An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

Fourthly, It may be said, He will not afflict, because he doth not afflict us more than we can bear; he tenderly considers our strength, what we are able to stand under, & how long we are able to stand under it; he will not break our backs nor our hearts (unless by godly sorrow for, or from sin) by affliction. God (saith the Apostle 1 Cor. 10.13.) is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Hence wh•n it is said (Lam. 3.33.) He doth not afflict willingly, &c. it followeth (vers. 34.) to crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth. The Lord makes ⟨p. 633⟩many his prisoners, yet then his bowels are opened towards them, he will not crush, nor tread them down, as mire in the streets. I (saith the Lord, Isa. 57.16.) will not contend for ever, &c. For (if I should) the Spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. I know what your spirits can bear, and I will contend no longer than I know you are able to bear it. Hence that Promise (Psal. 125.3.) The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous, least he put forth his hands to evil. The Lord knows the rod may prevail over us so, as to put us upon the doing of evil, and therefore he will take order that it shall not.

Fourthly, It may be said, He will not afflict, because he doth not afflict us more than we can bear; he tenderly considers our strength, what we are able to stand under, & how long we are able to stand under it; he will not break our backs nor our hearts (unless by godly sorrow for, or from sin) by affliction. God (saith the Apostle 1 Cor. 10.13.) is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Hence wh•n it is said (