The fort-royal of the Scriptures, or, The vade-mecum concordance presenting unto the world an hundred heads of Scripture, most of them common-placed for publique use : wherein all (especially the weaker sort of Christians) may suddenly command most of all the rarities in the book of God / by an admirer of the word.

LXX. AFFLICTION, with its Consolations.

Generals.

IT comes not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground,

But man is born un∣to trouble, as the sparks flee upwards, Job 6.7.

The terror of affli∣ction may make the best flie out and forget themselves, Job 3.1.

It may make us be∣lieve that wee are not sensible of our mercies, Job 9.16.

The more Gods peo∣ple are afflicted, usually the more they grow, Exod. 1.12.

Under the Law were solemne dayes appoin∣ed to humble and af∣flict their soules, Lev. 23.27.

In our afflictions our prayers may be heard, 2 Chron. 20.9.

A Fast is a means to afflict our souls, Eza. 8.21.

It is God that afflicts, Job 30.11.

We should not bee weary of Gods chastise∣ments, nor of his cor∣rections, Pro. 3.11.

Under affliction, by-past

sins may be very present and trouble∣some unto us, Iob 14.16, 17.

We ought to prefer affliction before iniqui∣ty Job 36.21.

God will save affli∣cted people, Ps. 18.27.

God may seem to sleep and forget the affliction, and oppres∣sion of his people, Ps. 44.24.

In grievous afflicti∣ons it is no new thing for the Saints to desire to be gone and be at rest, Ps. 55.5, 6.

It is God who brings us unto nets, and layes afflictions on our loins Ps. 66.11.

God afflicts us in faith∣fulnes, Ps. 119.65.

We should not be moved at these afflicti∣ons, because we were appointed thereunto, 1 Thes. 3.3.

Fiery trials ought not to be strange unto us being to try us, because at length they make us glad with perpetual and everlasting joy, 1 Pet. 4.12, 13.

God chooses his best Saints in the furnace of affliction, Isaiah 48.11.

Even afflictions none like them, like Jacobs trouble, may have deli∣verance, Jer. 30.7.

All his afflictions are in measure, though he leave us not wholly un∣punished, Jer. 30.11. & 46.28.

God doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men, Lam. 3.3.

The more neeand dear to God, alwayes the more afflicted, Amos. 3.5.

After afflictions issue and cure, it rises not the

second time up again in that manner, Nahum 1.9. & 12.

The Saints lose no∣thing by afflictions, be∣cause of his after mer∣cies.

Bad comforters there∣in are like phisitians of no value, Iob 13.19.

It is God that over∣throwes us in affliction Iob 19.6.

It is a wretched dis∣gracefull thing to adde affliction to affliction, Iob 30.11.

It is a miserable case when in afflictions our own wickednesse cor∣rects us, and our back∣slidings reproves us, Ier. 2.19.

God afflicts the peo∣ple, Ps. 44.2.

How he will not af∣flict, Iob 37.27.

The Saints may be so afflicted as to com∣plain to be troubled with all Gods waves, Psal, 88.7.

God may hide his face from the afflicted, Ps. 44.25.

Afflictions may con∣tinue very long upon the Saints, notwith∣standing they call day∣ly, and stretch out their hands unto God, Ps. 88.6.

Sometimes afflicti∣ons are close at the heels of one another, Iob 1.12, 13.

They maybe afflicted from youth ready to die, and distressed with terrors, Psalme 88.6, 15.

It was the Churches portion to be many times afflicted from her youth, Ps. 129.1.

It is a signe of Gods love to us, which wee ought not to be weary of nor despise, Prov. 13.11, 12.

Such must not be rob∣bed nor oppressed in the gate, Pro. 22.22.

God afflicts untill we know him to be the Lord, Ezek. 20.24.

God knows all our afflictions, what they shal be beforehand, and their continuance, Gen. 15.13.

God did choose his people, by Temptati∣ons, Signes, Wonders, Warre, by a mighty hand, an out-stretched arme, and great terrors, Deut. 4.34.

