates on Death, how wise will it make him! he will number his days aright, and do the Work for which time and days are given him, Psal. 90. 12. Teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our Hearts to Wisdom.

And if Death be brought to remembrance by Affliction; Judgment which follows at the heels of Death will also be thought of. And this Judgment will be according to the Word of God, for this Book among others will be opened at the great day; and Sentence pass'd according to it, Joh. 12. 48. The Word which I have spoken the same shall judge him at the last day. The Consideration of a future Judg­ment how will it quicken to the study, search, and Practise of the Word! If the Word now bind thee, because of thy Ʋnbelief and Impeni­tency in Sin; thou art bound in Heaven. If the Word now condemns thee; continuing as thou art; the Judge also will most certainly con­demn thee. But if the Word at present does acquit thee, the Judge also will absolve thee. If the Word pronounces thee blessed, because [Page 102] Poor in Spirit, Meek, a Mourner for Sin, one that hungers and thirsts after Righteousness, be­cause pure in Heart, a Peace-maker, and one that is willing to suffer Persecution for Righte­ousness sake; rather than cease the Practice of Righteousness, Mat. 5. 3, 10. Being thus pronounced Blessed by the Word; Our Lord will never contradict himself; but at last will say to thee, Come thou Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for thee from the Foundation of the World, Mat. 25. 34.

I come in the last place to the Applicati­on.

USE I. Of Information: From the Doctrine we may learn several useful Lessons.

1. We may be instructed concerning the end of Affliction, which is our truer Knowledg and Holiness. The Rod sends us to the Word, from whence Wisdom comes, Prov. 2. 6. For the Lord giveth Wisdom, out of his Mouth cometh Knowledg and Understanding. And this Word is the Word not onely of Wisdom but of Grace also; a means to work, and to in­crease it; until 'tis perfected in Glory, Act. 20. 32. And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inhe­ritance among all them that are sanctified.

[Page 103] 2. God is very much provoked when his Word is contemned; therefore he afflicts that his Word may be regarded; surely then a dis­regard to it angers him. 'Tis great Condes­cension in God to speak to man; 'tis great kindness to speak to man for his own good; but when man shall neither regard his own good, nor the Lords condescending kindness; this very much incenses God against him. The Apostles Caution is very strict, and with a great deal of Reason, Heb. 12. 25. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on Earth; much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from Heaven. When lighter Afflictions are ineffectual to make men stand in awe of the Word of God; desolating Judgments many times follow, 2 Chron. 36. 16. But they mocked the Mes­sengers of God, and despised his Words, and misused his Prophets, until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his People, till there was no re­medy.

3. When God is very angry; a believing Subjection to his Word is the way to have his Wrath appeased. Indeed nothing satisfies the Justice of God, but Christs Sacrifice of him­self upon the Cross for Sin; nothing Merits the favour of God; but the Obedience and Sufferings of his Dear Son. But yet Obedi­ence [Page 104] to the Word of God, is like taking a­way the fewel from the fire, whereby the fire is extinguished, when according to the Word, we cease to do evil, and learn to doi well; the ground of Gods controversie is at an end. It was a dreadful Prophesie, yet forty days and Nineveh shall be destroyed. This Word was believed, and as it was a loud call to Repen­tance, so that call was answered and obeyed; it issued well, the Ninevites repent of their wickedness, God repents of his Anger, and does not pour it upon them, Jon. 3. 10. And God saw their Works, that they turned from their evil ways; and God repented of the evil that he had said, that he would do unto them, and did it not.

4. When God lets Sinners alone in a wic­ked neglect of his Word, without afflicting them, 'tis to be feared, he intends they shall dy with­out Wisdom. Gods forbearing to afflict; is some­times an Argument of great displeasure, Isa. 1. 5. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will still revolt more and more. And being stricken no more, they are the more hardned from his fear; till at last as Fishes are taken in an evil Net; and as Birds are caught in the Snare; so these Sinners are snared in an evil time; when it falleth suddenly upon them. Eccles. 9. 12.

