Graphautarkeia, or, The Scriptures sufficiency practically demonstrated wherein whatsoever is contain'd in Scripture, respecting doctrine, worship or manners is reduced to its proper head, weighty cases resolved, truths confirmed, difficult texts illustrated and explained by others more plain.

CHAP. XXII. Of Afflictions, Troubles, and Persecutions. (Book 22)

To whom they belong, or who may expect them.

1st, Common to all.

MAN is born unto trouble, as the sparks flie upward, Job 5. 7.

Man who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble, Job 14. 1.

2dly, More especially, the Saints, Believers, such as are born of the Spirit.

First, The Holy Ghost affirms this.

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: If he commit iniquity, I will cha∣sten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: but my mercy shall not depart away from him, &c. 2 Sam. 7. 14, 15.

For whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth; even as the father the son in whom he delighteth, Prov. 3. 12.

Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me, are for signs and won∣ders in Israel, Isa. 8. 18.

He who departeth from evil, maketh himself a prey, Isa. 59. 15.

You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore will I pu∣nish you for all your iniquities, Amos 3. 2.

Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councels: and they will scourge you in their Synagogues: and ye shall be brought before governours and kings for my sake, &c. and the brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father the child, &c. and ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake, &c. The desciple is not above his master, &c. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, and the servant as his Lord: if they have called the master of the house Belzebub, how much more shall they call them of his houshold, &c? Think not that I am come to send peace on earth, &c. A mans enemies shall be they of his own houshold, Matth. 10. 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 34, 35, 36. chap. 24. 9, 10.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me, Matth. 16. 24.

Wo to you who laugh now, for ye shall mourn and weep; wo unto you when all men shall speak well of you; for so did their fathers to the false pro∣phets, Luke 6. 25, 26.

Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head, Luke 9. 58.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word I said unto you, The servant is not grea∣ter than his Lord: if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you, &c. These things they will do unto you for my names sake, because they know not him who sent me, John 15. 18, 19, 20, 21. 1 John 3. 13.

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended: But they shall put you out of their Synagogues; yea, the time cometh, that whosoe∣ver killeth you, will think that he doth God service; and these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the father, nor me, &c. Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoyce; ye shall be sorrowful, &c. In the world ye shall have tribulation, John 16. 1, 2, 3, 20, 22, 33.

Of a truth, against the holy child Jesus, &c. both Herod, &c. were gathered together, to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done, Acts 4. 27, 28.

The Lord said of Paul, I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my Name, Acts 9. 15, 16.

Exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that we must through much tri∣bulation enter into the kingdom of God, Acts 14. 22.

The holy Ghost witnesseth in evety city, saying, That bonds and afflictions abide me, Acts 20. 23.

But as then, he who was born after the flesh, persecuted him who was born after the spirit, so it is now, Gal. 4. 29.

Unto you it is given, &c. not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake, Phil. 1. 29.

That no man be moved by these afflictions: for your selves know that we are appointed thereunto, 1 Thess. 3. 3.

All who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, 2 Tim. 3. 12.

Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, &c. for what son is he whom the fa∣ther chasteneth not? but if ye be without chastisements, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons, Heb. 12. 6, 7, 8.

Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, &c. as though some strange thing happened to you: but rejoyce, in as much as ye are made partakers of Christs sufferings: judgment must begin at the house of God, 1 Pet. 4. 12, 13, 17.

The devil, &c. whom resist, &c. that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren, 1 Pet. 5. 8, 9.

Behold, the devil shall cast some of you in prison, that ye may be tried: and ye shall have tribulation ten days, Rev. 2. 10.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: Be zealous therefore, &c. Revel. 3. 19.

Secondly, That the Saints have been so exercised with afflictions, in soul and body, from God: and in their bodies and outward concerns, from men, by perse∣cutions.

1st, From God more immediately.

Job greatly afflicted in his out-things: and his body, Job 1. 13, to the end. Job 2. 5, 6, 7, 8.

O that my grief were thorowly weighed, &c. for now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up (or, I want words to express my grief); for the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poyson whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me, Job 6. 1, 2, 3, 4.

My soul is sore vexed, O Lord, how long, &c? I am weary with my groan∣ing: all the night (or, every night) make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with tears: mine eye is consumed, because of grief, &c. Psal 6. 3, 7.

I am desolate and afflicted: the troubles of mine heart are enlarged, &c. Psal. 25. 16, 17.

Make me to hear joy and gladness: that the bones thou hast broken may re∣joyce: hide thy face from my sin, Psal. 51. 8, 9.

Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul: I sink in deep mire, where is no standing; I am come into deep waters (or, depth of waters) where the floods over-flow me: I am weary of my crying: my throat is dry: mine eyes fail, while I wait for my God, Psal. 69. 1, 2, 3.

In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord; my sore ran in the night, and ceased not! my soul refused to be comforted: I remember'd God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed, Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak, &c. Will the Lord cast off for ever? will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail? Psal. 77. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8.

My soul is full of troubles, &c. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in dark∣ness, in the depths: thy wrath lyeth hard on me, thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves, &c. I am afflicted and ready to die: I suffer thy terrors: I am di∣stracted: thy fierce wrath goeth over me: thy terrors have cut me off, Psal. 88. 3, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17.

Out of the depths have I cryed unto thee, O Lord, Psal. 130. 1.

Jonah cast into the sea, and in the belly of the fish, Jonah 1. 15. chap. 2.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, &c. We are chastened of the Lord, &c. 1 Cor. 11. 30, 31, 32.

We are troubled on every side: without were fightings, within were fears, 2 Cor. 7. 5.

Secondly, From men, by persecutions of various kinds: Gal. 4. 20.

1st, From men openly wicked: Heathens, Infidels.

Joseph, because he refused to sin with Potiphars wife, was by her means im∣prisoned in Egypt, Gen. 39. 7, 8, 9, to the 21.

When Israel began to increase in Egypt, the king said, Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply: and it come to pass, when there fall out any war, &c. Therefore did they set over them task-masters, to afflict them with their burthens, &c. They made them serve with rigour: and they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, &c. ordered the Midwives to kill the male-chil∣dren, Exod. 1. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

Afterwards they laid the burthen heavier, allowing them no straw, and yet required the tale of brick, Exod. 5. 6, 7, 8, 9, 11.

Pharaoh pursued after Israel, with a great army unto the red-sea, Exod. 14. 7, 8, 9, 10.

The adversaries of Israel and Judah troubled them in their building, and hired counsellors against them to frustrate their purpose, &c. Afterwards Rehum the Chancellor wrote to the king, &c. The Jews are building the rebellious and bad City, &c. If this City be builded, and the walls set up again, then will not they pay toll, tribute, &c. and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings: now because we have maintenance from the kings palace, it was not meet for us to see the kings dishonour, &c. This City is a rebellious City, and hurt∣ful unto kings, &c. and that they have moved sedition within the same of old, &c. If this City be built; &c. by this means thou shalt have no portions on this side the river, &c. So they hasted to Jerusalem, and by force stayed the work, Ezra 4. 1, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 24.

When Sanballat and others heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, &c. they were very wroth, and conspired all of them together to come to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it, &c. Nehem. 4. 2, 3, 7, 8.

When Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence: then was Haman full of wrath, &c. wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, &c. said unto the king, There is a certain people, &c. and their laws are divers from all people, neither keep they the kings laws: therefore it is not for the kings profit to suffer them. Let it please the king that it may be written, that they may be destroyed: and I will pay, &c. The king grants his desire, &c. Esther 3. 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Many say of my soul, There is no help for him in his God. Selah. Psal. 3. 12.

The wicked in pride doth persecute the poor, Psal. 10. 2.

All they who see me, laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted in the Lord that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, seeing (or, if) he delights in him, Psal. 22. 7, 8.

They devise deceitful matters against them who are quiet in the land, &c.

They have said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen, &c. so would we have it, Psal. 35. 20, 21, 25.

The wicked plotteth (or, practiseth) against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth, &c. The wicked have drawn out their sword, &c. to cast down the poor and needy, to slay such as be of upright conversation, Psal. 37. 12, 14.

They also who seek after my life, lay snares: and they who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long, &c. when my foot slippeth, they magnifie themselves against me, &c. They also who render evil for good, are my adversaries, because I follow that which is good, Psal. 38. 12, 16, 19, 20.

For thy sake are we killed all the day long: we are counted as sheep for the slaughter, Psal. 44. 22.

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledg, who eat up my people as they eat bread? Psal. 53. 4.

Man would swallow me up: he fighting daily oppresseth me: my enemies would daily swallow me up, for they be many who fight against me, &c. every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil, Psal. 56. 1, 2, 5.

The mighty are gathered against me, not for my transgression, nor my sin: O Lord, they run and prepare themselves without my fault, &c. Psal. 59. 3, 4, 7.

The workers of iniquity, who whet their tongues like a sword, &c. bitter words: that they may shoot in secret at the perfect, &c. Psal. 64. 2, 3, 4, 5.

They who hate me without a cause, are more than the hairs of mine head, Psal. 69. 4.

They who hate thee, have lifted up the head: they have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones: They have said, Come, and let us cut them off, &c. Psal. 38. 2, 3, 4, 5.

How long shall the wicked triumph? shall they utter and speak hard things, &c. they break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heri∣tage, &c? Who frame mischief by a law: they gather themselves together a∣gainst the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood, Psal. 94. 3, 4, 5, 20, 21.

We are exceedingly filled with contempt: our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud, Psal. 123. 3, 4.

All that pass by the way, clap their hands at thee: they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the City, &c? we have swal∣lowed up: certainly this is the day we looked for: We have found, &c. Lam. 2. 15, 16.

There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the provinces, &c. These men, O King, have not regarded thee; they serve not thy gods, nor wor∣ship golden-images, &c. and they cast them into the fiery-furnace, Dan. 3. 9, 12, 20, 21.

The Princes and the Presidents sought to find occasion against Daniel, con∣cerning the kingdom; but they could find none, &c. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him in the law of his God, &c. They procure a law, that none should ask of any god or man, but the king, &c. watch Daniel, accuse him, and cast him into the lions den, Dan. 6. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, to the 17.

Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias sake, &c. for John said to him, It is not lawful for thee to have her, &c. and he sent and beheaded John in the Prison, Matth. 14. 3, 4, 9, 10.

Because you are not of the world, &c. therefore the world hateth you, John 15. 19.

They disputed with Stephen: and they were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake: then they stirred up the people, &c. and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the Council, and set up false witnesses, Acts 6. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

Herod the king stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the Church, and he killed James the brother of John with the sword: and because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take Peter, and imprison him, &c. Acts 12. 1, 2, 3, 4.

They caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market-place unto the rulers, and brought them to the Magistrates, saying, These men being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our City, and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans, &c. they beat them, put them into prison, Acts 16. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. ch. 19. 9.

The Philosophers, &c. say unto Paul, What will this babler (or, base fellow) say? Acts 17. 18.

There arose no small stir about that way: for a certain man, &c. who made silver shrines for Diana, &c. complained against Paul, made a great uproar, laid hold of Pauls companions, Acts 19. 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.

We would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which came to us in Asia, 2 Cor. 1. 8, 9.

I suffer trouble unto bonds, 2 Tim. 2. 9.

Ye endured a great fight of afflictions: partly whiles ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches, and afflictions, &c. Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, &c. Heb. 10. 32, 33, 34.

Others were tortured, &c. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings: yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments, &c. of whom the world was not wor∣thy, Heb. 11. 35, 36, 37, 38.

Ye have condemned and killed the just: and he doth not resist you, James 5. 6.

They speak evil of you, as of evil doers, &c. 1 Pet. 3. 16. chap. 4. 4.

Marvel not my brethren, if the world hate you, 1 John 3. 13.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 John, &c. was in the Isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the Testimony of Christ Jesus, Rev. 1. 9.

2dly, From hypocritical professors of the true God, Jews, men zealous of the law and traditions.

The Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering. But unto Cain and his offering he had no respect, &c. Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him, Gen. 4. 4, 5, 8. 1 Joh. 3. 12.

Josephs brethren hate him, and could not speak peaceably unto him, &c. they conspired against him to slay him, &c. they cast him into a pit, &c. they sell him to the Ishmaelites, &c. Gen. 37. 4, 11, 11, 18, 20, 24, 27, 28.

