Then & Now · 12 of 44
9. The Crosses of the Saints
9. The Crosses of the Saints
The ninth Device that Satan hath to217 draw the ſoule to ſin, is, by preſenting to the ſoule, the croſſes, loſſes, reproaches, ſorrows, and ſufferings, that doe daily attend thoſe that walk in the p. 88 wayes of holineſſe. Saith Satan, do not you ſee that there are none in the world that are ſo vexed, afflicted, and toſſed, as thoſe that walk more circumſpectly, and holily then their neighbours; they are a by-word at home, and a reproach abroad; their miſeries come in upon them, like Job’s meſſengers, one upon the neck of another; and there is no end of their ſorrowes and troubles; therefore ſaith Satan, you were better walk in wayes that are leſſe troubleſome, and leſſe afflicted, though they be more ſinfull; for who but a mad man would ſpend his dayes in ſorrow, vexation, and affliction, when it may be prevented, by walking in the wayes that I ſet before him.
- 217. 9 Device. [dropped from the edition]
The ninth device that Satan hath to draw the soul to sin, is, by presenting to the soul, the crosses, losses, reproaches, sorrows, and sufferings, that do daily attend those that walk in the ways of holiness. Saith Satan, do not you see that there are none in the world that are so vexed, afflicted, and tossed, as those that walk more circumspectly, and holily than their neighbours; they are a by-word at home, and a reproach abroad; their miseries come in upon them, like Job’s messengers, one upon the neck of another; and there is no end of their sorrows and troubles; therefore saith Satan, you were better walk in ways that are less troublesome, and less afflicted, though they be more sinful; for who but a mad man would spend his days in sorrow, vexation, and affliction, when it may be prevented, by walking in the ways that I set before him.
THe firſt Remedy againſt this Device218 of Satan, is, ſolemnly to conſider, that all the afflictions that doe attend the people of God, are ſuch, as ſhall turne to the profit, and glorious advantage of the people of God; they ſhall diſcover that filthineſſe and vileneſſe in ſin, that yet the ſoul hath never ſeen. It was a ſpeech of a Germane p. 89 Divine, in his ſickneſſe; In this Diſeaſe219 I have learned how great God is, and what the evill of ſin is; I never knew to purpoſe what God was before, nor what ſin meant till now. Afflictions are a chriſtall glaſſe, wherein the ſoul hath the cleareſt ſight of the ugly face of ſin; in this glaſſe the ſoul comes to ſee ſin to be but a bitter-ſweet; yea, in this glaſſe the ſoul comes to ſee ſin, not only to be an evill, but to be the greateſt evill in the world, to be an evill far worſe then hel
The first remedy against this device of Satan, is, solemnly to consider, that all the afflictions that do attend the people of God, are such, as shall turn to the profit, and glorious advantage of the people of God; they shall discover that filthiness and vileness in sin, that yet the soul hath never seen. It was a speech of a German divine, in his sickness; In this disease165 I have learned how great God is, and what the evil of sin is; I never knew to purpose what God was before, nor what sin meant till now. Afflictions are a crystal glass, wherein the soul hath the clearest sight of the ugly face of sin; in this glass the soul comes to see sin to be but a bitter-sweet; yea, in this glass the soul comes to see sin, not only to be an evil, but to be the greatest evil in the world, to be an evil far worse than hell.
- 165. Gaspar Olevianus.
Againe, they ſhall contribute to the220 mortifying and purging away of their ſins; afflictions are Gods furnace, by which he cleanſes his people from their droſſe; affliction is a fire, to purge out221 our droſſe, and to make virtue ſhine; it is a potion to carry away ill humours; better then all the Benedicta Medicamentum, as Phyſitians call them. Aloes kills worms, colds and froſts doe deſtroy Vermine: ſo doe afflictions the corruptions that be in our hearts. The Jewes under all the Prophets thundering, retained their Idols; but after their babyloniſh captivity, ‘tis obſerved, there have been no Idols found amongſt them.
Again, they shall contribute to the166 mortifying and purging away of their sins; afflictions are God’s furnace, by which he cleanses his people from their dross; affliction is a fire, to purge out167 our dross, and to make virtue shine; it is a potion to carry away ill humours; better than all the Benedicta Medicamenta, as physicians call them. Aloes kills worms, colds and frosts do destroy Vermin: so do afflictions the corruptions that be in our hearts. The Jews under all the prophets thundering, retained their idols; but after their Babylonish captivity, ’tis observed, there have been no idols found amongst them.
Again, afflictions are ſweet preſervatives to keep the Saints from ſin, which is a greater evill then hell it ſelf: as Job p. 90 ſpake, Surely it is meet to be ſaid unto God,222 I have borne chaſtiſement, I will not offend any more. That which I ſee not, teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will doe no more. Once have I ſpoken fooliſhly, yea,223 twice, but I will doe ſo no more, ſaith Job. The burnt child dreads the fire; ah! ſaith the ſoul, under the rod, ſin is but a bitter-ſweet, and for the future I intend by the ſtrength of Chriſt, that I will not buy Repentance at ſo dear a rate. The Rabbins to ſcare their ſcholars from ſin, were wont to tell them, that ſin made Gods head ake; and Saints under the rod have found by wofull experience, that ſin makes, not only their heads, but their hearts ake alſo. Auguſtine by wandring out of his way, eſcaped one that lay in weight to miſchief him; if afflictions did not put us out of our way, we ſhould many times meet with ſome ſin or other, that would miſchief our precious ſouls.
