I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

INSTANCE, VII. The case was Davids, therefore you need not be discouraged. Page 267 Obj. But besides National miseries, I have many Personal Afflictions; therefore &c. Page 268 Answ. Negatively, for 1 It is no new-thing for the Saints to be personally afflicted. ibid. 2 When they are afflicted, they are in some respects more sensible of their affliction than the wicked are ibid. 3 As they will be sensible of affliction, so they are very apt to be much discouraged by reason of them. ibid. Four things considerable to clear this Truth Page 269 1 What the Sufferings of the Saints are. ibid. ⟨image 292⟩2 Whence they proceed. 3 What accompanies them. 4 What follows them. Page 269 For the first. 1 They are parts of Christs Purchase for them. ibid. 2 They proceed from Gods love. Page 270 3 Much supporting Grace accompanies them. Page 271 4 They bring forth quiet fruits of Righteousness Page 272 Object. 1. My afflictions are without end, therefore &c. Page 273 Answ. Negatively: For God takes away your comforts for a time, that you may not be drunk with them ibid. Object. 2. My Afflictions are not usual, but new ones, and strange. Page 274 Answ. You think so, but not truly. ibid. Object. 3. I want all kinds of Mercies, my Afflictions have no bottom. ibid. Answ. It was Davids case ibid. Object. 4. But my dearest friends hate me, therefore &c. Page 275 Answ. negatively: For Our greatest Enemies may prove our greatest Friends. ibid. Object. 5. But my afflictions expose me to all Temptations, therefore &c. Page 276 Answ. negatively: For 1 May be you are mistaken. ib. 2 God by affliction calls a man to some other work. ibid. 3 No affliction doth expose a man to a new sin, that makes him sensible of his former sin. ibid. 4 When a man thus fears, it is a sign of Grace Page 277 Object. 6. My sin is the cause of my affliction, and I know not what sin it is, therefore &c. ibid. Answ. negatively: For So it was with Jonah, so with David, &c. ibid. It is sometimes better for a particular sin to lie undiscovered Page 278 Object. 7. But I fear my afflictions come from Gods displeasure, therefore &c. ibid. Answ. negatively: For 1 Afflictions argue Gods love rather than his hatred. ibid. 2 Is there any thing in God that is not a friend to all the Saints? ibid. 3 But what are those visible Characters of love engraven. on affliction? Page 279 1 If affliction be a blessing, then it comes from love.