God remembers not, nor takes not the ad∣vantages of his servants weaknesses in afflicti∣on, Job 42.7.

In the depth of sor∣rows & affliction, then usually is the highest rise of faith, and confi∣dence in God, one ex∣tremity falling in ano∣ther, Iob 19.24. Lam. 3.22.

All the sufferings of the Saints are not wor∣thy of that glory which shal be revealed, Rom. 8.18.

Cause.

The generall cause of all sufferings is sinne, Lam. 3.29.

Because men turne back from him, and wil not consider any of his wayes, Iob. 34.27.

Grievous sins bring grievous afflictions up∣on Gods People, but not for ever, 1 King. 9.39.

When like Moab, we have been at ease from out youth, setled upon our lees, and have not been emptied from vessell to vessell, so as out taste remaines and we are not changed, Ier. 48.11.

Rebellion against God, Ps. 107.10.11.

Not hearkening unto Gods comforts, Isa. 48.14.

Not rightly using of Gods outward bles∣sings enjoied, Deu. 29.29.

1. Consolation. From Gods end in af∣flicting.

To purge away cor∣ruption and sin, Isa. 27.9.

To purifie and whi∣ten us, Rom. 12.13.

To prove us, to hum∣ble us, and know what is in our heart, in our obedience unto him, Deut. 8.2.

To bring back our souls from the pit, to be enlightned with the light of the living, Iob 33.30. and v. 16, 17.

To humble us, prove us, and do us good at our latter end, Deut. 8.16.

That we may learne not to trust in our selvs, but in God who raiseth the dead, 2 Cor. 1.9.

To make us acknow∣ledge our sins, and seek diligently unto him, Hos. 5.15.

That we might pre∣pare our selves to meet God, Amos 4.12.

To wash away our filthinesse, Isa. 4.4.

Because we should not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11.32.

To fit us by smaller crosses to carry greater, Ier. 12.15.

To make us know that man liveth not by bread only, but by eve∣ry word that proceed∣eth out of the mouth of God doth man live, Deut. 8.3.

That being thereby planted to the simili∣tude of Christs death, we also may be planted

to the similitude of his resurrection, Rom. 6.5

That therefore in our afflictions we bear a∣bout the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might be ma∣nifest in us, 2 Cor. 4.8, 9.

To learn like unto Christ obedience by the things we suffer, Heb. 5.8.

For our good to make us partakers of his ho∣lines, Heb. 12.10.

To work in us the quiet fruit of righteous∣nes, Heb. 12.11.

To cause the tryall of our faith be precious, that it may be glorious at the appearance of Je∣sus Christ, 1 Pet 1.7.

To cause thereby un∣to us a far more excel∣ent and eternall weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4.17.

That we might be par∣takers of Christs suffer∣ings, that when his glo∣ry shal appear, we may rejoice with exceeding joy, 1 Pet. 1.12,

That having experi∣ence of such sorrowes, wee might be able to comfort others, with our experimental com∣forts, 2 Cor. 1, 14.

2. Consolation. From the considerations of Affliction.

That the whole Church bath beene brought through fire and water, and yet brought forth into a wealthy place, Ps. 66.12.

That though he cha∣stise sore, yet usually he delivers not unto death Ps. 118.18.

That though it be un∣to death, yet that their death is precious in his sight, Ps. 116.15.

That it is a sign that God delights in us, Pro. 3, 13.

That the frame of all things in this life, is so ordered, as wee may finde nothing after us, Eccles. 7.14.

That howsoever it shal be wel with us, Ecl. 8.12.

That God hath in store at hand, a fit reme∣dy for every sort of af∣fliction, Is. 45.6, 7. & Is. 2. 2. Isa. 61.2, 3. Isa. 41.18.

That our affliction whatsoever comes farre short of our deservings, Ps. 103.10.

That if we put him in remembrance, hee blots out our sins as a cloud for his own sake, as a thick cloud, Isaiah 44.22.

