to_o destroy_v and_o make_v a_o end_n of_o he_o thereby_o for_o he_o can_v do_v that_o in_o a_o moment_n at_o once_o but_o let_v he_o rather_o thus_o think_v with_o himself_o and_o reason_n but_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o i_o know_v assure_o that_o the_o lord_n love_v i_o indeed_o because_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v i_o good_a by_o all_o thing_n even_o by_o affliction_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o therefore_o whereas_o i_o through_o the_o untowardnes_n of_o my_o nature_n have_v not_o profit_v sufficient_o by_o his_o former_a chastisement_n according_a to_o his_o good_a meaning_n towards_o i_o he_o have_v send_v i_o a_o new_a fatherly_a correction_n thereby_o at_o the_o last_o to_o work_v my_o further_a good_a and_o whereas_o i_o through_o the_o crookedness_n and_o untowardness_n of_o my_o sinful_a disposition_n do_v not_o yet_o profit_v by_o they_o as_o he_o will_v have_v i_o therefore_o i_o see_v that_o in_o much_o mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n he_o continue_v it_o that_o so_o i_o may_v get_v good_a by_o it_o at_o the_o last_o wherein_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o we_o like_o a_o wise_a and_o conscionable_a physician_n who_o purpose_v not_o so_o much_o to_o give_v physic_n unto_o the_o sick_a patient_n and_o to_o practice_v on_o he_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n as_o to_o cure_v he_o by_o those_o medicine_n that_o he_o apply_v to_o he_o and_o so_o seek_v his_o health_n and_o recovery_n if_o the_o first_o medicine_n will_v remove_v the_o disease_n they_o there_o he_o leave_v he_o and_o go_v no_o further_o if_o not_o he_o minister_v a_o other_o medicine_n after_o that_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o three_o &_o the_o four_o because_o he_o have_v a_o care_n of_o he_o and_o seek_v his_o health_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o make_v any_o intermission_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o physic_n and_o cease_v to_o practice_v any_o further_a on_o he_o it_o be_v not_o because_o he_o mean_v to_o leave_v he_o &_o to_o give_v he_o over_o but_o because_o of_o the_o patient_n weakness_n that_o he_o may_v gather_v some_o further_a strength_n and_o have_v a_o breathe_a time_n to_o that_o end_n even_o so_o the_o lord_n purpose_v according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o do_v we_o good_a by_o affliction_n and_o he_o have_v sanctify_v it_o by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n when_o by_o the_o first_o cross_n we_o profit_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o either_o he_o let_v the_o same_o lie_v the_o long_o upon_o we_o that_o it_o may_v do_v we_o good_a at_o the_o last_o or_o else_o take_v it_o away_o leave_v a_o other_o in_o stead_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o end_n which_o though_o he_o do_v not_o present_o because_o we_o be_v not_o then_o able_a to_o endure_v yet_o sometime_o afterward_o when_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n therefore_o the_o best_a thing_n for_o every_o man_n be_v soon_o to_o profit_v under_o the_o cross_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o that_o so_o it_o may_v speedy_o be_v remoove_v and_o not_o to_o labour_v so_o much_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o lest_o it_o go_v away_o without_o profit_n and_o not_o work_v that_o in_o we_o for_o which_o god_n do_v send_v it_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o we_o some_o great_a afterward_o see_v it_o be_v his_o purpose_n thereby_o most_o assure_o to_o do_v we_o good_a moreover_o by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o whereas_o every_o man_n natural_o desire_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o he_o and_o yet_o most_o man_n err_v in_o the_o particular_n they_o desire_v that_o which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a profitable_a and_o honourable_a etc._n etc._n in_o this_o world_n which_o desire_v of_o they_o the_o prophet_n express_v in_o these_o word_n 6._o psal_n 4_o 6._o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a by_o this_o i_o say_v we_o know_v that_o that_o thing_n indeed_o be_v best_a for_o we_o at_o all_o time_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v which_o make_v most_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o our_o own_o salvation_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o because_o the_o lord_n work_v many_o time_n by_o affliction_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o often_o more_o by_o they_o then_o by_o his_o benefit_n we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o even_o they_o be_v then_o best_a for_o every_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o man_n reason_n yet_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o as_o when_o a_o man_n body_n be_v great_o distemper_v with_o abundance_n of_o blood_n or_o overload_v with_o superfluous_a and_o gross_a humour_n or_o have_v some_o member_n great_o putrify_v then_o and_o in_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o to_o have_v his_o blood_n take_v away_o and_o his_o humour_n that_o his_o flesh_n may_v be_v abate_v and_o fall_v away_o yea_o it_o be_v best_o for_o he_o in_o these_o