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

Answ. 1 First: I grant, and confess, It is no new thing for Gods own Children to be much afflicted: These are they that came out of great Tribulations, Rev. 7. And

Answ. 2 Secondly: When Gods People are so afflicted, they are, and will be very sensible of their Affliction; in some respects more sensible than wicked men: for the more apprehensive, a man is of Gods displeasure under Affliction, the more sensible he must needs be of the burden of it. Now the Saints, and People of God, in the day of their Affliction, are more apprehensive of Gods displeasure, than wicked men are, and so in some respects, are more sensible of their Afflictions. Yea,

Answ. 2 Secondly: When Gods People are so afflicted, they are, and wil be very sensible of their Affliction; in some respects more sensible than wicked men: for the more apprehensive, a man is of Gods displeasure under Affliction, the more sensible he must needs be of the burden of it. Now the Saints, and People of God, in the day of their Affliction, are more apprehensive of Gods displeasure, than wicked men are, and so in some respects, are more sensible of their Afflictions. Yea,

Answ. 3 Thirdly: As they are, and will be very sensible of their Afflictions; so they are very apt to be much discouraged, by reason of them. And therefore said the Psalmist, Psal. 143. Therefore my soul is overwhelmed within me, and my heart is desolate; Why? Read verse 3. and ye shall find the reason; Because the Enemy oppressed me. And was not Joshua thus exceedingly cast down, when a party of his men fell before the men of Ai? See how he lies on the ground, Chap. 7. and what Language he speaks; even the same, for substance, that murmuring Israel had spoken: for they said, Would God we had stayed in Egypt: And saith he, Would God we had stayed on the other side Jordan: yet Joshua, a most gracious, holy, blessed Servant of God. So that Gods own People, are apt to be much discouraged, by reason of their Afflictions, and outward Sufferings. But now I say, Let a mans Afflictions be never so great, yet if he be In Christ, and have made his peace with God, he hath no reason to be cast down, or discouraged, whatever his Afflictions be: for saith our Saviour, In the World you shall have trouble; but be of good Comfort, I have overcome the world: And the more a man is discouraged under his Afflictions, the less able he is to bear it. So long as a mans hand hath skin upon it, he is able to put it into the sharpest Vinegar, without smarting; but if the skin be off, it doth smart exceedingly, and he can hardly bear it. So long as a mans bones are knit together, and in joint, he may stand under a great burden; but if the Shoulder-bone be out of Joint, who can bear a burden? And what do all our Discouragements, but dis-joint the Soul, & put the Spirit on the Rack? Discouragements make Afflictions to […]