Again, afflictions are sweet preservatives to keep the saints from sin, which is a greater evil than hell it self: as Job spake, Surely it is meet to be said unto God,168 I have borne 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. Once have I spoken foolishly, yea,169 twice, but I will do so no more, saith Job. The burnt child dreads the fire; ah! saith the soul, under the rod, sin is but a bitter-sweet, and for the future I intend by the strength of Christ, that I will not buy repentance at so dear a rate. The Rabbins to scare their scholars from sin, were wont to tell them, that sin made God’s head ache; and saints under the rod have found by woeful experience, that sin makes, not only their heads, but their hearts ache also. Augustine by wandering out of his way, escaped one that lay in wait to mischief him; if afflictions did not put us out of our way, we should many times meet with some sin or other, that would mischief our precious souls.
Again, they will work the Saints to be more fruitfull in holineſſe, Heb. 12. 10, 11. But he afflicts us for our profit, that224 we might be partakers of his holineſſe. The flowers ſmell ſweeteſt after a ſhower; Vines bear the better for bleeding, the Walnut-tree is moſt fruitfull, when moſt beaten; Saints ſpring and thrive moſt internally, when they are moſt externally p. 91 afflicted; afflictions are called by ſome, the mother of virtue. Manaſſes his chain was more profitable to him, then his Crown. Luther could not underſtand ſome Scriptures, till he was in affliction; the Chriſ-croſſe is no letter, and yet that taught him more then all the letters in the row; Gods houſe of225 correction, is his ſchool of inſtruction; all the ſtones that came about Stevens ears, did but knock him cloſer to Chriſt the corner-ſtone. The waves did but lift Noah’s Ark nearer to Heaven, and the higher the waters grew, the more near the Ark was lifted up to Heaven; afflictions do lift up the ſoule to more rich, clear, and full injoyments of God, Hoſea 2. 14. Behold, I will allure her into the wilderneſſe, and ſpeak comfortably to her (or rather, as the Hebraw hath it) I226 will earneſtly, or vehemently ſpeak to her heart. God makes afflictions to be but inlets to the ſoul, more ſweet and full injoyment of his bleſſed ſelf. When was it that Steven ſaw the Heavens open, and Chriſt ſtanding at the right hand of God? but when the ſtones were about227 his ears, and there was but a ſhort ſtep betwixt him and eternity; and when did God appear in his glory to Jacob? but in the day of his troubles, when the ſtones were his pillows, and the ground p. 92 his bed, and the hedges his curtaines, and the Heavens his Canopie; Then he ſaw the Angels of God aſcending and deſcending in their gliſtering robes. The plant in Nazianzen growes with cutting, being cut, it flouriſheth; it contends with the axe, it lives by dying, and by cutting it growes: ſo doe Saints by their afflictions that doe befall them. They gaine more experience of the power of God ſupporting them, of the wiſdome of God directing them, of the grace of God refreſhing, and cheering them, and of the goodneſſe of God quieting and quickning of them, to a greater love to holineſſe, and to a greater delight in holineſſe, and to a more vehement purſuing after holineſſe. I have read of a Fountaine, that at noon day is cold, and at midnight it growes warm: ſo many a precious Saint is cold God-wards, and Heaven-wards, and Holineſſe-wards, in the day of proſperity, that grow warm God-wards, and Heaven-wards, and Holineſſe-wards, in the midnight of adverſity.
- 224. The ball in the embleme ſaith, Percuſſa Surgo, the harder you beat me down in affliction, the higher I ſhall bound in affection towards heaven and heavenly things.
- 225. Schola crucis Schola lucis.
- 226. ודברתי על־לבה Vedib bartignal-libbab.
- 227. It is reported of Tiberius (the Emperour) that paſſing by a place where he ſaw a Croſſe lying in the ground upon a marble ſtone, and cauſing the ſtone to be digged up, found a great deale of treaſure under the Croſſe. So many a precious Saint, hath ſound much ſpirituall and heavenly treaſure under the croſſes they have met withall.
