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Nahum 1.7.The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth the•••• that trust in him.
SOme say this Prophet was born at El∣kosh, a small Town in Galilee, and there named Nahum, which signifies a Comforter; And so he was to Gods peo∣ple: He speaks indeed terrible thing•• against Gods enemies in the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, verses: He shews how dreadfu•• the wrath of God would be against the Ninevites, and the Assyrians for their
great wickedness; Yet so as he also de∣clares how comfortably God would ma∣nifest himself to his people in all their troubles, in the words of the text, The Lord is good, &c. Wherein he gives us,
Doct. 1. That the Lord is Good. This is expresly in the Text. To open this briefly in two things.
Ʋse 1. Let us all try whether we have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 propriety in this good. Now saving ••nterest is only by Covenant. Without Christ and without God are all that are ••rangers to the Covenant of promise, (Eph. 2.12.) If any say, How shall we now we are in covenant? I onely say; When we are subdued to the terms of it, ••aith and holy obedience, when the pro∣••ises of it are in any measure of truth ••lfilled in us: Hath God given us his ••pirit? Is his law in truth written upon ••••r hearts? Are our Souls sprinkled
with his clean water promised to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 viz. the blood and grace of Ch•••••• justifying, and sanctifying grace? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Souls flee to the Covenant for c•••••• fort in all our troubles, as David 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (2 Sam. 23.5.) He hath made with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sure: These are good signs.
Ʋse 2. Of Exhortation.
know and consider;
Doct. 2. That the Church and People 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God have a day of Trouble. This is here i••••∣plied, in that God is said to be their str•••••• hold in the day of trouble, it supposes th•••• had such a day. The Prophet its tho•••• hath a particular respect to Hezekiah; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had a day of trouble, of rebuke and bl••∣phemy,
when Senacherib the King of As∣syria came up against him, as is evident in the Prophet Isaiah, (chap. 37.3.) And thus it hath been, is, or may be with God's people; they have their days of trouble, a cloudy and dark day, as Ezekiel calls it, a showry, a rainy day. As they have their days of Sun-shine, of Joy and Mercy; so a day of Affliction, a stormy and tempestuous day. All kind of trouble is here understood; outward and inward trouble, little and great troubles. As they have a day of prosperity, so likewise of adversity. The Church of Christ is his body; in every natural body there are many members; sometime the head akes, or the eye smarts, the arm is sore, the foot is wounded, the heart is heavy, then great must needs be the trouble of the body: So here, one member of Christs body lies in the prison, others are oppres∣sed and ruined in their Estates, others banished, others put to death; great must needs be the trouble of the body of Christ when it is thus. Elijah lamented his trouble, being persecuted by Jezabel, (1 Kings 19.) Job, an upright member, had many troubles, like the waves of the Sea, one upon another; his Estate gone, his Children slain, his Wife and Friends
prove his Enemies and Troubles, S•••••••• shooting his Arrows at him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seeming to be against him; great was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trouble. Jacob, David, Paul, and oth•••• confirm this truth to us. Here I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 briefly shew,
Qu. 1. Ye will say, When, or at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 special Times hath the Church a day 〈◊〉〈◊〉 trouble?
Ans. 1. When their hearts g•••••• high and proud under mercies, then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ally follows a day of trouble. God gi•••• great favours to his people, exalts th•••• in priviledges, and they are lifted up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pride, wax wanton under them, then co•••••••• great trouble. Thus it was with Hez••∣kiah, who, (as I hinted before) is h•••••• particularly spoken of, he was under g•••••••• mercies, raised from a low and w•••••• condition by sickness, his heart was lif•••••• up in pride, then comes a day of troub•••••• upon him: He shewed the Embassad•••• of the King of Babylon all his Treasu•••• in a vain-glorious boasting way, therefo•••• all was carried away from him. D•••••••• was advanced, his Mountain was stro•••• he upon this grew secure and proud, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said he should not be moved, and t•••• drew upon him a day of great trouble 〈◊〉〈◊〉
adversity. To have our hearts lifted up in the ways of God, as Jehosaphat's was, un∣der many and extraordinary mercies, is excellent indeed; but to be lifted up above measure, as Paul found a prone∣ness in himself to be under his revela∣tions, is very sinful; God will prick this bladder swoln with pride by some thorn in the flesh, to take us down again, for his Soul so liftted up is not upright in him as the Prophet speaks.
