The truly blessed man

USE III. Let us take heed of rash judging of Gods people on this account. It may be we have known them to fall into some sins, that have been scandalous, or we hear them complain of some sins that distress them, we have seen their sorrow and bitterness, and the most satisfying testimonies of their Repentance; but for all God follows them with remarkable grievous afflictions; and we are ready to think, God is still angry; something stands out against them, they have dissembled, &c. But let us take heed of this: Gods Judgments ⟨p. 370⟩are a great deep: He may have freely forgiven them, and yet for holy ends thus exercise them, to humble, and do them good in the latter end. Let not such unsearchable things weaken our Charity.

USE IV. To exhort us suitably to acknowledge and submit to God in this respect. Find no fault, though it be so; be very thankful for any evidence of his gracious forgiveness, and adore him in all that he doth: Believe that you need such things as these, and that he can and will make them work for your good; and accordingly endeavour to do your duty, by being humbled under his mighty hand, labouring hereby to embitter sin to your selves, and especially such sins as have more peculiarly dishonoured him: and let it make you more watchful to your selves, and put you upon the exercise of faith, patience, humility; so shall you in due time reap the peaceable fruits of righteousness by it.

Prop. 2 That if by prayer, they have settled their pardon, these floods cannot come nigh them, to hurt them; if forgiveness be secured, afflictions shall not harm them.