The heads of some sermons preached at Finnick, the 17 of August. 1662 By…

Then observe this Doctrine: Sometimes when we think our trial great enough, Christ is pleased to screw it up a great deal higher. They surely judged their trial at a great ⟨p. 8⟩height before, with wind and storm: we may think it was at a great height before the fourth watch of the night, and yet he is pleased to drive it that length.

Then observe this Doctrin: Sometimes when we think our trial great enough, Christ is pleased to scrue it up a great deal higher. They surely judged their trial at a great ⟨p. 8⟩height before, with wind and storm: we may think it was at a great height before the fourth watch of the night, and yet he is pleased to drive it that length.

For clearing of the Doctrine, Consider that his People soon thinks their trial at a great height: First, Because they measure it by former sufferings they have met with, or by former trials, not remembering that the Lord intends to have his People further tried, and that the latter trial will be sharper, and possibly darker, as to the out-gate, than the first was. 2. They compare their trials and measure them with the trials of his People, that have not been with the highest, but with the lowest; and that makes them think their trial high enough. 3. They often measure their trials with their present felt strength, not remembering that he gives out expense according as the trial groweth. 4. They often compare their trials with the means that are left them for out-gate, not remembering that God useth sometimes to lay-aside all means that People have their eyes on, and create new means for their out-gate and deliverance. 5. They often measure their trials by their own fore-casting one resolution for it, whereas the trials sometimes swell to a greater height than his People apprehended it to go: and because the trial soon goes to such a height, we think it will go no further, and so we err, not knowing the Power and Counsel of the Lord.