Saul eyed David that day and forward, &c. He said, I will smite David, &c. he became his enemy continually, often attempted to take away his life from him, 1 Sam. 18. 8, 9, 11, 17, 29. ch. 19. 1, 9, 10, 11.

Absalom conspired against his father David, 2 Sam. 15.

Shimei cursed David when he fled from Absalom, 2 Sam. 16. 5, 6, 7, 8, 13.

Ahab pursued Elijah in every nation, &c. he said to Elijah, when he saw him, Art thou he who troubleth Israel? 1 Kings 18. 10, 17.

Jeremy saith, O Lord, &c. revenge me of my persecutors, &c. for thy sake I have suffered rebuke, Jer. 15. 15. Matth. 5. 12.

They hate him who rebuketh in the gate: and they abhor him who speaketh uprightly, &c. they afflict the just, Amos 5. 10, 12.

John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say he hath a devil: the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, behold a man gluttonous, &c. Math. 11. 18, 19.

Behold, I send unto you Prophets, and wise men, and Scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucifie, and some of them shall ye scourge in your Syna∣gogues, and persecute them from City to City, Math. 23. 34.

Some said Christ was a good man: others said no, but he deceiveth the people; howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews, Joh. 7. 12, 13.

The Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the Synagogue, &c. They reviled the man who owned Christ to them: they say, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? and they cast him out (or, excommunicated him). John 9. 22, 28, 33, 34.

The chief Priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death, because that by reason of him, many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus, Joh. 12. 10, 11.

When Peter had spake unto the people, the Priests and the rulers of the temple came upon them, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached, &c. the resurrection, &c. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold, &c. that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, &c. So when they had further threatned them, &c. Act. 4. 1, 2, 3, 17, 21.

The high Priest rose up, and all who were with him, &c. and were filled with indignation (or, envy) and laid their hands on the Apostles, and put them into the common Prison, &c. when the Apostles had spoke to them, they were cut to the heart, and they took counsel to slay them, Acts 5. 16, 17, 18, 33.

They suborn witnesses against Stephen, and said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God, &c. That Jesus shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us, Act. 6. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

They run upon Stephen with one accord, and cast him out of the City, and stoned him, Act. 7. 57, 58.

There was a great persecution against the Church at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad, &c. Saul made havock of the Church, entering into every house, and haling men and women, committing them to prison, Act. 8. 1, 3 ch. 26. 10, 11.

Saul breathed out threatning and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord: Went unto the high Priest, and desired of him letters, &c. that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem, &c. When he was converted, the Jews took counsel to kill him, &c. and they watched the gates day and night to kill him, Act. 9. 1, 2, 22, 23, 24. Gal. 1. 13, 14. 1 Tim. 1. 13.

Herod having killed James, and because he saw it pleased the Jews, be pro∣ceeded, Act. 12. 2, 3.

When the Jews saw the multitude, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming, &c. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the City, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts, Act. 13. 45, 50.

In Iconium, they went both together into the Synagogue to speak, &c. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren, &c. and they fled unto Lystra, &c. And there came thi∣ther certain Jews from Antioch, &c. who perswaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead, Act. 14. 1, 2, 6, 19.

When Paul had reasoned with them of Thessalonica, that Christ had suffer∣ed, &c. the Jews who believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city in an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, &c. they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These who have turned the world upside down, are come hither also, whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Cesar, saying, That there is another King, one Jesus, &c. When the Jews, &c. had knowledg that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people, Act. 17. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13.

After Paul had preached at Corinth, &c. the Jews made an insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the Judgment-seat, saying,

This fellow perswadeth men to worship God contrary to the law, Act. 18. 11, 12, 13.

The Jews when they saw Paul in the Temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, crying out, Men of Israel help, this is the man who teach∣eth all men every where, against the people, and the law, and this place, &c. and hath polluted this holy place, &c. They took him, and drew him out of the temple, &c. went about to kill him, Act. 21. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31.

They cryed out against Paul, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit he should live, &c. After they bind themselves under a curse, to kill him, Act. 22. 22, 23. ch. 23. 12.

The high Priest and elders, by Tertullus the orator, said of Paul before the Governour, We have found this man a pestilent fellow, a mover of fedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ring-leader of the sect of the Nazarens: who also have gone about to profane the temple, &c. Paul said, Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me, &c. I confess, after the way they call heresie, so worship I, &c. Act. 24. 1, 2, 5, 6, 13, 14.

The high priest and chief of the Jews informed Festus against Paul, and be∣sought him, &c. that he would send him to Jerusalen, laying wait in the way to kill him, &c. They laid many and grievous complaints against him, which they could not prove, Act. 25. 2, 3, 7.

As concerning this sect, we know that it is every where spoken against, Act. 28. 22.

Ye also have suffered like things of your own country-men, even as they have of the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, &c. forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, 1 Thess. 2. 14, 15, 16.

Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil, &c. of whom be thou also aware: for he hath greatly withstood our words, 2 Tim. 4. 14, 15.

Secondly, For what ends doth God chastise his children, and suffer them to be per∣secuted.

1st, To exercise and try their faith and obedience.

The Lord thy God led thee these forty years, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep his commandments or no, Deut. 8. 2, 16.

I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them, of the nations which Joshua left when he died: that through them. I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord, &c. or not, Judg. 2. 21, 22, 23. ch. 3. 4.

And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, &c? still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movest me against him to destroy him without cause, Job 2. 3.

What is man, &c. that thou shouldst visit him every morning, and try him every moment? Job 7. 17, 18.

Thou, O Lord, hast proved us: thou hast tried us as silver is tried: thou broughtest us into the net: thou laidst afflictions upon our loins, Psal. 66. 10, 11, 12.

Some of them of understanding shall fall to try them, &c. Daniel 11. 35.

I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried, Zech. 13. 9.

Others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, &c. Heb. 11. 36, 37.

Count it all joy when ye fall into divers tentations: knowing that the trying of you faith worketh patience, &c. Blessed is the man who endureth temptations: for when he is tryed, he shall receive, &c. James 1. 2, 3, 12.

Though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness: that the trial of your faith being much more precious, &c. 1 Pet. 1. 6, 7.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoyce, in as much as ye are partakers of Christs suffering, &c. 1 Pet. 4. 12, 13.

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, Rev. 2. 10.

I will keep thee from the hour of tentation, which shall come up∣on all the world, to try them who dwell upon the earth, Rev. 3. 20.

2dly, To humble and purge them.

The Lord thy God led thee forty years in the wilderness to humble thee, &c. Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, &c. that he might humble thee, &c. Deut. 8. 2, 16.

So Manasseh made Judah, &c. to err, to do worse than the heathen: Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captain of the host of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh, &c. bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was afflicted, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, &c. And God brought him again into his kingdom, &c. He then took away the strange gods, &c. 2 Chron. 33. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16.

Job complains of his afflictions: then saith, What is man that thou shouldst magnifie him, &c? I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Job 7. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble? for thou writest bitter things against me, Job 13. 25.

If they be, &c. holden in cords of afflictions: then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded, Job 36. 8, 9.

Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth: once have I spoken: but, &c. but I will proceed no farther, Job 40. 4, 5.

I have heard of thee, &c. but now mine eyes see thee: wherefore I abhor my self, &c. Job 42. 5, 6.

Hath he smitten bim, &c? By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged: and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin, Isa. 27. 7, 8, 9.

My fury and mine anger was poured out, &c. They are not humbled unto this day: neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, Jer. 44. 6, 10.

I will cause you to pass under the rod, &c. and you shall remember your wayes, &c. and ye shall loath your selves in your own sight, Ezek. 40. 37, 38, 43.

Some of them of understanding shall fall, &c. to purge and to make them white, Dan. 11. 35.

I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver, Zech. 13. 9.

Lest I should be exalted above measure, &c. there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, 2 Cor. 12. 7.

3dly, To make them to remember God, and things above: look to, own them, and close with them.

Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, &c. the Lord, who saidst unto me, Return, &c. Gen. 32. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

He suffered thee to hunger, &c. that thou mayst know that man lives not by bread alone, but, &c. Deut. 8. 3.

When Manasseh was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, &c. then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God, 2 Chron. 33. 12, 13.

God hath overthrown me, and hath encompassed me with his net, &c. for I know my redeemer liveth, and he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, &c. in my flesh shall I see God, Job 19. 6, 25, 26, 27.

When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I: for thou hast been a shelter, Psal. 61. 2, 3.

When he slew them, then they sought him, and they returned and enquired early after God: and they remembred that God was their rock, &c. Psal. 78. 34, 35.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes: the law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold, &c. Psal. 119. 71, 72.

Such as escape of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him who smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the holy one of Israel in truth, Isa. 10. 20, 21.

In that day it shall come to pass, that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, &c. At that day shall a man look to his maker, and his eyes shall have re∣spect

to the holy One of Israel; and he shall not look to the altars, &c. Isa. 17. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Wherefore doth a living man complain, &c? let us search and try our ways: and turn again unto the Lord, Lam. 3. 39, 40.

I will cause you to pass under the rod, &c. and ye shall know that I am the Lord, Ezek. 20. 37, 38.

Behold, I will hedg up thy way, &c. Then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband, for then was it better with me than now, &c. Hos. 2. 6, 7, 8. chap. 5. 15.

We had the sentence of death in our selves, that we should not trust in our selves, but in God who raiseth the dead: who delivered us, &c. 2 Cor. 1. 8, 9, 10.

Our light affliction, &c. worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, &c. 2 Cor. 4. 17, 18.

4thly, For Gods own glory, and the furtherance of the Gospel.

I will harden Pharoahs heart, that he shall follow after them: and I will be ho∣noured upon Pharoah and upon all his host, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord, &c. And the Egyptians pursued after them, &c. and the children of Israel were sore afraid, &c. Exod. 14. 4, 9, 10, 17, 18.

He fed thee with Manna, &c. that he might make thee know, that man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord, doth man live, Deut. 8. 3.

Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great cause to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee, shall surely die, 2 Sam. 12. 14.

Hast thou considered my servant Job, &c? and still he holdeth fast his integri∣ty, although thou movest me against him to destroy him without cause, Job 2. 3.

Surely, the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain, Psal. 76. 10.

The three childrens sufferings made persecutors acknowledg and give ho∣nour to God, Dan. 3. 27, 28, 29.

So Daniels sufferings made Darius the king (who had caused him to be cast into the lions den) to acknowledg and honour God, Dan. 6. 20, 26, 27.

Master, Who did sin, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents, but that the work of God might be made manifest in him, John 9. 1, 2, 3.

Jesus said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby, John 11. 3, 4.

This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorifie God, John 21. 18, 19.

We are troubled on every side, &c. that the life also of Jesus might be

made manifest in our body: for we who live, are always delivered unto death, that the life of Jesus might be manifest in our mortal flesh, 2 Cor. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11.

When Paul was buffeted, &c. he besought the Lord thrice that it might de∣part: and it was said, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness; most gladly will I therefore rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me, &c. 2 Cor. 12. 7, 8, 9, 10.

I would have you understand, &c. that the things which have happened to me have fallen out to the furtherance of the Gospel, &c. and many of the bre∣thren of the Lord waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear, Phil. 1. 12, 13, 14.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, &c. the spirit, &c. on your part he is glorified, 1 Pet. 4. 14.

5thly, For the effecting of great good and advantage to those who are exercised with trouble, &c.

Josephs afflictions and sufferings, his being sold by his brethren, and after being imprisoned, happened, through God, to his great honour and advantage. He advanced to be next the king; his brethren who sold him, made to bow to him, and honour him, and are nourished by him. His fathers sorrow also re∣compensed, in that Joseph provided for him in the famine, Gen. 37. 28, 34, 35. chap. 29. 5, 20. chap. 41. 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44. chap. 45. 5, 7, 8. chap. 47. 11, 12.

But as for you, ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass as at this day, to save much people alive, Gen. 50. 20, 21.

The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and growed, Exod. 1. 11, 12. Ezra 5. chap. 6.

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and his servant Moses, Exod. 14. 31.

Who fed thee with Manna, &c. that he might humble thee, &c. to do thee good in the latter end, Deut. 8. 16.

When Manasseh was afflicted, he sought the Lord, the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him, &c. then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God, &c. He took away the strange gods, &c. 2 Chron. 33. 11, 12, 13, 15, 16.