That all afflictions ecclipsing our comforts are but shadows in re∣gard of that bright day, which shall chase all a∣way, Cant. 2.1.6.

That he can no more forget such, then a mo∣ther her childe, Isai. 45.15.

That their affliction is of the travell of Christs soule, which when hee seeth, he will be satisfied, Isa. 43.11.

That hee will not contend or be wrath for ever, Isa. 57.16.

That Gods power can restore all our los∣ses, Jer. 30.20.

That nothing is too hard for God, Jer. 32.27.

That in that estate, their strength is in qui∣etnesse, and in confi∣dence, Isa. 30.15.

That all this while God waits to shew them some excellent mercy, being a God of judgement, Isai. 30.18.

That their way and judgement is not passed nor hid from the Lord. Isa. 40.27.

That at our worst, it is the Lords mercies that we are not consu∣med, Lam. 2.2.

That Gods people the more they are belo∣ved, they are the rather afflicted, Amos 3.2.

That the vision for Gods helpe is for an appointed time, that in the end it will speak, therefore to wait for it, Hab. 2.3.

That Gods third must go through the fire,

That affliction refines them as silver, and that thereby they are tried as the gold is tried, Zach. 13.9.

That in this world there must be tribulati∣on, yet that Christ hath overcome the world for us, Joh. 16.33.

That there hath no affliction come upon us which is not proper to man, 1 Cor. 10.13.

That the Saints way to heaven is through variety and divers sorts of afflictions, 2 Cor. 6.5, 6.

That we have in hea∣ven a High Priest sensi∣ble of our infirmities, who was in all things tempted like unto us, Heb. 4.15.

That chastening is a signe of Gods love, be∣cause he scourgeth eve∣ry sonne whom he re∣ceiveth, Heb. 12.6.

That thereby we are declared to be sonnes and not bastards, al the Saints being partakers thereof, Heb. 12.7.8.

That our afflictions are but for a season, and when there is need, 1 Pet. 1.6.

That fiery trials are no new thing, and must not be strange unto us, 1 Pet. 4.12.

That as many as God loves, he rebukes and chastens, Rev. 3.19.

That the set period of the durance and end of our afflictions is ap∣pointed and limited, Rev. 2.10. Gen. 5.13, 14.

That our enemies power is limited, Isa. 54.16.

That our chastise∣ments are no other then such as wherewith men chastise their chil∣dren, Deut. 8.5.

That God knowes our reproach, shame and adversaries, & dis∣honour, Ps. 69.19.

That unto God be∣longs the issues from death, Ps 68.20.

That such slaying of us is the way to bring us home unto God, Ps. 78.34.

That affliction with distraction, is the Saints portion from their youth, Ps. 88.18.

That it is a blessed thing to be chastised, & taught out of Gods law, Ps. 94.19.

That Gods love, and affliction may stand to¦gether, Ps. 99.8.

That correction is a token of Gods love, not of his displeasure, Rev. 3.19.

3. Way of comfor∣ting from Our assistance and sup∣port in afflictions.

That though our strength and our flesh faile, yet God is the strength of our heart and our portion for ever, Psal. 73.2.

That when there is none help, to then his mighty arm that brings salvation, Isa. 59.16.

That for all this God is to them a Sun and

a shield, Psal. 84.11.

That in this estate his loving kindnesse is not taken from them, his faithfulnesse faileth not his Covenant standeth sure, Psal. 89.33, 34.

That he covers our head in the day of bat∣tell, Psal 104.7.

That for all this he holds us by our right hand, guides by his counsell, and receives us unto glory, Psalm 73.24.

That two insupport∣able Crosses shall not meet at one time, Isa. 27.8.

That be contends with us in measure, Isa. 27.8.

That he smites them not as he smites other men, Isa. 27.7.

That for all this they are not dispised nor ab∣horred, that his face is not hid from their cries and prayers, Ps 22.24.

That though we were in the valley of the sha∣dow of death▪ in a much worse estate, yet God is with us, Ps. 23.4.

