13 14 15. Let thy companions deliver thee but the wind shall carry them all away vanity shall take them Isa 57. 13. Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and from the multitudes of mountains c. Jer. 3. 23. Trust ye not in lying words saying The temple of the Lord c. Jer. 7. 4. Trust ye not in any brother for every brother will utterly supplant Jer. 9. 4 5. This is thy portion c. because thou hast forgotten me and trusted in falshood Therefore still I discover thy skirts upon thy face c. Jer. 13. 25 26. Thus saith the Lord Cursed be the man who who trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm and whose heart departeth from God for he shall be like the heath in the desert c. Jer. 17. 5 6. For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures thou shalt also be taken c. Jer. 48. 7. Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys c. O back-sliding daughter who trustest in her treasures saying Who shall come unto me Behold I will bring fear upon thee saith the Lord of host Jer. 49. 4 5 16. As for us our eyes as yet failed for our vain hope in our watching we have watched for a nation which could not save us Lam. 4. 17. Egypt shall know c. because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel When they took hold of thee by thy hand thou didst break and rent all their shoulders And when they leaned upon thee thou breakest all their loins c. Ezek. 29. 6 7. Isa 20. 5 6. They shall know that I am the Lord when I have set a fire in Egypt and when all her helpers shall be destroyed Ezek. 30. 8. Ephraim also is like a silly dove without heart they call to Egypt they go to Assyria when they shall go I will spread my net upon them I will bring them down c. Wo unto them for they have fled from me Hosea 7. 11 12 13. Jer. 2. 36 37. Ephraim feedeth upon wind c. they do make a covenant with the Assyrians c. Hosea 12. 1. Wo unto them who are at ease or secure in Zion and trust in the mountains of Samaria Amos 6. 1. Trust ye not in a friend put ye not confidence in a guide keep the door of thy mouth from her who lyeth in thy bosom For the son dishonoureth the father c. Micah 7. 5 6. Charge them who are rich c. that they trust not in uncertain riches c. 1 Tim. 6. 17. We had the sentence of death in our selves that we should not trust in our selves 2 Corin. 1. 9. II. In God alone a suitable Object GOD said Let their be light and there was light c. Gen. 1. 3 6 9 c. When Sarah doubted of the promise because of her age The Lord said to Abraham Wherefore did Sarah laugh saying Shall I of surety bear a child which am old Is any thing too hard for the Lord Gen. 18. 12 13 14. Luke 1. 37. When Hagar was fainting and thought there was no way but death with her child God shewed her a well of water c. Gen. 21. 15 16 17 18 19. When Joseph's Brethren had conspired to kill him God works for his deliverance Gen. 37. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 c. When God was sending Moses upon a great Work Moses said unto the Lord O my Lord I am not eloquent c. but I am slow of speech c. And the Lord said unto him Who hath made man's mouth Or who maketh the dumb or the deaf or the seeing or the blind Have not I the Lord Now therefore go and I will be with thy mouth c. Exod. 4. 10 11 12. And Moses said unto the people Fear ye not stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which he will shew to you to day c. the Lord shall fight for you c. And the Angel of God which went before the camp removed and went behind them between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel c. Led them through the Red-sea Exod. 14. 13 14 19 20 21 22. The Lord shall reign for ever and ever Exod. 15. 18. The Lord c. proclaimed the name of the Lord The Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiving iniquity transgression and sin c. Exod. 34. 5 6 7. And Moses said The people amongst whom I am are six hundred thousand c. Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them to suffice them Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them c. And the Lord said unto Moses Is the Lord's hand waxed short Thou shalt see c. Numb 11. 21 22 23. God is not a man that he should lye neither the son of man that he should repent Hath he said and shall he not do Or hath he spoken and shall he not make it good Behold c. he hath blessed and I cannot reverse it Heb. 6. 18. Numb 23. 19 20. Tit. 1. 2. What god is there in heaven or earth that can do according to thy works and according to thy might Deut. 3. 24. Unto thee it was shewed that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God there is none else besides him c. Deut. 4. 35 39. Know therefore that the Lord thy God he is God the faithful God who keepeth covenant and mercy with them who love him c. Deut. 7. 9. Understand therefore this day that the Lord thy God he who goeth before thee as a consuming fire he shall destroy them and he shall bring them down before thy â—ace so shalt thou drive them out c. Deut. 9. 3. ch 31. 6. There shall be no man able to stand before you for the Lord your God shall lay the sear of you c. Deut. 11. 25. Josh 5. 1. 2 Chron. 14. 14. chap. 17. 10. Their rock is not as our Rock the enemies themselves being judges c. See now that I I am he and there is no god with me I kill and I make alive I wound and I heal Neither is there any who can deliver out of my hand for I lift up my hand to heaven and say I live for ever Deut. 32. 31 39 40. There is none like unto the God of Jesurun who rideth upon the heaven for thy help and in his excellency on the sky The eternal God thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee c. Deut. 33. 26 27. Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you c. Josh 3. 10. Not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass unto you and not one thing hath failed thereof c. Josh 23. 14. chap. 21.
