Preparation for sufferings. Or The best work in the worst times Wherein the necessity,…

2. It strengthens the Soul to bear afflictions and hardships, not only by purging out its weakening Distempers, but by turning it self to Christ, in whom all its strength lies, and that suitably to the several Exigencies of the Soul, in all its Distresses. Doth Darkness, like the shadow of Death, overspread the Earth, and all the Lights of Earthly Comforts disappear, then Faith supports the Heart, by looking to the Lord, Mic. 7.7. and this look of Faith exceedingly revives the Heart, Psal. 34.5. and enlightens the Soul. Doth God pluck away all Earthly Props from under your feet, and leave you nothing visible to rest upon, in that Exigence Faith puts forth a suitable act, viz. Resting or staying upon God, Esa. 26.3. and by this the Soul comes to be quieted and established, Psal. 125.1. Do Temptations strive to put off the Soul from Christ, and discourage it from leaning upon the Promise? then it puts forth an act of Resolution, Job 13.15. and so breaks its way through that discouragement. Or hath the Soul been long seeking God for deliverance out of trouble, and still there is silence in Heaven, no Answer comes; but instead of an Answer, comes a Temptation, to throw up the Duty, ⟨p. 72⟩and seek to deliver it self? Then Faith puts forth another act upon Christ, suitable to this distress, viz. An act of waiting, Isa. 49.23. which waiting is opposed to that sinful haste which the Soul is tempted to, Isa. 28.16. Or doth God at any time call the Soul forth to some difficult service, against which the Flesh and Carnal Reason dispute and plead? Now Faith helps the Soul, by putting forth an act of obedience; and that whilst Carnal Reason stands by dissatisfied, Gal. 1.16. And hence it is, that Obedience carries the name of Faith upon it, to show its descent,