Though God chasten us sore, yet he remits the sinne, Ps. 92.8.

That in the greatest of our afflictions, all our desire is with God, our groaning is not hid from him, Ps. 38.9.

That he considers our soul in trouble, and knows our soul in ad∣versitie, Ps. 31.7.

That even then when our spirit is overwhel∣med, he knows our path, Ps. 140.3.

That in all his peo∣ples afflictions he is af∣flicted, and the Angel of his presence saveth them, Isa. 63.10.

That when we wan∣der and are weak, that God will carry us in

his bosome and gather us, Isa. 39.11.

That even then our way is not hid from him, nor our judgment passed over from him, Isa. 40.27.

That when we faint and have no might, then he encreaseth strength and giveth power, Ps, 40.29.

That he wil not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoaking flax, Isa 42.3.

That in the very greatest afflictions God will be with us, Isa. 43.2.

That he defers his anger, and cuts us not away in it, for his names sake and his praise, Isa. 48.9.

That they are graven upon the palmes of his hands, that they are ever in his sight, Jsa. 49.16.

That in that time, Gods kindnesse doth, not depart from them, nor is the Covenant or his peace removed, Isa. 45.10.

That he will not make a full end, Jer. 46.28.

That he corrects in measure, Jer. 40.28.

That he wil not plow all the day to sow, that he will not be ever a threshing of his corne, Isa 12.10.

That his actions are all with discrerion not plagueing all the day long, Isa. 28.24.

That for all their miseries, yet they are held in Gods hand, Deut. 33.3.

That even then, God is their refuge, from a∣bove, and underneath they are in the everlast∣ing armes, Deut. 33.27

That for all this they

are set apart for God, Ps. 4.3.

That in the midst of their miseries God pit∣ties them, and com∣mands to speake peace unto them, Isa. 40.1, 2.

That Gods unchang∣ablenesse in affliction, causeth that we are not consumed, Lam. 3.22.

That as God wounds so he heals and cures, Job 5.18, 19.

That God will with the temptation, pro∣vide a way to escape, & bear it out, 1 Cor. 10.13.

That we are com∣forted in all our tribu∣lations, 2 Cor. 1 4.

That though we be distressed on every side yet we are not perplex∣ed to despaire; that though we be perse∣cuted and cast down, yet we are not forsaken nor destroyed, 2 Cor. 4.8.

That in their di∣stresses Gods grace is sufficient to uphold them, making his pow∣er perfect in their weak∣nesse, 2 Cor. 12.9.

That in the time of trouble he hides them in his pavilion, in the secret of his house, and sets them upon a rock, Ps. 27.5. Ps. 31.30.

That he knows our soul in adversity, Psal. 31.7.

That his favour in affliction appears when our crosses overwhelm us not, Psal. 41.11.

That even then he pi∣ties us as a father pities his children. Ps. 103.13

That God will not lay upon us more then is meet, &c. Job 8.20

That notwithstand∣ing of many sinnes and provocations, he re∣members our affliction when he heares our

cry, Psal. 106.44.

It is matter of hope to see God in it, Lam. 3.24.

3. Way of comfor∣ting is from The Promises of their Deliverances

That he will not cast off for ever, but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion ac∣cording to the multi∣tude of his mercies, Lam. 3.31.32. Ps. 103.9.

That God will with∣hold no good thing from them, Ps. 84.11.

That though they sow in tears yet they shall reap in joy, Ps. 126.5.

That he will have mercy upon such, Isa. 49.15.

That they shall not be put to shame, nor confounded therein, Isa. 54.4.

That though their trouble be as great as Iacobs trouble, yet they shall have deliverance Ier. 30.7.

That he who scatters them, will gather them, Ier. 31.10. Ps. 34.7. & 27.10. & 33.21.

That as he hath broght evil upon us, so he will bring all the good pro∣mised, Ier. 42.32.

That though their afflictions be many, yet that the Lord delivers them out of them all, and the Angel of his presence saves them, Ps. 34 9.