Tatuai the governour opposing the Jews, wrought for their advantage in the end, Ezra 5. chap. 6.

If they be bound in fetters, &c. then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded: He openeth also their ear to discipline, Job 36, 8, 9, 10.

Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now have I kept thy word, &c. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes, &c. thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me, Psal. 119. 67, 71, 75.

They who sow in tears, will reap in joy: he who goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoycing, &c. Psal. 126. 5, 6.

When the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Ziòn, and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, &c. such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stáy upon him who smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, &c. Isa. 10. 12, 20, 21.

So will I acknowledg them who are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Caldeans, for their good: for I will set mine eyes upon them for good, Jer. 24. 5, 6.

They shall bear the punishment of their iniquity, &c. that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions: but that they may be my people, and I, &c. Ezek. 14. 10, 11.

I will cause you to pass under the rod: and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant, Ezek. 20. 37.

I will hedg up thy ways with thorns, &c. Then shall she say, I will go and re∣turn to my first husband: for then was it better with me, &c. I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness: and speak comfortably (or, friendly) unto her, Hosea 2. 5, 6, 7, 8, 14.

He who loseth his life for my sake, shall find it: for what is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Matth. 10. 39. Mark 8. 34, 35.

And every one who hath forsaken houses, or brethren, &c. or lands for my names sake, shall receive a hundred-fold: and shall inherit everlasting life, Mat. 19. 27, 29.

Tribulation worketh patience: and patience experience, &c. Rom. 5. 3, 4, 5.

And we know that all things work together for good unto them who love God, Rom. 8. 28.

When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11. 32.

Our light afflictions which are but for a moment, worketh for us a far more ex∣ceeding eternal weight of glory: while we look not at things which are seen, 2 Cor. 4. 17, 18.

In nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition: but to you of salvation, and that of God, Phil. 1. 28.

Tribulations, which ye endure, &c. that ye may be accounted worthy of the kingdom of God, 2 Thess. 1. 5.

It is a faithful saying, &c. If we suffer, we shall also reign, 2 Tim. 2. 11, 12.

We have fathers of our flesh who correct us, and we give them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of spirits, and live? for they, &c. chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, &c. No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, &c. nevertheless afterwards

it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them who are exercised thereby, Heb. 12. 9, 10, 11.

Ye are in heaviness, &c. that the trial of your faith, &c. might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 1. 6, 7.

Thirdly, The considerations which should stay, bear up, and comfort the spirits of Saints in their afflictions, and under persecutions.

Cons. First, That it is their portion, which God appointed them in this life, as a privi∣ledg, and that too, for such-ends: See them last before.

2dly, That such who are so exercised, are blessed, and happy, and so pro∣nounced in Scripture: a seal of their sonship, and Gods choice love to them, and of their salvation.

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; &c. for he maketh sore, and bindeth up, &c. Job 5. 17, 18.

Blessed is the man whom thou chasteneth, O Lord, and teachest, &c. Psal. 94. 12.

Whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth: even as a father the son, in whom he delighteth, Prov. 3. 12.

He who spareth his rod, hateth his son: but he who loveth him, chasteneth him, Prov. 13. 24.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they, &c. Blessed are they who are persecu∣ted for righteousness sake, &c. blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and per∣secute, and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake: rejoyce, and be exceeding glad, Matth. 5. 4, 10, 11, 12.

Blessed are ye who hunger now, &c. who weep now, &c. But wo unto them who are rich, &c. who are full, &c. who laugh now, &c. when all men speak well of you, Luke 6. 21, 22, 24, 25, 26.

In nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition: but to you of salvation, and that of God; for unto you it is given, &c. not only to believe on him; but also to suffer for his sake, Phil. 1. 28, 29.

If ye be without chastisements, &c. then are ye bastards, and not sons, Heb. 12. 8.

Blessed is the man who endureth tentations: for when he is tryed, &c. James 1. 12.

We count them happy who endure, &c. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, James 5. 10, 11.

If ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid, 1 Pet. 3. 14.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the, &c. 1 Pet. 4. 14.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten, Rev. 3. 19.

Blessed are the dead, who dye in the Lord (or, for the Lords sake), Rev. 14. 13.

3dly, That God well knows the design and ways of Satan, and all the adver∣saries of believers: and that they can do no more, or proceed further a∣gainst the Saints, than what God permits: he turns about their pur∣poses.

Laban pursued Jacob, &c. and God came unto Laban the Syrian in a dream in the night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob from good to bad (or, either good or bad), &c. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yester-night; saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob, Gen. 31. 8, 23, 24, 29.

When Esau was coming against Jacob with four hundred men, and Jacob was afraid; yet God changed Esau his heart; so that when he met Jacob, he embraced him, &c. which made Jacob say to Esau, I have seen thy face as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me, Gen. 32. 6, 7, 8. ch. 33. 3, 4, 10.

And the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob, Gen. 35. 5.

Josephs brethren when they saw him, &c. conspired against him to slay him. And they said one to another, behold this dreamer cometh, Come now there∣fore and let us slay him, &c. and we shall see what will become of his dreams, &c. All which God prevented, and purposed better things, Gen. 37. 18, 19, 20, &c. ch. 39. ch. 50. 19, 20.

The King of Egypt designed the weakening of Israel, and preventing their increase. But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied, Exod. 1. 9, 10, 11, 12, 20.

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the afflictions of my people, &c. for I know their sorrows, Exod. 3. 7. Act. 7. 34.

Pharaohs design in pursuing Israel, God knew, atd prevented Pharaoh, and overthrew him, Exod. 14.

The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil: my lust shall be satisfied upon them: I will draw my sword, mine hand shall destroy (or, re possess them). Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea did cover them, they sank as lead, &c. who is like unto thee, O Lord! Exod. 15. 9, 10, 11.

Balak his design was to have Balaam to curse Israel; yet God over-ruled him, so that he could not but bless Israel, Numb. 22. ch. 24. 10, 11, 12, 13. ch. 23.

Saul designed to kill David, made many attempts, and pursued him, yet could never effect it: God prevented him, 1 Sam. 18. ch. 19. ch. 23. ch. 24. ch. 26.

Ahitophel gave counsel against David, but God brought it to nought, and suffered not his enemies to bring their design to pass, 2 Sam. 17.

The king of Assyria came against Samaria, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me. But God prevented him, 1 Kings 20. 1, 2, to the 21.

The enemies of Israel set themselves to hinder the building of the Tem∣ple, asked who commanded them to do it, wrote to the king against it: but God prevented their purpose, and brought forth the contrary effect: Ezra 5. ch. 6.

When Israel were building, the adversaries conspired together to come to fight against Jerusalem, to hinder it, &c. And when our enemies heard that it was made known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, we returned, &c. Neb. 4. 7, 8, 9, 11, 15.

Hamans great design was to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews, and it went on far; but God then turned it quite about: Esther 5. chap. 6. chap. 7. chap. 8.

Job could not be touched by Satan any farther, or otherwise than so far as God gave him leave, Job 1. 9, 10, 11, 12. ch. 2. 4, 5, 6.

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot per∣form their enterpise. He taketh the wise in their own craftiness, &c. They meet with darkness in the day, and grope in the noon, Job 5. 12, 13, 14.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, &c? yet have I set my king upon my holy hill, &c. Psal. 2. 1, 2, 4, 6.

He hath ordained his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travelleth with iniquity, hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falshood; he made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch he made: his mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing come down upon his own pate, Psal. 7. 13, 14, 15, 16. Psal. 9. 16.

They intended evil against thee, they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform, Psal. 21. 11.

Thou preparest a table for me in the fight of mine enemies, Psal. 23. 5.

The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations, Psal. 33. 10, 11.

By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not tri∣umph over me, Psal. 41. 11.

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath thou shalt restrain, Psal. 76. 10.

When Israel were but few in number, &c. when they went from one na∣tion to another, &c. he suffered no man to do them wrong; yea, he re∣proved kings for their sake, &c. Psal. 105. 12, 13, 14, 15.

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose

up against us: then they had swallowed us up quick, Psal. 124. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

There are many devices in the heart of man: nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, Prov. 19. 21.

There is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord, Prov. 21. 30.

Be quiet, fear not, &c. because Syria, &c. have taken evil counsel against thee, saying, Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, &c. Thus saith the Lord God, It shall not stand, nor shall it come to pass, Isa. 7. 4, 5, 6, 7. Micah 4. 11, 12, 13.

Associate your selves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces, &c. Gird your selves, and ye shall be broken in pieces, &c. take counsel together, and it shall come to nought: speak the word, and it shall not stand, for God is with us, Isa. 8. 9, 10.

O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, &c. I will send him against an hypo∣critical nation, &c. howbeit he meaneth not so, &c. It is in his heart to de∣stroy and cut off nations, not a few, &c. wherefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord hath performed his work, &c. I will punish the fruit, &c. Isa. 10 5, 6, 7, 12.

Wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us, &c? Surely your turning of things up-side down shall be esteemed as the potters Clay, Isa. 29. 15, 16.

Senacherib comes against Jerusalem, and by Rabshakeh proclaims his proud design: but God wonderfully disappointed him, Isa. 36. ch. 37.

Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee, shall fall for thy sake, &c. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, Isa. 54. 15, 17.

When the enemy shall come in like a floud, the spirit of the Lord shall set up a standard against him (or, put him to flight), Isa. 59. 19.

I am with thee, &c. they shall fight against thee: but they shall not pre∣vail against thee: for I am with thee, faith the Lord, to deliver thee, Jer. 1. 17, 18, 19. ch. 15. 20.

Although I have scattered them among the countreys, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countreys where they shall come, &c. I will even gather you from the people, &c. Ezek. 11. 16.

All that the envious presidents and princes could do and devise: against Daniel, could not out him: but he prospered in the reign of Darius, and of Cyrus, and so the three Children, Dan. 6. Dan. 3.

They know not the thoughts of the Lord: for he shall gather them as the sheaves in the floor, Micah 4. 11, 12, 13.

Herod designs the killing of the Child Jesus, he sends to enquire after him, gives order for the slaying of all the children of that age; yet God suffered him not to effect his design, Matth. 2. 1, 2, 3, to the 16.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbred: fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows, Mat. 10. 29, 30, 31.

There came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence, for Herod will kill thee. And he said unto them, Go ye, tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day, to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. Nevertheless, I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following, &c. Luke 13. 31, 32, 33.

You shall be hated of all men for my names sake, but there shall not a hair of your head perish: In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke 21. 17, 18, 19.

Then said Pilate, &c. Knowest thou not that I have power to crucifie thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above, Joh. 19. 10, 11,

Against thy holy Child Jesus, &c. to do what thy hand and counsel determi∣ned before to be done, Act. 4. 27, 28.

They took counsel to slay the Apostles: but Gamaliel said, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found fighting against God, Acts 5. 33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40.

When Saul was going in his fury to persecute, God meets with him, and stays the persecution, Acts 9. 1, 2, 3, &c.

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world, Act. 15. 18.

Speak, hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city, Act. 18. 9, 10.

Many had conspired and bound themselves with an oath to kill Paul ere they did eat: yet God disappointed them, Act. 23. 12, 13, thence to the end.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

4thly, That God orders and determines of the measure, manner, time, and continuance of afflictions and persecutions, and that according to our need

God said unto Abraham, Know assuredly, that thy feed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years, &c. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again, Gen. 15. 13, 14, 15, 16.

And it came to pass at the end of four hundred and thirty years, the self-same

day it came to pass, that all the host of the Lord went out of the land of Egypt, Exod. 12. 40, 41, 51.

God led Israel through the wilderness, that they should not see war and be discouraged, Exod. 13. 17.

Their heart was not right with him, &c. but he being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not; yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. For he remembred that they were but flesh; a wind which passeth away, and cometh not again, Psal. 78. 37, 38, 39.

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithful∣ness hast afflicted me, Psal. 119. 75.

It shall come to pass, when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Sion, and upon Jerusalem; I will punish the fruit of the stout-heart, &c. O my people, be not afraid of the Assyrian, he shall smite thee with a rod, &c. For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, &c. Isa. 10. 12, 24, 25.

In measure, when it shooteth forth, thou wilt debate with it: he stayeth his rough wind in the day of his east wind, Isa. 27. 7, 8.

Thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good toward you, in causing you to re∣turn, &c. Jer. 29. 10. Ezra 1. 1, 2, 3.

