A81235:216
Correction, instruction or, a treatise of afflictions
Correction, instruction or, a treatise of afflictions: first conceived by way of private meditations: afterward digested into certain sermons, preached at Aldermanbury. And now published for the help and comfort of humble suffering Christians. By Tho. Case, M.A. sometimes student of Ch. Ch. Oxon. now preacher of the Gospel in London.Correction, instruction or, a treatise of afflictions: first conceived by way of private meditations: afterward digested into certain sermons, preach'd at Aldermanbury. And now published for the help and comfort of humble suffering Christians. By Tho. Case, M.A. sometimes student of Ch. Ch. Oxon. now preacher of the Gospel in London.
London: printed by J.M. for Luke Fawn, 1652London: printed by J.M. for Luke Favvn, 1652
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.
Thirdly, 1That Deliverance out of trouble is not enough to evidence or make a man happy: It is not said, Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, AND DELIVEREST HIM out of trouble; but, Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest and teachest: A man may get rid of the affliction, and yet miss of the blessing. All the bread which men may eat without the sweat of their brows is not therefore hallowed; abundance may flow in without labour, and yet not without ⟨p. 189⟩a curse. A woman may be delivered from the pain of child bearing, and yet lie under the curse of child-bearing: an easy travel is not an infallible symptom of a state of reconciliation: 2If there be not faith in Christ, who hath born, and born away, the Curse; a speedy and easy deliverance is no more then God indulgeth the brute creatures; for by him the Hinds do calve, and the wild Asses bring forth their young: *A miscarrying womb may be a mercy, when a mature and facile birth may be in judgment. A man may leave his chains and his blessing behind him in prison; and the fire of a Fever may be extinguished, when the fire of Hell is preparing for the sinner. It is good to be thankful for, but extremely dangerous to be contented with, a bare deliverance. I shall conclude this branch with this note, which alone might have stood for a distinct observation or corollary, That those prayers in troubles are not best heard which are answered with deliverance; but ⟨p. 190⟩those prayers are best heard which are answered with instruction. Even of our blessed Saviour it is said, In the days of his flesh he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying. and tears, unto him that was able ta• save him from death, and WAS HEARD, 4in that he feared, Hebr. 5.7. How was he heard? not in that, save me from this hour,