5. Saints which are not exercised with Af­fliction, [Page 105] had need to be very careful, that gent­ler methods which are used, be effectual to their Progress in Grace and Holiness. 'Tis found harder to know how to abound, than how to want; more difficult to avoid the Snares of Prosperity, than to overcome the Temptations of Adversity. Hence that Caution, Deut. 8. 10, 11. When thou hast eaten and art full, be­ware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his Commandments, and his Judg­ments, and his Statutes which I command thee this day. If you seldom feel the Rod; but onely fair means are used; Oh admire Divine goodness, and with great care take heed to his Word, being very thankful and fruitful together. And if in the height of Prosperity, where neither frown is seen in Gods face, nor blow felt from his hand, He is with Joy re­membred and served; this Obedience is with great evidence of Sincerity and Uprightness.

6. Saints who after feel the Rod of Affliction should have a more than ordinary regard to the Word of God. They should tremble at it, for God has a special regard to them that tremble at his Word, Isa. 66. 2. And they should re­joice with trembling; in it. Saints who are frequently chastised, are intrusted with the more Talents, and should improve them ac­cordingly. Another day we shall be called to account, what Benefit we have received by Af­flictions; as well as how we have profited under [Page 106] Ordinances. Frequent Troubles should make our Consciences more tender, Sin by the blows of the Rod should be struck more dead; we should live more as Pilgrims on Earth, our Eye should be more upon the Heavenly Inheritance; and the Apple of our Eye should not be kept with greater chariness, than we keep the Word of God, Prov. 7. 2. Keep my Commandments and live, and my Law as the Apple of thine Eye.

USE II. Of Counsel to All to incline their Ears and apply their Hearts to learn the Word of God. That you may attain to this Learn­ing (incomparably the truest and best Learn­ing in the World) is the design of Preach­ing; and you see 'tis the design of Afflicting Providences. And Mercies are bestowed with the same intent, Psal. 105. 45. All the deli­verances wrought for Israel, God wrought them to this end, That they might observe his Statutes, and keep his Laws. That Wisdom, which is to be found in the Word of God, is a Treasure more valuable than all the Trea­sures on Earth; and this Treasure lies deep; but 'tis highly worth searching for. And there­fore Solomon signifies to us, that we should seek for it, as for Silver, and search for it as for hid Treasures, Prov. 2. 4. If thou seekest her as Silver, and searchest for her as for hid Trea­sures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the Knowledge of God. Nay [Page 107] this Word of God is not only your Treasure; but 'tis as much as your Life is worth, to neglect this Word of God, Deut. 32. 46, 47. Set your Hearts unto all the Words, which I testifie among you this day, for it is not a vain thing for you, for it is your Life.

Here I shall answer two Questions, and so conclude this Discourse.

The First is, Which Way this Learning in the Word of God may be attained?

The Second is, What are sufficient and com­fortable Evidences; that the Word of God is truly Learned?

The First Question is, Which Way this Learning in the Word of God may be attained? Unto this I Answer,

1. Let every Rod you feel cause a stricter search into the Word. 'Tis part of the Rods Language, Tolle, lege; take the Word, and Read, and be better acquainted with it. The Rod is used in Grammar Schools; that Au­thors there may be more diligently Studied. God uses his Rod in his own School; that his Book the Holy Bible may be the better under­stood and practised. There is not any Affli­ction, but it ought to be lookt upon as an Admonition to take greater heed to the Holy [Page 108] Scripture, which is profitable for Doctrine, for Re­proof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness, that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, 2 Tim. 3. 16, 17.

2. Be sensible, that true and saving Know­ledge is from above, therefore ask it from thence, Jam. 1. 5. If any of you lack Wisdom, let him ask it of God; who gives to all men liberally without upbraiding; and it shall be gi­ven him. And V. 17. Every good and perfect Gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights. And as God is the Father of Lights, so his Spirit is the Spirit of Wis­dom and Revelation, Eph. 1. 17, 18. He en­lightens the Eyes of the Understanding, and puts saving Knowledge into the Heart. What an Instructer is the Spirit of the Lord! He not onely reveals Gods Counsel; but gives an Heart to apprehend it, and to be answerably affected with it. He not onely speaks the Word, which it does so infinitely concern all to know; but he gives also the Ear to hear, the Eye to see, and the Heart to understand.

3. Resolve when Instructed to Praise your Instructer; thus does the Psalmist Purpose and Promise, Psal. 119. 7. I will Praise thee, with uprightness of Heart, when I shall have learned thy Righteous Judgments. How joyful was the Hallelujah! when the Psalmist had said; He geveth his Word unto Jacob, his Statutes and [Page 109] his Judgments to the Children of Israel, Psal. 147. 19, 20. And Psal. 119. 164. Seven times a day do I Praise thee, because of thy Righteous Judgments. And V. 62. He had said, upon the same account, he would arise at midnight and give thanks unto God.

