CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

1. In not suffering them to be but when there is a necessity, you are afflicted if need be, 1 Pet. 1.6. That word is full of consolation, The•• no affliction, no trial, but thou didst need it, considering thy corruption •hy dullness, thy earthliness, there was a necessity to have some affliction fall upon thee, to humble thee, and to make thee more enlivened; Hence afflictions are compared to the cutting off the luxurious branches of the Vine, Joh. 15. which is necessary; Frosts and cold have their necessity, and both mans body and the ground needs that as well as the Summer; This made David say, Out of very Faithfulness thou hast afflicted me, Psa. 119.75. And hence afflictions are attributed ⟨p. 274⟩to Gods Love, Whom he loveth he chasteneth, Rev. 3. and all because the people of God could not be so fruitful and active if they were not thus chastened, So then here is Christs care, there shall not be any trouble but when necessary.

1. In not suffering them to be but when there is a necessity, you are afflicted if need be, 1 Pet. 1.6. That word is full of consolation, The•• no affliction, no triall, but thou didst need it, considering thy corruption •hy dulnesse, thy earthlinesse, there was a necessity to have some affliction fall upon thee, to humble thee, and to make thee more enlivened; Hence afflictions are compared to the cutting off the luxurious branches of the Vine, Joh. 15. which is necessary; Frosts and cold have their necessity, and both mans body and the ground needs that as well as the Summer; This made David say, Out of very Faithfulnesse thou hast afflicted me,