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…
A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By John Ball.A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By Iohn Ball.
John Ball 1585–1640London: printed by William Stansby for Edward Brewster, 1631
[48], 440 p. · 167k words · STC 1319 · ESTC S100833
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1Afflictions are not more ordinary, then burdensome and heavy to be borne. Many are the troubles of the righteous, and manifold the infirmities of the righteous in their troubles. Sometimes they take carnal counsel; sometimes they fret and murmur,2 sometimes they faint and despair for a fit. David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me, then that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines.3 I I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes. I remembered God and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was over-whelmed. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever: doth his promise fail for evermore? which frailty of the Saints doth lesson us, what need we have to be strengthened against all discouragements and hinderances which in afflictions we shall meet withal, that we
neither grow weary, nor be turned aside in our Christian course. And the Lord, our most merciful and loving Father, knowing it to be most necessary, hath for the comfort and encouragement of his children plentifully signified, that he will correct them in wisdom,
love and tender compassion, to the, purge and refine them; and graciously promised to aide, comfort and direct, and in fittest time to deliver them out of adversities. We have had Fathers of our flesh, who corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure, but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him?
he stayeth his rough wind in the day of the East wind. Fear thou not, O Jacob, my servant, saith the Lord, for I am with thee, for I will make a full and of all Nations whither I have driven thee, but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure, yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished. This is that which the Prophet so earnestly begged of God, O Lord,
1AFflictions are not more ordinarie, then burdensome and heauie to be borne. Many are the troubles of the righteous, and manifold the infirmities of the righteous in their troubles. Sometimes they take carnall counsell; sometimes they fret and murmure,2 sometimes they faint and despaire for a fit. Dauid said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me, then that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines.3 I I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes. I remembred God and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was ouer-whelmed. Will the Lord cast off for euer? and will hee be fauourable no more? Is his mercie cleane gone for euer: doth his promise faile for euermore? which frailtie of the Saints doth lesson vs, what need we haue to bee strengthened against all discouragements and hinderances which in afflictions we shall meete withall, that we ⟨p. 321⟩neither grow wearie, nor be turned aside in our Christian course. And the Lord, our most mercifull and louing Father, knowing it to be most necessarie, hath for the comfort and encouragement of his children plentifully signified, that he will correct them in wisdome,4 loue and tender compassion, to the, purge and refine them; and gratiously promised to aide, comfort and direct, and in fittest time to deliuer them out of aduersities. We haue had Fathers of our flesh, who corrected vs, and we gaue them reuerence: shall we not much rather be in subiection vnto the Father of Spirits, and liue? For they verily for a few dayes chastened vs after their owne pleasure, but hee for our profit, that we might be pertakers of his holinesse. Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him? 5Or is he slaine according to the slaughter of them that are slaine by him? In measure when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: 6he stayeth his rough winde in the day of the East winde. Feare thou not, O Iacob, my seruant, saith the Lord, for I am with thee, for I will make a full and of all Nations whither I haue driuen thee, but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure, yet will I not leaue thee wholy vnpunished. This is that which the Prophet so earnestly begged of God, O Lord, 7correct me, but with iudgement, not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing. Hee corrects but for awhile:8
3Psal. 31.22. Psal. 77.3. Verse 7. Verse 8. We stand in need to be holpen against discouragements in affliction.Psal. 31.22. Psal. 77.3. Verse 7. Verse 8. We stand in need to bee holpen against discouragements in affliction.
For his anger endureth but a moment, in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. He will not always chide: 1neither will he keep his anger, for ever. The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous: lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity. For yet a very little while, 2and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, 3but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment: but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord, thy ⟨p. 322⟩Redeemer. 4For I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: 5for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? 6He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, even as a Father the Son, in whom he delighteth. 7As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them, and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. Like as a Father pitieth his children: so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame: 8he remembereth that we are dust. How shall I give thee up, 9Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim, for I am God, and not Man, the holy one in the midst of thee. 10Thou 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 thine heart. 11For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, 12and take away all thy sin. By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them and to purge, and to make them white.