Prov. 28. 8. I have neither sent on usury nor men have lent to me on usury yet every one of them do curse me Jer. 15. 10. If a man be just c. and hath not opprest any c. hath given his bread to the hungry c. hath not given forth upon usury or taken increase Ezek. 18. 7 8 12 13. Thou hast taken usury and increase and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbour by extortion c. Ezek. 22. 12. CHAP. LX. Of Envy Wrath Hatred Malice Bitterness Emulation Discontent and Strife A Bram said unto Lot Let there be no strife I pray thee between me and thee and between my Herdsmen and thine c. for we be brethren c. If thou go to the left hand then I will go to the right it thou to the right then I will go to the left c. Gen. 13. 7. When Rebekah saw that she bare Jacob no children Rachel envied her sister and said unto Jacob c. Gen. 30. 1 2. When Joseph's Brethren saw that their Father loved him more than all his Brethren they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him c. They hated him yet the more for his dream c. His Brethren envied him but his Father observed the sayings They conspire to slay him Gen. 37. 4 8 11 18. Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy heart c. Thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people c. Levit. 19. 17. 18. When Eldad and Medad had prophesied in the Camp Joshua desired Moses to forbid them Moses said unto him Enviest thou for my sake would all the Lord's people were Prophets c. Numb 29. 27 28 29. When the Women in their Song had ascribed to Saul his one thousand and to David his ten thousand Saul was very wroth and said c. What can he have more but the Kingdom And Saul eyed David from that day and forward c. became his enemy continually c. would have killed him 1 Sam. 18. 6 7 8 9 10 11. ch 19. 1. Ahab so sorely discontented and displeased with Naboth that he would eat no bread c. and that because he could not have the vineyard 1 Kings 21. 1 2 3 4. Haman went out joyful and with a glad heart but when Haman saw Mordecai in the King's gate that he stood not up nor moved for him he was full of Indignation against Mordecai c. And having told his Friends of his Glory c. yet said he all these avail me nothing so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting in the King's gate Esther 5. 9 10 11 12 13. Fret not thy self because of evil doers neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity for they shall soon be cut down c. fret not because of him who prospereth in his way c. who bringeth wicked devices to pass c. Fret not thy self to do evil c. Psalm 37. 1 2 7 8 9. As for me my feet are almost gone c. for I was envious at the foolish when I saw the prosperity of the wicked Psalm 73. 2 3 4. They envied Moses also in the Camp c. Aron the Saint of the Lord Psalm 106. 16. Strive not with a man without cause c. Envy thou not the oppressor or Man of Violence and chuse none of his ways c. Prov. 3. 30 31 32. Hatred stirreth up strife Prov. 10. 12. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a stalled ox and hatred therewith Prov. 15. 17. Let not thine heart envy sinners but be in the fear of the Lord all the day long Prov. 23. 17. Be not thou envious against evil men neither desire to be with them Fret not thy self because of evil men neither be thou envious at the wicked Prov. 24. 19 20. Wrath is cruel and anger cutragious but who is able to stand before envy or jealousie Prov. 27. 4. The forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife Prov. 30. 33. I consider c. every right work that for this a man is envied of his neighbour Eccles 4. 4. Lord thy hand is lifted up they will not see they shall see and be ashamed for their envy at or towards thy people yea the fire of thine enemies shall destroy them Isa 26. 11. Therefore c. saith the Lord God I will even do according to thine anger and according to thine envy which thou hast used out of hatred to them or against them Ezek. 35. 11. Pilate said to the Jews Will ye that I deliver Barabbas or Jesus who is Christ for he knew that for envy they had delivered him Matth. 27 17 13. The Patriarchs moved with Envy sold Joseph into Egypt Acts 7. 9. And when the Jews saw the multitude they were filled with envy and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul contradicting and blaspheming Acts 13. 49. Being filled with all c. maliciousness full of envy murder c. Rom. 1. 29. If by any means I might provoke to emulation them who are my flesh and might save some of them Rom. 11. 14. Let us walk honestly as in the day not in rioting c. not in strife and envying c. Rom. 13. 13. It hath been declared c. that there are contentions among you c. 1 Cor. 1. 11. Ye are yet carnal for whereas there is among you envying and strife and divisions or factions are ye not carnal 1 Cor. 3. 3. Charity envieth not 1 Cor. 13. 14. In malice be ye children but in understanding be ye men 1 Cor. 14. 20. The sorrow of the world worketh death 2 Cor. 7. 10. I fear lest when I come among you I shall find c. lest there be debates envyings wraths strifes c. swelling tumults 2 Cor. 12 20. Now the works of the fieth are c. hatred variance emulations wrath strifes seditions envies murders c. Let us not be desirous of vain glory provoking one another envying one another Gal. 5. 19 20 21 26. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour c. be put away from you with all malice Ephes 4. 31. Some preach Christ even out of envy and strife c. Of contention not sincerely supposing to add afflictions to my bonds Phil. 1. 15 16. Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than himself Phil. 2. 3. Let your moderation be known unto all men the Lord is at hand c. I have learned in what state soever I am therewith to be content c. Phil. 4. 5 11. But now you also put off all these anger wrath malice c. Husbands love your wives be not bitter against them Colos 3. 8 19. Doting about questions and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife railing evil surmising c. Godliness with contentment is great gain 1 Tim. 6. 4 5 6. Titus 3. 9. For we our selves also were
