Copyright©MonergismBooks

ATreatiseonAfflictions

byThomasCase

TableofContents

Author'sPreface

Dr.Manton'sRecommendation

Chapter1.WhatLessonsGodTeachesbyAffliction

Chapter2.TheNatureorPropertiesofDivineTeaching

Chapter3.HowAfflictionProducesthisSpiritualInstruction

Chapter4.TheGroundsandDemonstrationsofthePoint

Chapter5.UseofInformation

Chapter6.UseofExhortation

"ThoughHeslaysme,yetwillItrustHim."Job13:15

Author'sPreface

Reader,

Youhavehereinthefollowingpagessomeprisonthoughts,IwishIcouldsay,experiences. If IhavenotwrittenhereinwhatIhave found, IblessGod—IhavewrittenwhatIhavesought.Imusthumblyconfesswithholy

Paul,"Icountnotmyselftohaveapprehended";yetthroughgraceIcanadd with that blessed saint, "but this one thing I do, forgetting thosethingswhicharebehind,andreachingforthuntothosethingswhicharebefore,Ipresstowardsthemark"(Philippians3:13-14).

Godhas taughtme somewhat of thedoctrine, I trust that hewould bepleased to teachme theuse of the doctrine.God has in somemeasureshownmewhat is tobegainedbyafflictions; ifhewouldalsoteachmehowtogainit,Iwould,withMoses,accountmysufferingsgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresofEgypt.Thediscoveryissweet.Ifmyheartdeceivesmenot, Iwouldnot exchange it for thewealth of both the Indies! Thepossessionisinfinitelyprecious.

ForyouradvantageIhavebeenpersuadedtoprintthislittlebooklet.Myprayersshallaccompanymypaper—thattheGodwhoquickensthedead,andcallsthingsthatarenot,asthoughtheywere—wouldpleasetomakethosebrokenexpressionsanswertheaim.Andfortheaim'ssake,despisethem not, but pray also; and when you pray, remember the chief ofsinners,thepoorandunworthyauthor,who,whileyetinthelandoftheliving,willbe,YourstoserveyouinthegospelofChrist,ThomasCase

Dr.Manton'sRecommendation

TomyreverendfriendMr.ThomasCase,

Ithankyouforthefavoryoudidmeinaffordingmeasightofyourpaper.I had heardmuch of your notions concerning afflictions, and thereforewas very thirsty until you were pleased to give me to drink of thefountain. I can now say as the queen of Sheba, "The half was not toldme!"We are perfect in no lessons, so much as those into which Godwhipsus.Wecannotspeakofanyargumentsowarmlyandfeelingly,aswhenwespeakoutofpresentexperience.Totreatofafflictions,whenweourselves flourish and abound in ease and plenty—savors more of the

orator, than the preacher; more of the brain, than the heart.Certainlyguess and imagination cannot be so good amidwife to suchconceptions,assenseandfeeling.

It seemswhenyouwent intoprison, theSpiritofGodwent intoprisonwithyou;andwhenyouwereshutuptoothers,youstilllayopentothevisitsandfreebreathingsofhisgrace.Therestraintsandenclosuresofaprison cannot harm the freedom of God's operations. He is a blessedprisonerindeed,whoisshutupnotonlyfromthesocietyofmen,butinconversewiththeHolySpirit.Ibegintoseethereissomewhatmorethana strain and reach of wit in Tertullian's consolatory discourse to themartyrs:"Youwentoutofprison,"sayshe,"whenyouwent into it,andwerebutsequesteredfromtheworld,thatyoumightconversewithGod.The greatest prisoners and themost guilty are those that are at large,darkened with ignorance, chained with lusts, committed not by theproconsul,butGod."TheLordoftenmanifestedhimself tohisprophetsinawilderness,andtoyouinyoursecessionandretirement.

Sir,Icouldevenenvyyourprison-comforts,andthesweetopportunitiesofapiousprivacy.We thatareabroadareharassedandwornoutwithconstant public labors, and can seldom retire from the distraction ofbusinessforsuchfreeconversewithGodandourownsouls.Butwearenot to chooseourownportion—crosseswill comesoonenoughwithoutwishing for them;and ifwewerewise,wemightmakeanadvantageofeverycondition.