For his anger endureth but a moment, in his fauour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but ioy commeth in the morning. He will not alwayes chide: 1neither will he keepe his anger, for euer. The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the righteous: lest the righteous put forth their hands vnto iniquitie. For yet a very little while, 2and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction. For a small moment haue I forsaken thee, 3but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment: but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercie on thee, saith the Lord, thy ⟨p. 322⟩Redeemer. 4For I will not contexd for euer, neither will I be alwayes wroth: 5for the spirit should faile before me, and the soules which I haue made. Who is a God like vnto thee, that pardoneth iniquitie, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? 6He retaineth not his anger for euer, because he delighteth in mercie. Whom the Lord loueth, he correcteth, euen as a Father the Sonne, in whom he delighteth. 7As many as I loue, I rebuke and chasten. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the Angell of his presence saued them: in his loue and in his pitie he rede•med them, and he bare them, and carried them all the dayes of old. Like as a Father pitieth his children: so the Lord pitieth them that feare him. For he knoweth our frame: 8hee remembreth that we are dust. How shall I giue thee vp, 9Ephraim? How shall I deliuer thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as Zeboim? Mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger, I will not returne to destroy Ephraim, for I am God, and not Man, the holy one in the midst of thee.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: and they shall call on my Name, and I will hear them. 1Now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious then gold ⟨p. 323⟩that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be sound unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, 3which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you. He openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may with-draw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. He openeth also their ear to discipline, 4and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end. My brethren, count it all joy when yea fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. We glory in tribulations also, 5knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience; 6and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed. Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. When we are judged, 7we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Behold, 8happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hand maketh whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles, yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, 9O Lord; and teachest out of thy law: That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity: until the pit be digged for the wicked. 10Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Thou tellest my wanderings, put thou my tears in thy bottle: are they not in thy book? I will be glad, and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered ⟨p. 324⟩my trouble;
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as siluer is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: and they shall call on my Name, and I will heare them. 1Now for a season (if need be) yee are in heauinesse through manifold temptations: That the triall of your faith, being much more pretious then gold ⟨p. 323⟩that perisheth, though it bee tried with fire, might bee sound vnto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of I•sus Christ. 2Thinke it not strange concerning the fiery triall, 3which is to try you as though some strange thing happened vnto you. He openeth the eares of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may with-draw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth backe his soule from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. He openeth also their eare to discipline, 4and commandeth that they returne from iniquitie. Who led thee through that great and terrible wildernesse, and that hee might proue thee, to doe thee good at thy latter end. My brethren, count it all ioy when yea fall into diuers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. We glory in tribulations also, 5knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience; 6and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed. Euery branch that beareth fruit, hee purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. When we are iudged, 7we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for vs a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory. Behold, 8happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. For he maketh sore, and bindeth vp: he woundeth, and his hand maketh whole. He shall deliuer thee in sixe troubles, yea, in seuen there shall no euill touch thee. Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest,
1thou hast known my soul in adversities. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him: upon them that hope in his mercy: To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. The righteous cry, 2and the Lord heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles: The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart: and saveth such as be of a contrite spy it: 3The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed: a refuge i• times of trouble. The needy shall not always b e forgotten: 4the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing, and they that strive with thee shall perish. 5Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel: I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, 6the holy One of Israel. Sing, O Heaven, and be joyful, O Earth, and break forth into singing, O Mountains: for God hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking babe, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will not I forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, thy walls are continually before me. 7Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my Name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him, and honour him. In these and such like passages of holy Scripture, we see with what love and tenderness the Lord doth correct his children, for the glory of his great Name, and their exceeding great ⟨p. 325⟩benefit; that they might know themselves, their frailness and graces, be purged from their dross, emptied of self-conceitedness, confirmed in hope, patience, humility; quickened unto prayer, and fitted for his kingdom:
1thou hast known• my soule in aduersities. Behold, the eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him: vpon them that hope in his mercy: To deliuer their soule from death, and to keepe them aliue in famine. The righteous cry, 2and the Lord heareth them, and deliuereth them out of all their troubles: The Lord is nigh vnto them that are of a broken heart: and saueth such as be of a contrit• spi it: 3The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppr•ssed: a r•fuge i• times of trouble. The needy shall not alwayes b e f•rgotten: 4the expectation of the poore shall not perish for euer. God is our refuge and strength, a very p•esent helpe in trouble. Feare thou not, for I am with thee: bee not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee, yea I will helpe thee; yea, I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing, and they that striue with thee shall perish. 5Feare not, thou worme Iacob, and yee men of Israel: I will helpe thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, 6the holy One of Israel. Sing, O Heauen, and be ioyfu•l, O Earth, and breake forth into singing, O Mountaines: for God hath comforted his people, and will haue mercy vpon his afflicted. But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten mee. Can a woman forget her sucking babe, that she should not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe? yea, they may forget, yet will not I forget thee. Behold I haue grau•n thee vpon the palmes of my hands, thy wals are continua•y before me. 7Because he hath set his loue vpon me, therefore will I deliuer him: I will set him on high, because he hath knowne my Name. He shall call vpon me, and I will answere him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliuer him, and honour him. In these and such like passages of holy Scripture, wee see with what loue and tendernesse the Lord doth correct his children, for the glory of his great Name, and their exceeding great
how graciously he doth protect and comfort them •n heaviness, l ghten their da•kenes, heal their wounds, k•ep• their feet from falling, cover them with his f•athers, hide them in his pavilion, and set them upon high from such as rise up against them. He is the salvation of the righteous, and their strength in time of trouble: 1His thoughts towards them, are thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give an expected end: 2He is continually with them, and holdeth them by their hand; he will guide them with his counsel, and afterward receive them unto glory. These promises so often repeated be firm grounds whereupon to build our faith, that we shall not be hindered by afflictions in our Christian course, but rather furthered, till we attain unto the end of our course in Gods Kingdom.
how g•atiously he do•h protect and comfort them •n h•auinesse, l ghten their da•kenes, heale their wounds, k•ep• their feete from falling, couer them with his f•athers, hide them in his pauilion, and set them vpon high from such as rise vp against them. He is the saluation of the righteous, and their strength in time of trouble: 1His though•s towards them, are thoughts of peace, and not of euill, to giue an expected end: 2Hee is continually with them, and holdeth them by their hand; hee will guide them with his counsell, and afterward receiue them vnto glory. These promises so often repeated bee firme grounds whe•eupon to builde our faith, that we shall not be hindred by afflictions in our Christian course, but rather furthered, till we attaine vnto the end of our course in Gods Kingdome.
And surely it is most necessary that we learn to live by faith in afflictions.1 For faith is the ground of silent and quiet expectation of salvation. When Christians are persecuted for the name of Christ, all men see they have great need of patience, that after they have suffered for a time, they might enjoy the promise, which now they hold by faith, as it we•e by reversion, not in actual possession. But without confidence there can be no patience. Faith in God is the only stay and support of the heart in trouble and affliction.2 I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Remember thy word unto servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, 3for thy word hath quickened me. In daily and lighter trials a man of mild and patient temper may hold up the Head: but when one deep calleth unto another, and the waves flow over our head; when nature yieldeth, and ⟨p. 326⟩the heart fainteth, then to stand fast and be of good courage, that only can faith do, which is grounded upon the rich mercy of God, and relieth upon his Almighty power. Faith is the Palm, that sinks not under the weightiest of burdens, the Camomile that spreads the more it is trodden; the oil that ever overswims the the greatest quantity of water you can power upon it. In the most boisterous tempests it lifteth up the chin, that we shall not drown:4 and when a man is half dead, it quickens and puts life into him. By faith the Saints have endured cruel mockings & scourgings, bonds & imprisonments, 5tortures and death and in all these were more then conquerors. Faith is the shield of the soul, whereby it is defended against all the fiery darts of the Devil. When we are afflicted, we shall be tempted to impatience, despair, doubting of Gods love, and the use of wicked means to help our selves out of trouble.6 The world will follow us with scorns and taunts, as if God had forsaken us and would not arise for our help: Our own corrupt hearts will be ready to start aside, repine, faint, question the Lords truth and mercy:7 and Satan will not be wanting to his opportunity with all his might, malice, and subtlety to seduce, discourage, or terrify.