2. When the people of God are in some measure fitted and prepared for trouble, then they may expect a day of trouble. Its a great misery and judg∣ment to have mercies or troubles when we are unprepared for either. But God is very good to his people in this, that he gives them both when they are fitted for them, to be better by them, to im∣prove mercies and troubles. He knows their frame, and will not put new wine into old bottles, nor lay heavy burdens on weak shoulders, but proportions the burden to the back, his strokes unto their strength, that they may be able to bear it, (1 Cor. 10.13.) The woman is not put to flee into the Wilderness, (Rev. 12.6, 14.) till she hath wings given her to fit her for the flight, and a place
prepared of God that they should fee•• her there. When God hath given mu•••• grace, then comes a day of trouble to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christians to the use of that grace. As Go•• will not over-burden them, so he wi•••• not undervalue them. If they have grea•• grace to bear great troubles, they ma•• expect them.
3. When his people lean to their ow•• understandings, and follow their ow•• devices, not consulting God, nor taking his counsel, then let them expect a da•• of trouble: When they will be wise 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their own conceit, and betake themselv•••• to their own inventions, neglecting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 frequent his counsel, they alwaies mee•• with trouble. Did you ever read God people thus doing, and escape it? Go•• would have Jonah go and preach to Ni••••∣veh what he bad him, but he runs to hi•• own ways, and goes to Tharshish; D•••• he escape trouble? O the great affliction he was involved in! Thrown, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were, into the belly of hell, for his diso∣bedience to the God of heaven, and fol∣lowing his own contrivances to avoid trouble, he brought himself into far grea∣ter troubles. Never did any good ma•• lie easy upon that pillow which was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their own laying, or sleep well on th••••
bed which was of their own making. Though Jacob was designed to have the blessing, yet when he yielded to his Mother to endeavour the attaining it by lying and dissembling, what abundance of trouble did he bring upon himself by it? Therefore trust in the Lord for ever, and lean not to thine own under∣standing.
4. When God intends to raise and advance his people, he will bring a day of trouble upon them to fit and prepare them for it. A man that purposeth to build a house high, will lay the founda∣tion low. So God inflicts much trouble upon his servants, and brings them low by afflictions, because he intends to ad∣vance and advantage them thereby. By the oppressions of Egypt, and by the perils and troubles of the Wilderness, he prepared Israel for the Land of Canaan. Before Joseph had a golden Chain put about his neck, and was raised to ho∣nour by Pharaoh, he must have his feet in the stocks, and undergo various trou∣bles. As David grew nearer the King∣dom, so did his troubles increase, and so he grew fitter for a Crown by his cros∣ses: His Soul was as a weaned child, (Psa. •• 31.2.) By troubles he was so humbled,
as to be in less danger of being proud 〈◊〉〈◊〉 made worse by his honours. He mi•••••• more safely enjoy the pleasures of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Court without danger of surfeiting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his ruine. When God intended to d••••∣ble Jobs estate, he stript him of all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had, so that he who in the morning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the richest man in the East, was at nig•••• poor to a proverb. As many ti•••• after great manifestations of his lo•••• the Lord humbles his people by g•••••• desertions and sore temptations in th•• Spirits, so in his providences. L•••••• observed, that before God honou•• him to do any great piece of services•• his name, he would exercise him w•••• some sore affliction or humbling dispe••••∣tion. There is a time wherein 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will make the place of his feet glori•••••• or glorify the house of his glory, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in this World; (Isa. 60.7, 13.) But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fore this comes to pass, there may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such a time of trouble as never was, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the nearer the glory comes, the gre•••••• may be the trouble; as the nearer a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man in travel is to deliverance, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stronger and more painful her th•••• may be, and it is darkest a little bef•••••• the day breaks. When God inte•••• his people a Joyful harvest, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉
first expect a wet seed-time. They that sow in tears, shall reap in Joy; They that go forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall return again rejoycing, bringing their sheaves with them, (Psal. 126.5.6.)
5. When God intends to make a com∣pleat and full destruction of his and his Churches Enemies. Hence it was that Israel was in such great trouble, because God intended to get himself glory upon Pharaoh and upon the Egyptians in their utter overthrow. This may inhanse and raise the troubles of Gospel-churches in these last days of the world, because God hath a great design to execute the vengeance written against Antichrist, and to save his people from his Iron yoke. There shall be such a time of trouble as never was, saith Daniel, (Chap. 12.1.) and then shall Gods people be delivered, and consequently their enemies ruined, for these mostly go together: As when Mordecai and the Jews had a great delive∣rance from troubles, Haman and his Complices had a dreadful overthrow. These like the buckets in a Well, the one coming up, the other goes down. If the wicked rise, the righteous mourn, but when those perish, these rejoyce. These are the seasons of the Churches troubles.
Qu 2. But you will say, What are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 reasons of their troubles? To this I a••∣swer.