That in his good time he will undoe all that afflicts us, Hag. 3.20.

That the Lord is faith∣ful who will stablish us and keep us from evil, 2 Thes 3.3.

That affliction having done its cure, we shall have deliverance in

Gods best time, Isa. 4.4 That if our fears come, we shall be supported, Job 15.19.

That though God do judge his people, he wil repent himself for his servants, when he seeth their power is gone, and none shut up or left, Deut. 32.26

That in Gods favour is life, though weeping may be in the evening, yet joy commeth in the morning, Ps. 30.5.

That God commands his loving kindnesse to be with us in the day time, and in the night we shal have accesse to God by prayer, Ps. 42.8

5. Way of comfort∣ing is, from The work and joyfull issue of affliction past.

That God will make them glad according to the dayes wherein they have been afflicted, and the years wherein they have seen evil, Ps. 90.15

That he who shews us sore and great trou∣bles, wil yet quicken us again & bring us from the depths of the earth, increase our greatnesse, and comfort us on eve∣ry side, Ps. 71.20.21.

That though they have been led through fire & water, he causing men ride over our head yet that he will bring us out unto a wealthy place, Ps. 66.12.

That though such have lien among the pots, yet they shall be as the wings of a dove, and her feathers of yel∣low gold, Ps. 68.13.

That the Lord after a smarting great mea∣sure of affliction, usually gives a greater measure of prosperity and com∣fort,

Iob. 42.12.

That light and glad∣nesse is sowen for them, Ps 97 11.

That God helps them when they have nohel∣per, Ps. 72.22.

That the returne of their captivity shal be as an astonishing mer∣cy, Ps. 126.1.

That when they walk in the midst of trouble God wil revive them, Ps. 138.7.

And maintaine the cause of the afflicted, Ps. 140.12.

That in time God wil wipe away all their teares and rebuke, Isa. 25.8.

That great afflictions wil end in joy, and ac∣complish our warfare, a comfortable voice co∣ming to pity and be∣moan us, Isa. 40 2.

That God wil take out of our hand the cup of trembling, and the dregs of his furious cup, so as we shal no more drink it, it being put in∣to the hands of our af∣flicters, Isa. 51.22, 23.

That we are forsaken but for a moment, and his face hidden in a lit∣tle wrath,

But we are gathered with great mercies, God having mercy on us with everlasting kind∣nesse, Isa. 54.7, 8.

That though they be afflicted & tossed with tempest, yet after that all things shal be better then ever, in a more a∣bundant excellent man∣ner, Isa. 54.1.

That after deliverance from afflictions, their soul shal be as a wate∣red garden, and shall not sorrow any more at all, Ier. 31.12.

That as soon as he sees and hears us sit for deliverance, he helps us,

Jerem. 31, 18. 20.

That in deliverance they shal have severall comforts, answering their severall crosses, Jer. 31.8.

That they may bee built up as at the first, Jer. 33.7.

That forgivenes of sinnes, and astonishing mercies shal follow af∣ter it, Jer. 33.8, 9.

That afrer that wee shal have extraordinary enlightening, Isa. 30.26

That after that they shal have more helps in their journey, and the Spirit of God shall be their director in all mat∣ters & wayes, Isa. 30 21

That it was one of the ends of Christs co∣ming to comfort all who mourn, and to appoint unto Zions mourners,

To give them beauty for ashes, the oyl of joy for mourning, the gar∣ment of praise for the spirit of heavinssse, Isa. 61, 2.3.

That for shame they shal have double com∣fort; and for confusion they shal rejoice in their portion, Isa. 61.7.

That double comfort shall be rendred unto them, Zech 9.12.

That when Gods time is come, we shall be as though he had not cast us off nor afflicted, Zech. 10.6.

That as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also our consolations aboundeth by Christ, being partakers of his sufferings, so of the Consolation, 2 Cor. 1.5, 2.