Again, they will work the saints to be more fruitful in holiness, Heb‸ 12:‸10, 11. But he afflicts us for our profit, that170 we might be partakers of his holiness. The flowers smell sweetest after a shower; Vines bear the better for bleeding, the walnut-tree is most fruitful, when most beaten; saints spring and thrive most internally, when they are most externally afflicted; afflictions are called by some, the mother of virtue. Manasseh his chain was more profitable to him, than his crown. Luther could not understand some Scriptures, till he was in affliction; the Chris-cross is no letter, and yet that taught him more than all the letters in the row; God’s house of171 correction, is his school of instruction; all the stones that came about Stephen’s ears, did but knock him closer to Christ the corner-stone. The waves did but lift Noah’s ark nearer to heaven, and the higher the waters grew, the more near the ark was lifted up to heaven; afflictions do lift up the soul to more rich, clear, and full enjoyments of God, Hos 2:‸14. Behold, I will allure her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably to her (or rather, as the Hebrew hath it) I172 will earnestly, or vehemently speak to her heart. God makes afflictions to be but inlets to the soul’s more sweet and full enjoyment of his blessed self. When was it that Stephen saw the heavens open, and Christ standing at the right hand of God? But when the stones were about173 his ears, and there was but a short step betwixt him and eternity; and when did God appear in his glory to Jacob? But in the day of his troubles, when the stones were his pillows, and the ground his bed, and the hedges his curtains, and the heavens his canopy; Then he saw the angels of God ascending and descending in their glistering robes. The plant in Nazianzen grows with cutting, being cut, it flourisheth; it contends with the axe, it lives by dying, and by cutting it grows: so do saints by their afflictions that do befall them. They gain more experience of the power of God supporting them, of the wisdom of God directing them, of the grace of God refreshing, and cheering them, and of the goodness of God quieting and quickening of them, to a greater love to holiness, and to a greater delight in holiness, and to a more vehement pursuing after holiness. I have read of a fountain, that at noon day is cold, and at midnight it grows warm: so many a precious saint is cold God-wards, and heaven-wards, and holiness-wards, in the day of prosperity, that grow warm God-wards, and heaven-wards, and holiness-wards, in the midnight of adversity.
- 170. The ball in the emblem saith, Percussa Surgo, the harder you beat me down in affliction, the higher I shall bound in affection towards heaven and heavenly things.
- 171. Schola crucis Schola lucis.
- 172. ודברתי על־לבה Vedibbartignal-libbah.
- 173. It is reported of Tiberius (the Emperor) that passing by a place where he saw a Cross lying in the ground upon a marble stone, and causing the stone to be ‸ digged up, found a great deal of treasure under the Cross. So many a precious Saint, hath found much spiritual and heavenly treasure under the crosses they have met withal.
Againe, afflictions ſerve to keep the hearts of the Saints humble and tender, Lam. 3. 19, 20. Remembring my affliction, and my miſery, the wormwood, and the gall; My ſoule hath them ſtill in remembrance,228 and is humbled in me, or bowed downe in me, p. 93 as the Originall hath it. So David, when he was under the rod, could ſay, I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, becauſe thou diddeſt it; I have read of one, who when any thing fell out proſperouſly, would read over the Lamentations of Jeremiah,229 and that kept his heart tender, humble and low; proſperity doth not contribute more to the puffing up of the ſoul, then adverſity doth to the bowing down of the ſoule; this the Saints by experience find, and therefore they can kiſſe, and imbrace the Croſſe, as others doe the worlds Crowne.
Again, afflictions serve to keep the hearts of the saints humble and tender, Lam‸ 3:‸19, 20. Remembering my affliction, and my misery, the wormwood, and the gall; My soul hath them still in remembrance,174 and is humbled in me, or bowed down in me, as the original hath it. So David, when he was under the rod, could say, I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou diddest it; I have read of one, who when any thing fell out prosperously, would read over the Lamentations of Jeremiah,175 and that kept his heart tender, humble and low; prosperity doth not contribute more to the puffing up of the soul, than adversity doth to the bowing down of the soul; this the saints by experience find, and therefore they can kiss, and embrace the cross, as others do the world’s crown.
Againe, they ſerve to bring the Saints nearer to God, and to make them more importunate and earneſt in prayer with God; Before I was afflicted, I went aſtray,230 but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learne thy ſtatutes. I will be to Ephraim as a Lion, and as a young Lion to the houſe of231 Judah. I, even I will teare, and goe away, I will take away, and none ſhall reſcue him; I will goe and returne to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and ſeek my face; in their affliction they will ſeek me early: and ſo they did, Come (ſay they) and let us returne unto the Lord; for he hath torne, and he will heale us, he hath ſmitten, and he will bind us up. After two dayes he will revive us, in the third day he will raiſe p. 94 us up, and we ſhall live in his ſight. So when God had hedg’d up their way with thorns, then they ſay, I will goe and returne232 to my firſt husband, for then was it with me better then now. Ah the joy, the peace, the comfort, the delight, and content that did attend us, when we kept cloſe communion with God, doth beſpeak our return to God. We will returne to our firſt Husband, for then was it with us better then now.
Again, they serve to bring the saints nearer to God, and to make them more importunate and earnest in prayer with God; Before I was afflicted, I went astray,176 but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes. I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of177 Judah. I, even I will tear, and go away, I will take away, and none shall rescue him; 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 so they did, Come (say they) and let us return unto the Lord; for he hath torn, and he will heal us, he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. So when God had hedged up their way with thorns, then they say, I will go and return178 to my first husband, for then was it with me better than now. Ah the joy, the peace, the comfort, the delight, and content that did attend us, when we kept close communion with God, doth bespeak our return to God. We will return to our first Husband, for then was it with us better than now.
