The Christian in Complete Armour

Secondly, we wrestle against Providence, when uncorrigible under the various dispensations of God towards us. Providence has a voice, if we had an ear; mercies should draw, afflictions drive; now when neither fair means nor foul do us good, but we are impenitent under both; this is to wrestle against God with both hands. Either of these have their peculiar aggravations. One is against love, and so dis-ingenuous; the other is against the smart of his rod, and therein we slight his anger, and are cruel to our selves in kicking against the pricks. Mercy should make us ashamed, wrath afraid to sin. He that is not ashamed, has not the spirit of a man. He that is not afraid when smitten, is worse then the beast, who stands in awe of whip & spur. Sometimes mercy (especially these outward mercies, which have a pleasing relish to the carnal part in a Christian) hath proved a snare to the best of men, but then affliction useth to recover them; but when affliction makes men worse, and they harden themselves against God, to sin more and more while the rod is on them, what is like to reclaim them? few are made better by prosperity, whom afflictions make worse. He that will sin, though he goes in pain, will much more if that once be gone. But take heed of thus contesting with God. There is nothing got by scuffling with God, but blows, or worse. If he say he will afflict thee no more, 'tis even the worst he can say; 'tis as much as if he should say he'll be in thy debt till another world, and there pay thee altogether. But if he means thee mercy, thou shalt hear from him in some sharper affliction then ever. He hath wedges that can rive thee, wert thou a more knotty piece then thou art. Are there yet the treasures of wickedness, and the scant measure that is abominable? (^* saith God to Israel) what uncorrigible, though the Lords voice crieth unto the City, bidding you hear the ⟨p. 166⟩rod, and him that hath appointed it? See what course God resolves on, v. 13. Therefore will I make thee sick in smiting of thee. As if he had said, my other Physic I see was too weak, it did not work or turn your stomach, but I will prepare a potion that shall make you sick at heart.

Secondly, we wrestle against Providence, when uncorrigible under the various dispensations of God towards us. Providence has a voice, if we had an eare; mercies should draw, afflictions drive; now when neither faire meanes nor foule do us good, but we are impenitent under both; this is to wrestle against God with both hands. Either of these have their peculiar aggravations. One is against love, and so dis-ingenuous; the other is against the smart of his rod, and therein we slight his anger, and are cruel to our selves in kicking against the pricks. Mercy should make us ashamed, wrath afraid to sin. He that is not ashamed, has not the spirit of a man. He that is not afraid when smitten, is worse then the beast, who stands in aw of whip & spur. Sometimes mercy (especially these outward mercies, which have a pleasing relish to the carnal part in a Christian) hath prov'd a snare to the best of men, but then affliction useth to recover them; but when affliction makes men worse, and they harden themselves against God, to sin more and more while the rod is on them, what is like to reclaim them? few are made better by prosperity, whom afflictions make worse. He that will sin, though he goes in pain, will much more if that once be gone. But take heed of thus contesting with God. There is nothing got by scuffling with God, but blows, or worse. If he say he will afflict thee no more, 'tis even the worst he can say; 'tis as much as if he should say he'll be in thy debt till another world, and there pay thee altogether. But if he means thee mercy, thou shalt hear from him in some sharper affliction then ever. He hath wedges that can rive thee, wert thou a more knotty piece then thou art. Are there yet the treasures of wickednesse, and the scant measure that is abominable? (