Christian directions, showing how to walk with God all the day long drawn up…Christian directions, shewing how to walk with God all the day long drawn up…

1 Though the condition of man at all times is very sad without in interest in Jesus Christ, yet the condition of a man in and under ⟨p. 58⟩his afflictions, without an interest in Christ is more sad, in that his Conscience is then most usually awakened with the sense and apprehension of his sins and fearful Judgements due unto him for the same, of which there is no hope or possibility of escaping without an interest in Christ.

1 Though the condition of man at all times is very sad without in interest in Jesus Christ, yet the condition of a man in and under ⟨p. 58⟩his afflictions, without an interest in Christ is more sad, in that his Conscience is then most usually awakened with the sence and apprehension of his sins and fearful Judgements due unto him for the same, of which there is no hope or possibility of escaping without an interest in Christ.

2 On the other side, the man that hath an interest in Christ, hath abundant ground of comfort in the greatest troubles and afflictions, in that Christ by his Sufferings hath taken away the sting of them, which is Sin, and changed the nature of them, by turning them from punishments into fatherly chastisements, for our profit and amendment.

2 As you would be prepared for Afflictions, be careful to get and keep a good conscience: for assuredly, the testimony of your own consciences, that you have walked as in the sight and presence of God, endeavouring to have your consciences void of offence both towards God,¹ and towards men, will be as a wall of brass, yea as armour of proof unto you in the day of trouble and distress; so that your hearts shall not shrink at any affliction.