And surely it is most necessarie that we learne to liue by faith in afflictions.1 For faith is the ground of silent and quiet expectation of saluation. When Christians are persecuted for the name of Christ, all men see they haue great neede of patience, that after they haue suffered for a time, they might enioy the promise, which now they hold by faith, as it we•e by reuersion, not in actuall possession. But without confidence there can be no patience. Faith in God is the only stay and support of the heart in trouble and affliction.2 I had fainted vnlesse I had belieued to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing. Remember thy word vnto seruant, vpon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affiction, 3for thy word hath quickened me. In daily and lighter tryals a man of milde and patient temper may hold vp the Head: but when one deepe calleth vnto another, and the waues flow ouer our head; when nature yeeldeth, and ⟨p. 326⟩the heart fainteth, then to stand fast and bee of good courage, that only can faith doe, which is grounded vpon the rich mercie of God, and relyeth vpon his Almightie power. Faith is the Palme, that sinkes not vnder the waightiest of burdens, the Camomile that spreades the more it is trodden; the oile that euer ouerswimmes the the greatest quantitie of water you can power vpon it. In the most boisterous tempests it lifteth vp the chinne, that we shall not drowne:4 and when a man is halfe dead, it quickens and puts life into him. By faith the Saints haue endured cruell mockings & scourgings, bonds & imprisonments, 5tortures and death and in all these were more then conquerours. Faith is the sheild of the soule, whereby it is defended against all the fierie darts of the Deuill. When we are afflicted, we shall be tempted to impatience, despaire, doubting of Gods loue, and the vse of wicked means to helpe our selues out of trouble.6 The world will follow vs with scornes and traunts, as if God had forsaken vs and would not arise for our helpe: Our owne corrupt hearts will be readie to start aside, repine, faint, question the Lords truth and mercy:
When our Saviour was an hungered in the wilderness,1 the tempter came unto him, and said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. Now seeing the burden of afflictions is made more heavy by temptations accompanying, we had need to be well underpropped with a lively faith, that we might withstand and repel the force of the Enemy. Faith only supplieth all our wants in affliction. He that possesseth all earthly things in greatest prosperity and hath not faith, hath nothing in deed; much less the man that liveth in misery: but he that lives by saith wants nothing that is good, when miseries beset him on every side. For the present riches of a Christian are the gracious and faithful promises of God, ⟨p. 327⟩which faith possesseth, not looking to what we have in hand, but what the Lord hath laid up in store; and expecteth to receive from God in fittest season, more assuredly, then if he had it in his own power to use. The Men of this world trust their friends with their stock or money, and make account it i• as ready at hand, as if they had it in their own possession: and sure it is, the true believe hath just and good cause to trust God rather then himself, and to rely upon his word for whatsoever he hath committed unto him. F•i•h in time of danger doth as it were fence and compass us with the promises of God: but without faith we are naked, and lie open to the malice of our Adversaries. Behold, his soul which is lifted up, 2is not upright in him, but the just shall live by his faith. The unjust man puffs up himself, and builds towers of defence to himself: b•t the just man believeth, and that shall be to him in stead of all castles, towers, & bulwarks in the world. For it brings us under the wing, presence,3 and protection of God: it makes him our refuge and safeguard, high rock and tower of defence. Afflictions profit not, if they be not mixed with faith in them that bear them. Bodily physic procureth not health if natural heat be lacking in the patient, which might cause the potion to work to the expelling of the sick humour: faith in respect of afflictions the physic of the soul, is that natural heat, whereby they are made to work kindly to the purging of sin and the increase of grace and comfort: where it is altogether wanting, their can be no kindly work.