case_n to_o be_v lance_v and_o cut_v to_o be_v sear_v and_o to_o have_v a_o part_n cut_v off_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v save_v which_o though_o they_o be_v grievous_a in_o themselves_o yet_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v most_o profitable_a and_o to_o be_v desire_v therefore_o when_o any_o affliction_n or_o calamity_n do_v befall_v we_o let_v we_o not_o be_v discontent_v therewith_o as_o with_o that_o that_o be_v hurtful_a for_o we_o neither_o be_v too_o impatient_a and_o weary_a as_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o will_v fain_o be_v rid_v of_o but_o submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o will_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n let_v we_o quiet_o endure_v see_v that_o even_o now_o the_o lord_n give_v we_o that_o not_o which_o we_o fond_o desire_v as_o the_o best_a but_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v and_o be_v indeed_o at_o this_o time_n the_o best_a see_v then_o it_o be_v so_o for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o truth_n what_o i_o pray_v you_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o not_o only_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o this_o matter_n by_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o have_v but_o even_o the_o very_a godly_a who_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o know_v this_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a and_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o they_o i_o say_v do_v so_o grievous_o complain_v of_o their_o affliction_n as_o those_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a for_o they_o that_o can_v be_v and_o as_o those_o that_o shall_v not_o only_o do_v they_o no_o good_a but_o much_o hurt_n when_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o how_o many_o way_n they_o work_v their_o good_a and_o therefore_o be_v the_o best_a for_o they_o indeed_o why_o do_v job_n see_v his_o affliction_n be_v send_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n for_o his_o trial_n and_o for_o his_o good_a why_o do_v he_o so_o complain_v of_o they_o 6.2_o job_n 6.2_o oh_o that_o my_o grief_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o my_o misery_n be_v lay_v together_o in_o the_o balance_n for_o it_o will_v now_o be_v heavy_a than_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n therefore_o my_o word_n be_v swallow_v up_o for_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v in_o i_o the_o venom_n thereof_o do_v drink_v up_o my_o spirit_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n fight_n against_o i_o etc._n etc._n why_o do_v david_n also_o make_v so_o grievous_a complaint_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o affliction_n that_o do_v befall_v he_o when_o he_o begin_v the_o psalm_n thus_o lamentable_o o_o lord_n â—_o psal_n 38._o â—_o rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chastise_v i_o in_o thy_o wrath_n for_o thy_o arrow_n have_v light_a upon_o i_o and_o thy_o hand_n lie_v upon_o i_o there_o be_v nothing_o sound_a in_o my_o flesh_n because_o of_o thy_o anger_n neither_o be_v there_o rest_n in_o my_o bone_n because_o of_o my_o sin_n my_o wound_n be_v putrify_v and_o corrupt_a i_o be_o bow_v and_o crooked_a very_o sore_o i_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n for_o my_o reins_n be_v full_a of_o burn_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o sound_a in_o my_o flesh_n my_o heart_n pant_v and_o my_o strength_n fail_v and_o the_o light_n of_o my_o eye_n even_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o affliction_n of_o they_o do_v work_v their_o good_a why_o do_v they_o thus_o complain_v of_o they_o true_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n do_v more_o complain_v of_o their_o affliction_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v more_o full_a of_o murmur_v and_o impatiency_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o they_o do_v not_o so_o comfortable_o bear_v their_o cross_n
say_v see_v that_o god_n be_v with_o we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o any_o harm_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n love_n and_o meaning_n towards_o we_o this_o way_n he_o confirm_v by_o a_o most_o excellent_a proof_n when_o he_o add_v 32._o 32._o who_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o give_v he_o for_o we_o all_o to_o death_n how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n also_o in_o which_o word_n he_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v no_o not_o in_o any_o cross_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o give_v we_o whatsoever_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o see_v that_o he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n to_o save_v us._n therefore_o when_o he_o say_v all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n it_o be_v most_o true_a whether_o we_o take_v it_o general_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v expound_v namely_o not_o only_a prosperity_n but_o adversity_n also_o not_o only_a health_n but_o sickness_n not_o only_a liberty_n but_o imprisonment_n not_o only_a honour_n but_o dishonour_n make_v for_o the_o best_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o