The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being the substance of divers sermons preached on Psalm XXXII / by Samuel Willard.

The safety of pardoned ones in worst times.

DOCTRINE.

THey that have, in a way of prayer, settled their forgiveness, shall never receive any harm by all the afflictions and temptations they meet withal. They are secure against all the Waves and breaking Bil∣lows that threaten them. How God comes and applieth pardon to his Children, while they are

seeking to him for it, hath already been observed: and though this may be applied universally, ye•• it hath a peculiar respect to those sins, which the Godly do sometimes fall into, by which they dis∣please God, and cannot be at rest till they are for∣given; and have some Testimony of it. There are two Propositions evidently contained in this Doctrine, viz.

1. That notwithstanding Gods pardon obtained, his Children may after that meet with Floods of great waters. 2. That if by prayer they have settled their pardon, these Floods shall not come nigh them to hurt them. A few words to each.

Prop 1. That notwithstanding Gods pardon obtained, his Children may after that meet with floods of great waters. They mistake who think, that when once a pardon is signed, and sealed and published in Conscience, there is no more trouble like to befal such a man. This were to set the Word of God against it self, and contradict the experi∣ence of Gods dearest Servants. Here two things may be enquired after;

1. How far such an one may be assailed by these Floods?

2. Whence it is, and how it consists with Gods promise, and Covenant faithfulness?

1. How far such an one may be assailed by these Floods?

A. This may be considered on a double ac∣count.

1. There may be publick caelamities great and sor••,

that may befal Gods people after this, in which they way have a great share. Possibly David may have a special respect to this, in our Text. When over∣flowing Evils come upon a Sinful Land, they shall not come nigh him; but this is not always lite∣rally so; thus men may be as deeply exercised with the common calamity as another: his con∣cerns are not exempted from the evil events of such troubles; the righteous and the wicked often share alike at such times, Ezek. 23. 1.

2. There may be great personal and particular af∣flictions befal them. Not only may God afflict them when they have sinned against him, and provoked his anger, to drive them to repentance, and prayer for forgiveness: but he may and often hath sent such troubles on them, after they have repented, and a pardon declared. It was after the Prophet had declared Davids sin to be forgiven, 2 Sam. 12. 13. that the great tempest arose upon him; and how many mighty billows did break o∣ver him? his Childs death, Amnons Incest, Absa∣loms Murder, and unnatural rebellion; his Concu∣lines shameful defilement, Absaloms death, Sheba's Sedition; and all these declared to be the fruits of Gods displeasure, notwithstanding he had for∣given him, verse 11. &c. Besides, Gods dearest Servants may be afflicted, and sorely tempted all their days, in the Soveraign Dispensation of Gods Providence towards them, see Psal. 88. throughout. The greatest and most distressing afflictions may be the lot of the most gracious Saints of God, and all their faith and patience may be tried to the

utmost by them: and all this notwithstanding their renewed repentance, reiterated supplicati∣ons, and gracious answers obtained.

2. Whence this is, and how it consists with Gods Promise, and Covenant faithfulness?

A. There hath been no small occasion of stum∣bling on this account: God hath made great pro∣mises concerning this; and though he hath said, he will correct them in case of prevarication, yet he hath also said, that if they confess and pray, they shall be pitied and relieved; and if they wa•••• close with him, they shall greatly prosper; and that after this they shall be thus exposed, is an hard chapter, & carnal reason cries out, Where is the Pro∣mise? Let us then closely weigh this Case.

1. In respect of Publick Calamities, and their relation to them: Observe two things,

1. Though God may hear them for themselves, •••••• forgive them, yet he may not forgive the Land they live in, and so their being forgiven will have no a fluence to keep off Publick Judgments. A peop•••• may be guilty, and God will not withold •••• hand; their personal repentance doth not remo•••• the general impenitency, and they cannot stand •••• the gap, to keep off the Wrath of God, or sl•••• the breaking in of floods of misery; and if t•••• body of a people have corrupted their ways, an•• will not be reformed, it is righteous with God bring these waters upon them, and sometimes comes to that, Jer. 15. 1. Ezek. 14. 14.

2. They may not only see the common ••••

lamity, but smart by it, and that righteously: and there are two reasons for this.