When our Sauiour was an hungred in the wildernesse,1 the tempter came vnto him, and saide, If thou be the Sonne of God, command that these stones be made bread. Now seeing the burden of afflictions is made more heauie by temptations accompanying, wee had neede to be well vnderpropped with a liuely faith, that we might withstand and repell the force of the Enemie. Faith onely supplieth all our wants in affliction. Hee that possesseth all earthly things in greatest prosperitie and hath not faith, hath nothing in deed; much lesse the man that liueth in miserie: but hee that liues by saith wants nothing that is good, when miseries beset him on euery side. For the present riches of a Christian are the gracious and faithfull promises of God, ⟨p. 327⟩which faith possesseth, not looking to what we haue in hand, but what the Lord hath laid vp in store; and expecteth to receiue from God in fittest season, more assuredly, then if hee had it in his owne power to vse. The Men of this world trust their friends with their stocke or monie, and make account it i• as readie at hand, as if they had it in their owne possession: and sure it is, the true belieue hath iust and good cause to trust God rather then himselfe, and to relie vpon his word for whatsoeuer hee hath commited vnto him. F•i•h in time of danger doth as it were fence and compasse vs with the promises of God: but without faith we are naked, and lie open to the malice of our Aduersaries. Behold, his soule which is lifted vp, 2is not vpright in him, but the iust shall liue by his faith. The vniust man puffes vp himselfe, and buildes towers of defence to himselfe: b•t the iust man belieueth, and that shall be to him in stead of all castles, towers, & bulwarkes in the world. For it brings vs vnder the wing, presence,3 and protection of God: it makes him our refuge and safeguard, high rocke and tower of defence. Afflictions profit not, if they be not mixed with faith in them that beare them. Bodily physicke procureth not health if naturall heate be lacking in the patient, which might cause the potion to worke to the expelling of the sicke humour: faith in respect of afflictions the physicke of the soule, is that naturall heate, wherby they are made to worke kindly to the purging of sin and the encrease of grace and comfort: where it is altogether wanting, their can be no kindly worke.
The righteous are allowed to live by faith in the times of evil, when calamities of all sorts compass them about,1 for godliness hath the promise of this life, and that which is to come: and the godly are to believe both, according to the word of the Lord. God hath promised, that all things shall work together for good, to them that love God, 2and that he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able: and it is our duty to believe God, that it ⟨p. 328⟩shall be e•en as he hath told us. The godly have had this confidence in former times, whose practice is both a token of our privilege, and a pattern of our duty. What time I am afraid I will trust in thee. 3Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth, yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will, 4fear no evil; for thou art with me, thy rod, and thy staff they comfort me. Come, and let us return unto the Lord: 5for he hath torn, and he will heal us, he hath smitten, and he will bind us up: After two days will he revive us, in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. God is hereby much glorified that we rely upon him as our rock of defence, all-sufficient Saviour, and trustiest friend in time of distress. It is one of the Lords most royal titles,6 to be the Father of the Fatherless, and a judge of the widows, a refuge for the oppressed, and the helper of the poor. Thou hast been a strength to the poor, 7a strength to the needy in his distress; a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is, as a storm against the wall. 8And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be ex•lted, that he may have mercy upon you. The Lord hath commanded us to wait upon him in the days of calamity and sorrow.9 The Just shal• live by faith. It is the ve y scope of this text to teach this one po nt of doctrine to the Jews, when they would be oppressed by the Babylonians, viz, that in greatest dangers, the only way is to stay our selves, and establish our hearts by faith on Gods promises. Confidence in God doth the more bind and oblige him,10 as it were, to do us good. The Lord shall help the righteous and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them because they trust in him.