4. Look unto Jesus in whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge, Col. 2. 3. Christ is the Churches Lawgiver and Prophet. He declares the Father, whom no man at any time hath seen, and no man know­eth the Father, but the Son, and he to whom the Son shall reveal him, Mat. 11. 17. He opens the Eyes and Understanding to under­stand the Scripture, Luk. 24. 45. The Gospel is as it were a Sealed Book, till he opens it; a right understanding of the Things of God, and which belong to your Peace, is both Christs Purchase; and the Work and Effect of his il­luminating Spirit.

5. Pray much for Meekness and Humility; and let not any deceitful lust be harboured in the Heart. A Promise of Guidance is made to the Meek and Lowly, Psal. 25. 8, 9. Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teach Sinners in the way, the Meek will he guide in Judgment, and the Meek will he teach his Way. Make no Provision for any fleshly or wordly Lusts, for these Lusts of the Heart influence the Head; and hinder the Light from shining [Page 110] there so clearly and powerfully, both Mind and Conscience by fulfilling these Lusts will be defiled. The Apostle plainly intimates, that the old man must be put off which is corrupt ac­cording to deceitful Lusts; or else we can ne­ver be renewed in the Spirit of our Mind, Eph. 4. 22, 23. In short, be willing to know the Truth, that you may be sanctified by the Truth. Look into the perfect Law of Liberty; and count you, walk most at Liberty; when you walk most accurately and exactly according to this Law. Cry for Knowledge in Order to Affection and Practise; that's the Way, to attain to great understanding in the Word of Righteousness. Talents you shall still be intrusted with, when you are thus ready to Trade with them.

The Second Question follows, What are sufficient and comfortable Evidences, that the Word of God is truly Learned?

What has been spoken already may be in part an Answer to this Question. But that this great Case may be more fully resolved; I shall add these Particulars.

1. You have truly Learned the Word of God, when you stand in awe of it. When Conscience does urge, and the whole man does reverence the Words Authority. And the Heart concludes, that God must be obeyed what­ever [Page 111] come on't, and that nothing can excuse disobedience to his Commands. This Holy awe of the Word must break the force of the strongest Temptations from worldly Gain, and sinful Pleasures; and it must Swallow up the fear of the greatest Men, who will dislike you for the sake of Righteousness, Psal. 119. 161. Princes have persecuted me without a cause; but my Heart standeth in awe of thy Word. Princes commands and threats are not so much to be minded, as Gods commands, and the threatnings wherewith they are enforced. When Princes have inflicted Temporal Death; they are come to their Ne plus ultra, they can go no further; Eternal Life and Death are not in their Power; but how is God to be san­ctified and dreaded, who can reward, or pu­nish for ever in the World to come!

2. You have truly Learned the Word of God, when you preferr it before all things, which are really of less value. Worldly Wis­dom, Riches, Might, and earthly Greatness, are very despicable, compared with that Know­ledge of God, which this Word is a means to convey to us, Jer. 9. 23, 24. Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man Glory in his Wis­dom, neither let the mighty man Glory in his Might; let not the rich man Glory in his Ri­ches. But let him that glorieth, Glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me. See how the Policy of the greatest Potentates on [Page 112] Earth is disparaged in Comparison of Scriptu­ral Wisdom, and not without sufficient Rea­son. The Policy of Princes, and themselves perish together. But Believers who are made wise by the Word of God, do mind, and at­tain unto, and shall be unmoveably possess't of, an Eternal Glory and Kingdom, 1 Cor. 2. 6, 7. Howbeit we speak Wisdom among them that are perfect, yet not the Wisdom of this World, nor of the Princes of this World, which come to nought; but we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery; even the hidden Wisdom, which God ordained before the World unto our Glory. In my Text the Psalmist having said, 'Tis good for me that I have been afflicted, presently expresses his Estimation of the Word, above thousands of Gold and Silver. If the Word has an higher Room in your Judgments and Affections after Affliction, Affliction has cer­tainly done you good, and you have learned the Word to good purpose.

