An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

Fourthly, Afflictions witness obstinacy and resolvedness in the ways of sin, or, that afflicted persons or Nations turn not for sin. Every wound vvill open it's mouth as a witness, and ⟨p. 564⟩every stroke will bring an evidence against the impenitent. The troubles which God brought upon Ahaz witnessed emphatically (2 Chron. 28.22.) This is that King Ahaz, who in the time of his distress, did trespass yet more against the Lord. If we are not bettered by our distresses, our distresses testify that we are naught, how much more when we are worse in our distress? As all good things which we have received, so all evils which we have suffered, will rise up in judgement against those who still continue evil.

Fourthly, Afflictions vvitnesse obstinacy and resolvednesse in the waies of sin, or, that afflicted persons or Nations turn not for sinne. Every vvound vvill open it's mouth as a vvitnesse, and ⟨p. 564⟩every stroak will bring an evidence against the impenitent. The troubles which God brought upon Ahaz witnessed emphatically (2 Chron. 28.22.) This is that King Ahaz, who in the time of his distresse, did trespasse yet more against the Lord. If we are not bettered by our distresses, our distresses testifie that we are naught, how much more when we are worse in our distresse? As all good things which we have received, so all evils which we have suffered, will rise up in judgement against those who still continue evil.

Fifthly, Afflictions witness two things concerning God: First, That he hath an eye upon us, and care of us. He will not let us want any thing that is needful for us, no not affliction. Due chastisement given a child, is an argument that his father loveth him, and looks to him. Secondly, They are witnesses of Gods fatherly displeasure. Some say, God cannot be displeased with his children, because his love is everlasting. But will any man say, A father doth not love his child, because he corrects him? yet a father never correcteth his child, but when he is displeased with him: Parents may not strike unprovoked, and 'tis rare that God doth so. A man may be much displeased with, and much love the same person at the same time, and 'tis very usual for God to do so. Afflictions never testify any the least hatred of God against his people, but they often testify some, and sometimes great displeasure, against his people.