An 1. To take away their dross a•••• and purge away there sin. By this s•••••• the iniquity of Jacob be purged, namely, b•••• troubles and afflictions, (Esa. 17.9. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this is all the fruit to take away his sin. T•••• fining Pot is for Silver, and the Furnace f•••• Gold, (Prov. 17.3.) God put his Gold in•••••• the Furnace of affliction to take away i•••• dross, and make it more pure and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fined. Flesh and blood will shrink at thi•• but grace will close with it, for it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blessed design of love God hath in thi•• to bring them forth vessels of hono•••• meet for his use, and ready for ever•• good work.
2. To prevent their sinning, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their ruine. As God is pleased to p••••∣vent the infection of the air by thund•••• and lightning, which do much clarify i•• and to keep the Sea from putrifying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the winds, and the constant motion of th•• Waves, so he preserves his people fro•• much hurt and danger by their troubles▪ He sees how apt prosperity is to infe•• them, and they to surfeit upon creatu•••• fulness; he sees an empty cup is bet•••• for them than a full; better to go aw••••
from a table hungry, than a glutton, and ••hirsty, than drunk. When God gave ••srael what of outward things they desired, ••t was their ruine, by reason of their sin, (Psal 106.15.)
3. To discover what is in them, both of sin and grace. They neither know the one nor the other, till tried by troubles, ••nd then they often find more sin, and less grace than they made account of. When the Waters are roiled, the Mud rises which was at the bottom, not seen before. O says a Christian, when stirred by trou∣bles, and passions rise, I did not imagine there had been so much impatience and discontent, so much pride, unbelief and ••rowardness, and worldliness, as now I find ••n my heart; I thought faith, and patience, ••nd other graces, had been more strong ••han they are; alas, how weak are they ••f any at all? I thought I could have wrest∣ed with any trouble, and not have had ••n impatient rising against God's provi∣dence, but now I see I am mistaken in my ••elf. Thus Peter thought he should have died, rather than denied his Master; but when trial came, he found how much he was deceived in himself. It is easie for ••o talk of War in a time of Peace, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Souldiers valour is known in a Bat∣tel.
Troubles discover whether men wi•••• adhere to God, his truth, and ways, ••••∣swim down with the stream, and turn wi•••• every wind. For men then to stand th•••••• ground is something, but how often is th•• timorous weakness of many great Profe••∣sors then discovered? We say commonly we cannot know a man throughly, till w•• have summer'd and winter'd him; so it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 here; God brings a Summer of prosperi•••• that discovers the weakness of many; b•••• then comes a Winter of adversity, and th•• discovers others: He that well bears bo•••• is a strong Christian indeed. When the•••• is a great deal of Rain, we see what wee•• were in the ground that were not dif••••∣vered before. Little do good men thi•••• or believe the corruptions that are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, till by a day of trouble they sh•••••• themselves. When Absalom was tak•••• away by death, then was David's pass•••• and inordinate affection to him ma•••• known, beyond what one would ha•••• thought to be in him. You may obser•••• in some Professors a very loving cour••••∣ous carriage while they are pleased, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you cross and vex them a little, how 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lent and outragious are they in their ••••∣gry passions? Like the troubled Sea, ••••••∣ing out mire and dirt, raging waves of ••∣••ea,
foaming out their own shame. O ••he unbecoming words and actions that ••ill come from them! Hence when God ••ould discover men, he brings upon them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day of trouble.
4. To make them useful to others. ••ereby he furnishes them with experien∣••es of his power, love and goodness, that ••hey may be able experimentally to en∣••ourage and comfort others with what ••hey themselves have found in a day of ••••ouble. Hereby they are taught to sym∣••••thyize with others that lie under inward ••••oubles, sense of guilt, apprehensions of ••rath, the fiery Darts of Satans temptati∣••ns, long and sore desertions, combates ••ith strong corruptions: They that never ••••lt these troubles, cannot pity and com∣••••ssionate others that are under them. He ••••at hath endured the misery of those ••••ute diseases, the Stone or Gout, he can ••••est tell how to pity those that are under ••••em. Christ himself submitted to suffer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 temptations, that he might be able ••••om his own experience to succour them ••••at are tempted, (Heb. 2. ult.) So expe∣••••enced Christians are the best and most ••••le comforters of others in a day of ••••ouble; none so able to advise and help ••••em in trouble as these are; they can
give experimental counsel and comfo•••• and this is one great end why they ha•••• been exercised with such troubles, t•••••• they may impart and communicate th•• experiences to others. And blessed a•••• they who are thus found to improve th•••• troubles.