3. You have truly Learned the Word of God; if you Love and Delight therein, and make it your continual Meditation, Psal. 119. 15, 16. I will Meditate in thy Precepts and have respect unto thy Ways, I will delight my self in thy Statutes, I will not forget thy Word. Here are excellent Rules, and they that walk by them are perfected more and more; for they become more gloriously like to God himself; here are clean and safe Ways; Promises of [Page 113] the good things of Time, so far as they are good for any of you; and of the infinitely better things of Eternity. All this may be well mat­ter of great delight. The more you love the Word, the greater will be your Peace, and you will hold on in the best ways without offence or stumbling, Psal. 119. 165. Great Peace have they that love thy Law, and nothing shall offend them.

4. You have truly learned the Word of God, when you keep it both in Heart and Life. Not to keep it in the Life, is a scan­dalous contempt of the Word; not to keep it in the Heart, though there be a specious form and shew of Religion, is but demure and abo­minable Hypocrisie. If the Word be in your Hearts, how will it as nourishing Food well concocted there make you strong in Spirit! It will make your Hearts both clean and comfor­table, and as a powerful Antidote expel Sins Poyson, Psal. 119. 11. Thy Word have I hid in my Heart, that I might not Sin against Thee. Let not Sin, but the Word Reign in your Mor­tal Body, that none of the Members of it may be defiled and debased in wicked Works and Services. Prize all the Ordinances and Institutions of the Word of God; neglect none; be negligent in none. The more these are prized and used, the greater Reason you will see to persist in the use of them, for the great­er spiritual Benefit will sensibly be reaped. [Page 114] That Noble Pair, had learned the Word in­deed, of whom it was said, Luk. 1. 6. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord blameless.

5. You have truly learned the Word of God, when your care is to commend it and to adorn it in all things. The more this Word is in your Mouths, the more Edifying will your Discourse be. Speak much of this Word and for it, nay if you speak much of it as it is; you will speak for it, for the Word will commend it self. Mind those Injunctions, Eph. 4. 29. Let no corrupt Communication pro­ceed out of your Mouths, but that which is good to the use of Edifying, and which may administer Grace to the hearers. And Deut. 6. 6, 7. These Words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thy Heart; and thou shalt talk of them, when thou sittest in thy House; and when thou walkest by the way; when thou liest down; and when thou risest up. How can it be said the Word has been entertained in your Hearts; if you are not ready to commend it that it may have a Room in the Hearts of others? And let not your Commendation of the Word be verbal onely but real. Let your Conversations ever become the Gospel, Live suirably to such a pure, Holy and Hea­venly Word, and walk worthy of God who by this Word has called you to his Kingdom and Glor [...], [...] Thes. 2. [...].

[Page 115] 6. You have truly learned the Word of God, when you do every things by its Directi­on, not onely your Duty towards God, but your Duty towards Man. In all your ways, God is to be eyed and acknowledged, that by his Word your Paths may be directed, Prov. 3. 6. Trade must be managed by the Word, and the rules of Truth and Justice and Equity laid down there; this is the way to grow Rich with a Blessing, and without the Addition of Sorrow. A Family must be order'd by this Word; and all the Members of Families, and the Go­vernours of them, must learn their Relative Duties from the Word of God. Recreations must be regulated hereby, else there may quickly be a forgetting of God, an excessive de­light in them; and too great an expence of precious time. Nothing can be well done, if the Word be not regarded in the doing of it, and nothing can be ill done or miscarry, under the Words Conduct.

7. You have truly learned the Word of God, if you never depart from it. Persevering in Obedience will prove you [...] in­deed Disciples, Joh. 8. 31. Jesus said to those Jews, who believed in him; if ye continue in my Word, then are ye my Disciples indeed. This shews the Lord himself has been your Teacher, and is teaching you still and strength­ning you together, Psal. 119. 33. Teach me O [Page 116] Lord the way of thy Statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. And V. 102. he says, I have not departed from thy Judgments for thou hast taught me. Stick unto his Testimonies, and cleave unto the Lord with such a Resolution as neither Mammon, Sin, nor Satan may ever shake. You can never change your Lord or his Service, but you must change infinitely for the worse; therefore be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in his work. Though the Mountains depart, and the Hills be removed; yet do you abide with God, and stand fast in the Faith unto the Death; that you may re­ceive the Promised Crown of Life, and wear it for evermore.