c. But he who believed not shall be damned Mark 16. 14 16. Thou shalt be dumb and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed because thou believest not my word which shall be c. Luke 1. 19 20. The Son of man when he comes shall he find faith on earth Luke 18. 8. But those mine enemies who would not that I should reign over them bring hither and stay them before me Luke 19. 27. John 5. 40 43. He who believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God c. He who believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him John 3. 18 36. Verily verily I say unto you Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood ye have no life in you John 6. 53. I said therefore unto you That you shall die in your sins for if ye believe not that I am he ye shall die in your sins John 8. 24. Ye believe not because ye are not of my sheep as I said unto you My sheep hear my voice c. John 10. 26 27. ch 5. 38. If any man hear my words and believe not c. He who rejecteth me and receives not my words hath one who judgeth him the word which I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day John 12. 47 48. If a man abide not in me he is cast forth as a branch and is withered and men gather them and cast them into the fire and they are burned John 15. 6. He will reprove the world of sin c. of sin because they believe not on me John 16. 8 9. Beware therefore lest that come upon you c. Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish for I will work a work in your days a work which you shall in no wise believe though a man declare it unto you Acts 13. 40 41. How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed Rom 10. 14. Well because of unbelief they were broken off c. and thou standest by faith c. God spared not the natural branches c. Rom. 11. 20 21. He who doubteth is damned if he eat because not of faith for whatsoever is not of faith is sin Rom. 14. 23. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven taking vengeance on them c. who obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction c. 2 Thes 1. 8. Antichrist shall prevail upon such who shall perish because they received not the truth in the love thereof or the love of the truth that they might be saved and for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they shall believe a lye that they all might be damned who believe not the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 2 Thes 2. 8 9 10 11 12. Holding faith c. which some haying put away concerning faith have made shipwrack of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander whom I have delivered unto Satan that being chastised they might learn not to blaspheme 1 Tim. 1. 19 20. Unto them who are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure but even their minds and consciences are defiled Titus 1. 15. If the word spoken by Angels was stedfast and every transgreision and disobedience received a just recompence of reward How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord c. Hebr. 2. 2 3. I swear in my wrath they shall not or if they shall enter into my rest Take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God c. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest but to them who believed not So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief Hebr. 3. 11 12 18 19. Numb 14. 21 22 23. Psalm 106. 24 25 26. The word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith or because they were not united by Faith to it in them who heard c. They to whom it was first preached or the Gospel was first Preached entered not in because of unbelief Hebr. 4. 2 6. If we sin c. there is no more sacrifice c. but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation c. The just shall live by faith but if any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure in him But we are not of those who draw back to perdition but of them who believe to the salvation of the soul Hebr. 10. 26 27 28 29 38 29. Without faith it is impossible to please God for he c. Heb. 11. 6. See that ye refuse not him who speaketh For if they escaped not who refused him who spake on earth much more shall not we if turn away from him who speaketh from heaven Hebr. 12. 25. Let him ask in faith c. for he that wavereth is like c. Let not that man think he shall receive c. James 1. 5 6 7. Unto you who believe he is very precious but unto them who are disobedient the Stone which the builders disallowed of the same is made the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence unto them who stumble at the Word being disobedient whereunto also they were appointed 1 Pet. 2. 7 8. What shall the end be of them who obey not the Gospel of God 1 Pet. 4. 17 18. He who believeth not God hath made him a lyar because he believeth not the record which God gave of his Son and this is the record That God hath given unto us eternal life and this life is in his Son c. He who hath not the Son hath not life 1 John 5. 10 11 12. The fearful and unbelieving c. shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second death Rev. 21. 8. He who despised Moses law died without mercy c. Of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God c. Hebr. 10 28 29. See more of trusting in God Chap. 16. CHAP. XII Characters of Saints good Men and Believers appearing in Word and Deed. I. That such may be known from others by their Fruits We should try SEarch and try me O Lord and know my heart try me and know my thoughts Psalm 139. 23 24. Ye shall know them by their fruits Do men gather grapes of thorns c. Matth. 7. 16 17 18 c. The tree is known by his fruit O generation of vipers how can ye being evil speak good things for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh A good man our of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things and an evil man out of the evil treasure
c. Unto him that sits on the throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever Rev. 5. 9 11 12 13. ch 7. 11 12. The four and twenty Elders c. worshipped God saying We give thee thanks O Lord God Almighty c. Rev. 11. 16 17. Fear God give glory unto him Rev. 14. 7. And they sung the song of Moses c. saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty c. Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name For thou only art holy c. Rev. 15. 3 4. Salvation and glory and honour and power unto the Lord our God for true and righteous are his judgments c. And again c. Praise our God all ye his servants and ye who fear him both small and great Rev. 19. 1 2 5 7. To fear God alone and none else The Arguments for it Not to fear any else Or other Fear FEar not Abram I am thy shield thy exceeding great reward Gen. 15. 1. God appeared unto Isaac the same night and said I am the God of Abraham thy father fear not for I am with thee c. Gen. 26. 24. Moses said to Israel Fear not for God is come to prove you that his fear may be before you c. Exod. 20. 20. If thou shalt say in thine heart These nations are more than I how can I disposiess them Thou shalt not be afraid of them but shalt well remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh c. Thou shalt not be affrighted at them for the Lord thy God is among you a mighty God and terrible c. Deut. 7. 17 18 21. chap. 20. 1. Be strong and of a good courage fear not nor be afraid of them for the Lord thy God he who goeth with thee he will not fail thee nor forsake thee Deut. 31. 6 8. Josh 1. 5 6 7 9. Nekemiah feared not when the Enemy designed to make him afraid and sin c. Neâ—em 6. 