The righteous are allowed to liue by faith in the times of euill, when calamities of all sorts compasse them about,1 for godlinesse hath the promise of this life, and that which is to come: and the godly are to belieue both, according to the word of the Lord. God hath promised, that all things shall worke together for good, to them that loue God, 2and that he will not suffer vs to be tempted aboue that wee are able: and it is our dutie to belieue God, that it ⟨p. 328⟩shall be e•en as he hath tolde vs. The godly haue had this confidence in formers times, whose practice is both a token of our priuiledge, and a patterne of our dutie. What time I am afraid I will trust in thee. 3Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth, yea, though I walke through the valley of the shaddow of death I will, 4feare no euill; for thou art with me, thy rod, and thy staffe they comfort me. Come, and let vs returne vnto the Lord: 5for he hath torne, and he will heale vs, hee hath smitten, and he will binde vs vp: After two dayes will hee reuiue vs, in the third day hee will raise vs vp, and wee shall liue in his sight. God is hereby much glorified that wee relie vpon him as our rocke of defence, al-sufficient Sauiour, and trustiest friend in time of distresse. It is one of the Lords most royall titles,6 to bee the Father of the Fatherlesse, and a iudge of the widowes, a refuge for the oppressed, and the helper of the poore. Thou hast beene a strength to the poore, 7a strength to the needie in his distresse; a refuge from the storme, a shadow from the heate, when the blast of the terrible ones is, as a storme against the wall. 8And therefore will the Lord waite, that he may be gracious vnto you, and therefore will he be ex•lted, that he may haue mercy vpon you. The Lord hath commanded vs to waite vpon him in the dayes of calamitie and sorrow.
1Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he hath trusted in thee. ⟨p. 329⟩I will sur•ly deliver thee, 2and thou shalt not fall by the word, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. If a friend • lie and build up our faithful promise, we take our s•ues bo•n• not to frustrate his exp ctation in a •ead lift:3 the Lord will never lea•e the soul destitute; which trusts in him. The faithful have promised themselves, help, and confidently begged aide, because they trusted in the Lord: Be merciful unto me, O God, 4be merciful unto me, for my soul trusteth in thee; yea in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past. Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the Morning, for in thee do I trust; 5cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies, for I fly unto thee to hide me. And to hope in God, and to ha•e God for our help, are linked together in Scripture, so that his help is re•die for all them, who rest upon him in truth. Happy is he, that hath, 6the God of Jacob for his help: whose hope is in the Lord his God.7
1Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace, whose minde is stayed on thee, because hee hath trusted in thee. ⟨p. 329⟩I will sur•ly deliuer thee, 2and thou shalt not fall by the word, but thy life shall bee for a prey vnto thee because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord. If a friend • lie and builde vp our faithfull promise, we take our s•ues bo•n• not to fr•strate his exp ctation in a •ead lift:3 the Lord will neuer lea•e the soule destitute; which trusts in him. The faithfull haue promised themselues, helpe, and confidently begged aide, because they trusted in the Lord: Be mercifull vnto me, O God, 4be merc•full vnto me, for my soule trusteth in thee; yea in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, vntill these calamities bee ouer past. Cause me to heare thy louing kindnesse in the Morning, for in thee doe I trust; 5cause me to know the way wherein I should walke, for I lift vp my soule vnto thee. Deliuer mee, O Lord, from mine enemies, for I flie vnto thee to hide me. And to hope in God, and to ha•e God for our helpe, are linked together in Scripture, so that his helpe is re•die for all them, who rest vpon him in truth. Happy is he, that hath, 6the God of Iacob for his helpe: whose hope is in the Lord his God.7
First, It looketh unto God and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions, whosoever be the instruments. Shall there be evil in a City, 1and they Lord hath not done it. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 2If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons: 3for what son is he, whom the Father chasteneth not. And this is one special ground of humiliation, patience, and comfort. Come, and let us return unto the Lord, 4for he •ath torn, and he will heal us. My son, despise not thou the chastening of the L•rd, neither be weary of his erection. For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, 5even […] a father the son, in whom he delighteth. Let him ⟨p. 330⟩curse: for the Lord hath bidden him. It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day. But of these more particularly hereafter.