Ʋse 1. Of Information; in a word; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God brings a day of trouble upon his o•••• people, Then let others know that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath worse things in reserve for the•• This is expressed in the verses before 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Text, and after it; especially the 2d a•••• 8th verses. The Lord revengeth, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 furious, the Lord will take vengeance 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on his Enemies, and he reserveth wra•••• for his Adversaries. Those that seek 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thrust him beside his Throne, that opp•••••• his Worship, contemn his Word, pe••••∣cute his People, and say, we will not ha•••• this man to reign over us; bring hit•••••• these mine Enemies, will he say one d•••• and slay them before me, (Luke 19.27▪ Such as return by true and lively rep••••∣tance, shall not find him thus furious, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 gracious. As for others, he hath wrath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 store, treasures of wrath against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of wrath laid up for them: Their pre••••••∣vation for a time, is but a reservation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that wrath to come. If God useth 〈◊〉〈◊〉
Pruning-knife for his own Trees if they grow out of order, what shall be done to a Bramble, to a Thistle? O where shall the sinner and the ungodly appear? What shall be the end of them that obey not the Gospel, as the Apostle speaks, (1 Pet. 4.17, 18.)
Ʋse 2. Of exhortation, in two or three things.
have been much worse. It is of the Lords mencies we are not consumed, said the Church in a day of great trouble then upon her, (Lam. 3.22, Why should a living man complain? Alive and complain, out of Hell and complain, this ought not so to be; but in the greatest trouble here, to be thankful we are cast into the bottom∣less Pit of Ruine, as our sins deserve. Patiently; let patience have its perfect work in us; when we can possess nothing here, if by faith we can possess God and in patience possess our own Souls, then when we are as having nothing, we shall still possess all things. Happy are we if troubles shall thus discover graces. Then will God be glorified thereby, and these are his great ends in exercising us with trouble. Spices smell not much till they are beaten, but then are very fra∣grant. If when God puts us into the Mor∣••ar, and beats us with the Pestel of afflicti∣ons, our Spikenard send out its savour, it is a blessed fruit and effect of trouble. And to say no more, let us carry it pra∣yerfully in the time of our adversity. This hath been the practise of good men; Lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left, was the Message of Hezekiah to Isaiah, (Chap. 37.4.) And this was his own practise, he went up to the house of
the Lord, Spread Rabshakehs reviling Blasphemous Letter before him and pra••••∣ed. I called upon the Lord in my trouble, sai•••• David, Psal. 116.3, 4. This is it God ha•••• commanded and hath also promised 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liverance to his people upon it, (Ps•••••• 50.15.) Call upon me in the day of troub•••• I will deliver thee. As David said of G••∣ahs Sword, so let me say of prayer, the•••• is no means like it. Some in their tro••∣bles murmure against God, quarrel wi•••• second causes, laying the cause here a•••• there, and in stead of praying fall a curs•••• and swearing. It is common and easy do thus, but who falls down before G•••• and saith, Lord, it is for my pride, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worldliness, my unprofitableness, th•••• troubles come; O pardon and heal 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for thy names sake. O then let us be m•••••• with God in Prayer in all our own a•••• the Churches troubles; Only let the•••• be fervent prayers. The effectual ferv•••• prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James. 5.16.) Much more the unanim•••••• prayers of his Churches will preva•••• especially, if mixed with faith and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 joyn Reformation of heart and life to o•• supplication. If my people pray 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seek my face, and turn from their evil w•••• then will I hear in heaven and forgive 〈◊〉〈◊〉
iniquity, and heal the land, (2 Chron. 7.14.) But if I regard iniquity in my heart, saies David, the Lord will not hear my prayer. How shall we think our requests can pre∣vail, when our practises contradict our prayers? We pray against pride, divisi∣sions, worldlyness, unfruitfulness, and yet continue in these sins. We lament our neglect of duty, in our families and clo∣sets, our breach of Gods holy day, our deadness and loss of our first love and ••ife, and yet go on in these things, our supplications without reformation are but a provocation, as the howling of Dogs in Gods ears, as he saith of Israel of Old. They howled upon their Beds, (Hos. 7.14.) ••nd were no more regarded by God, than 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dog that howleth is by men. Had there been reforming answerable to our praying, we might have had the mercies prayed for before this. Let us then pray and turn from our evil waies, and God will turn his promises into performances, and our prayers into praises, our Hosanna's ••nto Hallelujahs. And O that we could yet stir up our selves to take hold on God by faith and prayers. Preces & lacrymae, Prayers and Tears are the Churches best weapons in a day of trouble. The Spirit of ••rayer failes, O that he who hath the re∣sidue