That though thereby their outward men pe∣rish, yet their inward man is renewed daily, 2 Cor. 4.16.

That these light and

short afflictions cause unto us a far more ex∣cellent and eternall weight of glory, 2 Cor, 4.17.

That thereby the Lord delivers from eve∣ry evil work, and pre∣serves us to his heaven∣ly kingdome, 2 Tim. 4.18.

That they are tried, and being tried, they shall undoubtedly re∣ceive a Crowne of life, Jam. 1.12.

That after these af∣flictions, they shal have seven fold light and comfort when the Lord binds up their wounds, Isa. 30.26.

That the Lord after that gathers and fits his people with mercies su∣table unto their crosses, Zeph. 1.3.19 Zechar. 8, 11.12.

That then they shall bee brought forth into the light that their righ∣teousnes may appear, Micah 7.9.

That then hee raises up our ruines as of old, Amos 9.11.

Nothing is lost by the siftings of afflicti∣ons, Amos 9.9.

That as he watches over his fervants, to pluck up and to throw down, and to destroy and to afflict, so will hee watch over them, to build and to plant, Jer. 31.28.

That after that God wil comfort his people, as a mother comforts her children, and their heart shal rejoyce, and their bones shal flourish like an herbe, Isa. 66.13. 14.

That his after-mercies to his people far sur∣passe all their former crosses; as gold, silver, brasse, iron, surpasse

brasse, ironwood, stones Isa. 86.

After sore and great trials, the Lord will cre∣ate comforts sutable to our crosses, Isa. 4.5.

AFFLICTION, Its cures & remedies.

• 1. In suffering.
• 2. In acting.

1. In our Suffering.

To bear the indigna∣tion of the Lord be∣cause we have sinned, until he plead our cause and bring us forth unto the light, Mic. 7.9, 10.

To be contented to wait and walk in the way of Gods judge∣ments, Isa. 26.8.

To accept of and bear patiently the pu∣nishment of our iniqui∣tie, Lev. 26.41.

To look at the glory set before us, and so de∣spise the shame and the crosse. Heb. 12.2.

To humble our souls under the mighty hand of God, that hee may exalt us in due time, 1 Pet, 5.6.

To take Gods yoke upon us, to learne of Christ meeknesse and lowlilesse, Mat 19.28.

In our deepest distres∣ses to trust in God, Ps. 119.28.

To deny our selves and take up our crosses Mat 16.24,

To hope and waite quietly for the salvation of God,

And to bear the yoak in our youth, Lam. 3.22.23.

To trust and not to be afraid, because the Lord Jehovah is our salvation and strength, Isa. 12.2.

Not to bee fearfull, Isa. 35.3, 4.

To trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon God, Isa. 50.10.

In the shadow of death to fear no evill, because God is with us, Ps. 23.4.

To wait upon him though he hide his face to look for him, Isai. 8.16.

To be still and wait quietly, Ps. 46.10.

Not to bee fearfull Isa. 41.10.14.

To remember that, God killeth & maketh alive; He maketh poor and rich, 1 Sam. 2.7.

To encourage our selves in the Lord our God, 1 Sam. 30.6.

To submit and bear chastisement, purpose and promise reformati∣on, Job 34.31. Ps. 66.14.

To acquaint our selves with God, receive the Law from his mouth, treasure up his words in our heart, return unto the Almighty, and put iniquity far from us. Job 22.21.22.

To be quiet without answering, and make supplication to our Judge, Iob. 9.15.

When the time of our suffering is come, like Christ, to address our selves boldly and cheerfully unto that which is inviteable, Mat. 26.45.

2. In acting.

Accordihg to our need to desire teaching & instruction, Job 6.24

To seek unto God betimes, and make our supplication to to the Almighty, Job 8.5.

To reftect upon sin and confess it, Iob 7.20. 21,

To poure out our hearts and cry earnestly unto the Lord formercy

for our selves & others, Lam. 2.18.19.

