Joy in the midst of Affliction. [ 1181]
IT is storyed of Andronicus,* 1.1 the old Emperour of Constantinople, that all things going crosse with him, he took a Psalter into his hand, to resolve his doubtfull mind, and opening the same, as it were of that divine Oracle to ask counsell, he lighted upon Psal. 68. 14. When the Almighty scattered Kings, they shall be white as snow in Salmon; and was thereby comforted, and directed what to do for his bet∣ter safety.* 1.2 Now it is to be understood, that Salmon signifies shady and dark, so was this Mount, by the reason of many lofty fair-spread Trees, that were near it, but made lightsom by s••ow that covered it. Hence, to be white as snow in Salmon, is, to have joy in affliction, light in darknesse, mercy in the midst of judgment; as for instance. In sorrow shalt thou bring forth, saith God to the Woman;* 1.3 she shall have sorrow, but she shall bring forth, that's the comfort. Many are the troubles of the righteous, that's the sadnesse of their condition; but the Lord will deliver them out of them all, there's their rejoycing. There is no sorrow, no trouble, no temptation, that shall take any godly man,* 1.4 but he shall be as snow in Salmon; God will not suffer him to be tempted,* 1.5 above that he is able, but will with the temptation also make a way to ••scape, that he may be able to bear it.