GoodSir,bepersuadedtopublishthosediscourses;thesubjectisuseful,andyourmannerofhandlingitwarmandaffectionate;donotdeprivetheworldof thecomfortofyourexperiences.Certainlymyheart isnoneofthe tenderest; yet if heart answers heart, I can easily foresee muchsuccess, and that you will not repent of the publication.May the LordblessyourendeavorsinthegospelofhisdearSon.Iam,Sir,YoursinallChristianservice,ThomasManton

Chapter 1. What Lessons God Teaches byAffliction

"Blessed is themanwhomyouchasten,OLORD;and teachoutofyourlaw."Psalm94:12

Thispsalmbeingwithoutatitle,itisnotsoeasilydetermined,when,orbywhomitwaspenned.ProbablybyDavid,whenhimselfandtherestofthegodly,wereunderasoreandbitterpersecutionbySaul.

Briefly,inthepsalmtheprophetdoesthesethreethings:

I.HeappealstoGodforvengeanceonthepersecutors,describingthemby...theirpride(verse2),theirprofaneness(verses3-4),theirintemperatevirulenceofspeech(verse4),theircrueltyandbloodypractices(verses5-6),andlastly,bytheiratheisticsecurity(verse7).

II. He diverts to the enemies, endeavoring to convince them of thebrutishnessandfollyoftheiratheism,themotherandnurseoftheotherimpietieschargedonthem(verse8),andthatbyathree-foldargument:

1.ThepowerandskillofGodincreatingthehearingandseeingorgansinman(verse9).

2.ThesovereigntyofGod,andtherighteousnessofhisjudgments,whichheexecutesintheworld(verse10).

3.Hiswisdomandknowledge, in enduingmanwith such an excellentintellectual faculty,whereby even the creature itself is able to attain toadmirabledegreesofknowledge(verses10-11).

III. He labors to comfort the godly against all the pressures andpersecutionsunderwhichtheygroanedandlanguished.

The first argument which the psalmist uses to this purpose is in thetext: the sweet fruit which is to be gathered from the bitter root ofaffliction.The root indeed is bitter, but the fruit is sweet, even divineinstruction;which therefore isno longer tobe esteemedapunishment,butablessing,"Blessedisthemanwhomyouchasten,OLord,andteachoutofyourlaw."

ThisbeingthesubjectIintendtoinsistupon,Ishallcontractitintothisdoctrinalpointofobservation,namely:

The man whose chastisements are joined with divine teachings, is ablessedman.Or,itisablessedthingwhencorrectionandinstructiongotogether.TherodandtheWordmakeupacompleteblessing.

I shall take chastisementshere in theutmost latitude, forall kindsanddegrees of sufferings, whether from God, or man, or Satan; whethersufferings for sin, or sufferings for righteousness' sake. And for thedoctrinalpartofthepoint,Ishallendeavorthesefourthings:

I.Toshowyouwhat those lessonsarewhichGodteacheshispeoplebyhischastisements.

II.Toshowyouwhatthenatureandpropertiesofdivineteachingsare.

III. To show you what in what tendency correction lies in order untotheseteachings;or,whatuseGodmakesofafflictionforthecarryingonoftheworkofinstructionintheheartsofhispeople.

IV. I shall lay down the grounds and demonstrations of the point; orconsiderationstoevincethehappinessofthatmanwhomGodispleasedtoteachbyhiscorrections.

I begin with the LESSONS which God usually teaches his people in asuffering condition. Among the many which may fall within theexperienceof thesufferingsaints, Ishallobserveuntoyouthesetwentylessons:

1.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godteachescompassiontowardsthosewhoareinasufferingcondition.Trulyweareveryproneto

beinsensibleofourbrethren'ssufferings,whenweourselvesareateaseinZion.Thisispartlybyreasonofthatsensualitywhichisinournatures,wherebywelendoutourheartssoinordinatelytothecreature-comfortswhichwe possess, so as to quench the tenderness and sensewhichweoughttohaveofthemiseriesandhardshipsofothermen.Itisalsopartlyout of the delicacy of self-love, which makes us unwilling to sour therelish of our own sweet enjoyments, with the bitter taste of strangers'afflictions. It is partly through sluggishness of spirit, which makes usunwilling to rise up from the bed of ease andpleasure, to travel in theinquiryofthestateofourbrethren,eitherabroadorathome,sothat(asthe apostle says in another case)we arewillingly ignorant, andarenotonly strangers, but are content to be strangers to their miseries andcalamities.