To search and try our wayes and turne again unto the Lord,

To lift up our hearts and hands unto the Lord, of heaven, Lam. 3.40, 41

To return to God who as he wounds, will heal us, and in the best time revive us, Hos. 6. 1. 1 Sam. 30.7.

To go on following after God, to know his gracious goodnes and marvellous working, Hos. 6.3.

Though ful of confu∣sion, to pray still, and lay our selves open un∣to God, Iob 10.15 Iam 5.13.

To beseech God to make known our sins and our transgressions unto us, Iob 13.23.

In neglects of others to poure out our hearts unto God, Iob 16.20

To pray and bemoan our selves unto God, Ps. 25.16.

To appeal unto him, and pray in righteousnes of heart, 2 King. 20.3.

To break suddenly from one passion to another, viewing the comforts of the Re∣deemer and the resur∣rection, Iob 19.25.

To humble our selves and repent in dust and ashes, Iob 42.5, 6.

To have the help of an Interpreter; one of a thousand, and to con∣fesse sin with aggravati∣on, Job 33.23.

To believe and speak Ps. 116.10.

To acknowledge our iniquity that wee have sinned against him, and turn unto the Lord, Jer. 3.12.

To fast and afflict our souls, Ezra 8.21.

To repent and turn from all our transgressi¦ons, Ezek. 18.30.

To declare our ini∣quity, and to be sorry for our sin, Ps. 38.18

To reason the mat∣ter with our soules, Ps. 42.9.

To call earnestly up∣on God, Ps. 50, 15.

To cry aloud morn∣ing and evening, and at noon, Ps. 55.17. & 57.3

To cast our burden on the Lord, Ps. 55.22

To trust in God at all times, and poure out our hearts before him, Ps. 62.8.

To remember the dayes of old, Ps. 143.4.

To consider Gods nature and disput with the soul, Ps. 77.5, 6.

To meditate on all Gods works, and to stretch out our hands unto him, Ps. 143.4, 5

If all this yet help not to commit our soules to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Crea∣tor,, 1 Pet. 4.15.

Trials touching affliction,

We faint in it when the consolations of God seem smal unto us, Job 15.11.

In depth of affliction after acknowledgment of our sin, yeelding unto God, then usually deliverance is at hand, Job 42.3.

Nothing humbles on•• more under affliction, then a sense and sight of Gods goodnes and gra∣ciousnesse unto us, Job 42.10.11, 12.

In GODS chastise∣ments, the bearing of our shame with patience under his hand, is a sure sign of our speedy reco∣very, Ezek. 39.26, 27

When Gods third have been brought tho∣row

the fire, being re∣fined like silver & tryed like gold, then they find great matters from God Zech. 13.9.

Duties to be afflicted.

We must not sudden∣ly fall upon the distres∣sed, but give their sor∣row a vent, and them time to bemoan them∣selves, Job 2.13. Ezek. 3.15.

Pity should be extend∣ed unto such from their friends, Iob 6.14.

It is reproachful, to be afraid at our friends dejection, Iob 6.21.

When men are in great afflictions, they must be suffered to be∣moan themselves, Iob 13.19.

In others miseries we ought not to breake a leaf driven to and fro, nor to pursue the dry stubble, Iob 13.25.

We ought to asswage their grief, Iob 16.5.

We must not break them in peeces with words, Iob 19.2.

The more they are smitten of God, the more we ought to pity them and beare with their weaknesses, Iob 19.22.

In comforting, it is good to pause a while, and let our Elders be∣gin, observing what they leave unsaid, Iob 34 4, 11.

We ought not deale too plainly with the distressed, in some cases untill they have gather∣ed strength to bear and profit by our sayings, Iob 34.7.17.

We ought not to re∣joice or insult over o∣thers afflictions, Obad 13.14.

We must be carefull not to adde affliction to

the afflicted, Isa. 30.20

Our actions towards them and speeches must be accompanid with much love and a spirit of meeknes, with long-suffering, Gal. 6 1.

We in any case must not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoaking flaxe, Isa. 42 1, 2.