When Tiribazus a noble Perſian, was arreſted, he drew out his ſword, and defended himſelfe, but when they told233 him that they came to carry him to the King, he willingly yielded; ſo, though a Saint may at firſt ſtand a little out, yet when he remembers, that afflictions are to carry him nearer God, he yields, and kiſſes the rod. Afflictions are like the prick at the Nightingales breaſt, that awakes her, and puts her upon her ſweet and delightfull ſingings.
- 233. Moſt men are like atop, that will not goe unleſſe you whip it, and the more you whip it, the better it goes you know how to apply it They that are in adverſity, ſaith▪ Luther, doe better underſtand Scripture; but thoſe that are in proſperity read them as a vers in Ovid. Bees are kill’d with honey▪ but quickned with vineger: The honey of proſperity kills our graces, but the vineger of adverſity quickens our graces.
When Tiribazus a noble Persian, was arrested, he drew out his sword, and defended himself, but when they told179 him that they came to carry him to the King, he willingly yielded; so, though a saint may at first stand a little out, yet when he remembers, that afflictions are to carry him nearer God, he yields, and kisses the rod. Afflictions are like the prick at the nightingale’s breast, that awakes her, and puts her upon her sweet and delightful singings.
- 179. Most men are like a top, that will not go unless you whip it, and the more you whip it, the better it goes; you know how to apply it. They that are in adversity, saith‸ Luther, do better understand Scripture; but those that are in prosperity read them as a verse in Ovid. Bees are killed with honey, but quickened with vinegar: The honey of prosperity kills our graces, but the vinegar of adversity quickens our graces.
Again, afflictions they ſerve to revive and recover decayed graces, they infame that love that’s cold, and they quicken that faith that is decaying, and they put life into thoſe hopes that are withering, and ſpirits into thoſe joyes and comforts that are languiſhing. Musk (ſaith one) when it hath loſt its ſweetneſſe, if it be put into the ſink amongſt p. 95 filth, it recovers it: ſo doe afflictions recover and revive decayed graces. The more Saints be beaten with the hammer of afflictions, the more they are made the Trumpets of Gods praiſes, and the more are their graces revived and quickned. Adverſity abaſes the lovelineſſe of the world, that might intice us; it abates the Iuſtineſſe of the fleſh within, that might incite us to folly and vanity, and it abets the ſpirit in his quarrell, to the two former, which tends much to the reviving and recovering decayed graces. Now ſuppoſe afflictions, and troubles doe attend the wayes of holineſſe, yet ſeeing that they all work for the great profit, and ſingular advantage of the Saints, let no ſoul be ſo mad, as to leave an afflicted way of holineſſe, to walk in a ſmooth path of wickedneſſe.
Again, afflictions they serve to revive and recover decayed graces, they inflame that love that’s cold, and they quicken that faith that is decaying, and they put life into those hopes that are withering, and spirits into those joys and comforts that are languishing. Musk (saith one) when it hath lost its sweetness, if it be put into the sink amongst filth, it recovers it: so do afflictions recover and revive decayed graces. The more saints be beaten with the hammer of afflictions, the more they are made the trumpets of God’s praises, and the more are their graces revived and quickened. Adversity abases the loveliness of the world, that might entice us; it abates the lustiness of the flesh within, that might incite us to folly and vanity, and it abets the spirit in his quarrel, to the two former, which tends much to the reviving and recovering decayed graces. Now suppose afflictions, and troubles do attend the ways of holiness, yet seeing that they all work for the great profit, and singular advantage of the saints, let no soul be so mad, as to leave an afflicted way of holiness, to walk in a smooth path of wickedness.
The ſecond Remedy againſt this Device234 of Satan, is, ſolemnly to conſider, that all the afflictions that doe befall235 the Saints, doe onely reach their worſer part; they reach not, they hurt not their noble part, their beſt part, all the arrowes ſtick in the Target, they reach not the Conſcience. And who ſhall harme you, if you be followers of that which is good, (ſaith the Apoſtle) that is, none ſhall harm you; they may thus and thus afflict you, but they ſhall never harm you.
The second remedy against this device of Satan, is, solemnly to consider, that all the afflictions that do befall180 the saints, do only reach their worser part; they reach not, they hurt not their noble part, their best part, all the arrows stick in the target, they reach not the conscience. And who shall harm you, if you be followers of that which is good, (saith the apostle) that is, none shall harm you; they may thus and thus afflict you, but they shall never harm you.
- 180. The Christian soldier shall ever be master of the day (Mori posse vinci non posse, said Cyprian to Cornelius) he may suffer death, but never conquest.
It was the ſpeech of a Heathen, when as by the Tyrant he was commanded to be put into a morter, and be beaten to pieces with an iron peſtell, he cries out to his perſecutors, you doe but beat the veſſell, the caſe, the husk of Anaxarchus, you doe not beat me; his body was to him but as a caſe, a husk; he counted his ſoul himſelf, which they could not reach; you are wiſe, and know how to apply it. Socrates ſaid of his enemies, they may kill me, but they cannot hurt me: ſo afflictions may kill us, but they cannot hurt us; they may take away my life, but they cannot take away my God, my Chriſt, my Crown.