of the Spirit, would once again p•••••• out the Spirit of grace & supplication up•••• his people; So in every day of Jac•••• trouble, when he is brought low, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 say, By whom shall Jacob arise? We sh•••••• find such wrestling with God by pra•••• will engage Jacobs God to command 〈◊〉〈◊〉 liverances for Jacob in due time. And nothing, that arises in our hearts to k•••••••• us from this duty, or deaden us in it, h••••∣der us. Let none say, our troubles are extream that we are overwhelmed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them. So it was with the Psalm (Psal. 142.3.) His Spirit was o•••••• whelmed in him, yet he prayed. Tho•••••• God lamed Jacob as if he had been Enemy, yet he wept and made suppl••••••∣tion. Out of the Belly of Hell cryed I, sa•••••• Jonah. Let none say, our sins are so gr•••••• and we upon that account so vile and worthy, that we dare not pray, for G•••• heareth not sinners, (John 19.31.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 let such consider David, (Psal. 40.13.) My sins are more than the hairs my head, Yet he prays, Be pleased, O 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to deliver me, O Lord, make hast to help Let there be a real mourning for sin, turning from sin, and thy sins shall hinder thy prayers. That unbelief w•••••• hinders thee from praying is worse••
all thy other sins, as appears, (John 16.••9.) He shall reprove the World of sin, because they believe not on me, saies Christ. Let none say, I would but I am unable, I want the Spirit of prayer; but know, there may be effectual and acceptable prayer when yet thou feelest nothing but a great indisposedness to prayer. When the Psalmist complaines he was so troubled that he could not speak, yet then he prayed, (Psal. 77.1.3.4. verse) I cried unto God with my voice, and he gave ear to me. When Hezekiah could but chatter like a Crane, and mourn like a Dove, as he complains, Isa. 38.14.5. Yet even then the Spirit of prayer wrought effectu∣ally in him, as is clear by what God speaks. I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy Tears. Neither let any say, it is to no pur∣pose for them to pray, for many do well enough that never pray. But this is not true. For all such have, is but temporal good things, and they cannot have them as blessings with the love and favour of God, but in anger, as a curse, and to their hurt. The prosperity of fools shall destroy them, (Prov. 1.32.) But to them that pray, be it much or little they have, it is in love and sanctified by the word and prayer. Let none say, it is in vain for
them to pray, because God knows per∣fectly what our wants and troubles a•• before we pray, and hath determin•••• what to do for us, and he is of one mi•••• and who can turn him, prayer it self ca•• not alter his purpose. And he is of so g••••∣cious a nature that he is ready to give•• what he sees good for us, though we pr•••• not for it. Now though all this be tru•••• yet to neglect prayer on these accoun•• is most weak and unsound. For, thou•••• God knows our wants, yet he hath co••∣manded us in every thing by prayer a•••• supplication, that we make known our ••••∣quests to him, (Philip. 4.6.) And wha•• ever birth his decree and counsel Trave•• with in a way of mercy to us, he ha•• appointed prayer to be the midwife 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hand it to us, (Ezek. 36, 37.) The•••• are many gracious promises of go•••• to Gods Church and people, I will yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enquired of, saith God, by the house of Isra•••• to do it for them. Yea, it is a manifest toke•• of his goodness, that he will be soug•••• unto for the good he purposeth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 promiseth to bestow upon us. For it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 because he loves to hear the work of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 own Spirit in us, Let me here thy voice (Cant. 2.14.) For sweet is thy voice; Th••
praying voice, even as you that are Pa∣••ents love to here your little ones speak ••hough but lisping, much more doth God ••o hear his Children. And let none say, ••ur prayers have been fruitless time after ••ime, for it is no argument God neglects ••hem, because they obtain not presently; ••or what if he sees it is better for us to be without a mercy than to have it? Is it ••ot our interest to subscribe to his wis∣••om, and submit to his will therein? What if it be not for his glory we have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as yet, cannot we wait his time? Mar∣••ha and Mary sent to Christ, (John 11.) to ••ome quickly, for Lazarus whom he loved was sick. Yet Christ deferred coming till he ••ad been dead some daies, & no hope in an ordinary way for his living again, till the Resurrection; This was done that God night be glorified in his being raised to ••••fe by a miracle. And what if God will ••nswer our prayers in some better way ••han in giving us the thing prayed for? ••ught we not to rest satisfied in his wise ••ispose for us? Are we fitter to carve for ••ur selves than he is? Surely it is best for us ••o acquiesce in his gracious choice of our ••nheritance for us. Abraham prayed for ••hmaels conversion. O that Ishmael may ••••ve before thee; God answered him in
Isaac which was better. David prayed for the life of his sick Child, God denie•• him in that, but answered him in Solo∣mon a better mercy. Paul prayed for the removal of that sorely afflictive temp∣tation which he knew not how to bear God answered him with a promise o•• supporting grace which was better. S•• that if we could observe the waies o•• God towards us in answering prayer we should have no cause to restra•••• prayers upon a temptation that they ar•• fruitless, but should see our labour is no•• in vain in the Lord. These things con∣sidered, nothing should take us off from or deaden our hearts in, prayer to Go•• in the day of trouble, but we shoul•• be incouraged to continue instant in this duty, alwaies to pray and not to faint (Luke 18.1.) But some will say, wha•• shall we do to bear up till deliverance from trouble come? The 3. Doctri•••• tells us that, which may comfortab•••• support us in praying and waiting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, viz.