1. They are members of that body against which God hath a Controverly. That there is an external Dispensation of Gods Covenant in treating with the body of a professing people collectively, is a great truth: on which account the whole are con∣sidered as one, and Gods Temporary Providences are accommoda••ed to them as so: thus sometimes the s••n of one may bring Gods Judgments on the ••hole Congregation, Josh. 22 20. especially when that one mans sins are influential to debauch a whole people,a s 2 King. 23. 26, 27. compare, Chap. 21. 11. And when good men suffer on this account, it is their infelicity in some regard, but ther•• is no unrighteousness with God, nor may they charge iniquity on him.

2. Their very sins which they have repented of, and have obtained forgiveness for, may have given occasion for those publick calamities. Such was Davids num∣••••ing of the people, 2 Sam. 24. begin, Israel indeed had provok••d Gods anger; however this act of Davids was introductory to the fearful Plague that followed; and yet he repented before the plague ••••me, verse 10. Nay, the Sins of Gods Children may defile a Land, and though they repent per∣••onally, yet publick Guilt remains, as in the fore∣••••ted Case: David therefore takes it to himself, ••nd deprecates it from the people, in verse 17.

2. In respect to the personal afflictions they meet with ••••d those very awful, after they are forgiven. And ••he consistency of this with the Covenant promise

and fidelity may be considered: and ne••e,

1. Negatively: These afflictions are not properly the punishments of those Sins. If we take punishment for the execution of Vindictive Justice, this is not to be attributed to that: we must beware of their distinction, who say God forgives the Guilt, but not the punishment: Guilt is nothing else but an obligation to suffer punishment, and if the Guilt be remitted, that obligation is taken off: there is no∣thing legal on this account. God doth not sit up∣on them as a Judge to condemn them, for he hath already past an act of Grace upon them in pardon∣ing them.

2. Positively; God in all this hath an eye and respect to the Covenant of Grace, under which be hath taken them. And how consonant it is to that, will be evident if we Consider;

1. God in the New Covenant hath declared that he will chasten the bold Transgressions of his Children. Their relation to the promises doth not secure them against this; and it would wrong them if it should see how the Covenant runs on this account, Psal. 89. 30. &c. It is one Article in the Covenant, Heb. 12. 6. He scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. God will maintain a fathers authority over them, and use a fathers discretion in it.

2. God usually prepares his Children for this Correcti∣on by bringing them to his foot, on which forgiveness follows. This is not that they should escape the rod, but be sitted for it. A wise father first reason with his Child, sheweth him his folly, makes him ••o see his desert, and this puts him upon asking for∣giveness;

and the same love that pardons his sin, makes him smart for it, because his wisdom sees it is most convenient; thus 2 Sam. 12. 14, 15.

3. Hence God doth it for their Spiritual advantage. Heb. 12. 9, 10. That sin needs, not only to be for∣given, but to be mortified in them: the furtherance of their holiness calls for this dispensation; thus they come to see more of the bitterness of their sin, and be made the more watchful against it. David on this score acknowledgeth the goodness of his affliction, and Gods faithfulness in inflicting of it, Psal. 119. 71, 75.

4. God doth it for the vindication of the honour of his own Name. There is a reproach they often bring upon the Name of God, and the Religion they profess: the world hath been scandalized by such sins; and when God thus deals with them, mens mouths are stopt, they cannot say that he can allow any abominations in his own Children, hence that, 2 Sam. 12. 14.

5. Yea he may exercise his people, after he hath for∣given them, for their tryal. He may exercise their Graces, and make proof of them, and so make them more fearful of sinning, and enable them to bring forth much more fruit to his praise. See, 1 Pet. 1. 6, 7. Now all these things are not repug∣nant to, but included in the Covenant.

USE. I. Learn hence what impenitent sinners may ••xpect to find at Gods hand. When Christ himself ••uffered, he advised to such an improvement of it, Luk. 23. 31. If it be done thus in a green tree, what

shall be done in the dry. And see, 1 Pet. 4. 17. If his Children, whom God loves with a fathers love may be entertained with such Providences, and that although they have humbled themselves, sought mercy, and obtained pardon, hard hearted and ob∣stinate Sinners, who will not seek God, nor fall down before him, but go on in their Transgressions, may well expect him to fall upon them in his greatest fury, and destroy them for ever from his presence. If Sin be so odious to him, that he will testify against it in those to whom he is reconciled in Christ, they that sin with an high hand, and have no Redeemer to appear for them, must look to drink up the dregs of the Cup of his indignati∣on: and let every Unregenerate Sinner be suitably affected with it, and be afraid of this holy God.