It was the speech of a heathen, when as by the tyrant he was commanded to be put into a mortar, and be beaten to pieces with an iron pestle, he cries out to his persecutors, you do but beat the vessel, the case, the husk of Anaxarchus, you do not beat me; his body was to him but as a case, a husk; he counted his soul himself, which they could not reach; you are wise, and know how to apply it. Socrates said of his enemies, they may kill me, but they cannot hurt me: so afflictions may kill us, but they cannot hurt us; they may take away my life, but they cannot take away my God, my Christ, my crown.
The third Remedy againſt this Device236 of Satan, is, ſeriouſly to conſider, that the afflictions that doe attend the Saints in the wayes of holineſſe, are but ſhort, and momentary; Sorrow may abide for a night, but joy comes in the morning;237 this ſhort ſtorm will end in an everlaſting calm; this ſhort night will end in a glorious day, that ſhall never have end. ‘Tis but a very ſhort time betweene grace and glory, between our title to the Crown, and our wearing the Crown, between our right to the heavenly inheritance, and our poſſeſſing of the heavenly inheritance. Fourteen thouſand years to the Lord, p. 97 is but as one day, what is our life, but a ſhadow, a bubble, a flower, a poſt, a ſpan, a dream, &c. yea, ſo ſmall a while doth the hand of the Lord reſt upon us, that Luther cannot get diminutives enough to extenuate it; for he calls it a very little little croſſe that we beare. The Prophet in Iſaiah 26. 20. (to pikron mikron) ſaith the indignation doth not (tranſire) paſſe, but (pertranſire) overpaſſe. The ſharpneſſe, ſhortneſſe, and ſuddenneſſe of it is ſet forth by the travell of a woman, John 16. 21. And that is a238 ſweet Scripture, For yee have need of patience, that after yee have done the will of God, yee might receive the promiſe: For yet a little while, and he that ſhall come, will come, and will not tarry. (Tantillum, tantillum239 adhuc puſillum) A little, little, little while. When Athanaſius friends came to bewaile him becauſe of his miſery and baniſhment, he ſaid, It is but a little cloud, and will quickly be gone. ‘Twill be but as a day before God will give his240 afflicted ones beauty for aſhes, the oyle of gladneſſe, for the ſpirit of heavineſſe; before he will turne all your ſighing into ſinging, all your lamentations, to conſolations, your ſackcloath into ſilks, aſhes into oyntments, and your faſts into241 everlaſting feaſts, &c.
- 236. 3 Remedy. [dropped from the edition]
- 237. There are none of Gods afflicted ones that have not their (lucida intervalla) intermiſſions, reſpits, and breathing whiles, under their ſhort and momentary afflictions. When Gods hand is on thy back, let thy hand be on thy mouth; for though the affliction be ſharp, it ſhall be but ſhort.
- 238. John 16. 21. Heb. 10. 36, 37.
- 239. Ἔτι γὰρ μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον.
- 240. Nebecula eſt cito tranſibit. Athanaſius.
- 241. 4 Remedy. [dropped from the edition]
The third remedy against this device of Satan, is, seriously to consider, that the afflictions that do attend the saints in the ways of holiness, are but short, and momentary; Sorrow may abide for a night, but joy comes in the morning;181 this short storm will end in an everlasting calm; this short night will end in a glorious day, that shall never have end. ’Tis but a very short time between grace and glory, between our title to the crown, and our wearing the crown, between our right to the heavenly inheritance, and our possessing of the heavenly inheritance. Fourteen thousand years to the Lord, is but as one day, what is our life, but a shadow, a bubble, a flower, a post, a span, a dream, etc‸. Yea, so small a while doth the hand of the Lord rest upon us, that Luther cannot get diminutives enough to extenuate it; for he calls it a very little little cross that we bear. The prophet in Isaiah 26:‸20. (to pikron mikron) saith the indignation doth not (transire) pass, but (pertransire) overpass. The sharpness, shortness, and suddenness of it is set forth by the travail of a woman, John 16:‸21. And that is a182 sweet Scripture, For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise: For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry. (Tantillum, tantillum183 adhuc pusillum) A little, little, little while. When Athanasius’ friends came to bewail him because of his misery and banishment, he said, It is but a little cloud, and will quickly be gone. ’Twill be but as a day before God will give his184 afflicted ones beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness, for the spirit of heaviness; before he will turn all your sighing into singing, all your lamentations, to consolations, your sackcloth into silks, ashes into ointments, and your fasts into everlasting feasts, etc‸.
- 181. There are none of God’s afflicted ones that have not their (lucida intervalla) intermissions, respites, and breathing whiles, under their short and momentary afflictions. When God’s hand is on thy back, let thy hand be on thy mouth; for though the affliction be sharp, it shall be but short.
- 182. John 16:‸21. Heb‸ 10:‸36, 37.