I will not make a full end of thee; but I will correct thee in measure, and will not, &c. Jer. 30. 11. ch. 46. 28.

He doth not afflict willingly (or, from his heart) nor grieve the children of men, Lam. 3. 33.

Against thy holy Child Jesus, &c. To do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done, Act. 4. 27, 28.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

He was sick, nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him, &c. but on me also, left I should have sorrow upon sorrow, Phil. 2. 27.

Ye greatly rejoyce, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, 1 Pet. 1. 6.

The God of all grace, &c. after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, 1 Pet. 5. 10.

Behold, the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, &c. and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give, &c. Rev. 2. 10.

5thly, That God doth sometimes make enemies, and the persecutors themselves, to acknowledg the Saints innocency when they suffer. And will surely avenge them upon their adversaries.

He will revenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to

to his adversaries: and will be merciful to his land, &c. Deut. 32. 43.

When David had spared Saul, being in his hands, Saul said to David, Is this thy voice, my son David, &c? Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil; and thou hast shewed this day how thou hast done well with me, forasmuch as when the Lord had delivered me into thine hands, thou killedst me not, &c. 1 Sam. 24. 16, 17, 18, 19.

Again, in the like case, Saul said, I have sinned, &c. Behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly, 1 Sam. 26. 21.

Haman, Mordecai's great enemy, forced to honour Mordecai, &c. Esther 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

Haman is hanged upon the same gallows he erected for Mordecai, Esther 7. 9, 10.

He ordained his arrows against the persecutors, Psal. 7. 13.

They have digged a pit for me, into the midst of which they are fallen, Psal. 57. 6.

The righteous shall rejoyce when he seeth the vengeance, &c. so that a man shall say, &c. Verily he is a God who judgeth in the earth, Psal. 58. 10, 11.

The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed, Psal. 103. 6.

Be not afraid, &c. for yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction, Isa. 10. 24, 25.

When thine hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see and be ashamed for envy at thy people (or, towards thy people), &c. Isaiah 26. 11.

All who watch for iniquity, are cut off: who make a man an offender for a word, Isa. 29. 20, 21.

I was wrath with my people, &c. thou didst shew them no mercy, &c. therefore these two things shall come upon thee in a moment, &c. Isa. 47. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Fear ye not the reproach of men, &c. for the moth shall eat them up like a garment: and the worm shall eat them like wood, &c. Thus saith the Lord, &c. who pleadeth the cause of his people: Behold, I have taken out of thy hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury, &c. but I will put it into the hands of them who afflict thee: who have said to thy soul, Bow down, &c. Isa. 51. 7, 8, 21, 22, 23.

Your brethren who hated you, &c. he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed, Isa. 66. 5.

God threatens several nations for their insolent insulting over his people the Jews, and for their cruel usages of them: and declares the vengeance he would take against them, Ezek. 25. chap. 26. chap. 35. chap. 36.

Nebuchadnezzar, who had caused Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego to be cast into the fiery-furnace, now said unto them, Ye servants of the

most high God, come forth, &c. and the king promoted them, Dan. 3. 26, 30.

So did Darius, when Daniel by the prosecution of the Presidents and Princes was cast into the lions den: came and said, O Daniel, servant of the living God, &c. And the king commanded, and they brought those men who had ac∣cused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives, &c. Dan. 6. 20, 24.

I have heard the rep•…•…ch of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, &c. therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, Ze∣phan. 2. 8, 9, 10, 11.

Whoso shall offend one of these little ones, who believe in me, it were better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drown∣ed in the depth of the sea: Wo unto the world because of offences, Matth. 18. 6, 7, 10. Luke 17. 1, 2.

I send unto you Prophets, &c. some of them you shall kill, &c. that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth from the blood of righteous Abel, &c. All these things shall come upon this generation, Matth. 23. 34, 35, 36.

Shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night unto him? though he bear long with them, I tell you, that he will avenge them speedily, Luke 18. 7, 8.

Pilate himself said of Christ, I find no fault in him, &c. Luke 23. 14.

King Agrippa and Festus both said of Paul, This man doth nothing worthy of death, or of bonds, Acts 26. 30, 31.

In nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, &c. and that of God, Phil. 1. 28.

It is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them who trouble you, &c. 2 Thess. 1. 6.

He who leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity: he who killeth with the sword, must be killed, &c. Here is the patience and the faith of the Saints, Rev. 13. 10.

Babylon is fallen: here is the patience of the Saints, Revel. 14, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Thou art righteous, O Lord, &c. because thou hast judged thus: for they have shed the blood of Saints and Prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy, Rev. 16. 5, 6.

6thly, That God will comfort, uphold, and preserve his in all their troubles: and not lay more on them than they can bear.

In that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them who are tempted, Heb. 2. 18. chap. 4. 15. chap. 5. 2.

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistins, although that was near: for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they fee war,

and they return to Egypt, &c. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them the way: and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light to go by day and night, Exod. 13. 17, 21.

Thou shalt not be afraid, &c. for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible: and the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little, Deut. 7. 19, 20, 21, 22.

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee, Deut. 33. 27.

David was greatly distressed, &c. but David encouraged himself in the Lord, 1 Sam. 30. 6.

Will he plead against me with his great power? no, but he would put strength into me, Joh 23. 6.

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in time of trouble: thou wilt save the afflicted people, Psal. 9. 9. Psal. 18. 27.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me: thou preparest a table for me in the sight of mine enemies, &c. Psal. 23. 4, 5.

In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion, in the secret of his ta∣bernacle shall he hide me: he shall set me upon a rock, &c. when my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up, &c. Wait on the Lord, &c. he shall strengthen thine heart, Psal. 27. 5, 10, 14.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them who fear him, &c. to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine, Psal. 33. 18, 19.

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him; the Lord will not leave him in his hand, &c. the Lord, he is their strength in time of trouble: and the Lord shall help them, and deliver them, &c. Psal. 37. 32, 33, 39, 40.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, &c. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the City of God, &c. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved: God shall help her right early, Psal. 46. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suf∣fer the righteous to be removed, Psal. 55. 22.

Bless our God, &c. who holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved: for thou, O Lord, hast proved us, thou hast tryed us as silver is tryed; thou broughtest us into the net, thou laidst afflictions upon our loins: thou hast caused men to ride over our heads, &c. Psal. 66. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

But he, full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath: for he remembred they were but flesh, a wind which passeth away, and cometh not again, Psal. 78. 38, 39.

He preserveth the soul of his Saints: he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked, Psal. 97. 10.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them who fear

him: for he knoweth our frame, he remembreth we are but dust, Psal. 103. 13, 14.

If it had not been the Lord, who was on our side, now may Israel say, &c. when men rose up against us, then they had swallowed us up quick, &c. then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: then the proud waters had gone over our soul, Psal. 114. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, Psal. 138. 7.

The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish, Prov. 10. 3.

Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his di∣stress: a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat; when the blast of the terrible one is as a storm against the wall, Isa. 25. 4.

He stayeth his rough wind in the day of the east wind, Isa. 27. 8.

A king shall reign, &c. and a man shall be a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest: as rivers of water in a dry place; as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, Isa. 32. 1, 2.

When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst: I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them: I will open rivers in high places, &c. I will make the wilder∣ness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water, Isa. 41. 17, 18, 19.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and thorow the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee: for I am the Lord thy God, Isa. 43. 2, 3.

The Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy on his afflicted, Isa. 49. 13.

Thus saith the high and lofty one, &c. I dwell, &c. with him also who is of a contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones: for I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wrath: for the spirit should fail before me, and the Souls I have made, Isa. 57. 15, 16.

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him, Isa. 59. 19.

Your brethren who hate you, that cast you out for my names sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but he shall appear unto your joy, &c. Isa. 66. 5.

Although I have cast them off among the heathen, &c. yet will I be unto them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come, Ezek. 11. 16.

God preserved his in the fiery furnace, and Daniel in the Lyons den, Dan. 3. 25. Dan. 6. 22.

How shall I give thee up? Ephraim, &c! mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together: I will not execute the fierceness of

mine anger: for I am God, and not man, &c. Hosea 11. 8, 9.

Rejoyce not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light to me, Micah. 7. 8.

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them, &c. Nahum 1. 7.

When they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour, what ye shall speak, Matth. 10. 19.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able: but will with the temptations also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

Blessed be God, &c. the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulations, &c. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consola∣tions also aboundeth by Christ, 2 Cor. 1. 3, 4, 5.

We are troubled on every side, &c. persecuted, but not forsaken, &c. always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus; that the life also of Jesus might be manifest in our body, &c. the inward man is renewed, &c. 2 Cor. 4. 8, 9, 10, 16.

We had trouble on every side, &c. Nevertheless God who comforteth them who are cast down, comforted us, &c. 2 Cor. 7. 5, 6.

I besought the Lord thrice, &c. and he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness, 2 Cor. 12. 8, 9, 10.

At my first answer no man stood with me, &c. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, &c. And the Lord shall deliver me, &c. 2 Tim. 4. 16, 17, 18.

Every where, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, &c. I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me, Phil. 4. 11, 12, 13.

See the Saints priviledges in common calamities, Chap. 23.

7thly, That the Saints are near and dear to God in Christ, so that he takes special notice of their afflictions and troubles, and is said to be persecuted and afflicted in their persecutions and afflictions.

And the Lord said, Surely I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry, by reason of their task masters: for I know their sorrows, and I am come down to deliver them, &c. Exod. 3. 7, 8, 9.

The Lords portion is his people, Jacob is the lot of his inheritance: he found him in a desert land, &c. He led him about (or, encompassed him about): he kept, he instructed him as the apple of his eye, &c. Deut. 32. 9, 10.

For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel that it was very bitter, 2 Kings 14. 26.

Thou hast considered my trouble, thou hast known my soul in adversity, Psal. 31. 7.

Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee, Psal. 69. 19.

The Lord will not cast off his people: neither will he forsake his inheritance, Psal. 94. 14.

He reproved kings for their sakes, saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm, Psal. 105. 14, 15.

They provoked him, &c. nevertheless he regarded their afflictions when he heard their cry: and he remembred for them his covenant: and repented ac∣cording to the multitude of his mercies, Psal. 106. 43, 44, 45, 46.

I was wroth with my people, &c. and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy: upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid the yoke, Isa. 47. 6.

Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking-child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee: Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand: thy walls are con∣tinually before me, Isa. 49. 14, 15, 16.

Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed, &c. for thy maker is thine husband, the Lord of hosts is his name: and thy redeemer the holy one of Israel, Isa. 54. 4, 5.

For he said, Surely they are my people, children who will not lye: so he was their Saviour: in all their afflictions he was afflicted, and the Angel of his presence saved them: and in his love, and in his pity, he redeemed them, &c. Isa. 63. 8, 9.

Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him: I will surely have mercy on him, saith the Lord, Jer. 31. 20.

I see four men walking in the fire, and they have no hurt: and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God, Dan. 3. 25.

How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel, &c? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled, Hosea 11. 8.

The Lord is good, a strong hold (or, strength) in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them who trusteth in him, Nahum 1. 7.

I am sore displeased, &c. for I was but a little displeased, and they helped for∣ward the affliction, Zech. 1. 15.

He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he who toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye. For behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil, &c. Zech. 2. 8.

The very hairs of your head are all numbred, &c. He who receiveth you, re∣ceiveth me, &c. Matth. 10. 30, 40, 42.

Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, &c. I was an hungry, and ye gave me meat, &c. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, When saw we thee an hungred, &c? and the king shall answer and say unto them, Ve∣rily, I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the

left hand, depart from me ye cursed, &c. For I was an hungry, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungry? then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch, as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me, Matt. 25. 34, 35, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.

And Saul yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord, &c. he heard a voice, saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why perse∣cutest thou me? and he said, Who art thou Lord? and the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest, it is hard for thee to kick, &c. Act. 9. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. ch. 16. 14, 15.

We are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones, Ephes. 5. 30.

We have not an High Priest, who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points tempted like as we are: yet without sin, Heb. 4. 15. ch. 2. 18. ch. 5. 2.

See Union and Relation between Christ and his Church, Chap. 15.

8thly, That the greater the afflictions and distresses of the Saints have been, the more wonderful have their deliverances been: and then hath Salvation been nearest, when Extremity was highest, and Danger greatest.

