The promises

Hitherto of the con forts against all outward afflictions in the general. Now it followeth, that I instance in reproaches, & adversaries.

HItherto of the cō forts against al outward afflictions in the generall. Now it followeth, that I instance in reproches, & aduersaries.

For reproaches; it is evident, there is need of ¹consolations, more specially against them, because naturally men stumble at it, when they see Religion censured and scorned, and it hardens many men, when their hearts are infected with this prejudice, that they hear this way every where ill spoken of. Sometimes men are dismayed at the disgrace of sincerity in the general. Sometimes they are troubled for what they themselves do suffer, or may be in danger to suffer. Sometimes the weak are scandalized, when they ⟨p. 66⟩hear or see what others suffer. And it is manifest, that the best men have bin put to a great plunge when they have been laden with reproaches. This makes Jeremiah so unquiet, Jer. 18. 18, 21. Now there ²are many ways, by which a Christian may establish his own heart against all the scorns and reproaches of the men of this world.

For reproches; it is euident, there is neede of ¹consolations, more specially against them, because naturally men stumble at it, when they see Religion censured and scorned, and it hardens many men, when their hearts are infected with this preiudice, that they heare this way euery where ilspokē of. Somtimes men are dismaid at the disgrace of sincerity in the generall. Sometimes they are troubled for what they themselues do suffer, or may be in danger to suffer. Sometimes the weake are scandalized, when they