First, It looketh vnto God and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions, whosoe•er bee the instruments. Shall there be euill in a Citie, 1and they Lord hath not done it. The Lord gaue, and the Lord hath taken away. I know, O Lord, that thy iudgments are right, and that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted mee. 2If yee endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sonnes: 3for what sonn is he, whom the Father chasteneth not. And this is one speciall ground of humilation, patience, and comfort. Come, and let vs returne vnto the Lord, 4for he •ath torne, and he will heale vs. My sonne, despise not thou the chastening of the L•rd, neither be wearie of his •rrection. For whom the Lord loueth he correcteth, 5euen 〈…〉 a father the sonne, in whom he delighteth. Let him ⟨p. 330⟩curse: for the Lord hath bidden him. It may be that the Lord will looke on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day. But of these more particularly hereafter.
Secondly, It teacheth that we are in such distresses out of which none cane help us but the strong helper of Israel. Faith speaketh on this manner; We have no might against this great company, 1that cometh against us: neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. And great is the benefit of this instruction, for it draws the heart from carnal repose in means or friends; it expels vexations and distracting cares, and estranges from the use of unlawful means of deliverance whatsoever.2 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord. An horse is but a vain thing to save a man; neither is any man delivered by his great strength. And the same may be said of wisdom, swiftness, wealth, or the force of any means whatsoever,3 though never so lawful, or likely: But as for unlawful means, no good success can be hoped from them. The Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I cried concerning this, their strength is to sit still.
Secondly, It teacheth that wee are in such distresses out of which none cane helpe vs but the strong helper of Israel. Faith speaketh on this manner; We haue no might against this great companie, 1that commeth against vs: neither know we what to doe, but our eyes are vpon thee. And great is the benefit of this instruction, for it drawes the heart from carnall repose in meanes or friends; it expells vexations and distracting cares, and estranges from the vse of vnlawfull meanes of deliuerance whatsoeuer.2 The horse is prepared against the day of battell: but safety is of the Lord. An horse is but a vaine thing to saue a man; neither is any man deliuered by his great strength. And the same may be said of wisedome, swiftnesse, wealth, or the force of any meanes whatsoeuer,3 though neuer so lawfull, or likely: But as for vnlawfull meanes, no good successe can be hoped from them. The Egyptians shall helpe in vaine, and to no purpose; therfore haue I cryed concerning this, their strength is to sit still.
Thou shalt remember all the way, which the Lord thy God led thee these fortie yeares in the wildernesse, to humble thee, and to proue thee, to know what was in thine heart.
and take away all thy sinne. By this therefore shall the iniquity of Iacob be purged, and this is all the fruit, to take away his sinne. And some of them of vnderstanding shall fall, to trie them and to purge, and to make them white.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when hee is tried, hee shall receiue the crowne of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him. Thou tellest my wandrings, put thou my teares in thy bottle: are they not in thy booke? I will be glad, and reioyce in thy mercy: for thou hast considered
benefit; that they might know themselues, their frail•es and graces, bee purged from their drosse, emptied of selfe-conceitednesse, confirmed in hope, patience, humilitie; qui•kened vnto pray•r, and fitted for his kingdome:
The Iust shal• liue by faith. It is the ve y scope of this text to teach this one po nt of doctr•ne to the Iewes, when they would be oppressed by the Babilonions, viz, that in greatest d•ngers, the onely way is to stay our selues, and establish our hearts by faith on Gods promises. Confidence in God doth the more bind and oblige him,
as it were, to doe vs good. The Lord shall helpe the righteous and deliuer them: hee shall deliuer them from the wicked, and saue them because they trust in him.
