Helps for faith and patience in times of affliction In three parts. Viz. I. Sampson's riddle spiritualiz'd. II. Orthodox paradox: or, the greatest evil working the greatest eternal good. III. Heaven and earth epitomiz'd: or, invisibilities the greates realities. By James Burdwood late minister in Dartmouth. To which is added, A sure tryal of a Christian's state, by John Flavell, late minister (also) in Dartmouth.

TO THE Honest-hearted Reader.

INstead of an Epistle (which for want both of outward and inward strength, having been tryed with about Eight or Nine Years Sickness, and most part of the time con∣fined to my Chamber and Bed, I cannot per∣form) I shall only present you with the several Points of Doctrine handied in the ensuing Treatise, having some time since cast one Mite into the Church's Treasury, viz. my Hearts Ease, do now adventure to cast in this other, though very unworthy to be laid up among so many choice Pearls: But I remem∣ber, who will not despise the day of small things. Had I not been unfaithful in the improvement of the Talents my Great Ma∣ster had entrusted me with, I might have had more. I humbly beg the fervent Prayers of such Readers as truly love the Salvation of Souls, to pray the Lord to pardon all my 〈◊〉〈◊〉∣fulness and negligence in the Work of the Lord, through the most precious Blood of the

most precious Lord Jesus Christ, without which I perish; and which is all I beg of them for my self.

Now, having been a long time disabled to say or do any thing for the edification of others, and not likely to be of any use any more in this World, I was willing, while I could hold my Pen, and in any measure com∣pose my Mind, much broken by Affliction, to emit this into the World, with my poor, yet earnest Prayers, That the Blessing of the Lord will go with it; as also, to testifie my Grati∣tude to Him who hath wonderfully delivered me from so many Deaths, and yet doth deli∣ver, and graciously supports me under so ma∣ny multiplied Afflictions; for which I hope, through God's great Mercy, and Christ's pre∣cious Merits, I shall have cause to bless God to all Eternity.

Readers, pray for a Blessing on what you read, and for

Your affectionate Friend and Servant in any thing for your Souls good, whilst I am J. B.

From my Sick Cham∣ber, Aug.1st. 1693.