Doct 3. That the Lord is a strong ho•••• in the day of trouble. So in the Text e••¦pressly. And thus God is set forth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other Scriptures. (Isa. 26.4.) He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 called the Rock of ages; a refuge to 〈◊〉〈◊〉
••hat trust in him through all Generations. Hence it is said, (Prov. 18.10.) The name ••f the Lord is a strong Tower. It is a Me∣••aphorical speech; look what a strong Tower is in case of danger, such is the ••ame of God in a day of trouble; the one∣••y sanctuary to run into for security. The Lord is my Rock and my fortress, my ••trength, and my high Tower, saith David, (Psal. 18.2.) A strong fort or fortification. Hezekiah, who in his days of trouble had this very word in the text given him for his relief, found him so, notwithstanding Rabshakeh blasphemed in telling him, the God in whom he trusted would deceive him.
Qu. 1. And if you ask, Wherein it ap∣pears, that God is a strong hold in the day of trouble;
Ans. I answer; In that he is, and hath all that belongs to a strong hold: viz. Strength, provision, ammunition, advantage against Enemies, and the like. God hath strength, A paper-house will not make a good strong hold, or houses made of reed or rotten Timber; But God is my strength and power, saith David, (2 Sam. 22.32) In him his everlasting strength. God hath provision: If this be wanting to them in strong holds, their
enemies may starve them. But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 know what God is to his people, a Fa¦ther, a Shepherd; These will provid•••• for their children, for their flocks, Go•• much more for his. So Abraham be¦lieved, My Son, God will provide, an•• so he found it, (Gen. 22.7.8.) God ha•• also ammunition; In a strong hold the•• are great peices of Ordnance, whic•• are for offence and defence. So in Go•• there are glorious Attributes, he ha•• made also gracious promises to his pe••¦ple, and terrible threatnings against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 enemies; Faith and prayer give fire 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these to discharge them, and then dread¦ful execution is done upon Gods and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 peoples Enemies. He makes his A••¦rows sharp in the hearts of his Enemies his right hand doth terrible thing whereby they fall under him, (Psal. 45 4.5.) I might also shew, what great adva••¦tage he hath against Enemies to rep•••• and do them hurt; But I onely add that as a strong hold is not known b•••• only to them that are in it; So no•••• know what strength, provision, &c▪ are in God, but those that are in hi•• But some will say.
Qu. 2. Why or whence is it, that the L•••••• is a strong hold in the day of trouble?
Ans. This he is, and hath undertaken ••o be for them, and to them, partly that ••e might make them every way happy. Happy are the people, whose God is the Lord ••hat have the God of Jacob for their help, whose hope is in the Lord their God. (Psal. ••44.15. and Psal. 146.5.) Partly that his ••ervice might not seem unreasonable. ••ometimes God calls his to very hard ••nd difficult services. Now it is thought ••nreasonable, that a Master should set his ••ervants about a work he will not defend ••hem and bear them out in. God never ••oth so, he alwayes secures and protects ••hose he imploys in doing or in suffering-••ork. His grace is sufficent to bear ••heir charges, and his Kingdom is enough ••o reward their faithfulness in his ser∣••ice. Partly, because else in their fears ••nd temptations they would be ready ••o run to other refuges and strong holds ••or their security. And partly to vex ••heir Enemies. It is a great vexation ••o them, to see and observe God to be his ••eoples strong hold. How was Saul ••roubled and vexed to see that God was Davids strong hold? David is said to dwel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strong holds, (1 Sam. 23.29.) Some∣••••mes he fled to one and sometimes to ••••other, yet David acknowledgeth God
to be his rock, refuge and high Tower and Saul was convinced in his own co••¦science, that God was with David a•• David with God, hid and secured in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 secrets of his present, and this was matt•••• of vexation to him, as it is to many othe•• of his Spirit.