10 11 12 c. I will not be afraid of ten thousand of people that have set against me round about Psal 3. 6 7. 2 Chron. 20. 15 16 17. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety Psal 4. 8. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou with me c. Psal 23. 4. The Lord is my light and my salvation Whom shall I fear The Lord is the strength of my life Of whom shall I be afraid c. Though an host should encamp against me my heart shall not fear c. Psal 27. 1 3. God is our refuge c. therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried c. Psal 46. 1 2 3 c. In God will I put my trust I will not fear what flesh can do unto me Psal 56. 4 11. The righteous c. shall not be afraid of evil tidings c. Psal 112. 6 7 8. The Lord is on my side I will not fear what man can do Psal 118. 6 7. Be not afraid of sudden fear neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh for the Lord shall be thy confidence c. Prov. 3. 25 26. The righteous are as bold as a lion Prov. 28. 1. The fear of man bringeth a snare Prov. 29. 25. Take heed and be quiet fear not neither be faint-hearted for the two tails c. Isa 7. 4 5 6 c. Say ye not a confederacy c. neither fear ye their fear nor be afraid c. Isa 8. 12. ch 7. 3 4 5 6. Say unto them who are of a fearful heart Be strong fear not behold your God will come Isa 35. 4. Fear thou not for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God c. fear not I will help thee c. Fear not thou worm Jacob Ye men of Israel I will help thee faith the Lord Isa 41. 10 13 14. Thus saith the Lord who created thee O Jacob c. Fear not for I have redeemed thee c. when thou passest through the waters I with thee Isa 43. 1 2 5. Fear ye not neither be afraid Have not I told thee c. Is there a God besides me c. Isa 44. 2 8. Hearken unto me ye who know righteousness c. Fear ye not the reproach of men neither be afraid of their revilings for the moth shall eat them c. I am he who comforteth you Who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die and of the son of man who shall be made as grass and forgettest the Lord thy Maker Isa 51. 7 8 12 13. Be not afraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee c. Jer. 1. 7 8 17 18 19. Learn not the ways of the Heathen and be not dismayed at the signs of the heavens for the heathen are dismayed at them for the customs of the people are vain Jer. 10. 2. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon c. for I am with you to save you c. Jer. 42. 11. Be not afraid of them neither be afraid of their words c. nor be dismayed at their looks c. Ezek. 2. 6. ch 3. 9. When Christ had told his Disciples what Persecutors would do to them he faith Fear them not c. And Fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul Matth. 10. 26 28 31. Luke 12. 4. Why are ye so fearful How is it that ye have no faith Mark 4. 40. We being delivered out of the hands of our enemies might serve him without fear Luke 1. 74. Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom Luke 12. 32. Let not your hearts be troubled c. neither let it be afraid John 14. 1 27. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear but c. Rom. 8. 15. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power 2 Tim. 1. 7. Moses's Parents feared not the King's Edict nor did he the King's Wrath Heb. 11. 25 27. We may boldly say The Lord is my helper and I will not fear what man shall do unto me Heb. 13. 5 6. If ye suffer for righteousness sake happy and be not afraid of their terrour neither be troubled but sanctifie the Lord c. 1 Pet. 3. 14 15. There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear because fear hath torment He who feareth is not made perfect in love 1 John 4. 18. Fear God GOD said unto Abraham Now I know that thou fearest God c. Gen. 22. 12. Now I know that thou fearest God seeing thou hast not with-held thy son Gen. 22. 12. But the midwives feared God and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them but saved the men-children alive c. Therefore God dealt well
said unto him Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob from good to bad or either good or bad c. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt but the God of your father spake unto me yester-night saying Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob Gen. 31. 7 8. 23 24 29 42. When Esau was coming against Jacob with four hundred Men and Jacob was afraid yet God changed Esâ—u's Heart so that when he met Jacob he embraced him c. Which made Jacob say to Esau I have seen thy face as though I had seen the face of God and thou wast pleased with me Gen. 32. 6 7 8. ch 33. 3 4 10. And the terrour of God was upon the cities that were round about them and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob Gen. 35. 5. Joseph's brethren when they saw him c. conspired against him to slay him And they said one to another Behold this dreamer cometh Come now therefore and let us slay him c. and we shall see what will become of his dreams c. All which God prevented and purposed better things Gen. 37. 18 19 20 c. chap. 39. ch 50. 19 20. The King of Egypt designed the weakening of Israel and preventing their Increase But the more they afflicted them the more they multiplied Exod. 1. 9 10 11 12 20. And the Lord said I have surely seen the afflictions of my people c. for I know their forrows Exod. 3. 7. Acts 7. 34. Psal 10. 14. Pharaoh could not hurt Moses and Aaron though they came with so many threatnings from God Exod. 7. ch 8. c. Pharaoh's Design in pursuing Israel God knew and prevented Pharaoh and overthrew him Exod. 14. The enemy said I will pursue I will overtake I will divide the spoil my lust shall be satisfied upon them I will draw my sword mine hand shall destroy or re-possess them Thon didst blow thy wind the sea did cover them they sank as lead c. Who is like unto thee O Lord Exod. 15. 9 10 11. Balak's Design was to have Balaam to curse Israel but God over-ruled him so that he could not but bless Israel Numb 22. ch 24. 10 11 12 13. ch 23. Saul designed to kill David made many Attempts and pursued him yet could never effect it God prevented him 1 Sam. 18. ch 19. ch 23. ch 24. ch 26. Achitophel gave counsel against David but God brought it to nought and suffered not his enemieâ— to bring their design to pass 2 Sam. 17. The King of Assyria came against Samaria and said The gods do so unto me and more also if the dust of Samaria shall suffise for handfuls for all the people who follow me But God prevented him 1 Kings 20. 1 2 to 21. God defeated the King of Assyria's Design against Elisha 2 Kings 6. 