When Lot was taken Prisoner and carried away, and all his goods, God by Abraham wonderfully recovered all, and brought him back again, Gen. 14. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

Hagar is in such distress for her child, for want of water, that she lays it down and leaves it, that she might not see it dye, and sets far off weeping; then God speaks to her by the Angel: and God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water, &c. Gen. 21. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

When the Egyptians oppressed most, and made Israels burthens heaviest, in∣somuch that they despaired, then God came and made known himself, and said to Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharoah: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, &c. I have also heard the groanings of the children of Israel, &c. I will bring ye out from under the burden of the E∣gyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage; and I will redeem you with a stretched-out arm, and with great judgment, &c. Exod. 5. chap. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

And God did so deliver them, after he had shewed many wonders upon the Egyptians, and smote their first-born, Exod. 12. 29, 30, 31, 32, &c.

And the Lord went before them by day, in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, &c. Exod. 13. 21.

When Pharoah and his host pursued Israel, so that they reckoned themselves lost, and were in great distress, then the Angel of God which went be∣fore the Camp, removed and went behind them, &c. between the Camp of

the Egyptians and them: and the Lord divided the sea, while Israel passed through, and there drowned all the Egyptians, Exod. 14. 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, &c.

The Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up or left, Deut. 32. 36.

When David was great in distress, because Ziklag was burned, his wives, and the wives of his followers taken away, and all their substance, by the Amalekites, and his men spake of killing him; then God directs him to pursue the Amalekites, and he recovered all again by a wonderful hand, 1 Sam. 30. 1, 2, 3, to the 20.

When king David was in great danger at hand, by the counsel of Ahito∣phel in the time of Absoloms rebellion; God overthrew the counsel, by the counsel of Hushai, and so marvellously preserved David, 2 Sam. 17. 1, 2, 3, &c.

When Elijah fled from Ahab in a time of famine, God commanded the Ravens to feed him, &c. and the Ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morn, &c. when the brook dried up, God sent him to a widow to nourish him; when her meal was out, God caused the barrel of meal not to waste, the cruse of oyl not to fail until the Lord sent rain, 1 King. 17. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, to the 17.

So again, when he fled from Jezebel, and had requested of God that he might dye, the angel comes to him, and gives him bread and water twice, and then enabled him to go in the strength thereof many days, 1 Kings 19. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

When the wife of one of the sons of the Prophets was in distress, because of poverty, and danger of creditors, God by Elisha makes her pot of oyl to increase, to the filling of many vessels, to pay her debts with, 2 Kings 4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

When Samaria was besieged, and in great distress by reason of the sad famine in it, God on a sudden makes the Assyrians fly and leave plenty behind them in their camp, and so relieved his people, 2 Kings 6. chap. 7.

When Judah was environed, the battel before and behind them, then God delivered them, and overcame their enemies, slew five hundred thousand of them, 2 Chron. 13. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

When the Jews were by Hamans procurement appointed to slaughter, and the decree just ready to be executed, and they greatly distressed and helpless: Then God appeared, and delivered in a marvellous manner, Esther 3. chap. 6. chap. 7.

Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress, Psal. 4. 1.

When the Psalmist had reckoned up the sad state Gods people had been re∣duced to, he saith, Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, like a mighty man, &c. and he smote his enemies in the hinder part: he put them to a per∣petual reproach, Psal. 78. 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66.

Thou turnest man to destruction: and saist, Return ye children of men, Ps. 90. 1.

God slew the Assyrians, and saved Judah when they were low, Isa. 36. ch. 37.

I will heal thee, &c. because they call thee an out-cast, saying, This is Zion whom no man looks after: Thus saith the Lord, behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacobs tents, Jer. 30. 17, 18.

God appeared for his, when in the fire, and in the lyons den, and delivered them, Dan. 3. chap. 6.

When Peter through unbelief was sinking in the sea, Christ stretched out his hand, and caught him, and saved him, Matt. 14. 28, 29, 30, 31.

When the Apostles were put into the prison, the Angel of the Lord brought them out, Act. 5. 18, 19.

Peter being imprisoned, in order to his being brought out to the people, and being fettered, and lying between two souldiers; the angel of the Lord came, said, Arise: the chains fell off, the gates open of their own accord, he is delivered, Act. 12. 1, 2, 3, 4, to the 12.

When Paul and Silas was thrust into the inner prison, and their feet fast in the stocks, God made the foundation of the prison to shake, and doors fly open, and delivered Paul and Silas, Act. 16. 23, 24, 26, 29, 30, 39.

Paul, when the Jews went about to kill him, was delivered by the captain, &c. Act. 21. 30, 31, 32.

Paul and his company strangely saved in their voyage by sea, and shipwrack, Act. 27.

9thly, That Afflictions and Persecutions, shall be for the great good of Saints.

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go unto the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance, the heart is made better, Eccles. 7. 2, 3.

By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged: and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin, Isa. 27. 9.

I will bring the third part through the fire, &c. they shall call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, it is my people, and they shall say, the Lord is my God, Zech. 13. 9.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, &c. rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven, Matt. 5. 11, 12.

Whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it, Matt. 16. 25. Joh. 12. 25.

Every one who hath forsaken houses, &c. for my name sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life, Matt. 19. 29. Luke 18. 29, 30.

Blessed are ye who hunger now, for ye shall be filled: blessed are ye who weep now, for ye shall laugh, Luk. 6. 21.

In nothing terrified, &c. which is to them an evident token of, &c. but to you of salvation, and that of God, Phil. 1. 28.

It is a righteous thing with God, to recompence tribulation unto them

who trouble you: and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord, &c. 2 Thes. 1. 5, 6, 7.

Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in heaven a better and an, &c. Heb. 10. 34.

Moses, &c. choosing rather affliction with the people of God, &c. esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches, &c. for he had respect unto the recom∣pence of reward, Heb. 11. 24, 25, 26.

Now no chastening for the present, &c. nevertheless, afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness, Heb. 12. 11.

The tryal of your faith worketh patience, &c. blessed is the man who endureth temptations, for when he is tryed, he shall receive the crown of life, James 1. 3, 12.

We have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, James 5. 11.

Rejoyce, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy, 1 Pet. 4. 13.

These are they who came out of great tribulations, &c. therefore are they be∣fore the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he who sitteth on the throne, shall dwell among them, &c. shall feed them, &c. and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, Rev. 7. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

See some of the ends of Gods afflicting his, Chap. 22.

10thly, That God will not always chide, nor suffer his to be under afflictions and persecutions; they shall have an end, he will bring deliverance, and restore joy.

After Israel had been long and sorely oppressed, and afflicted by the Egyp∣tians, the Lord sent Moses for their deliverance: and said, I have surely seen the afflictions of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters, &c. and I am come-down to deliver them out of their hand, &c. and to bring them up out of that land, unto a good land, Exod. 3. 7, 8, 9, 10. chap. 6. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly, &c. but I will for their sakes remember the covenant, &c. I am the Lord, Levit. 26. 43, 44, 45.

For the Lord will judge his people, and repent him for his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, &c. he will be merciful to his land, &c. Deut. 32. 36, 43.

He maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole, Job 5. 18.

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, &c. also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before, Job 42. 10.

The needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever, Psal. 9. 18.

Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble, &c. to judg the fatherless and

the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress (or, terrifie), Psal. 10. 17, 18.

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I a∣rise, saith the Lord, I will set him in safety from him who would ensnare him, (or, puffeth at them), Psal. 12. 5.

Sing unto the Lord, O ye Saints of his, &c. for his anger endureth but a moment, &c. weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning, Psal. 30. 4, 5.

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles, &c. many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord de∣livereth him out of them all, Psal. 34. 17, 19.

I waited patiently for the Lord, &c. he brought me up also out of an hor∣rible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, &c. Psal. 40. 1, 2.

Call upon me in the time of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou, &c. Psal. 50. 15.

Thou who hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth: thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side, Psal. 71. 20, 21.

I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace to his people: but let them not turn again to folly, Psal. 85. 8.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, &c. he will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever, Psal. 103. 8, 9, 13, 14.

The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity, Psal. 125. 2, 3.

They who sow in tears, shall reap in joy: he who goeth forth and weep∣eth, &c. shall doubtless come again with rejoycing, &c. Psal. 126. 5, 6.

The Lord will judg his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servant, Psal. 135. 14.

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction, Isa. 10. 25.

Though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou com∣fortedst me, Isa. 12. 1.

The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet chuse Israel, and set them in their own land, &c. and they shall rule over their oppressors, &c. the Lord will give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, Isa. 14. 1, 2, 3.

God hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted, Isa. 49. 13.

The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, &c. they shall obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and mourning shall flee away, I, I am he who comforteth you, &c. hear now this thou afflicted, &c. I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, &c. thou shalt no more drink it again, Isa. 51. 11, 12, 21, 22.

For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercy will I

gather thee: in a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, &c. Isa. 54. 7, 8.

I will not contend for ever, neither will I be always wroth: for the spirit should fail before me, and the fouls I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, &c. and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, I will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him, and, &c. Isa. 57. 15, 16, 17, 18.

In my wroth I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee, Isa. 60. 10.

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, &c. to bind up the broken hear∣ted, &c. to comfort all who mourn; to appoint unto them who mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, and the oyl of joy for mourning, &c. Isa. 61. 1, 2, 3.

I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end, Jer. 29. 10, 11.

I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an outcast, saying, This is Zion whom no man seeketh after, Jerem. 30. 17.

He who scattereth Israel, will gather him, &c. I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoyce from their sorrow, &c. Is Ephraim my dear son, &c? I will surely have mercy on him, saith the Lord, &c. As I have watched over them to pluck up, and to break down, &c. so will I watch over them to build, and to plant, saith the Lord, Jer. 31. 10, 13, 20, 28.

For the Lord will not cast off for ever: but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies: for he doth not afflict willingly, Lam. 3. 31, 32.

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Now will I bring again the Captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for mine holy name, after that they have born their shame, &c. Ezek. 39. 25, 26.

Come let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us: he hath smitten, and he will bind us up, &c. Hos. 6. 1.

Rejoyce not against me, O mine enemy: though I fall, I shall arise, &c. I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, &c. he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness, &c. Who is a God like unto thee, who pardoneth iniquity, &c? he retaineth not his anger for ever: because he delighteth in mercy, he will turn again, he will have compassion upon us, Mic. 7. 8, 9, 18, 19.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted, Mat. 5. 4.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, &c. but your sorrow shall be turned into joy, &c. ye now therefore have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoyce, Joh. 16. 20, 22.

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly, Rom. 16. 20.

God is faithful, &c. but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

God, who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver, 2 Cor. 1. 10.

It is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them who trouble you: and to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Je∣us, &c. 2 Thes. 1. 6, 7.

What persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me, 2 Tim. 3. 11.

The Lord stood with me, &c. and I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion, 2 Tim. 4. 17.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, 2 Pet. 2. 9.

11thly, That afflictions and persecutions have been the lot of Christ himself, and of the Saints in all ages.

The Disciple is not above his Lord, nor the servant above his master: it is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, &c. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his houshold? Fear them not therefore, Mat. 10. 24, 25, 26.

If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you, &c. remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than the Lord: if they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you, Joh. 15. 18, 20.

We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men, &c. even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffetted, and have no certain dwelling-place, &c. being reviled, &c. per∣secuted, &c. we are made as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things unto this day, 1 Cor. 4. 9, 11, 12, 13.

There hath no temptation taken you, but what is common to man, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

For we who live, are always delivered to death for Jesus sake, 2 Corinth. 4. 11.

But as then, he who was born after the flesh, persecuted him who was after the spirit: even so it is now, Gal. 4. 29.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of Witnesses, &c. let us run with patience the race which is set before us, look∣ing unto Jesus the author and finisher of faith, who for the joy which was set before him, endured the Cross, &c. for consider him who endured such con∣tradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds, Heb. 12. 1, 2, 3.

Take, my Brethren, the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience, Jam. 5. 10.

Hereunto also are ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps, 1 Pet. 2. 21.

Your adversary the Devil as a roaring Lion, &c. whom resist stedfast in

the faith; knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world, 1 Pet. 5. 8, 9.

How long, O Lord, &c. dost thou not judg and avenge our blood on them who dwell on the earth! and it was said unto them, That they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also, and their brethren which should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled, Rev. 6. 10, 11.