USE. II. Let it be to caution the Children of God against mis judging about this affair. Possibly you have fallen into some sin, & your hearts have smit∣ten you, you have been humbled, confessed, sought earnestly to be forgiven for Christ sake, and had some i••ward witness that your prayer hath been heard: but now you meet with floods of affliction and temptation; and are particularly tempted on this to question your being forgiven: but suffer not this Temptation to remove you from many good evidences; and that on a double account,

1. Let it not make you to call your state of forgiveness in doubt. Such Providences indeed call us to try our selves, but not to entertain sinful doubts: say not that your persons are not Justified, you

will so condemn David, and other of Gods preci∣ous Saints. Your state may be good, and yet God angry at you, and there may be sins not act∣ually forgiven: Justified persons may be under Gods displeasure, and need new forgiveness: if once you were Justified, that remains: you can never fall out of the Grace of God.

2. Neither let it make you to conclude that this ve∣ry Sin is not forgiven. You are ready to say, sure∣ly God is angry, else he would not follow me with such afflictions, & if he had forgiven me, this anger had been turned away, and he pacified to me; herein you argue on a mistaken principle. God doth not always afflict in anger: he is angry at his own, so long as they ly under sin unrepented of; but he can administer correction in love, Heb. 12. 6. And though there be an anger of love in some Corrections, yet there is a Chastisement which is without anger at us, in meer pitty, wisdom, and tenderness toward his Children.

USE III. Let us take heed of rash judging of Gods people on this account. It may be we have known them to fall into some sins, that have been scandalus, or we hear them complain of some sins that distress them, we have seen their sorrow and bitterness, and the most satisfying testimoni••s of their Repentance; but for all God follows them with remarkable grievous afflictions; and we are ready to think, God is still angry; something stands out against them, they have dissembled, &c. But let us take heed of this: Gods Judgments

are a great deep: He may have freely forgiven them, and yet for holy ends thus exercise them, to humble, and do them good in the latter end. Let not such unsearchable things weaken our Charity.

USE IV. To exhort us suitably to acknowledge and submit to God in this respect. Find no fault, though it be so; be very thankful for any evi∣dence of his gracious forgiveness, and adore him. In all that he doth: Believe that you need such things as these, and that he can and will make them work for your good; and accordingly endea∣vour to do your duty, by being humbled under his mighty hand, labouring hereby to embitter sin to your selves, and especially such sins as have more peculiarly dishonoured him: and let it make you more watchful to your selves, and put you upon the exercise of faith, patience, humility; so shall you in due time reap the peaceable fruits of righte∣ousness by it.

Prop. 2. That if by prayer, they have settled their pardon, these floods cannot come nigh them, to hurt them; if forgiveness be secured, afflictions shall no•• harm them.

That which lies before us to enquire, is, Wh•••• security against harm by these floods, those whose pardo•• is settled, do enjoy? That their lot may be to live in trouble sometimes, hath already been observed•• Jeremiah, Baruch, Ezekiel did so; and that they may have a deep share in those troubles, beside••

many grievous personal afflictions befalling them: they have no illimited promise of security against these things; we are therefore to enquire, How this notwithstanding, they shall not hurt them? And so we may see what advantage their Justification, and forgiveness affords them in a day of sore affliction, above other men. Here then observe.

1. What difference there is between the Chil∣dren of God, and other men at such a time?

2. What difference between the Children of God, who are under the guilt of some sin not act∣ually forgiven, and those that have in a way of true Repentance, and renewed faith, recovered their peace?

1. What difference there is between the Children of God, and ungodly men at such a time? And that it is very great will appear, if we consider;

1. Though both suffer from Gods anger, yet there is a vast difference in that anger. God may be dis∣pleased at his own Children, and in that displea∣sure smite them: but yet his anger at them, and that which he expresseth to ungoldly men, though alike in the Providences, yet are of a divers na∣ture in the principle whence they proceed. He treats them as enemies, but these as Children; he not only is angry at, but hates them; but though offended at these, he loves them; see the differ∣ence, Isa. 27. 11. Psal 89. 32, 33. They may be thrown into the same furnace, but one as dross, to be dealt with accordingly; the other as good mettal, which, though mixt with dross must be melted and separated.