13 14 c. The enemies of Israel set themselves to hinder the building of the Temple asked who commanded them to do it wrote to the King against it But God prevented their Purpose and brought forth the contrary Effect Ezra 5. ch 6. When Israel were building the Adversaries conspired together to come to sight against Jerusalem to hinder it c. And when our enemies heard that it was made known unto us and God had brought their counsel to nought we returned c. Nehem. 4. 7 8 9 11 15. Haman's great Design was to destroy Mordecai and all the Jews and it went on far but God then turned it quite about Esth 5. ch 6. ch 7. ch 8. Job could not be touched by Satan any farther or otherwise than so far as God gave him leave Job 1. 9 10 11 11 12. ch 2. 4 5 6. He disappointeth the devices of the crasty so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise He taketh the wise in their own craftiness c. They meet with darkness in the day and grope in the nâ—on Job 5. 12 13 14. Why do the Heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord c. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill c. Psal 2. 1 2 4 6. Psal 59. 7 8. He hath ordained his arrows against the persecutors Behold he travaileth with iniquity hath conceived mischief and brought forth falshood he made a pit and digged it and is fallen into the ditch he made his mischief shall return upon his own head and his violent dealing come down upon his own pate Psal 7. 13 14 15 16. Psal 9. 15 16. They intended evil against thee they imagined a mischievous device which they are not able to perform Psal 21. 21. Thou preparest a table for me in the sight of mine enemies Psal 23. 5. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the Heathen to nought he maketh the devices of the people of none effect The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever the thoughts of his heart to all generations Psal 33. 10 11. By this I know that thou favourest me because mine enemy doth not triumph over me Psal 41. 11. Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee the remainder of wrath thou shalt restrain Psal 76. 10. When Israel were but few in number c. when they went from one nation to another c. he suffered no man to do them wrong yea he reproved kings for their sake c. Psal 105. 12 13 14 15. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against us then they had swallowed us up quick Psal 124. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Gen. 31. 42. There are many devices in the heart of man nevertheless the counsel of the Lord that shall stand Prov. 19. 21. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord Prov. 21. 30. Gen. 11. 4 5 6 7 c. Be quiet fear not c. Because Syria c. have taken evil counsel against thee saying Let us go up against Judah and vex it c. Thus saith the Lord God It shall not stand nor shall it come to pass Isa 7. 4 5 6. 7. Micah 4. 11 12 13. Associate your selves O ye people and ye shall be broken in pieces c. Gird your selves and ye shall be broken in pieces c. Take counsel together and it shall come to nought speak the word and it shall not stand for God is with us Isa 8. 9 10. Jer. 48. 30. O Assyrian the rod of mine anger c. I will lend him against an hypocritical nation c. Howbeit he meaneth not so c. It is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few c. Wherefore it shall come to pass when the Lord hath performed his work c. I will punish the fruit c. Isa 10. 5 6 7 12. Wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord and their works are in the dark and they say Who seeth
and saist Return ye children of men Psal 90. 3. When the Lord returned the captivity of Zion we were like men who dream Psal 126. 1 2. God â—lew the the Assyrians and saved Judah when they were low Isalm 30. ch 37. God delivered Jeremy out of the Dungeon when ready to perish Jer. 38. 6 7 c. So when Jerusalem was taken God delivered Jeremy Jeremiah 39. 11 12 13 14. ch 4. 1 2 3. I will heal thee c. because they call thee an out-cast saying This is Zion whom no man looks after Thus saith the Lord behold I will bring again the captivity of Jacobs tents Jer. 30. 17 18. God appeared for his when in the fire and in the lyons den and delivered them Dan. 3. ch 6. God delivered Jonah when cast into the Sea by a fish Jonah 1. 15 17. ch 2. 10. When Peter through unbelief was sinking into the sea Christ stretched out his hand and caught him and saved him Matth. 14. 28 29 30 31. When the Apostles were put into the prison the Angel of the Lord brought them out Acts 5. 18. 19. Peter being imprisoned in order to his being brought out to the people and being fettered and lying between two souldiers the angel of the Lord came said Arise the chains fell off the gates open of their own accord he is delivered Acts 12. 1 2 3 4 to the 12. When Paul and Silas were thrust into the inner prison and their feet fast in the stocks God made the foundation of the prison to shake and doors fly open and delivered Paul and Silas Acts 16. 23 24 26 29 30 39. Paul when the Jews went about to kill him was delivered by the captain c. Acts 2. 30 31 31. ch 23. 12 13 14 15 c. Paul and his company strangely saved in their voyage by sea and shipwrack Acts 27. Cons 9. That Afflictions and Persecutions shall be for the great good of Saints JAcobs and Josephs affliction proved for the advantage of both Gen. ch 37. ch 41. to the 47. Before I was afflicted I went astray but c. it is good for me that I have been afflicted c. Psal 119. 67 71. They who sow in tears shall reap in joy he who goeth forth and weepeth c. Psal 126. 5 6. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go into the house of feasting for that is the end of all men and the living will lay it to his heart Sorrow is better than laughter for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better Eccles 7. 2 3. By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sin Isa 27. 9. Eprahim's chastisement was greatly for his good Isa 31. 18 19 20. I will bring the third part through the fire c. they shall call on my name and I will hear them I will say it is my people and they shall say the Lord is my God Zech. 13. 9. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you c. rejoyce and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven Matth. 5. 11 12. 2 Cor. 4. 17. Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it Matth. 16. 25. John 12. 25. Every one who hath forsaken houses c. for my name sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Matth. 19. 29. Luke 18. 29. 30. Heb. 10. 34 35 36. Blessed are ye who hunger now for ye shall be filled blessed are ye who weep now for ye shall laugh Luke 6. 21. We know that all things move together for good to them that love God Rom. 8. 28. In nothing terrified c. which is to them an evident token of c. but to you of salvation and that of God Phil. 1. 28. It is a righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation unto them who trouble you and to you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord c. 2 Thess 1. 