this_o particular_a purpose_n of_o he_o namely_o to_o affliction_n of_o what_o nature_n or_o kind_n so_o ever_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n the_o intent_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o this_o latter_a and_o to_o show_v that_o all_o affliction_n do_v not_o only_o not_o hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o do_v great_o further_o the_o same_o which_o say_v of_o he_o though_o it_o contain_v a_o whole_a and_o entire_a matter_n by_o itself_o yet_o be_v infer_v upon_o the_o former_a word_n he_o seem_v therein_o to_o answer_v a_o secret_a objection_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n from_o thence_o namely_o that_o it_o seem_v many_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o afflict_a because_o their_o affliction_n be_v not_o only_o not_o remoove_v according_a to_o their_o prayer_n but_o sometime_o increase_v contrary_a to_o their_o earnest_a desire_n therefore_o we_o must_v remember_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v touch_v this_o matter_n nam_o how_o the_o lord_n in_o grant_v our_o request_n look_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o particular_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o and_o grant_v that_o in_o turn_v our_o affliction_n to_o our_o singular_a good_a whereas_o if_o they_o be_v present_o remoove_v the_o lord_n see_v that_o it_o will_v be_v far_o worse_o with_o we_o though_o we_o imagine_v the_o contrary_n for_o as_o if_o one_o in_o a_o burn_a fever_n shall_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o fit_n impatient_o desire_v to_o be_v wash_v with_o cold_a water_n and_o then_o the_o skilful_a physician_n stand_v by_o be_v his_o friend_n also_o shall_v give_v he_o some_o wholesome_a conserve_n or_o other_o cool_a thing_n he_o shall_v in_o deny_v that_o particular_a thing_n demand_v grant_v unto_o his_o general_a meaning_n which_o be_v that_o he_o may_v have_v some_o thing_n give_v he_o that_o may_v do_v he_o most_o good_a though_o now_o be_v distemper_v he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o but_o do_v mistake_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o other_o and_o think_v that_o to_o be_v best_a as_o to_o be_v plunge_v into_o the_o cold_a water_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o worst_a so_o we_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v in_o our_o distress_n by_o prayer_n unto_o god_n our_o meaning_n be_v and_o must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o god_n spirit_n that_o we_o will_v have_v that_o give_v unto_o we_o which_o may_v procure_v our_o best_a good_a and_o further_o our_o salvation_n most_o of_o all_o therefore_o if_o the_o lord_n suffer_v our_o cross_n to_o remain_v and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o good_a though_o we_o in_o particular_a pray_v for_o the_o clean_a take_n of_o they_o away_o he_o fulfil_v both_o these_o promise_n unto_o we_o at_o once_o namely_o he_o give_v we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o we_o and_o he_o also_o cause_v they_o to_o work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n thus_o than_o paul_n beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o be_v very_o often_o 12.8_o 2._o cor._n 12.8_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o the_o lord_n suffer_v he_o still_o to_o buffet_v the_o apostle_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v out_o of_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o this_o further_a answer_n that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v see_v in_o the_o apostle_n weakness_n the_o lord_n in_o deny_v this_o request_n of_o he_o do_v give_v he_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o he_o which_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v deal_v with_o he_o this_o way_n as_o it_o shall_v make_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o paul_n salvation_n and_o also_o do_v cause_n this_o affliction_n to_o work_v together_o with_o other_o thing_n for_o his_o best_a good_a for_o this_o do_v he_o more_o good_a remain_v then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v take_v away_o for_o hereby_o he_o have_v more_o experience_n of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n then_o otherwise_o he_o can_v have_v have_v and_o thus_o also_o the_o lord_n have_v verify_v from_o time_n to_o time_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o truth_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o he_o which_o be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n solomon_n 10.24_o pro._n 10.24_o god_n will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o only_o bless_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o but_o he_o will_v bestow_v those_o blessing_n upon_o they_o most_o of_o all_o which_o they_o especial_o desire_v and_o do_v most_o earnest_o pray_v unto_o he_o for_o according_a to_o that_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o psalm_n 145.19_o psal_n 145.19_o he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o which_o promise_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o that_o he_o will_v always_o give_v they_o every_o particular_a thing_n that_o they_o ask_v for_o many_o time_n through_o ignorance_n or_o be_v