2. The operation of those Afflictions is vastly di∣vers, and thereby God discovers what his thoughts are concerning the one and the other. They do not alike improve these providences; which is from the in∣fluence of grace on the one, which is with held from the other; for,

1. The everlasting state of the Justified Believer is safe under all these afflictions. Whatever tossings and changes he here passeth under, it is certain he shall never finally miscarry; if he loseth every thing else, even life it self, he shall not lose his Soul; the Everlasting Covenant stands fast, and cannot be broken, 2 Sam. 23. 5. The end will be peace, Psal. 37. 37. This is all the trouble that he shall over meet with, and when it is over, he shall have peace for ever: nothing shall separate him from Gods love, Rom. 8. 38, 39. But the wicked are not so: these are the beginnings of sorrows, and a prologue to more awful miseries that are to come afterwards: they are the fruits of the Curse, whose operation will be to bring them to the pit where there is no hope.

2. The afflictions themselves are under a promise of a good issue. Though they are for a while molest∣ful, and hard to bear, yet they shall work to an happy end: the Psalmist could allot on this, Psal. 73. 24. And the Apostle confirms it, Heb. 12. 11. The furrows are watered with affliction, but there is is a joyful harvest to be produced, Psal. 97. 11. 126. 5, 6. Whereas ungodly men are under a threatning, we are told, Psal 7. 11. God is angry with the wicked every day; and this anger will

work, till it hath brought them to a fearful end: the Godly have light beyond their darkness; but the Wicked are led through the present obscurity to outer darkness, where instead of joy, they have wailing.

3. The present fruits of these shall be profitable for them. All the good fruits of afflictions are not re∣served for Glory, but there are those which we reap here, and they are very precious, Rom. 828. Jer. 24. 5. And if it be askt what they are, we are told, Isa. 27. 9. Heb. 12. 10. God by them em∣bitters sin, quickens to duty, makes us more watch∣ful, excites our diligence in our great business; yea and brings us to Repentance, and renewed experiences of his favour and love to us: the flood wafts us to our rest. With the wicked it is otherwise; their afflictions hurt them, 2 Chron 28. 22. Isa. 8. 21. Under them they add to provoke God, till at length his fury kindleth against them in a fire unquenchable.

2. What difference there is between those of Gods Children, who are under the Guilt of some sin not wholly forgiven, and those that have, in a way of true Repen∣tance, and renewed Faith, recovered their peace?

A. This will be seen by the following Ob∣servations.

1. A Godly man, under the guilt and defilement of some bold transgression, is thereby exposed to Gods anger. He is his father, and cannot look on him as an enemy; but a father may be displeased at a son who carries himself unworthily. We have divers instances for this in the Word of God:

David, 2 Sam. 11. ult. Solomon, 1 Kings 11. 9. He∣zekiah, 2 Chron. 32. 25. Peter, Mat. 16. 23. How often is the Psalmist bemoaning himself about the Wrath of God that he was sensible of? How glad is the Church when that is turned away? Isa. 12. 1. And were they not his own of whom God saith, Isa. 57. 17. For the iniquity of his Coveteous∣ness I was wroth with him. Whereas, when his Chil∣dren please him by circumspect walking, or seri∣ous renewing of Repentance on any folly com∣mitted by them; he taketh great content in them.

2. Hence if God be angry, he hath reason to ex∣pect that the Calamity will reach him. Such an one may look to be distressed by the Judgments that are abroad; he cannot but know that he hath a deep hand in procuring them; the more God hath done for any, the more unreasonable it is that they should offend him; and therefore such may look to smart for it, Amos 3. 2. You only, &c. Besides, we know that temporary afflictions belong to the rods that God is wont to correct his wanton Children withal, Psal. 89. 32. He will not punish them in another world, but he will do it here.

3. And he is hereby exposed to the terrours of the Lord. There are not only temporal, but also spiritual evils that such an one hath laid himself open unto, and may expect them, which may well put him into trembling, Psal. 119. 120. It is no small terrour to see the Judgments of God round about, and conscience smite the man, telling him;

these are for thy sins, and putting him in expecta∣tion of feeling them personally. This also is of∣ten accompanied with Gods awful withdrawing from them, and looking like an enemy, Job 13. 24. And see what a pittiful complaint he makes in this regard, Psal. 38. begin. Yea, sometimes to con∣clude that God hath cast him off, and will have mer∣cy on him no more. Whereas we shall see how far otherwise it is with him who hath gotten all to stand right between God and him: for,