5 6 7. Ye took joyfully the spoiling of your goods knowing in your selves that ye have in heaven a better and an c. Heb. 10. 34. Moses c. choosing rather affliction with the people of God c. esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches c. for he had respect unto the recompence of reward Heb. 11. 24 25 26. Now no chastening for the present c. nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness Heb. 12. 11. The tryal of your faith worketh patience c. blessed is the man who endureth temptations for when he is tryed he shall receive the crown of life James 1. 3 12. We have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord James 3. 11. Rejoyce in as much as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad also with exceeding joy if ye be reproached for the name of Christ happy for the spirit of God and glory shall rest upon you 1 Pet. 4. 13. 14. These are they who came out of great tribulations c. therefore are they before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple and he who sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them c. shall feed them c. and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes Rev. 7. 13 14 15 16 17. ch 20. 4 6. See some of the Ends of Gods Afflicting his Chap. 22. Cons That God will not always chide nor suffer his to be under Afflictions and Persecutions they shall have an End he will bring Deliverance and restore Joy THO Joseph was hated sold and imprisoned yet God did deliver him at last Gen. 37. ch 30. ch 40. ch 41. After Israel had been long and sorely oppressed and afflicted by the Egyptians the Lord sent Moses for their deliverance and said I have surely seen the afflictions of my people which are in Egypt and have heard their cry by reason of their task-masters c. and I am come down to deliver them out of their hand c. and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land Exod. 3. 7 8 9 10. ch 6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. 1 Sam. 9. 15. 16. Exod. 2. 24 25. Yet for all that when they be in the land of their enemies I will not cast them away neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly c. but I will for their sakes remember the covenant c. I am the Lord Levit. 26. 43 44 45. For the Lord will judge his people and repent him for his servants when he sees that their power is gone c. he will be merciful to his land c. Deut. 32. 36 43. 2 Kings 14. 16. so did God often for his people Israel Judges 3. ch 4. c. I will for this afflict the house of David but not for ever 1 Kings 11. 39. He maketh sore and bindeth
clothed me not sick and in prison and ye visited me not Then shall they answer him saying Lord when saw we thee an hungry then shall he answer them saying Verily I say unto you inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these ye did it not to me Matth. 25. 34 35 36 37 40 41 42 43 44 45. Better a mill-stone were hanged about your neck c. than that ye offend one of these c. Luke 17. 1 2 3 c. And Saul yet breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord c. he heard a voice saying unto him Saul Saul why persecutest thou me and he said Who art thou Lord and the Lord said I am Jesus whom thou persecutest it is hard for thee to kick c. Acts 9. 1 2 3 4 5. ch 26. 14 15. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ affliction distress persecution c. nothing shall c. Rom. 8. 35 36 38. We are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Ephes 5. 30. We have not an High Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin Heb. 4. 15. ch 2. 18. ch 5. 2. See Union and Relation between Christ and his Church Chap. 15. Cons 8. That the greater the Afflictions and Distresses of the Saints have been the more wonderful have their Deliverances been and then hath Salvation been nearest when Extremity was highest and Danger nearest WHen Lot was taken prisoner and carryed away and all his goods God by Abrahaâ—â— wonderfully recovered all and brought him back again Gen. 14. 11 12 13 14 15 16. Josephs strange deliverance out of the prison and pit there Gen. 41. â—agar is in such distress for her child for want of water thâ—t she lays it down and leaves it that she might not see it die and sits far off weeping then Gods speaks to her by the Angel and God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water c. Gen. 21. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20. Jacobs salvation from Esau c. and his seeing Joseph when he reckoned Benjamin lost Gen. 32. ch 33. ch 43. 14. ch 45. 27 28. When the Egyptians oppressed most and made Israels burdens heaviest insomuch that they despaired then God came and made known himself and said to Moses Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh for with a strong hand shall he let them go c. I have also heard the groanings of the children of Israel c. I will bring ye out from under the burden of the Egyptians and I will rid you out of their bondage and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm and with great judgment c. Exod. 5. ch 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. And God did so deliver them after he had shewed many wonders upon the Egyptians and smote their first-born Exod. 12. 29 30 31 32 c. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light c. Exod. 13. 21. When Pharaoh and his host pursued Israel so that they reckoned themselves lost and were in great distress then the Angel of God which went before the camp removed and went behind them c. between the camp of the Egyptians and them and the Lord divided the sea while Israel passed through and there drowned all the Egyptians Exod. 14. 10 11 12 16 17 18 c. When Israel wanted bread in the wilderness God rained Manna and flesh Exod. 16. The Lord shall judge his people and repent himself for his servants when he seeth that their power is gone and there is none shut up or left Deut. 32. 36. he often did so with Israel Judges throughout and 2 Kings 14. 26. David was in frequent danger from Saul yet God did wonderfully deliver him 1 Sam. 23. 26 27 28. ch 24. ch 26. When David was great in distress because Ziklag was burned his wives and the wives of his followers taken away and all their substance by the Amalekites and his men spake of killing him then God directs him to pursue the Amalekites and he recovered all again by a wonderful hand 1 Sam. 30. 1 2 3 to the 20. again 1 Sam. 23. 27. When king David was in great danger at hand by the counsel of Ahitophel in the time of Absoloms rebellion God overthrew his counsel by the counsel of Hushai and so marvellously preserved David 2 Sam. 17. 