distemper_v with_o some_o temptation_n they_o ask_v that_o that_o be_v hurtful_a and_o then_o god_n deni_v they_o but_o he_o give_v they_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o profitable_a for_o they_o according_a to_o the_o general_a meaning_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o so_o do_v parent_n unto_o their_o little_a child_n who_o they_o love_v full_a dear_o when_o they_o ask_v knife_n and_o such_o hurtful_a thing_n in_o stead_n of_o they_o they_o in_o wisdom_n give_v they_o some_o other_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v delight_v in_o as_o much_o and_o so_o still_o their_o frowardness_n and_o give_v they_o their_o desire_n in_o another_o kind_n even_o so_o the_o lord_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o servant_n by_o make_v a_o exchange_n when_o as_o they_o name_v one_o thing_n and_o he_o give_v they_o a_o other_o as_o good_a or_o better_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o psalm_n 21.4_o psal_n 21.4_o he_o ask_v life_n of_o thou_o &_o thou_o give_v he_o a_o long_a life_n even_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o where_o in_o the_o person_n of_o david_n he_o show_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o his_o church_n they_o ask_v life_n of_o he_o and_o he_o give_v not_o only_o that_o but_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o do_v to_o hezekiah_n but_o yet_o sometime_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o sick_a and_o desire_v life_n they_o have_v it_o not_o grant_v but_o linger_v and_o pine_v away_o even_o unto_o death_n and_o so_o god_n take_v they_o into_o his_o bless_a kingdom_n and_o give_v they_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v better_o than_o that_o life_n that_o they_o desire_v and_o thus_o do_v he_o deal_v with_o many_o of_o the_o corinthian_n 15.32_o 1._o cor._n 15.32_o who_o he_o do_v by_o death_n judge_v and_o chastise_v in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n moses_n 3.25_o deut._n 3.25_o who_o in_o the_o wilderness_n desire_v earnest_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v go_v over_o and_o see_v that_o good_a land_n that_o be_v beyond_o jordan_z and_o that_o goodly_a mountain_n zion_n and_o lebanon_n but_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o in_o
his_o soul_n &_o work_v his_o good_a that_o way_n but_o indeed_o herein_o lie_v the_o point_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o be_v all_o in_o all_o namely_o that_o the_o poor_a afflict_a soul_n know_v not_o that_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o affliction_n will_v work_v his_o good_a and_o that_o make_v he_o so_o unquiet_a and_o ever_o complain_v for_o give_v he_o this_o faith_n and_o the_o feel_n of_o it_o that_o his_o affliction_n shall_v be_v turn_v unto_o his_o good_a and_o lay_v upon_o he_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v he_o be_v content_a to_o bear_v it_o therefore_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o ourselves_o herein_o let_v we_o hearken_v to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o know_v 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n which_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v though_o you_o because_o of_o your_o ignorance_n unbelief_n and_o want_v of_o experience_n be_v uncerten_a what_o will_v be_v the_o happy_a issue_n of_o all_o your_o affliction_n yet_o we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o all_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o &_o your_o good_a which_o he_o speak_v confident_o both_o as_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n a_o apostle_n and_o as_o a_o man_n of_o experience_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n unto_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o ourselves_o even_o as_o the_o patient_a do_v to_o the_o physician_n though_o himself_o have_v never_o experience_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n before_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o this_o will_v make_v for_o the_o health_n of_o your_o body_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o your_o life_n and_o in_o this_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o give_v credit_n unto_o the_o apostle_n so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o unto_o his_o own_o word_n and_o say_n he_o join_v the_o testimony_n of_o many_o other_o say_v we_o know_v mean_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o man_n of_o experience_n he_o say_v that_o all_o of_o they_o know_v it_o &_o therefore_o this_o word_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o mouth_n not_o of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n only_o but_o have_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o it_o 12.1_o hâ—b_n 12.1_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v without_o all_o gainsay_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o sick_a patient_a fear_v to_o take_v the_o potion_n that_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o he_o lest_o it_o shall_v make_v he_o more_o sick_a he_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o one_o but_o a_o whole_a counsel_n of_o physician_n say_v unto_o he_o that_o undoubted_o this_o medicine_n be_v like_a to_o do_v