Two treatises the first of fear, from Isa. 8, v. 12, 13, and part…

3. Plea.

But others plead the sad experience they have had of their own feebleness and weakness in former trials and exercises of an inferior nature, in which their faith and patience hath failed them: and how can they imagine they shall ever be able to stand in the fiercest and most fiery trial. If we have run with the footmen and they have wearied us in the land of peace, how shall we then contend with horses in the swellings of Jordan? Jer. 12. 5.

But others plead the sad experience they have had of their own feebleness and weakness in former trials and exercises of an inferiour nature, in which their faith and patience hath failed them: and how can they imagine they shall ever be able to stand in the fiercest and most fiery trial. If we have run with the footmen and they have wearied us in the land of peace, how shall we then contend with horses in the swellings of Iordan? Ier. 12. 5.

Answer.

1. We are strong or weak in all our Trials, be they great or small, according to the assisting grace we receive from above; if he leave us in a common and light trial to our own strength, it will be our over-match, and if he assist us in great and extraordinary trials we shall be more than Conquerors. At one time Abraham could offer up his only son to God with his own hand; at another time he is so afraid of his life, that he acts very unsuitable to the character of a Believer, and was shamefully rebuked for it by Abimelech. At one time David could say, Though an Host encamp against me I will not fear: At another time he feigns himself mad, and acted beneath himself, both as a man, and as a man enriched with so much faith and experience. At one time Peter is afraid to be interrogated by a Maid; at another