1 2 3 c. When Elijah fâ—ed â—rom Ahab in a time of famine God commanded the Ravens to feed him c. and the Ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morn c. when the brook dried up God sent him to a widow to nouâ—â—sh him when her meal was out God caused the barrel of meal not to waâ—te the cruse of oyl not to fail until the Lord sent rain 1 King 17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 to the 17. Gen. 45. 6 7. So again when he fled from Jezebel an had requested of God that he might die the angel comes to him and gives him bread and water twice and then enabled him to go in the strength thereof many days 1 Kings 19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. When the wife of one of the sons of the Prophets was in distress because of poverty and danger of creditors God by Elisha makes her pot of oyl to increase to the filling of many vessels to pay her debts with 2 Kings 4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. When the Assyrians came to Dothan to take Elisha God marvelously delivered him from their hands When Samaria was besieged and in great distress by reason of the sad famine in it God on a sudden makes the Assyrians fly and leave plenty behind them in their camp and so relieved his people 2 Kings 6. ch 7. When Jerusalem was in sore distress God sent an Angel to the Assyrians 2 Kings 19. 25. When Judah was environed the battel before and behind them then God delivered them and overcame their enemies slew five hundred thousand of them 2 Chron. 13. 14 15 16 17 18. God delivered the afflicted Jews by Nehemiah in a wonderful manner Nehem. 1. 2 3 ch 2. When the Jews were by Hamans procurement appointed to slaughter and the decree just ready to be executed and they greatly distressed and helpless Then God appeared and delivered in a marvellous manner Esther 1. 19 20. chap. 3. chap. 6. chap. 7. Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress Psal 4. 1. When the Psalmist had reckoned up the sad state Gods people had been reduced to he saith Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep like a mighty man c. and he smote his enemies in the hinder part he put them to a perpetual reproach Psal 7â— 61 62 63 6â— 65 66. Thou turnest man to destruction
the afflictions of Joseph Amos 6. 1 3 4 5 6 7. I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease for I was but a little displeased and they helped forward the affliction Zecha 1. 15. Obadiah v. 11. 12 13 14. When Jesus saw the multitude he had compassion on them because they fainted or were tyred and laid down c. Matth. 9. 36. I was an hungry and ye gave me meat I was thirsty and ye gave me drink I was a stranger and ye took me in naked and ye cloathed me I was in prison and ye came unto me I was sick and ye visited me c. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me Matth. 25. 35 36 37 40. When Jesus had put forth the parable of a man falling among thieves and was wounded and the Priest and Levite passing by and looking on but the Samaritan had compassion on him and went to him and bound up his wounds and took care of him he said Go and do thou likewise Luke 10. 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37. Simon Simon Satan hath desired to have you that he might sift you as wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren Luke 22. 31 32. Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without ceasing or earnest and instant prayer was made of the Church unto God for him Acts 12. 5. 12. Rejoyce with them who do rejoyce and weep with them who do weep be of the same mind one towards another Rom. 12. 15 16. The members should have the same care one of another and whether one member suffer all the members suffer with it or one member be honoured all the members rejoyce with it now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular 1 Cor. 12. 24 25 26 27. Blessed be God c. who comforteth us in all our tribulations that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we our selves are comforted of God 2 Cor. 1. 3 4. Bear ye one anothers burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ Gal. 6. 2. Be kind one to another render-hearted Ephe. 4. 32. Ye have done well that ye did communicate with mine afflictions c. Ye sent once and again to my necessity Phil. 4. 14 15 16. Isa 58. 10. Put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy Col. 3. 12 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord nor of me his prisoner but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel c. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain But when he was in Rome he sought me out very diligently and found me the Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day c. how many things he ministred unto me at Ephesus thou knowest 2 Tim. 1. 8 16 17 18. At my first answer no man stood with me but all men forsook me I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge 2 Tim. 4. 16 Ye endured a great fight or affliction partly whiles ye were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and afflictions and pâ—â—tly whilst ye became companions of them who were so used for ye had compassion on me in my bonds c. Heb. 10. 32 33 34. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained Angels unawares Remember them who are in bonds as bound with them them who suffer adversity as being your selves also in the body Heb. 13. 2 3. Pure religion c. is to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction James 1. 27. See Duties in common Calamities Chap. 23. See Duty of Christians one to another Chap. 17 CHAP. XXIII Of Publick or Common Calamities and Judgments whence they are I. That they are of Gods ordering and none can keep them off GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth c. And the Lord said I will destroy man whom I have created c. And behold I even I do bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh c. Accordingly he brings the flood Gen. 6. 5 7 17. ch 7. 4. Job 37. 11 12 13. The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven and he overthrew those Cities Gen. 19. 24 25. God said I will harden Pharaohs heart that he shall not let the people go Exod. 4. 21. ch 14. 4. Joshua 11. 20. See now that I am he and there is no God with me I kill I make alive I wound I heal neither is there any who can deliver out of my hand Deut. 32. 39. Gods anger was hot against Israel therefore he left their enemies amongst them Judges 2. 20 21 22 23. If ye turn away and forsake my statutes c. then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land c. 2 Chron. 7. 19 20. The Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirits of the Philistines and of the Arabians c. and they came up into Judah and brake into it c. 2 Chron. 21. 16 17 2 Kings 24 2. 3. They mocked the messengers c. till the wrath of the Lord arose against his people and there was no remedy therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees who slew their young men c. 2 Chron. 36. 