A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

§. 14. Satan bears many in hand, that their manifold crosses and troubles in the world,¹ and their want of outward blessings, is an argument of Gods displeasure towards them. This was the fiery dart, which he by the mouths of Eliphas, Bildad and Tz•phar (yea of his own wife) did shoot at Job; against all which, if he had not held out the shield of faith he had been pierced through and through. And we see by daily experience, that when a godly Man is crossed in his wife, children, goods, reputation, these outward afflictions are often great occasions of deadly sorrows, and grievous temptations touching the assurance of his own salvation. The remedy is, To think seriously and to acquaint our selves familiarly with the properties of God; the truth,² unchangeableness and nature of his promises,³ and the manner of his dealing with others of his servants in his wonderful providence. For thereby we shall learn, that God doth love tenderly, when he doth correct severely; and remaineth unchangeable when our outward condition doth vary and alter: yea, that all his Chastisements are but purgative medicines to prevent or cure some spiritual disease, which he seeth we are inclined unto. Should God never minister physic till we see it needful, desire to take it, or be willing of it; alas, we should perish in our corruptions, and die for want of help in due time. It is good to humble our selves when god correcteth: but to doubt of his love, when he dealeth lovingly with us, is a great weakness. Also we should call to mind that God allows, yea requires, that men in affliction should live by faith, both for a sanctified ⟨p. 190⟩use in them, and a good issue out of them in due season. And so afflictions or earthly encumbrances would be no means to weaken our faith, but to increase it rather.

§. 14. Satan beares many in hand, that their manifold crosses and troubles in the world,¹ and their want of outward blessings, is an argument of Gods displeasure towards them. This was the fierie dart, which he by the mouthes of Eliphas, Bildad and Tzphar (yea of his owne wife) did shoote at Iob; against all which, if hee had not held out the shield of faith he had beene pierced through and through. And we see by daily experience, that when a godly Man is crossed in his wife, children, goods, reputation, these outward afflictons are often great occasions of deadly sorrowes, and grieuous temptations touching the assurance of his owne saluation. The remedy is, To thinke seriously and to acquaint our selues familiarlie with the properties of God; the truth,