- 183. Ἔτι γὰρ μικρὸν ὅσον, ὅσον.
- 184. Nubecula est, cito transibit. Athanasius.
The fourth Remedy againſt this Device p. 98 of Satan, is, ſeriouſly to confider, that the afflictions that doe befall the Saints, are ſuch as proceed from Gods deareſt love. As many as I love I rebuke242 and chaſten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Saints ſaith God, think not that I hate you, becauſe I thus chide you; he that eſcapes reprehenſion, may ſuſpect his adoption; God had one Son without corruption, but no Son without correction. A gracious ſoule may look through the darkeſt cloud, and ſee a God ſmiling on him. We muſt look through the anger of his correction, to the ſweetneſſe of his countenance, and as by a Rain-bow, we ſee the beautifull image of the Suns light, in the midſt of a dark, and wateriſh cloud. When Munſter lay ſick, and his friends asked him how he did, and how he felt himſelfe, he pointed to his ſores and ulcers (whereof he was full) and ſaid, theſe are Gods Gems, and Jewells, wherewith he decketh his beſt friends, and to me they are more precious then all the gold and ſilver in the world. A ſoul at firſt converſion is but ruf caſt, but God by afflictions doth ſquare and fit, and faſhion it for that glory above, which doth ſpeak them out, to flow from precious love; therefore the afflictions that doe attend the people of God, ſhould be p. 99 no bar to holineſſe, nor no motive to draw the ſoul to wayes of wickedneſſe.
- 242. Auſtine asketh (Si amatur quomedo infirmatur) if he were belov’d, how came he to be ſick? So are wicked men apt to ſay, becauſe they know not that corrections are pledges of our adoption, and badges of our Son ſhip. God had one Son without ſin, but none without ſorrow.
The fourth remedy against this device of Satan, is, seriously to consider, that the afflictions that do befall the saints, are such as proceed from God’s dearest love. As many as I love I rebuke185 and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Saints saith God, think not that I hate you, because I thus chide you; he that escapes reprehension, may suspect his adoption; God had one Son without corruption, but no Son without correction. A gracious soul may look through the darkest cloud, and see a God smiling on him. We must look through the anger of his correction, to the sweetness of his countenance, and as by a rain-bow, we see the beautiful image of the sun’s light, in the midst of a dark, and waterish cloud. When Munster lay sick, and his friends asked him how he did, and how he felt himself, he pointed to his sores and ulcers (whereof he was full) and said, these are God’s gems, and jewels, wherewith he decketh his best friends, and to me they are more precious than all the gold and silver in the world. A soul at first conversion is but rough-‸cast, but God by afflictions doth square and fit, and fashion it for that glory above, which doth speak them out, to flow from precious love; therefore the afflictions that do attend the people of God, should be no bar to holiness, nor no motive to draw the soul to ways of wickedness.
- 185. Augustine asketh (Si amatur quomodo infirmatur) if he were beloved, how came he to be sick? So are wicked men apt to say, because they know not that corrections are pledges of our adoption, and badges of our sonship. God had one Son without sin, but none without sorrow.
The fift Remedy againſt this Device243 of Satan, is, ſolemnly to conſider, that ‘tis our duty, and glory, not to meaſure afflictions by the ſmart, but by the end. When Iſrael was diſmiſled out of244 Aegypt, ‘twas with gold, and ear-rings. So the Jewes were diſmiſſed out of Babylon, with gifts, jewels, and all neceſſary utenſils. Look more at the latter end of a245 Chriſtian, then the beginning of his affliction; conſider the patience of Job, and what end the Lord made with him. Look not upon Lazarus lying at Dives246 door, but lying in Abrahams boſome; look not to the beginning of Joſeph, who was ſo far from his dream, that the Sun and Moon ſhould reverence him, that for two years he was caſt where he could ſee neither Sun, Moon, nor Stars; but behold him at the laſt made Ruler over Aegypt. Look not upon David, as there was but a ſtep between him and247 death, nor as he was envied by ſome, and ſlighted and deſpiſed by others, but behold him ſeated in his Royal Throne, and dying in his bed of honour, and his Son Solomon, and all his gliſtering Nobles about him. Afflictions they are but as a dark entry into your Fathers houſe, they are but as a dirty lane to a p. 100 Royall Palace. Now tell me ſoules, whether it be not very great madneſſe to ſhun the wayes of holineſſe, and to walke in the wayes of wickedneſſe, becauſe of thoſe afflictions that doe attend the wayes of holineſſe.
- 243. 5 Remedy. [dropped from the edition]
- 244. Exod. 11.
- 245. Ezra 1.
- 246. Afflictions they are but our fathers Gold Smiths, who are working to adde pearls to our Crownes.
- 247. Tiburtius ſaw paradiſe, when he walked upon hot burning coals. Heredotus ſaid of the Aſſyrians, let them drink nothing but wormwood all, their life long; when they dye, they ſhall ſwimme in honey; you are wiſe and know how to apply it. 6. Remedy.