Fourthly, What are the Duties of the Saints, and how they ought to behave them∣selves under their afflictions and sufferings, both towards God and men.

1st, Towards God.

1st, To eye God in them, afflictions being sent of him.

Joseph said to his Brethren, it was not you who sent me hither, but God, Gen. 45. 5, 8.

I will harden Pharoahs heart, that he shall follow after them, &c. Exod. 14. 4.

When Israel wanted water in the desert, they did not eye God in it, but chide with Moses, Numb. 20. 2, 3.

But Sihon King of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the Lord thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, Deut. 2. 30.

See now that I, even I, am he, &c. I kill, and I make alive: I wound, and I heal: neither is there any who can deliver out of my hand, Deut. 32. 39.

When Samuel had told Eli what the Lord would do against his house, he said, It is the Lord, 1 Sam. 3. 18.

Shimei cursed David, &c. David said, So let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say wherefore? 2 Sam. 16. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Satan said, Put forth thine hand, &c. Job said, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken, Job 1. 11, 21. Chap. 2. 5.

Afflictions cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble come out of the ground: &c. the chastening of the Lord: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, &c. Job 5. 6, 17, 18. chap. 9. 12.

I will say unto God, &c. wherefore contendest thou with me? Job 10. 2. chap. 30. 11.

God hath overthrown me, &c. he hath fenced up my way, that I cannot pass, &c. Job 19. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hi∣deth his face, who then can behold him? Job 34. 29.

I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it, &c. when thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away, &c. Psal. 39. 9, 11.

Thou who hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me, Psal. 71. 20.

Thou turnest man to destruction, Psal. 90. 3.

Their enemies, he turned their heart to hate his people, and to deal subtilly with his servants, Psal. 105. 25.

I make peace, I create evil: I the Lord do all these things, Isa. 45. 7.

I was wrath with my people: I have, &c. given them into thine hand, Isa. 47. 6.

The Lords voice crieth unto the city, &c. Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it, Micah 6. 9.

When we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, 1 Cor. 11. 32.

Moses endured, as seeing him who is invisible, Heb. 17. 29.

Whom the Lord loves, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth, Heb. 12. 6, 7.

See more of common calamities, Chap. 23.

2dly, To submit to God, with an humble, quiet, and silent spirit, under troubles.

When God had slain Nadab and Abihu Aarons son, and Moses had told Aaron that God would be sanctified in all those who came near him, &c. Aaron held his peace, Levit. 10. 1, 2, 3.

If their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then except of the punishment of their iniquity: then will I remember my covenant, Levit. 26. 41, 42.

Ye shall eat until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the Lord who is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? Numb. 11. 19, 20.

Do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee: deliver us only, we pray thee, this day, Judg. 10. 15.

When Samuel had told Eli all which God had threatned against Eli's house; Eli said, It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

David said, Carry back the Ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, &c. But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee: behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good to him, 2 Sam. 15. 25, 26.

Behold, the day cometh, that all which is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried unto Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord, &c. Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord, which thou hast spoken, &c. 2 Kings 20. 16, 17, 18, 19.

When Job had received all the sad messages of his losses, he worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, Job 1. 19, 20, 21.

Then said his wife to him, &c. Curse God, and die. But he said unto her, &c. what? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? in all this did not Job sin, Job 2. 9, 10.

How much less shall I answer him, and chuse out my words to reason with him; whom, though I were righteous, would I not answer, &c? Job 9. 13. 14, 15.

Shall any teach God knowledg, seeing he judgeth those who are high? one dieth in his full strength (or, in the strength of his perfection), &c. and ano∣ther dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure, Job 21. 22, 23, 24, 25.

God is greater than man: why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters: for God speeketh once, yea twice, man perceiveth it not, &c. Job 33. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

For he will not lay upon man more than is right, that he should en∣ter into judgment with God, &c. Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have born chastisement, I will not offend: that which I see not, teach thou me. If I have done iniquity, I will do no more, Job 34. 23, 31, 32.

The Lord answered Job, and said, Shall he who contendeth with the Al∣mighty, instruct him? he who reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered, and said, Behold, I am vile, what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth; once have I spoken, but I will not answer, &c. Job 40. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it, Psal. 39. 9.

My son, despise not the chastenings of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction: for whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth, Prov. 3. 11, 12. Heb. 12. 5, 6.

Wo unto him who striveth with his maker: let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth: shall the clay say to him who fashioneth it, what? &c. Isa. 45. 9.

Cannot I do with you as this potter, saith the Lord? Behold, as the clay is in the potters hand, so are ye in my hand, O house of Israel, Jer. 18. 4, 5, 6.

Thou hast chastened me, &c. after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh, I was ashamed, &c. Jer. 31. 18, 19.

God tells his people in Babylon, that if they would abide there, he would build them, and not pull them down; but if they submitted not to their condi∣tion, but said, They would go down to Egypt where they might see no war, &c. Then judgments should follow them thither, and there they should die, Jer. 42. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth; he sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because, &c. he putteth his mouth in the dust: if so be, there may be hope, &c. Wherefore doth the living man complain, &c. for the punishment of sins? Lam. 3. 27, 28, 29, 39.

I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, Micah 7. 9.

None of these things move me, neither is my life dear unto me, so that, &c. Act. 20. 24.

Tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, &c. Rom. 5. 4, 5.

Patient in tribulations, Rom. 12. 12.

Neither murmur ye as some of them murmured, and were destroyed, 1 Cor. 10. 10, 11.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in per∣secutions, in distresses for Christs sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 10. 2 Tim. 2. 3.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4. 11, 12.

We our selves glory in you, &c. for your faith and patience in all your persecutions, 2 Thess. 1. 4.

Fathers of our flesh, who correct us, &c. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the father of spirits, and live? for they, &c. chasten us after their pleasure; but he for our profit, Heb. 12. 9, 10. James 1. 12.

Submit your selves therefore to God: resist the Devil, James 4. 7.

The husbandman waiteth, &c. Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord, &c. James 5. 7, 8, 11.

If ye do well, and suffer for it, and take it patiently, this is acceptable to God, 1 Pet. 2. 20.

Humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1 Pet. 5. 6.

3dly, To confess their sins, and justifie God.

If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespasses, &c. then will I remember my covenant, &c. Levit. 26. 40, 41, 42.

Thou art just in all that is brought upon us, for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly, &c. Neh. 9. 33, 34, &c.

I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Job 7. 20.

How should man be just with God? if he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand, &c. If I justifie my self, mine own mouth shall condemn me, Job 9. 2, 3, 20.

He looketh unto men: and if any say, I have sinned, &c. he will deliver his soul from going into the pit, &c. Job 33. 27, 28.

He will not lay upon man more than is right, &c. Job 34. 23.

Behold, I am vile, what shall I answer thee, &c? Job 40. 3, 4.

I uttered that I understood not: things too wonderful for me, which I knew not, &c. I abhor my self, and repent in dust and ashes, Job 42. 3, 5, 6.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities, Psal. 103. 10.

The church in her affliction confesseth her sin, Isaiah 59. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me: behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned, Jer. 2. 35.

Only acknowledg thine iniquity, &c. Jer. 3. 12, 13.

Daniel confesseth to God at large, in the time of the captivity, Dan. 9. 5, to the 16.

Zion spreadeth forth her hands, &c. The Lord is righteous, for I have re∣belled, Lam. 1, 18, 20.

It is the Lords mercy we are not consumed, &c. wherefore doth the living man complain, &c? Let us search, and try our ways, and turn again, Lam. 3. 22, 39, 40.

The crown is fallen from our head: wo to us that we have sinned, Lam. 5. 16.

I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledg their offence, and seek my face: in their afflictions they will seek me early, Hosea 5. 15.

I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, Micah 7. 9.

Dost thou not fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? and we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, &c. Luk, 23. 40, 41.

See more of confession at large, Chap. 16.

See more of confession of sins, in time of common calamities, Chap. 23. One to another, Chap. 17.

See prayer, Chap. 16.

4thly, To hold fast to God, own the Lord Jesus, his people, and ways, in the midst of trouble, afflictions, and persecutions.

Job his wife said unto him in his great affliction, Dost thou still retain thy integrity? Curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh: what? &c. In all this did not Job sin with his lips, Job 2. 9, 10.

All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsly in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back: neither have our steps declined from thy way. Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death: If we have forgotten the name of our God, &c. Psal. 44. 17, 18, 19, 20.

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law, &c. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies: yet do I not decline from thy testimonies, &c. Princes have persecuted me with∣out a cause: yet doth my heart stand in awe of thy word, Psal. 119. 51, 157, 161.

The Lord spake unto me, &c. and instructed me, that I should not walk in

the way of this people, saying, Say ye not a confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say a confederacy: neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid: Sanctifie the Lord of host himself, and let him be your fear and your dread, and he shall be for a sanctuary, Isa. 28. 11, 12, 13, 14.

When Jeremy had prophesied to Judah, then spake the priest and the prophets unto the princes and to all the people, saying, This man is worthy to dye: for he hath prophesied against this city, &c. Then spake Jeremy un∣to all the princes, and to all the people, saying, The Lord sent me to prophe∣sie against this house, &c. therefore now amend your ways, &c. But as for me, behold, I am in your hand, do with me as seemeth good, &c. Jer. 26. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

Daniel (when a captive in Babylon) he purposed in his heart, that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kings meat, nor with the wine which he drank: and therefore he requested, &c. that he might not de∣file himself, &c. desired pulse to eat, and water to drink, Dan. 1. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

When a strict law had been made by the king, that every one should fall down, and worship the golden Image he had set up, under pain of being cast into the fiery furnace: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to do it, and in the presence of the king, said, We are not careful to answer thee in this matter, &c. our God whom we serve, is able to deliver us, &c. and he will, &c. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up, Dan. 3. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

When a decree was passed, that whosoever should ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of the king, he should be cast into the Lions den. And Daniel knew that the writing was signed: He went into his house, and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks, as he did a∣foretime, Dan. 6. 7, 8, 9, 10.

Ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake: but he who endureth unto the end, shall be saved, &c. He who loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me, &c. And he who taketh not his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me, &c. He who loseth his life for my sake, shall find it, Mat. 10. 22, 37, 38, 39. ch. 16. 24, 25, 26.

He heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it: yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ari∣seth because of the word, by and by he is offended, Mat. 13. 20, 21.

When Christ was taken, his disciples fled. Peter denied him: but afterwards wept bitterly for his so doing, Mat. 26. 56, 70, 72, 74, 75.

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulte∣rous and sinful generation, of him also shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his father, &c. Mark. 8. 36.

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended, Joh. 16. 1. Gal. 5. 11. ch. 6. 12.

When the Apostles had been commanded not to speak at all, &c. in the name of Jesus, they say, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judg ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard, Act. 4. 19, 20.

Again, when they were charged with preaching contrary to their command, the Apostle said, We ought to obey God rather than men. And they preached Christ before the council, who caused them to be beaten, and gave them a new charge not to preach; yet they daily in the temple, and in every house, ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ, Act. 5. 27, 28, 29, 30, 40, 41, 42.

None of these things move me, &c. so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry, &c. Act. 20. 23, 24.

I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to die, &c. for the name of the Lord Jesus, Act. 21. 13.

Paul before Felix said, After the way they call heresie, so worship I the God of my fathers, Act. 24. 14.

Many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear, &c. that ye stand fast, &c. striving together for the faith of the Gospel, and in nothing terrified by your adver∣saries, Phil. 1. 14, 27, 28.

Be thou not therefore ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, &c. I suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, 2 Tim. 1. 8, 12.

If we suffer, &c. if we deny him, he also will deny us, 2 Tim. 2. 12.

—Nor faint when thou are rebuked of him, Heb. 12. 5.

If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but glorifie God, 1 Pet. 4. 16.

Thou shalt suffer, &c. be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee a crown of life, Rev. 2. 10.

See more of perseverance, Chap. 16.

5thly, To be chearful under affliction, and rejoyce to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine, &c. yet I will rejoyce in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation, Hab. 3. 17, 18.

When they shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake, rejoyce and be exceeding glad, Math. 5. 11, 12.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good chear, I have o∣vercome the world, Joh. 16. 33.

When the Apostles had been put into the common prison, brought before the council, and been beaten there; they departed from the presence of the council rejoycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name, Act. 5. 18, 27, 40, 41.