you_o good_a we_o know_v the_o work_n of_o it_o very_o well_o and_o have_v have_v great_a experience_n of_o it_o in_o many_o you_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v it_o take_v it_o upon_o our_o credit_n this_o will_v much_o move_v and_o encourage_v he_o unto_o it_o so_o no_o doubt_n this_o shall_v correct_v the_o too_o much_o fear_n that_o be_v in_o we_o of_o be_v hurt_v by_o the_o cross_n when_o we_o hear_v so_o many_o excellent_a and_o famous_a man_n very_o skilful_a therein_o to_o speak_v so_o bold_o unto_o we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o even_o those_o who_o see_v that_o we_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o believe_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o give_v credit_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o also_o but_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o the_o rather_o let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v in_o particular_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n name_n one_o great_a one_o here_o which_o may_v be_v sufficient_a yet_o before_o we_o come_v to_o it_o let_v we_o see_v what_o other_o end_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n affoard_v unto_o us._n and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o too_o much_o love_n of_o this_o world_n that_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 7.31_o 2._o cor._n 7.31_o they_o that_o use_v this_o world_n may_v be_v as_o though_o they_o use_v it_o not_o that_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v so_o addict_v to_o these_o worldly_a thing_n that_o we_o set_v not_o our_o affection_n too_o much_o upon_o they_o for_o such_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o when_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o will_n we_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o this_o world_n that_o we_o think_v it_o best_o for_o we_o always_o to_o abide_v here_o and_o here_o we_o will_v set_v up_o our_o tabernacle_n for_o ever_o and_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o the_o worldling_n in_o the_o gospel_n 12.19_o luk._n 12.19_o soul_n thou_o have_v much_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n live_v at_o ease_n eat_v and_o drink_v &_o take_v thy_o pleasure_n and_o though_o heaven_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n heavenly_a yet_o we_o desire_v it_o not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o earnest_o as_o we_o shall_v but_o we_o be_v still_o earthly_a mind_a and_o as_o it_o be_v grovel_v upon_o the_o earth_n so_o hardly_o or_o not_o at_o all_o can_v we_o come_v unto_o that_o that_o we_o be_v exhort_v unto_o to_o seek_v â—_o colos_n 3._o â—_o and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o not_o on_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n yet_o when_o by_o affliction_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o contentation_n in_o any_o estate_n here_o below_o it_o may_v move_v we_o to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a thing_n and_o to_o aspire_v unto_o heaven_n 16.11_o psal_n 16.11_o where_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fullness_n of_o joy_n &_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a patriarch_n suffer_v so_o many_o affliction_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o pilgrimage_n as_o appear_v in_o their_o several_a story_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o one_o of_o they_o say_v â—_o gen._n 47._o â—_o that_o his_o day_n be_v few_o and_o evil_a for_o whereas_o many_o earthly_a thing_n be_v promise_v unto_o they_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o stay_v in_o they_o but_o from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o certain_a stair_n they_o may_v ascend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o the_o earthly_a do_v shadow_n out_o unto_o they_o and_o which_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o look_v for_o he_o mingle_v his_o manifold_a great_a blessing_n with_o manifold_a cross_n &_o in_o that_o land_n that_o be_v promise_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a abide_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v after_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n 11.9_o hâ—b_n 11.9_o by_o faith_n abraham_n abode_n in_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a country_n as_o one_o that_o dwell_v in_o tent_n with_o izaack_n and_o jacob_n heir_n with_o he_o of_o the_o same_o promise_n for_o he_o look_v for_o a_o city_n have_v a_o foundation_n who_o builder_n and_o maker_n be_v god_n these_o man_n have_v none_o inheritance_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o they_o may_v not_o dream_v of_o a_o perpetuity_n there_o but_o may_v think_v of_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o better_a country_n where_o they_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o confess_v themselves_o continual_o to_o be_v but_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n on_o the_o earth_n thus_o also_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o many_o before_o their_o death_n lay_v long_o and_o grievous_a disease_n upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o his_o servant_n job_n that_o they_o find_v no_o