The fifth remedy against this device of Satan, is, solemnly to consider, that ’tis our duty, and glory, not to measure afflictions by the smart, but by the end. When Israel was dismissed out of186 Egypt, ’twas with gold, and ear-rings. So the Jews were dismissed out of Babylon, with gifts, jewels, and all necessary utensils. Look more at the latter end of a187 Christian, than the beginning of his affliction; consider the patience of Job, and what end the Lord made with him. Look not upon Lazarus lying at Dives’188 door, but lying in Abraham’s bosom; look not to the beginning of Joseph, who was so far from his dream, that the sun and moon should reverence him, that for two years he was cast where he could see neither sun, moon, nor stars; but behold him at the last made ruler over Egypt. Look not upon David, as there was but a step between him and189 death, nor as he was envied by some, and slighted and despised by others, but behold him seated in his royal throne, and dying in his bed of honour, and his Son Solomon, and all his glistering nobles about him. Afflictions they are but as a dark entry into your Father’s house, they are but as a dirty lane to a royal palace. Now tell me souls, whether it be not very great madness to shun the ways of holiness, and to walk in the ways of wickedness, because of those afflictions that do attend the ways of holiness.
- 186. Exod‸ 11.
- 187. Ezra 1.
- 188. Afflictions they are but our Father’s goldsmiths, who are working to add pearls to our Crowns.
- 189. Tiburtius saw paradise, when he walked upon hot burning coals. Herodotus said of the Assyrians, let them drink nothing but wormwood all‸ their life long; when they die, they shall swim in honey; you are wise and know how to apply it. ‸ ‸
The ſixt Remedy againſt this device of Satan, is ſeriouſly to conſider, that the deſigne of God in all the afflictions that do befall them, is only to try them; ‘tis not to wrong them, nor to ruine them, as ignorant ſoules are apt to think. He knoweth the way that I take, and when he hath tryed me, I ſhall come forth as gold, ſaith patient Job So in that 8. Dan. 2. And thou ſhalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee, theſe fourty yeares in the willderneſſe, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thy heart, whether thou248 wouldeſt keep his Commandements or no. God afflicted them thus, that he might make known to themſelves, and others, what was in their hearts. When fire is put to green wood, there comes out abundance of watery ſtuffe that afore appeared not; when the pond is empty, the mud, filth, and toads come to light. The ſnow covers many a dunghill; ſo doth proſperity many a rotten heart. It is eaſie to wade in a warme-bath, and every bird can ſing p. 101 in a ſun-ſhine-day, &c. Hard weather tries what health we have; afflictions trie what ſap we have, what grace we have. Weathered leaves ſoon fall off in windy weather; Rotten boughes quickly break with heavy weights, &c. you are wiſe, and know how to apply it.
- 248. The King of Aracum in Scaliger tries her whom he meanes to marry, by ſweating; if they be ſweet, then he marries them, if not, he rejects them; you may eaſily make the application.
The sixth remedy against this device of Satan, is seriously to consider, that the design of God in all the afflictions that do befall them, is only to try them; ’tis not to wrong them, nor to ruin them, as ignorant souls are apt to think. He knoweth the way that I take, and when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold, saith patient Job. So in that 8. Deut 2. And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee, these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thy heart, whether thou190 wouldest keep his commandments or no. God afflicted them thus, that he might make known to themselves, and others, what was in their hearts. When fire is put to green wood, there comes out abundance of watery stuff that afore appeared not; when the pond is empty, the mud, filth, and toads come to light. The snow covers many a dunghill; so doth prosperity many a rotten heart. It is easy to wade in a warm-bath, and every bird can sing in a sun-shine-day, etc‸. Hard weather tries what health we have; afflictions try what sap we have, what grace we have. Withered leaves soon fall off in windy weather; Rotten boughs quickly break with heavy weights, etc‸. You are wise, and know how to apply it.
- 190. The King of Aracum in Scaliger tries her whom he means to marry, by sweating; if they be sweet, then he marries them, if not, he rejects them; you may easily make the application.
Afflictions are like pinching froſts,249 that will ſearch us; where we are moſt unſound, we ſhall ſooneſt complaine, and where moſt corruptions lie, wee ſhall moſt ſhrinke; We try mettall by knocking, if it ſound well, then we like it: ſo God tries his by knocking, and if under knocks they yeeld a pleaſant ſound, God will turne their night into day, and their bitter into ſweet, and their Croſſe into a Crown; and they ſhall hear that voice, ariſe and ſhine, for the glory of the Lord is riſen upon thee, and the favours of the Lord are flowing in on thee.
- 249. Dunghills raked ſend out a filthy ſteame, oyntment a ſweet perſume; this is applicable to ſinners, and Saints under the rod.
Afflictions are like pinching frosts,191 that will search us; where we are most unsound, we shall soonest complain, and where most corruptions lie, we shall most shrink; We try metal by knocking, if it sound well, then we like it: so God tries his by knocking, and if under knocks they yield a pleasant sound, God will turn their night into day, and their bitter into sweet, and their cross into a crown; and they shall hear that voice, arise and shine, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, and the favours of the Lord are flowing in on thee.