15 16 17. Afflictions come not out of the dust c. he maketh fore and bindeth up Job 5. 17 18. ch 9. 12. He turned their hearts to hate his people and to deal subtilly with his servants Psalm 105. 25. He gave them into the hand of the heathen and they who hated them ruled over them Psal 106. 41 42. Psal 44. 10. 11 12 13 14. Psal 60. 10. Lam. 2. 17. O Assyrian c. I will send him against an hypocritical nation c. to tread them down c. Isa 10. 5 6. Behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth Isa 26. 21. Ye scornful men c. when the over-flowing scourge shall pass through then shall ye be overthrown by it c. I have heard from the Lord of hosts a consumption determined upon the whole earth Isa 28. 14 15 18 22. Who gave Jacob for a spoil and Israel to the robbers did not the Lord against whom c Isa 42. 24. Ezek. 39. 23 24. Job 12. 23. I make peace and create evil I the Lord do all these things Isa 45. 7. I was wroth with my people I have c. given them into thine hand c. therefore shall evil come upon thee c. thou shalt not be able to put it off c. Isa 47. 6 11. Jer. 46. 15. I have forsaken mine house I have left mine
heritage I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of her enemies Jer. 12. 7 8 9 10. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy If that nation c. Jer. 18. 7. 8. O sword of the Lord c. how can it be quiet seeing the Lord hath given it a charge against Askelon c. Jer. 47. 6 7. Is there any sorrow like unto my sorrow where with the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of the Lords anger Lam. 1. 12 13. 14 c. ch 3. Shall there be evil in a city and the Lord hath not done it Amos. 3. 6. Therefore thus will I do unto thee O Israel c. prepare to meet thy God c. Amos 4. 12. Before these days there was no c. neither any peace to him who went out or came in because of the affliction for I set all men every man against his neighbour Zech. 8. 10. See more in Afflictions Chap. 22. II. The Priviledges of the Saints and Servants of God in such a time WHen God destroyed the whole world by the flood Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord and he and his family were saved in the Ark Gen. 6. 8 17 18 ch 7. 1 c. God would have spared Sodom for the sake of ten righteous persons Gen. 18. 32. In the destruction of Sodom Lot was preserved and all his and sent out by the Angel from the overthrow and escaped Gen. 19. 12 13 15 16 17. Jacob and his family nourished by Joseph in the great famine Gen. 47. 12 13. I have seen the affliction of my people c. and I am come down to deliver them c. Exod. 3. 7 8. Acts 7. 34. God smote the Egyptians universally in the destruction of their â—rst-born But he said Against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue against man or beast c. The plague shall not be upon you Exod. 11. 5 6 7. ch 12. 11 12 13. The Lord will judge his people c. when he sees that their power is gone Deut. 32. 36. 2 Kings 14. 26. Elijah and the widow fed in the time of the famine 1 Kings 17. God said to Josiah Thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place 2 Kings 22. 16 17 18 20. In famine he shall redeem thee from death in war from the power of the sword at destruction and famine thou shalt laugh Job 5. 20 22. Psal 33. 18 19. Thou shalt not be afraid c. nor for the pestilence c. for the destruction c. Psal 91. 5. 6 7. Psal 37. 18 19. Though the earth be moved c. There is a river the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God c. God is in the midst of her c. Psal 46. 2 3 4 5 6. Despise not the chastening of the Lord neither be weary c. Prov. 3 11 12. Come my people enter thou into thy chambers and shut thy doors about thee hide thy self c. until the indignation be over-past for behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth c. Isa 26. 20 21. The whole land shall be desolate yet will I not make a full end Jer. 4. 27. ch 5 18. Isa 17. 4 5 6. For my name sake will I defer mine anger c. that I cut thee not off c. for my name sake c. Isa 48. 9 11. Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem c. if ye can find a man if there be any who executeth judgment who seeketh truth and I will pardon it Jer. 5. 1. When Jeremy was taken with the rest of the Jews God took care of him Jer. 39. 11 12 14. I will make a full end of all nations where I have driven thee but I will not make a full end of thee Jer. 46. 48. Levit. 26. 44 45. Set a mark upon the foreheads of them who sigh and cry for all the abominations c. Slay utterly old and young c. but come not near any man upon whom is the mark Ezek. 9. 4 5 6. Though Noah Daniel and Job were in thee they should deliver but their own souls only Ezek. 14. 14 18 20. All ye meek of the earth who have wrought his judgment c. it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger Zeph. 2. 3. Hurt not the earth c. till we have sealed the servants of God in their foreheads Rev. 7. 2 3. And it was commanded that they should not hurt c. but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads Rev. 9. 4. See more of the Priviledges Chap. 14. III. The Duties of Saints in such a Time WHen God had said he would not go with Israel but send his Angel because they had sinned The people mourned and would not put on their ornaments Exod. 33. 1 2 3 4 c. If they shall confess their iniquity c. if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity then I will remember my covenant with Jacob c. Lev. 26. 40 41 42. When Gods anger brake out against Israel Moses prayed for them Numb 11. 1 2. When Israel fled before the men of Ai Joshua prayed and God commands him to arise and search out the sin and remove the cause Joshua 7. 6 7 8 9 to the 16. Israel in all their distresses cryed to the Lord he helped Judges 3. 9. ch 4. 3. ch 6. 7. ch 10. 10 13 14. 1 Sam. 12. 9 10. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain c. or if I send pestilence c. If my people c. shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their evil ways then will I hear from heaven forgive their sins and heal their land 2 Chron. 7. 13 14. Deut. 4. 29 30. ch 30. 1 2 3 c. When Jerusalem was in distress the princes the king humbled themselves c. And God said They have humbled themselves I will not destroy them c. 2 Chron. 12. 6. 7. ch 32. 26. For a long time was Israel without the true God c. but when they in their trouble did turn c. and sought him 2 Chron. 15. 3 4. When Judas was beset by Israel they cryed unto the Lord 2 Chron. 13. 14. Jehosaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judea in such a case 2 Chron. 20. Ezra 8. 21 22 23. Nehemiah mourned and wept and fasted when he had heard of the sad calamity of the Jews and he prayed c. So did Jeremy Neh. 1. 3 4 5. ch 2. 2 3. Lam. 3. 48 49. When the Jews were near destruction by Hamans means c. Mordecai and the Jews greatly mourned