rest_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v willing_a to_o go_v out_o of_o it_o when_o he_o shall_v send_v for_o they_o and_o say_v with_o old_a father_n simeon_n lord_n 2.29_o luk._n 2.29_o now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n yea_o that_o they_o may_v desire_v death_n most_o willing_o which_o before_o as_o most_o ugly_a and_o loathsome_a they_o do_v abhor_v and_o so_o say_v with_o s._n paul_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v loose_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n 1.23_o phil._n 1.23_o which_o be_v best_a of_o all_o so_o that_o as_o the_o mother_n by_o some_o unpleasant_a thing_n wean_v the_o suck_a child_n from_o the_o breast_n now_o when_o strong_a meat_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o it_o upon_o which_o otherwise_o it_o will_v always_o linger_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o it_o so_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o cross_n wean_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o turn_v it_o unto_o our_o good_a and_o therefore_o if_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v that_o by_o any_o affliction_n we_o grow_v more_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n or_o less_o in_o love_n with_o it_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v it_o patient_o but_o therein_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o
promise_n we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o those_o that_o love_n god_n 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o moreover_o by_o affliction_n the_o lord_n bring_v we_o to_o a_o more_o thorough_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o work_v that_o in_o we_o thereby_o which_o the_o word_n do_v not_o before_o when_o we_o find_v by_o woeful_a experience_n what_o great_a misery_n our_o sin_n have_v bring_v we_o unto_o and_o how_o just_a and_o true_a god_n be_v in_o all_o his_o threaten_n 31_o 1._o cor._n 11_o 31_o for_o if_o when_o we_o have_v sin_v we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o before_o hand_n god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o but_o when_o we_o be_v judge_v we_o be_v chastened_a of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n whereunto_o agree_v the_o say_n of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v true_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o whether_o the_o lord_n lie_v upon_o man_n sickness_n or_o imprisonment_n or_o poverty_n and_o want_n or_o banishment_n or_o such_o like_a 107.11_o psal_n 107.11_o when_o he_o humble_v the_o heart_n with_o heaviness_n they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o trouble_n so_o that_o affliction_n bring_v man_n to_o humility_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o be_v pardon_v and_o to_o be_v deliver_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prodigal_a child_n who_o by_o great_a misery_n come_v to_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o riotous_a life_n for_o when_o he_o have_v spend_v all_o 1â—_n luk._n 1â—_n there_o arise_v a_o great_a famine_n in_o that_o land_n and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o necessity_n which_o afterward_o be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v fill_v his_o belly_n with_o the_o husk_n that_o the_o swine_n eat_v but_o no_o man_n give_v they_o he_o then_o he_o say_v i_o will_v rise_v and_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o father_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o and_o be_o no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v thy_o son_n make_v i_o as_o one_o of_o thy_o hire_a servant_n thus_o we_o see_v by_o affliction_n unto_o what_o measure_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o his_o sin_n &_o confession_n of_o they_o he_o be_v bring_v unto_o a_o most_o excellent_a fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o brethren_n of_o joseph_n who_o after_o that_o they_o have_v sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o make_v their_o father_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n of_o some_o wild_a beast_n though_o we_o may_v presume_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o and_o still_o live_v in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o godly_a father_n jacob_n they_o do_v secret_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o ill_a deal_n towards_o their_o brother_n joseph_n yet_o many_o year_n after_o even_o twenty_o or_o thereabouts_o when_o they_o be_v in_o adversity_n the_o memory_n of_o it_o renew_v itself_o afresh_o and_o thereby_o they_o be_v bring_v more_o serious_o to_o judge_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o 42.21_o gen._n 42.21_o we_o have_v very_o sin_v against_o our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o therefore_o be_v this_o trouble_n come_v upon_o us._n thus_o this_o cross_n be_v turn_v to_o their_o good_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o further_a sight_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o a_o more_o voluntary_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o the_o same_o so_o that_o affliction_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v compare_v to_o fire_n that_o purge_v the_o gold_n and_o consume_v the_o dross_n