§. 86. Of the trouble which corruption causeth.
A Fearfull effect of the forementioned corruption springing up, is thus expressed, a 1.1 trouble you. This is in Greek a compound word, and here only used in the New Testament. The simple verb is used to set out that anguish and vexation which the Devill doth oft use to those whom he possesseth, Luk. 6. 18. Act. 5. 16.
This compound loseth nothing of the emphasis, but rather addeth thereto. It i•…•… by other authors used to set out noysome savours, irksome sounds, which molest and trouble the senses; it is also used to set out importunate Creditors, who will not let their debtors be quiet; and to wind in the body, which much troubleth it, and to all such as cause trouble in a mans house, in the Church, and Common-wealth. Thus the sprouts of the forenamed bitter roots will exceedingly molest a mans mind and conscience, and never let him be quiet, till he redresse what is amisse.
That growth of corruption causeth trouble, is evident by the Holy Ghosts joyning evill and trouble together, Deut. 31. 17, 21. Take a particular view of the distinct kinds of •…•…roubles which arise from thence, and the poynt will more evidenly appear.
- 1. It troubles the conscience: instance Iudas, Matth. 27. 3, 4. In this respect it is said, that there is no peace to the wicked.
- 2. It troubles a man in his body, by noysome diseases, and paines, and want of necessaries. In this respect the wise man sayeth of a wicked man, that he troubleth his own flesh, Prov. 11. 17.
- 3. It troubles his estate, by wasting or intangling it. For he is said to trouble his own house, Prov. 11. 27.
- 4. It troubleth his children, kindred, and such as any way depend on him, 2 King. 10. 31.
- 5. It troubleth the Church. This it doth by false teachers, Gal. 1. 7. and 5. 12.
- 6. It troubleth the whole state, Iosh. 7. 25. 1 King. 18. 13.
- 7. The worst trouble of all is in the world to come, Rom. 2. 9. 2 Thes. 1. 6.
It was before noted, that corruption incenseth Gods wrath. Gods wrath is a fire. The longer that houses on fire continue to burne, the more trouble they bring.
Learn hereby, when troubles arise, to search after the cause thereof. Hereof see The Plaist•…•…r for the Plague, on Numb. 16. 46. §. 4. As the cause is found out, so remove it. Hereof s•…•…e Dearths death, on 2 Sam. 21. 1. §. 18.