Paul and Silas being thrust into the inner prison, and their feet made fast in the Stocks, sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard, Act. 6. 24, 25.

Bonds and afflictions abide me, but none of these things move me, Act. 20. 23, 24.

What mean we to weep, &c. I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die, Act. 21. 13.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also, Rom. 5. 3.

As sorrowful, yet always rejoycing, 2 Cor. 6. 10.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in per∣secutions, in distresses for Christs sake, 2 Cor. 12. 9, 10.

I Paul am made a minister, who now rejoyce in my sufferings for you, Col. 1. 23, 24.

Thou therefore endure hardship, as a good soldier of ••••rist. 2 Tim. 2. 3.

For ye, &c. took joyfully the spoyling of your goods, knowing in your selves, &c. Heb. 10. 34.

Moses chusing rather to suffer, &c. esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, Heb. 11. 25, 26.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, Heb. 12. 12.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations: know∣ing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, &c. Blessed is the man who endureth temptation: for when he is tryed, he shall receive the crown, James 1. 1, 2, 12.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery tryal, which is to try you, &c. but rejoyce, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs suffer∣ings: that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also. If any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorifie God in this behalf: for the time is come, when judgment, &c. 1. Peter. 4. 12. 13. 16.

Let us go forth therefore unto him, without the camp, bearing his reproach, Heb. 13. 13.

6thly, To cry to the Lord for help, support, and salvation.

Jacob in his distress, when Esau pursued him, prayed earnestly, Gen. 32. 8, 9, 24.

Jacob in his great distress, when Joseph had kept Simeon, and required Benjamin also, said, God almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin: If I be bereaved, &c. Gen. 43. 14.

The children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them, and they were sore afraid: and the children, of Israel cryed out unto the Lord, Exod. 14. 10.

When all the waters were bitter, that the people could not drink, Moses cryed unto the Lord, Exod. 15. 23, 24, 25.

Moses cryed unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people, they be almost ready to stone me? &c. So when Amalek fought with Israel, Moses held up his hand, and then Israel prevailed, &c. Exod. 17. 1, 2, 3, 4, 11, 12.

The Lord shall scatter you among the nations, &c. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, Deut. 4. 27, 29.

When Israel were delivered into the hand of their enemies, they cryed unto the Lord, and the Lord raised up a deliverer, Judg. 3. 8, 9.

Hannah was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore, 1 Sam. 1. 10, 11, 12, 13.

David in his distress, prayed the Lord to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishn•…•… 2 Sam. 15. 31. ch. 12. 22.

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cryed to my God, and he did hear my voice out of his temple, 2 Sam. 22. 7.

When Jerusalem was in distress, by reason of the Assyrians, and Rab∣shakehs railing and threatning: Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord, and prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God, &c. 2 Kings 19. 14, 15, 16, &c.

Hezekiah was sick unto death, &c. he turned his face to the wall, and pray∣ed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, &c. he wept, 2 Kings 20. 1, 2, 3.

When there came an host of One thousand thousand against Judah, Asa cryed unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing unto thee to help, &c. 2 Chron. 14. 9, 10, 11, 12.

There came a great multitude against Jehosaphat, &c. he feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast, &c. And Jehosaphat stood in the congregation, and said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God, &c? 2 Chron. 20. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, &c.

When Manasseh was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, &c. and prayed unto him, and he was intreated of him, 2 Chron. 33. 11, 12, 13.

He heareth the cry of the afflicted, Job 34. 23.

O Lord save me from all them who persecute me: and deliver me, Psal. 7. 1.

Our fathers, &c. they cryed to thee, and were delivered, &c. He hath not despised nor abhorred the afflictions of the afflicted: neither hath he hid his face from him: but when he cryed unto him, he heard, Psal. 22. 4, 5, 24. Psal. 107. 6, 13.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cryed, and the Lord heard, and saved him out of all his troubles, Psal. 34. 4, 6, 17. Psal. 35.

The Psalmist prays for help and salvation in such a time, Psal. 38. 20, 21, 22. Psal. 39. 10, 13.

For thy sake are we killed all the day long, &c. Awake, why sleepest thou,

O Lord, arise, &c. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, forgettest our affliction, &c? Psal. 44. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorifie me, Psal. 50. 15.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, Psal. 77. 2.

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me, Psal. 86. 7.

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place, Psal. 118. 5. Psal. 130. 1.

The Church in her low condition prays earnestly, Look down, &c. Isa. 63. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon, &c. Lam. 3. 55, 59, &c.

I will go and return unto my place, till they acknowledg their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early, Hosea 5. 15.

When the mariners were in the tempest, they called upon their gods, and roused up Jonah to call upon his God, if so be, God will think upon us, that we perish not, Jonah 1. 4, 5, 6.

Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fishes belly, and said, I try, &c. Jonah 2. 1, 2, &c.

The Ninevites prayed, &c. who can tell if God will turn, &c? Jonah 3. 8, 9. 2 Sam. 12. 22.

When Peter saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid: and beginning to sink, he cryed, saying, Lord save me. And immediately Jesus, &c. caught him, Mat. 14. 30, 31.

When the Apostles had been imprisoned, and convened before council, they lift up their voice to God, with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, &c. Behold their threatnings, and grant unto thy servants, &c. Act. 4. 24, 29, 30.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayers was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him, Act. 12. 5, 12.

Paul when he was under the buffeting of Satan, saith, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me, 2 Cor. 12. 7, 8.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray, &c. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, &c. And the prayer of the faithul shall save the sick, James 5. 13, 14, 15.

See more of prayer, Chap. 16.

See more of duties in common calamities.

7thly, Not to fear, but believing, commit their case to God, and quietly wait for his salvation.

He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me, Heb. 13. 5, 6.

Israels impatiency in waiting for God made them quarrel with Moses, and Moses with God, although God was in his way of delivering, Exod. 5. 21, 22, 23.

The children of Israel said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness, &c. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he shall shew to you this day, &c. The Lord shall fight for you, Exod. 14. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Because of Israels unbelief, and impatiency in waiting for God, they were not suffered to enter Canaan, only their children, of whom they had said, They should be a prey, they did possess the land, Deut. 1. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39.

As an incouragement, we should remember what God hath done formerly, Deut. 7. 17, 18, 19.

And David was greatly distressed, &c. but David incouraged himself in the Lord his God, 1 Sam. 30. 6.

It may be the Lord will look on my affliction, and that the Lord will requite good for his cursing this day, 2 Sam. 16. 12.

Elisha said, when the city was invironed with enemies, Fear not, for they who be with us, are more than they who be with them, &c. But when there was a famine in Samaria, the king (because deliverance hastened not) said, Be∣hold, this evil is from the Lord: what should I wait for the Lord any longer? 2 Kings 6. 14, 15, 16, 33. 2 Chron. 32. 7, 8.

In the great famine of Samaria, the great lord who would not believe the plenty the prophet had foretold, was told by the prophet that he should see it, but not eat thereof: and so it fell out unto him, &c. 2 Kings 7. 1, 2, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Though Judah was beset by Israel, yet Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God, &c. 2 Chron. 13. 14, 18.

Be not afraid, nor dismayed: for the battel is not yours, but Gods, &c. Stand ye, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, 2 Chron. 20. 15, 16, 17.

To God I would commit my cause, Job 5. 8.

I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined to me, &c. He brought me out of an horrible pit, Psal. 40. 1, 2.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, Psal. 42. 5, 11.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee, Psal. 55. 22.

Our bones are scattered at the graves mouth, &c. But mine eyes are unto thee, O Lord, Psal. 141. 7, 8.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small, Prov. 24. 10.

The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso trusteth in the Lord, shall be safe, Prov. 29. 25.

Take heed, and be quiet: fear not, neither be faint-hearted, &c. because Syria, Ephraim, &c. have taken evil counsel against thee, &c. I shall not stand, Isa. 7. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

And I will wait upon the Lord, who hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him, Isa. 8. 17.

It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us, Isa. 25. 9.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on thee, Isa. 26. 3.

The Egyptians shall help in vain, &c. therefore have I cryed, &c. their strength is to sit still, &c. Thus saith the Lord, In returning and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength, &c. Isa. 30. 7, 15.

Fear not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God, &c. Isa. 41. 10, 13, 14.

Who is among you who feareth the Lord, who obeyeth the voice of his servant, who walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold all ye who kindle a fire, &c. Isa. 50. 10, 11.

Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings, &c. I, even I am he who comforteth you. Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, &c. and forgettest the Lord thy maker? Isa. 51. 7, 12, 13.

It is the Lords mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not, &c. Its good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord, Lam. 3. 22, 25, 26.

When my Soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, Jonah 2. 7.

The Son dishonoured the father, &c. Therefore will I look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation, Micah 7. 6, 7.

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them who trust in him, Nahum 1. 7.

Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11. 28.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

We should not trust in our selves, but in God, &c. who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust, that he will yet de∣liver, 2 Cor. 1. 9, 10.

In nothing terrified by your adversaries, Phil. 1. 28.

Be careful for nothing, but in every thing, &c. let your request be made known unto God, Phil. 4. 6.

We our selves glory in you, &c. for your patience and faith in all your persecutions, 2 Thess. 1. 4.

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, &c. when he suffered he threatned not, but committed his cause to him who judgeth righteously, 1 Pet. 2. 21, 23.

If ye suffer, &c. be not afraid of their terror, &c. But sanctifie the Lord, &c. 1 Pet. 3. 14, 15.

Wherefore let them who suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their soul to him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator, 1 Pet. 4. 19.

See more of trust in God, Chap. 16.

See of waiting for God.

Secondly, The duties of saints, and how they ought to behave themselves to∣wards enemies and persecutors, in a time of persecution and suffering from them.

1st, To be patient, quiet, and sober towards them: not revenge, or return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling, but forgive them.

Joseph instead of revenging upon his brethren, for their injuring of him, speaks kindly to his brethren, and said, Be not grieved, nor angry with your selves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life, &c. So now it was not you who sent me hither, but God, Gen. 45. 6, 7, 8,

Though Saul hunted for Davids life, yet would not David avenge himself upon him, 1 Sam. 24 ch. 26.

When Shimei cursed David, he bore it quietly, and would not avenge him∣self, 2 Sam. 16. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

And afterward Abishai said to David, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lords anointed, &c. David said to Shimei, Thou shalt not die, 2 Sam. 19. 21, 22, 23.

O God, to whom vengeance belong, &c. shew thy self, Psal. 94. 1.

Envy thou not the oppressor, (or the man of violence), Prov. 3. 31.

Say not thou, I will recompence evil: wait on the Lord, and he shall save, Prov. 20. 22.

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man, &c. Prov. 24. 29.

He was oppressed, &c. yet he opened not his mouth, &c. as a sheep, &c. so he opened not his mouth, Isa. 53. 7.

Jeremy said, As for me, behold, I am in your hand, do with me as seemeth good, &c. Jer. 26. 11, 14.

Resist not: but whosoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other, Matth. 5. 38, 39.

If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you, Matth. 6. 14, 15.

When one of Christs disciples drew his sword, &c. he bid him put it up, &c. Matth. 26. 51, 52.

James and John said, Lord, Wilt thou that we command fire down from heaven, and consume them, &c? but he turned and rebuked them: and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of: for the Son of man is not come to desttoy mens lives, &c. Luke 9. 53, 54, 55, 56.

Paul said to Festus (when he had said, He was besides himself); I am not mad, most noble Festus, &c. Acts 26. 24, 25.

Recompence to no man evil for evil, &c. Avenge not your selves, but ra∣ther give place to wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord, Rom. 12. 17, 19.

Being reviled, we bless, &c. being defamed, we intreat, 1 Cor. 4. 12, 13.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man, 1 Thess. 5. 15.

Ye have condemned and killed the just, and he doth not resist you, James 5. 6.

So is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the igno∣rance of foolish men, &c. Christ suffered, &c. leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps, &c. who when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffer∣ed, he threatned not, 1 Pet. 2. 15, 21, 23.

Not rendring evil for evil, or railing, &c. 1 Pet. 3. 9.

2dly, Not to desire, or rejoyce in the hurt of enemies and persecutors.

David mourned and wept when Saul was slain, although he had been his deadly enemy; hated and pursued him several years, 2 Sam. 1. 4, 5, to the end.