of_o it_o and_o unto_o a_o file_n that_o scour_v off_o the_o rust_n of_o iron_n and_o make_v it_o bright_a &_o unto_o a_o purgation_n that_o expel_v the_o corrupt_a and_o superfluous_a humour_n out_o of_o the_o body_n therefore_o even_o as_o the_o fire_n do_v not_o hurt_v the_o gold_n in_o consume_v the_o dross_n neither_o the_o file_n hurt_v the_o iron_n in_o take_v away_o the_o rust_n neither_o do_v the_o purgation_n hurt_v the_o body_n in_o expel_v of_o ill_a humour_n so_o affliction_n cause_v we_o to_o abhor_v and_o leave_v some_o sin_n or_o other_o which_o if_o we_o continue_v in_o will_v destroy_v we_o may_v true_o be_v say_v not_o to_o hurt_v we_o but_o to_o work_v our_o good_a of_o what_o nature_n or_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_n god_n in_o the_o three_o place_n this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o affliction_n that_o it_o preserve_v we_o from_o many_o sin_n which_o otherwise_o through_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o satan_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o but_o that_o be_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o rod_n we_o be_v thereby_o keep_v in_o more_o awe_n so_o that_o as_o physic_n serve_v not_o only_o to_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o disease_n which_o we_o be_v already_o fall_v into_o but_o also_o and_o especial_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o some_o tolerable_a estate_n of_o health_n so_o the_o cross_n recover_v we_o out_o of_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o it_o and_o preserve_v we_o from_o many_o which_o otherwise_o may_v creep_v upon_o us._n and_o therefore_o as_o some_o sickly_a body_n be_v drive_v to_o diet_n themselves_o and_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o physic_n to_o prevent_v that_o which_o their_o corrupt_a estate_n will_v otherwise_o necessary_o pull_v upon_o they_o so_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manifold_a offence_n that_o they_o live_v among_o be_v always_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o diet_n of_o affliction_n as_o it_o be_v the_o physic_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o so_o much_o to_o bring_v they_o from_o gross_a and_o grievous_a sin_n which_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o free_a from_o as_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o they_o which_o the_o lord_n forsee_v they_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o age_n calling_n and_o place_n that_o they_o live_v in_o if_o then_o the_o lord_n at_o any_o time_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o man_n do_v with_o unruly_a coâ—â—_n or_o untamed_a heifer_n which_o be_v keep_v from_o stray_v out_o of_o their_o pasture_n with_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o break_v out_o without_o their_o own_o hurt_n so_o the_o lord_n put_v thorn_n and_o briar_n as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o way_n that_o be_v lay_v affliction_n upon_o we_o and_o so_o stop_v the_o way_n against_o we_o that_o we_o may_v not_o break_v forth_o by_o any_o kind_n of_o disobedience_n either_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o on_o the_o left_a to_o our_o own_o hurt_n must_v we_o not_o needs_o say_v that_o even_o this_o way_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o the_o lord_n work_v by_o affliction_n our_o singular_a good_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n promise_v to_o his_o own_o people_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a israelite_n namely_o that_o by_o his_o affliction_n he_o will_v so_o keep_v they_o in_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o such_o straitnes_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o lust_n to_o play_v the_o wanton_n and_o to_o fall_v away_o from_o he_o by_o idolatry_n after_o the_o example_n of_o other_o when_o he_o faith_n i_o will_v stop_v thy_o way_n with_o thorn_n 2.6_o hos_fw-la 2.6_o and_o make_v a_o hedge_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o find_v her_o path_n so_o that_o their_o affliction_n shall_v be_v a_o hedge_n of_o sharp_a thorn_n to_o prick_v they_o lest_o they_o shall_v break_v out_o and_o stray_v from_o god_n commandment_n and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a end_n of_o affliction_n so_o david_n pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o can_v make_v that_o good_a use_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o say_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n who_o thou_o chastise_v o_o lord_n 94.12_o psal_n 94.12_o and_o teach_v in_o thy_o law_n that_o thou_o may_v give_v he_o rest_v from_o the_o day_n of_o evil_a while_o the_o pit_n be_v dig_v for_o the_o wicked_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o bless_a thing_n to_o be_v so_o correct_v that_o he_o be_v teach_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o even_o to_o walk_v more_o careful_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n that_o so_o he_o may_v escape_v those_o punishment_n which_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o wicked_a for_o their_o sin_n to_o their_o destruction_n and_o this_o use_n david_n make_v of_o his_o affliction_n as_o he_o profess_v of_o himself_o â—7_n &_o 116