Ʋse 1. This shews the great mista•••• of the Sons of men, and their sin al•••• They mistake in thinking Gods peo•••• shelterless, and destitute of relief a•• safety, whereas they have a strong ho•••• even God himself; They sin in perse••¦ting them, for they persecute God a•• Christ, their strong hold; Saul, Sa•••• Why persecutest thou me; (Act. 9.•••• They, that let fly their Arrows agai•••• those in a strong hold, shoot at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 strong hold in which they are. So it here, when the King of Assyria let his blasphemies against Hezekiah, by servant Rabshakeh, God saith, Whom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou reproached and blasphemed? (Isa. •• 23.24.) and against whom hast thou exa•••• thy voice, &c. even against the holy o•••• Israel: By thy servant hast thou proached the Lord. They sin and greatly also, in betaking themselve•• other strong holds, (Nahum. 3.14.) ••••¦tify thy strong holds. The Prophet se••••
to deride their care and cost in their fortifications. Some make strong Castles, others make riches their strong hold. The rich mans wealth is a strong City and a high wall in his own conceit: whereas in a time of common calamity, riches are more dangerous than poverty. The rich were carried away to Babylon into Captivity, when the poor were ••eft to till the Land. (Jer. 29.10.) Its spoken of that desolation by Nebuchad∣••ezzar. 'Tis said, that in the Mas∣sacre at Paris diverse rich Papists were murthered for their estates as well as Protestants. Others make their Church-priviledges a strong hold, crying as of old, The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord, (Jer. 7.4.) But these were lying words. There is no Sanctuary, no not in the Sanctuary, whilest men are in their sins. O that we could be affected and afflicted with & for the mistakes of men in this matter of so great concernment; and the rather, because of the danger there is in mens resting in them, they make lies their re∣fuge, and the storm will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters of Gods wrath overflow these hiding places.
Ʋse 2. Of Exhortation. Let us all
be perswaded in this day of trouble 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take the right course to secure 〈◊〉〈◊〉 selves. Turn to your strong hold, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Prophet, (Zechar. 9.12.) That is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God. Satis praesidii in uno deo. Ther•••••• security enough in one God, thought 〈◊〉〈◊〉 want other strong holds. O the g•••••• trouble and perplexity they will be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when grievous calamities and death c•••••• that are not gotten into this strong ho•••• All hearts will melt, all hands and kn•••• will be weak and feeble, and all sa•••• gather paleness because of the fierce a••¦ger of God against them that are fo•••••• not to have secur'd themselves in th•••• Sanctuary of safety. Therefore let us 〈◊〉〈◊〉 run and flee from the avenger 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blood, that will pursue us, into this C•••••• of refuge, where we shall be hid 〈◊〉〈◊〉 day of the Lords anger. This is do•••• by faith and prayer, upon these two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we may run into this strong hold, a•••• be set aloft from the fear of danger. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faith, we get into the hold of Gods Na•••• and run into the several roomes there•••• his power, wisdom, providence, th•• are the chambers of preservation for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Souls in an evil time. And prayer the other foot. By this, Hezekiah, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that day of trouble now upon him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉
get into this strong hold, (Jsa. 37.) When God gives men the Spirit of prayer, he gives them the Key of this strong hold by which they may open the Gates and Doors thereof, enter in and be safe. Onely let it be fervent and faithful prayer. By this strength we may have power with God as Jacob had and secure our Souls in the worst days that can pass over us in this world. So believe, and so pray that we may pre∣vaile, so run that we may obtain.
ƲSE. 3. Let Gods people, who are by faith gotten into this strong hold, know both their dignity and their duty.
be able to encourage your selves in the Lord your God, as David did, and to have your hearts fixed in the most shaking times, trusting in him, and consider for your comfort, what is added in the Text, That he knoweth them that trust in him.
Doct. 4. That the Lord knoweth then that trust in him in a day of trouble, So the text speaks. What is said of another grace, (1 Cor. 8.3.) is true of this here. If any love God, the same is known of him. So if any man trust in God, the same is known of him. God knows all men, but if any love and trust in him, them he knows in a special manner. Here I shall very briefly shew
Qu. 1. What is it to trust in God in a day of trouble?
Ans. The word signifies to betake ones self to God. So in the Prophe•• Isaiah, (Chap 14 ult.) the poor of hi•• people shalt trust in it. Chasah, Co••∣fugit, That flees to him. It is accom∣modated to a double Metaphor, or si∣militude.
will I make my refuge, untill these Calamities be overpast, (Psal. 57.1.) The Lord is my Rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength in whom I will trust, (Psal. 36.7.8. The Children of men shall put their trust under the Shadow of thy Wings they shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, &c. The Rock gave supply to Israel in the thirsty Wilderness, (Deut. 8.15.) And that Rock was Christ saith Paul, (1 Cor. 10.4.) So then, when in the sense of Soul miseries, as of guilt or temptations, we betake our selves to God in Christ, flee for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us, and to that grace that is sufficient for us; When in outward dangers we run into the name of the Lord as our strong hold, then we are said to trust in him. That's the first.
Qu. In what sense is it here said, he know∣eth them that trust in him?