- 191. Dunghills raked send out a filthy steam, ointment a sweet perfume; this is applicable to sinners, and Saints under the rod.
The ſeventh, and laſt Remedy againſt250 this device of Satan, is, ſolemnly to conſider, that the afflictions, wrath, and miſerie that doe attend the wayes of wickedneſſe, are far greater, and heavier then thoſe are, that doe attend the wayes of holineſſe. Oh! the gauling, girding, laſhing, and gnawings of Conſcience, that doe attend p. 102 ſoules in a way of wickedneſſe▪ The wicked (ſaith Iſaiah) are like the troubled ſea, when it cannot reſt, whoſe waters251 caſt up mire and dirt. There is no peace to the wicked, ſaith my God. There are ſnares in all their mercies; and curſes, and croſſes doe attend all their comforts, both at home, and abroad; what is a fine ſute of cloathes with the plague in it? and what’s a golden cup▪ when there is poyſon at the bottome? or whats a ſilken ſtocking with a broken leg in it? the curſe of God, the wrath of God, the hatred of God, and the fierce indignation of God doe alwayes attend ſinners, walking in a way of wickedneſſe. Turne to that 28. of Deuteronomie, and read from the 15. verſe, to the end of that chapter, and turne to the 26. chapter of Leviticus, and read from the 14. verſe, to the end of that chapter, and then you ſhall ſee, how the curſe of God haunts the wicked (as it were a fury) in all his wayes; In the City it attends him,252 in the Country it hovers over him; coming in, it accompanies him; going forth, it followes him; and is travell it is his Comrade, it fills his ſtore with ſtrife, and mingles the wrath of God with his ſweeteſt morſell; It is a moth in his wardrope, p. 103 murren among his cattle, mildew in his field, rot among ſheep, and ofttimes makes the fruit of his loynes his greateſt vexation, and confuſion. There is no ſolid joy, nor laſting peace, nor253 pure comfort, that doth attend ſinners in their ſinfull wayes. There is a ſword of vengeance, that doth every moment hang over their heads, by a ſmall thread; and what joy and content can attend ſuch ſoules, if the eye of Conſcience be but ſo far open, as to ſee the ſword? ah! the horrours, and terrours, the tremblings, and ſhakings that attend their ſoules.
- 250. 7. Remedie. [dropped from the edition]
- 251. Sin oftentimes makes men inſenſible of the wrath of the Almighty; Sin transformes many a man, as it were into thoſe beats in Pliny, that could not be ſtirred with the ſharpeſt prickles; or thoſe fiſhes in Ariſtotle, that though they have ſpeares thruſt into their ſides, yet they awake not.
- 252. Sin brings in ſorrow, and ſickneſſe, &c. The Rabbins ſay, that when Adam taſted the forbidden fruit, his head ached.
- 253. Sirens are ſaid to ſing curiouſly while they live, but to rore horribly when they dye; So doe the wicked.
The seventh, and last remedy against this device of Satan, is, solemnly to consider, that the afflictions, wrath, and misery that do attend the ways of wickedness, are far greater, and heavier than those are, that do attend the ways of holiness. Oh! the galling, girding, lashing, and gnawings of conscience, that do attend souls in a way of wickedness. The wicked (saith Isaiah) are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters192 cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God. There are snares in all their mercies; and curses, and crosses do attend all their comforts, both at home, and abroad; what is a fine suit of clothes with the plague in it? And what’s a golden cup, when there is poison at the bottom? Or what’s a silken stocking with a broken leg in it? The curse of God, the wrath of God, the hatred of God, and the fierce indignation of God do always attend sinners, walking in a way of wickedness. Turn to that 28. of Deuteronomy, and read from the 15. Verse, to the end of that chapter, and turn to the 26. Chapter of Leviticus, and read from the 14. Verse, to the end of that chapter, and then you shall see, how the curse of God haunts the wicked (as it were a fury) in all his ways; In the city it attends him,193 in the country it hovers over him; coming in, it accompanies him; going forth, it follows him; and in travel it is his comrade, it fills his store with strife, and mingles the wrath of God with his sweetest morsel; It is a moth in his wardrobe, murrain among his cattle, mildew in his field, rot among sheep, and ofttimes makes the fruit of his loins his greatest vexation, and confusion. There is no solid joy, nor lasting peace, nor194 pure comfort, that doth attend sinners in their sinful ways. There is a sword of vengeance, that doth every moment hang over their heads, by a small thread; and what joy and content can attend such souls, if the eye of conscience be but so far open, as to see the sword? Ah! the horrors, and terrors, the tremblings, and shakings that attend their souls.
- 192. Sin oftentimes makes men insensible of the wrath of the Almighty; Sin transforms many a man, as it were into those bears in Pliny, that could not be stirred with the sharpest prickles; or those fishes in Aristotle, that though they have spears thrust into their sides, yet they awake not.
- 193. Sin brings in sorrow, and sickness, etc‸. The Rabbins say, that when Adam tasted the forbidden fruit, his head ached.
- 194. Sirens are said to sing curiously while they live, but to roar horribly when they die; So do the wicked.