A poore mans rest founded vpon motiues, meditations, and prayers. Expressing to the inward man, true consolation. In all kindes and times of afflication. By Io. Norden.

The Motiue to the fift Prayer.

VVHerein the poore man appealeth vnto God, being stricken with a kinde of despaire, be∣cause there be that say of him. There is no helpe for him in God: he therefore not onely cryeth vnto God, that he will con∣sider it, but he himselfe also entreth into the cause, why they so say, and findeth it to be, for that they see his store consu∣med, and his basket emptied, and his foes furious against him: but hee herewith not dismayed, reasoneth against these mens infidelity; who, in these their alle∣gations seeme to deny, that either there

is a God, or that he careth for, or will, or can helpe the poore. And yet hee presu∣meth not vpon his owne integrity, but confesseth God to be iust, and rightly may punish sinners, among whom he is the greatest: and hee finding this temptation to be very grieuous, he prayeth God to se∣cond his feeble nature, by his free grace, and that he will stay him with his staffe, while he correcteth him with his rod, be∣cause he is but a weake man, & may easily be burdened aboue his owne strength. But being assisted by God, hee assureth himselfe, that no arme of flesh can preuaile further against him, then shall be profita∣ble for him: nay, he is assured that it shall come so to passe, that euen they that most vpbraid him, shall acknowledge the migh∣ty hand of God in deliuering him, and therefore determineth to wait the good pleasure of God, when and how it shall come to passe, and will not be discoura∣ged though men say, There is no helpe for him in God.