Ans. His knowing them is his care of them, his love to them, and his appearing to act sutably for them in a day of trou∣ble. Men will neglect and pass by their Old acquaintance and not know them so as to take care of them, delight in them, or to act good for them. So will not God, he will not pass them by, as if he
had no respect from them, but he ca∣reth for them, (1 Pet. 5.7.) When others are careless of them, (John 10.27.) My sheep, saith Christ, hear my voice, and I know them; That is, I am careful of them that they wander not, or if they do go astray, to seek them and bring them back that they do not perish, (Psal. 1.6.) The Lord knoweth the way of the righteous. So he doth he way of the wicked. But it is meant of a knowledge with affection and approbation. So he knoweth them that trust in him, therefore he hath in the Scripture pronounced them blessed, (Psal. 34.8.) Blessed is the man that trust∣eth in thee. Yea this implies, that he will own and acknowledge them, he will de∣clare and manifest unto others that they are his people, (Amos 3.2.) You only have I known of all the families of the Earth, &c. Not as his creatures only, as he knows all the beasts of the field, (Psal. 50.11.) but as his Children. So he owned Joseph, Job, and Jeremiah in all their troubles. Now know I that thou fear∣est me, saies God of Abraham; (Gen. 22.12.) That is, I have by trying thee in thy Isaac, made it known to all the World that shall hear of thee, what man∣ner of man Abraham is, God glories in his
Servants that trust in him in daies of Trial and Trouble, yea, he knows them so as to keep them and deli∣ver them, (2 Pet. 2.9.) The Lord knows how to deliver the Godly out of Temptation. When they know not what to do, nor how deliverance should come, yet God knows how to save and deliver.
Qu. 3. Ye will say. Why will God thus know believers in a day of trouble?
Ans. Partly, because faith is his own gift and work in them. To you it is gi•••• to believe, (Phil. 1.29.) Faith is the gift of God, (Eph. 2.8.) And he will know and own his own work and Crown it too: Partly, because they do what God requires (Psal. 62.8.) Turst ye in the Lord at all times, ye people. And partly, because they know and own God in such a day. A man that knows not God, cannot rightly believe in him, but they that know thy name will put their trust in thee, saith David, (Psal, 9.10.) And by trusting in him in their troubles, they own him to be one worthy to be relied on in the greatest straits. Hence that resolution of Job, (Chap. 13.15.) Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. As he loves those that love him, so he knows those that shew and
manifest to the world, that they know him and can own him in the face of Death it self. Now the use.
Ʋse. 1. Let us then try our selves, are we those that trust in God in a trouble? Such will use no unlawful means to get out of trouble, as others will. Such dare not live in any known sin under the means of grace, as others do. Such bring forth the fruits of faith looking after Christs righteousness for Justification, true holiness of heart and life; others content themselves with outward duties and priviledges, outward profession and a form of godliness. Well, let us re∣member, God knows them that trust not in him as well as those that do. He can distinguish between the true and counterfeit believer. And as he knows them that believe truly in their troubles, so he knows the unbelievers in the time of their fears and straits when they come upon them. He will laugh at their calami∣ty, and mock when their fear cometh, (Prov. 7.26, 27, 28.) Nor will he so know them in Death and Judgment as to own and save them, but so as to discard and cast them off, with a Depart from me, I know you not. I know you to be workers of iniquity, to be unbelievers, but I love
you not, I own you not, I reject you as unbelievers, depart from me, I never knew you. Men can bear these word•• from the Mouth of a Minister of the Gospel, but O how will they be con∣founded for ever when Christ himself shall utter them, as he will certainly do as you read from himself, (Mat. 7.23. Matth. 25.12.) O who would rest in a•• unbelieving state? Who would be sa∣tisfied without the grace of saving faith?
Ʋse 2. Let all Gods poor and afflict∣ed people continue to trust in the name of the Lord. Let this encourage you t•• it, he knows them that trust in him i•• a day of trouble, (Psal. 31.7.) He know∣eth my Soul in adversity. He knows you•• names and persons, (2 Tim. 2.19.) Th•• Lord knoweth them that are his. He knows their graces and good works. (Rev. 2.2.) I know thy works, saith Christ to the Church of Ephesus, and thy labour and thy patience. He knows their thoughts and desires. Lord, saies David, all my desire is before thee, and my groaning is not hi•• from thee. He knows their frame, (Psal. 103.13, 14.) What trouble they are able to bear, and will remember it so as not to over-burden them. He knows
their corruptions, and temptations, and ••heir enemies. He sees what sin they grap∣••••e with, and will not suffer it to have ••ominion over them, (Rom. 6.14.) Christ prays that their Faith fail not in ••he time of temptation, (Luke 22.32.) He ••nows the power and policy of all their nemies, so as to break their arm, and ••rush their head. He knows the walk and ••onversation of his people. Thou knowest, ••••ith Job, the way that I take, (Job. 23.••0.) What great and excellent comforts ••re these for all believers! O therefore ••rust in the Lord for ever, though daies ••f trouble be many and great, for if the ••••mes be evil, and men be evil, yet the Lord is good, is a strong hold in the ••ay of Trouble, and he knoweth them ••••at trust in him.