A39658:285
The balm of the covenant applied to the bleeding wounds of afflicted saints First…
The balm of the covenant applied to the bleeding wounds of afflicted saints First composed for the relief of a pious and worthy family, mourning over the deaths of their hopeful children; and now made public for the support of all Christians, sorrowing on the same or any other account. To which is added, A sermon preached for the funeral of that excellent and religious gentleman John Upton of Lupton esq; by John Flavell, preacher of the gospel at Dartmouth in Devon.The balm of the covenant applied to the bleeding wounds of afflicted saints First composed for the relief of a pious and worthy family, mourning over the deaths of their hopeful children; and now made publick for the support of all Christians, sorrowing on the same or any other account. To which is added, A sermon preached for the funeral of that excellent and religious gentleman John Upton of Lupton esq; by John Flavell, preacher of the gospel at Dartmouth in Devon.
London: printed for J. Harris, 1688
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Query 1. How far we may enquire of God, expostulate with him, and complain to him in time of Affliction, without sin?
1. We may humbly enquire into the causes and reasons of Gods displeasure against us, not to seek matter for our Justification, but Direction in the work of our Humiliation. So David enquired about the three years Famine, and the Lord informed him for whose sake and for what sin it was, 2 Sam. 21.1. And thus Job addressed to him in the day of his Affliction, Job 10.2. Show me wherefore thou contendest with me; (i. e.) convince me what special sin it is for which I am thus afflicted. This is so far from being our sin, that it is both our duty, and the excellency of our Spirits; 'tis a Child-like temper, willing ⟨p. 158⟩to know, that we may be particularly humbled for that sin, and for ever the more careful to shun it. That which I see not, teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Job 34.32. Thus far we are safe.
1. We may humbly enquire into the causes and reasons of Gods displeasure against us, not to seek matter for our Iustification, but Direction in the work of our Humiliation. So David enquired about the three years Famine, and the Lord inform'd him for whose sake and for what sin it was, 2 Sam. 21.1. And thus Iob addressed to him in the day of his Affliction,