Abner his great enemy, who set up Ishbosheth in opposition to him, being slain, David said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the Lord for ever, &c. He commands all to mourn for him: and himself mourned, followed him to his funeral, 2 Sam. 3. 27, 28, 29, 31, 32.

So David, instead of rejoycing that Ishbosheth was slain, commandeth his young men to kill those who slew him, 2 Sam. 4. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

When Israel had conquered Judah: the Prophet commanded them to let the captives go, feed them, and clothe them, and not insult over them, 2 Chron. 28. 9, 10, 11, &c.

If I rejoyce at the destruction of him who hated me, or lift up my self when evil found him: neither have I suffered my mouth to sin, by wishing a curse to his soul, Job 31. 28, 29, 30.

He who is glad at calamities, shall not go unpunished, Prov. 17. 5.

Rejoyce not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him, Prov. 24. 17, 18.

3dly, To pray for, and do good to Persecutors and Enemies.

If thou seest the asse or ox of thine enemy going astray, thou shall, &c. bring it back, &c. Exod. 23. 4, 5.

Miriam had spoken against Moses; yet he prays for her, against her leprosie, Numb. 12. 1, 10, 13.

Saul said to David, Thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil, 1 Sam. 24. 17.

Israel came and fought against Judah: and being overcome, Judah shews them kindness, 2 Chron. 28.

If thine enemy hunger, give him bread to eat: and if he be thirsty, give them water to drink, &c. Prov. 25. 21. Rom. 12. 20.

Seek the peace of the City, whither I have caused you to be carried captives: and pray unto the Lord for it, Jer. 29. 7.

I say unto you, Love your enemies: bless them who curse you: do good to them who hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and perse∣cute you, that you may be the children of your father, &c. for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil, &c. If you love them who love you, &c. do not even the Publicans the same? Matth. 5. 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.

Christ said (when upon the cross) Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, Luke 23. 34.

They stoned Stephen; and he, &c. cryed with a loud voyce, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, Acts 7. 59, 60.

Paul prayed for Agrippa, that he were not only almost, but altogether as he, except his bonds, Acts 26. 28, 29.

Bless them who persecute you, &c. Wherefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him, &c. be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good, Rom. 12. 14, 20, 21.

Being reviled, we bless, 1 Cor. 4. 12.

4thly, To use lawful, and honest means for avoiding and easing of, and delivering themselves from afflictions and persecutions.

When Jacob heard of his brother Esau his coming against him, he was great∣ly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, &c. and said, If Esau come to the one company and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape, &c. And he took of that which came to his hand, a present for his brother Esau, &c. for he said, I will appease him with the present which goeth before me, &c. Gen. 32. 6, 7, 8, 13, 20. chap. 33. 8, 13, 14.

Saul sought to smite David, &c. but he slipt away out of Sauls presence, &c. and escaped that night. Saul also sent messengers unto Davids house to watch him, and to slay him, &c. His wife let him down through a window, and he went and fled, and escaped, 1 Sam. 19. 10, 11, 12.

David consulted with Jonathan about his safety from Saul, 1 Sam. 20.

Elijah being threatned by Jezebel, arose, and went for his life, &c. 1 Kings 19. 2, 3.

Sanballat, &c. conspired all of them together to come to fight against Jeru∣salem, and to hinder the work: nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them, Nehem. 4. 7, 8.

Sanballat sent often to Nehemiah to come unto him, but he refused: because he knew they thought to do him some mischief, Nehem. 6. 2, 3, 4.

Esther and Mordecai, did many things to procure the Jews escape, Esther 8. chap. 9.

Jeremy intreated the king that he might not return to the prison, lest he should die there, Jer. 37. 18, 20.

When Herod sought Christ to kill him, the Angel said to Joseph, &c. A∣rise, and take the young child, &c. flee into Egypt, and be thou there, &c. for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him, Matth. 2. 13, 14, 15.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves: &c. but when they persecute you in this City, flee ye into another, Matth. 10. 16, 23.

The Pharisees, &c. held a council against him, how they might destroy him: but when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence, &c. he charged the multitude not to make him known, Matth. 12. 14, 15, 16.

When Jesus heard that John was beheaded, he departed thence into a desert-place apart, Matth. 14. 12, 13.

Though Christ was free, and ought not to be charged with tribute-money: yet he said to Peter, Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go, &c. take, and give unto them for thee and me, Matth. 17. 24, 25, 26, 27.

When Christ had raised the Rulers daughter from the dead, he commanded that something should be given her to eat, Mark 5. 41, 42, 43.

Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jury, because the Jews sought to kill him, John 7. 1.

They took up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out, &c. and so passed by, John 8. 59.

From that day forth, they took counsel together to put him to death: Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence into a country near the wilderness, John 11. 53, 54.

The doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, John 20. 19.

When Saul persecuted the Church at Jerusalem, the brethren were scattered abroad, Acts 8. 1, 3, 4. chap. 11. 19.

The Jews laid wait to kill Paul: but their laying wait was known unto Saul, and they watched the gates day and night to kill him: then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket, &c. The Grecians went a∣bout to slay him; which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesaria, and sent him forth to Tarsus, Acts 9. 23, 24, 25, 29, 30. ch. 19. 30, 31. ch. 17. 10, 14, 15. 2 Cor. 11. 32, 33.

Paul and Barnabas being at Iconium, the Jews and Gentiles made an assault to use them despitefully, and to stone them: they were aware of it, and fled into Listra and Derbe, &c. Acts 14. 1, 5, 6.

When Paul was in danger, the brethren often sent him and others away from the place, Acts 17. 5, 10, 13.

The Captain commanded that Paul should be examined by scourging, &c. Paul said, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned? which prevented his being scourged, Acts 22. 24, 25, 26, 29. chap. 16. 37, 38.

Paul said to Ananias, Sittest thou to judg me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law, &c? But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadduces, and the other Pharisees, he cryed out in the Council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, of the hope and resurrection of the dead, I am called in question (whereupon the Council divided, and broke to pieces). When Paul understood that there was a conspiracy to kill him, he gave notice thereof to the Captain, who conveyed him away from them, Acts 23. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, &c.

Paul pleaded in his defence before Felix; and after appealed to Cesar, Acts 24. 10, 11, &c. ch. 25. 8, 9. ch. 26. 1, 2, 3, &c.

Paul perswaded those in the ship to eat meat: when they were in danger, he said, This is for your health, &c. Acts 27. 33, 34, 35.

I beseech you, &c. that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them who do not believe, in Judea, Rom. 15. 30, 31.

Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil, &c. of whom be thou ware also, for he hath greatly withstood our words, 2 Tim. 4. 14, 15.

5thly, To look to the cause of our sufferings, that it be for well-doing, for Christ, and a good conscience: and not as busie-bodies in things unnecessary.

They also who render me evil for good, are mine adversaries: because I follow the thing which is good, Psal. 38. 20.

Do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image, &c? But if ye wor∣ship not, ye shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace, Dan. 3. 14, 15, 18.

Daniel cast into the lions den for praying to God, contrary to the kings de∣crees, Dan. 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, &c.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, &c. falsly for my sake, &e. for righ∣teousness fake, Matth. 50. 10, 11.

When they charged the Apostles not to preach in Christ, name, they said, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judg ye? for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard, Acts 4. 17, 18, 19, 20.

The high Priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you, that you should not teach in this name, &c? Then Peter and the other A∣postles

answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men, Acts 5. 27, 28, 29.

But in all things approving our selves, &c. as deceivers, and yet true, 2 Cor. 6. 4, 8.

If I do preach Circumcision, Why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the of∣fence of the cross ceafed, Gal. 5. 11. ch. 6. 12.

Having your conversation honest, &c. that whereas they speak against you as evil doers, &c. It is the will of God that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, &c. this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience towards God endure grief, suffering wrongfully, 1 Pet. 2. 12, 15, 19.

If ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye: be not afraid, &c. It is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well-doing, than for evil-doing, 1 Pet. 3. 13. 14, 17.

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, &c. but let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evil-doer, or as a busie-body in other mens matters: yet if any suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, 1 Pet. 4. 14, 15, 16. Amos 5. 13.

The Duties of others: and how they ought to behave themselves towards such who are afflicted and persecuted.

To sympathize with them, visit, help, comfort, and pray for them: take heed they add not to their trouble.

When Abram heard that his brother Lot was taken captive, he armed (or, led forth) his trained (or, instructed) servants, &c. and pursued those who took Lot: and he smote them, &c. and he brought back all the goods: and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, Gen. 14. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

When Nehemiah had heard that the Jews were in great affliction and re∣proach (though he were then a servant to the king): he sat down, and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, &c. Nehem. 1. 2, 3, 4, 5, &c.

Thou shalt not vex a stranger, &c. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless-child, Exod. 22. 21, 22.

When Jobs three friends heard of the evil which was come upon him, they came every one from his own place, &c. for they had made an appointment to∣gether to come to mourn with him, and to comfort him, &c. They wept, Job 2. 11, 12, 13.

Thou hast strengthned the weak hands: thy words have upholden him who was falling, and thou hast strengthned the feeble knees: But, &c. Job 4. 3, 4.

To him who is afflicted, pity should be shewed from his friend, Job 6. 14.

Job said to his friends, Ye are forgers of lyes, ye are all Physicians of no value: O, that you would altogether hold your peace, &c. Will you speak wickedly for God, &c? Job 13. 4, 5, 7.

Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all (or, trouble some comforters are ye all)? shall vain words have an end, &c? I also could speak as ye do, if your souls were in my souls stead; I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you: but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief, Job 16. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily e∣stranged from me: my kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgot∣ten me: they who dwell in my house, and my maidens, count me for a stranger; I am an alien in their sight, Job 19. 13, 14, 15, 16.

Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me: they have also let loose the bridle before me, &c. Did not I weep for him who is in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? Job 30. 11, 25.

God is said to be afflicted in the afflictions of his people, Isa. 63. 9.

Wo to them who are at ease in Zion, &c. Ye that put far away the evil day, &c. that lie upon beds of ivory, &c. but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph, Amos 6. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.

I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a litte displeased, and they helped forward the affliction, Zechar. 1. 15.

When Jesus saw the multitude, he had compassion on them, because they fain∣ted (or, were tyred, and lay down), &c. Matth. 9. 36.

I was an hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye cloathed me: I was in pri∣son, and ye came unto me: I was sick, and ye visited me, &c. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me, Matth. 25. 35, 36, 37, 40.

When Jesus had put forth the parable of a man falling among thieves, and was wounded, and the Priest and Levite passing by, and looking on: but the Samaritan had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, and took care of him; he said, Go, and do thou likewise, Luke 10. 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37.

Simon, Simon, Satan hath desired to have you, that he might sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou art con∣verted, strengthen thy brethren, Luke 22. 31, 32.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing (or, earnest and instant prayer was made) of the Church unto God for him, Acts 12. 5, 12.

Rejoyce with them who do rejoyce, and weep with them who do weep: be of the same mind one towards another, Rom. 12. 15, 16.

The members should have the same care one of another: and whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it: or one member be honoured, all the members rejoyce with it: now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular, 1 Cor. 12. 24, 25, 26, 27.

Blessed be God, &c. who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we our •…•…lves are comforted of God, 2 Cor. 1. 3, 4.

Bear ye one anothers burthens, and so fulfil the law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2.

Be kind one to another, tender-hearted, Eph. 4. 32.

Ye have done well that ye did communicate with mine afflictions, &c. Ye sent once and again to my necessity, Phil. 4. 14, 15, 16.

Put on therefore (as the elect of God, holy and beloved) bowels of mercy, Col. 3. 12.

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel, &c. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very dili∣gently, and found me: the Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day, &c. how many things he ministred unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest, 2 Tim. 1. 8, 16, 17, 18.

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge, 2 Tim. 4. 16.

Ye endured a great fight of affliction: partly, whiles ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and afflictions: and partly, whilst ye became compa∣nions of them who were so used; for ye had compassion on me in my bonds, &c. Heb. 10. 32, 33, 34.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained Angels unawares. Remember them who are in bonds, as bound with them: them who suffer adversity, as being your selves also in the body, Heb. 13. 2, 3.

Pure religion, &c. is to visit the fatherless and the widows in their afflicti∣on, James 1. 27.

See Duties in common Calamities, Chap. 23.

See Duty of Christians one to another, Chap. 17.