1. This man is most like to have some signal distin∣ction in the Providence of God, in publick Calamities. God indeed reserves a Soveraignty here; he some∣times takes away the best first, that they may not see the Tragedies that follow, and to make a way for his wrath. Yet if any are like to be signalized with the mercy of God at such a time, it is such as these. I believe the Ninety first Psalm was not penned for nothing; as God houseth some in heaven before Judgments break in, Isa. 57. begin. So for others he provides Chambers of safety to bide in till the indignation be over past, Isa. 26. 20. Some he distinguisheth in the Calamity, by giving them their life for a prey, as Jeremiah, and Baruch; and orders that they shall find a fair treatment from their enemies. Yea, often God so doth it, as the world is forced to confess, that there is veri∣ly a reward for the righteous, Psal. 58. 11. And such may expect this so far as infinite wisdom judgeth it best.

2. He is secured with inward peace amidst these blustring storms. Though the floods rise, the waves

dash, and the winds ruffle them into breaking bil∣lows; yet the man hath a calm within, and these things cannot disturb it; they may beat on his out∣ward man, and make a breach in it, bear away his outward comforts, yea swallow up his bodily life, but they cannot shake his tranquillity. He can look on these things with a sedate spirit; and that because he is inwardly fortified with the peace of God, which is a sure fortress against all that would oppress him; he lieth fast upon his rock, and can∣not be put from it, Psal. 107. 7, 8. 46. begin.

3. He can serve the Lord with freedom in the midst of all afflictions. They are the disquietments on our minds, that obstruct our chearful obedi∣ence, when troubles are on us; but he being se∣rene, hath no hindrance in that regard; he is not put from his work by these, Psal. 44. 17. These things can neither fright him from, nor discourage him in his business: they may awaken and quick∣en him to more diligence in it, but cannot drive him from it.

4. He hath inward joy in and under all these chan∣ges. He feels, and cannot but resent outward troubles; he is not a stock or a stone, hath hu∣mane senses and affections: but he possesseth a spiritual joy within, which all this cannot extin∣guish. The apprehension of Gods love, the peace within, have such sweetness in them, that they abate the bitterness of the affliction, and give him abundant consolation under them; if he re∣members his faults, he can kiss the rod: if he

suffer in the outward man, he can rejoyce because the inward man is safe, 2 Cor. 4. 16. And if there be nothing else, he hath still a God to rejoyce in, Hab. 3. 17, 18.

5. He can see through the Cloud to the other side of it, where it is light, and wait quietly for the issue, Mal: 7. 8, 9. Not only is his state secured for an happy eternity, but he hath a prospect of it, Job 23. 10. 2 Cor. 5. 1. And the faith of this keeps him unmoved: he can sit still and tarry till the tide be spent, and the tranquillity promised be re∣stored to him: he is assured that light is sown for him, and he can chearfuly wait till it be grown and ripe.

6. And he can husband all these trials for his ever∣lasting advantage. As God intends them to ope∣rate for his good, and will govern them to such an issue, so he can by the Grace of God, improve them to this purpose; by applying them to himself for the mortifying of his lusts, and exercising of his graces to his spiritual profit: and whiles he looks on them with such an eye, he is reconciled to them, so as to say, of every one, as Phil. 1. 19. This shall turn to my account; and how happy a condition is this? well may it be said of these floods, that they do not come nigh him.

USE. I. This points us to our great Duty when we see clouds and storms rising. When we see presaging Symptoms of great calamities at the door: common reason tells us that these are warnings bidding us to prepare; but alas, they are vain courses which the

most take when it is so: but here we may be told what is good and safe for us: and here,

1. It is certainly now a time for prayer. All dan∣gers seen in the face of Providence, call Gods peo∣ple to betake themselves to him, and seek his help. It is vain to put trust in any other object; but God is a refuge, and a present help in times of trouble. We are directed hither by him, Psal. 50. 15. David resolved thus to do, Psal. 57. 1, 2. And whether else should they go? he only can and is ready to do for them what they want.

2. It will tell us what we are to pray for. The great thing desirable, is to be safe from the harm threatned; we are therefore to seek that which will be our security: and this will be directive to us in two respects.

1. Let it direct those that are in an unpardoned state.

And here,

2. Be you sensible how unprepared you are for such a storm. It is the miserable state of such, that when the flood comes, they have no Ark to fly to, and hide themselves in; no Rock to settle upon, no shelter to betake to, but ly open to the utter de∣struction threatned; and how will such carry it then? See, Rev. 6. 16, 17. All refuges of lyes will then come tumbling down, Isa. 28. 17. How pro∣fitable now will such a thought well digested be?

