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

4. God doth in a singular manner keep them from those exercises and temptations which many times he lets fall on those that are more eminent, Joh. 26. when Peter was young he went whither he would, but when he was old then he should be bound, Where there is spiritual strength God puts a proportionable burden; So that Christ in the dispensing of his exercises hath a respect always to the measure of their graces, he will not lay a Giants burden upon a Child's back, yea, such is the wisdom of Christ herein, that he doth prepare and fit his people by degrees for afflictions, as the timber lieth in water to he seasoned by degrees for service; There is a great difference in Gods providence to his own people, some are more tempted then others inwardly in their souls, Some again have far more outward troubles then others, and in all these still regard is had to the strength of his people; Christ being the head hath a respect to every member, and so knoweth what is the fittest exercise for it; Be not then inordinately cast down with fears, fears about thy infirmities and weaknesses, for if thou art weaker then others, thy burden shall be lighter, and the less thou hast of thy self, the more of Christs power will be in thee.

4. God doth in a singular manner keep them from those exercises and temptations which many times he lets fall on those that are more eminent, Joh. 26. when Peter was young he went whither he would, but when he was old then he should be bound, Where there is spiritual strength God puts a proportionable burthen; So that Christ in the dispensing of his exercises hath a respect alwaies to the measure of their graces, he will not lay a Giants burthen upon a Childes back, yea, such is the wisedom of Christ herein, that he doth prepare and fit his people by degrees for afflictions, as the timber lieth in water to he seasoned by degrees for service; There is a great difference in Gods providence to his own people, some are more tempted then others inwardly in their souls, Some again have far more outward troubles then others, and in all these still regard is had to the strength of his people; Christ being the head hath a respect to every member, and so knoweth what is the fittest exercise for it; Be not then inordinately cast down with fears, fears about thy infirmities and weaknesses, for if thou art weaker then others, thy burthen shall be lighter, and the lesse thou hast of thy self, the more of Christs power will be in thee.