A See what it is that unfits you: and that is your Gunt. It is not because you have sinned against God, so have his Children, but because the Guilt of it abides on you; were that removed, you might do well enough, this binds you over to to wrath

of God; the Sentence of Death is not reversed, & you may now expect it to be executed, and your sins to find you out.

3. Be afraid of the terrours of it. Think, what will you do when God shall fall upon you with his Judgments, and Conscience shall then reflect with horrour on you, and lay all your sins open before you, and tell you that for these things the wrath of God is upon you to destroy you. It is a solemn question that God propounds to those sinners, Isa. 10. 3. What will you do in the day of visitation? And Ezek. 22. 14. Can thine heart endure?

4. Let this drive you to God for pardon. There is forgiveness with him, and you may obtain it, if you seek it aright: and he gives you warning of trouble before hand, to awaken you to seek it of him in time. God, by these warnings gives men to see their need of it, that they may seek it in good earnest, Amos 4. 12. Because I will do this, prepare to meet thy God O Israel.

5. Be not at rest till you have gotten this settled. Wait therefore on him for his Spirit to work in you that Repentance and Faith, by which you may be brought to a New Covenant Interest in it, & have those evidences for it which may be sufficient to answer all the accusations of Satan, and reflections of a misgiveing Conscience: think, if you mistake here you are miserable, but if this be secure, all is out of danger.

2. Let it be also to direct the Children of God what to do upon such presages as these.

Be advised then,

1. To examine whether there be no sin standing out against you, that is not adjusted between God and you. It is now a matter of great moment: call there∣fore your consciences to an account, knowing that if there be any provocation which God is angry at, that hath not been particularly confessed and repented of, it doth so stand out.

2. In case there be any such, make haste to do your duty in this regard, consider what you have to do, and use no delays. And here,

1. Expect this to be the bitterness of the Cup. 'The trials themselves may be irksome, and enough to try all your patience in bearing them; but this will add an unknown weight to the burden; it will be the very poyson of the Cup: you will find the difference to your cost, if you adventure it, and do not speedily prevent it, Psal. 76. 7. To see God angry will be more dreadful than to feel the whole weight of affliction, that can be suffered in this world. Yea, it may be, and sometimes is so, that it will make you lose the sight of his love to you, and apprehend him as an E∣nemy; and what a terrible thing will that be?

2 Hence seek to God in true repentance & renewed faith for the actual forgiveness of it. Be thorough in this work, confess it ingeniously, mourn for it bitter∣ly, aggravate it particularly, beg hard for a pardon and look to the merits of Christ, and take hol•• on them for it; wait submissively at the footsto•• of the throne of grace, till he bestows it.

3. Get the evidence of this forgiveness as clear 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you can. See that this very sin is pardoned: seek

to discover it in your selves by such fruits as are witnesses to it, and beg earnestly for the witness of his Spirit, that you may read the pardon, and see his hand and seal to it; rest not till he speak peace to and in you.

USE II. Let it be a word of Consolation to those of Gods Children, who carefully keep accounts clear between God and them. Who are very heed∣ful to avoid every provocation, and observe if there be any, and speedily apply themselves to get it made up: although you also may meet with floods of great waters, yet here is your consola∣tion.

1. Your inward peace will give you a good settle∣ment of mind. To be able to see and say, there is no breach between God and you, will be enough, there will need no more to quiet your spirits: if when you see darkness in the world, you can behold the light of his Countenance looking upon you with greatest serenity, must not this needs fill you with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and make you triumph in midst of afflictions.

2. God himself will afford you his comforting pre∣sence. You shall not only have the witness of your own consciences, but the Joy of the Holy Ghost, and the manifestations of his love to you: to such he speaks comfortably, Isa. 41. 10. 43. 2. You may now walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and fear no evil, Psal. 23. 4.

3. This will put you out of harms way. You

shall be made unmoveable by it, Psal. 125. begin. Your afflictions may shake you, but not unsettle you: you may count them all over, and say of them, as Paul of his 2 Cor. 4. 9, 8. And what stabili∣ty may this afford to your spirits, in all the chan∣ges of times that go over you, who are thus safe∣ly immured in the Rock of Ages.