Onewayoranother,evenChristiansthemselves,andsuchasaretrulysocalled,aremoreorlessguiltyofthesinoftheGentiles—withoutnaturalaffection,unmerciful,withouttender-heartedness,withoutcompassion.

HenceyoumayfindthatitwasoneoftheerrandsuponwhichGodsentIsrael intoEgypt, that, in thebrick-kilns there—theirhardheartsmightbesoftenedandmeltedintocompassiontowardsstrangersandcaptives.ThereforewhenGodhadturnedtheircaptivity,thatwasoneofthefirstlessonsofwhichheputstheminmind,"Youshallnotoppressastranger"(Exodus23:9).Thereistheduty,which,thoughnegativelyexpressed,yet(accordingtotheruleofinterpretingthecommandments)includesalltheaffirmativedutiesofmercyandcompassion.Andthemotivefollows,"foryouknowtheheartofastranger"(verse9b).Howdidtheycometoknowit?"SeeingyouwerestrangersinthelandofEgypt"(verse9c).

AsifGodhadsaid,'Iknewyouhadaheartofiron,andaffectionsofbrasswithinyou,cruelandwithoutcompassion;andthereforeIsentyouintoEgyptonpurpose,thatbythecrueltyoftheEgyptiansImightmakeyourhearts tender; and that by the experience of your own sufferings andmiseries, you might learn to lay to heart the anguish and agonies ofstrangers and captives; that whenever you see a stranger in yourhabitations, you may say, 'O here is a poor sojourner, an exile! I willsurelyhavemercyuponhimand showhimkindness, for Imyselfhavebeenastrangerandabond-slaveinEgypt.'

Andupon this very accountGod still brings a variety of afflictions andsorrows upon his own children. He allows them to be plundered,banished,imprisoned,andreducedtogreatextremities,thatbytheirownexperience they may learn to draw out their souls to the hungry, andmercies towards such objects of pity that they might say withinthemselves,'Iknowbyexperiencetheheartofthisafflictedsoul.Iknowwhatitistobeplundered,toberichoneday,andtheverynextdaytobestrippednakedofallone'scomfortsandaccommodations.Iknowwhatitistohearpoorhunger-starvedchildrencryforbread,whenthereisnonetogivethem.Iknowwhatitistobebanishedfromdearestrelations—tobelikelimbstornoutofthebody,andtoliebleedingintheirseparation.Iknowwhatitistobecastintoprison,tobelockedupaloneinthedark,withnoothercompanybutone'sownfearsandsorrows.Iknowwhatitisto receive thesentenceofdeath inone's self.Shallnot Ipity,andpray,andpouroutmy soul over suchas arebleeding and languishingunderthelikemiseries?'

And this argument makes a deeper impression when a Christiancompares andmeasures his lighter burden of affliction, with another'smoregrievousyoke;andreasonsthuswithinhimself:'Imprisonmentwasgrievous tome—andyet Ienjoyedmanycomfortsandaccommodationswhichothersdidnothave;Ihadasweetchamberandasoftbed,whensomepoormembersofJesusChrist, in theSpanish inquisitionand theIslamicslavery,werecastintothedungeonandsunkintothemire;theirfeetwerehurtinthestocks,andtheironsenteredintotheirsoul.Otherslie bleeding and gasping upon the cold ground with their undressedwounds,exposedtoalltheinjuriesofhungerandnakednessintheopenair. But I saw the face of my Christian friends sometimes, enjoyedrefreshment in converse with dearest relations; while some of God'spreciouspeoplewerecastintodarkandnoisomeprisons,anddidnotseethefaceofaChristian,notofamaninfive,ten,ortwentyyearstogether,unless itbeof their tormentors. Ihad freshdieteveryday,notonly fornecessity, but for delight—while other precious servants of God lackedtheir necessary bread, and lie starving in the doleful places of theirsorrowful confinement. Oh! Shall not my heart yearn, and mycompassionbemovedtowardssuchobjectsofmiseryandpity?'

Truly,we see it daily in case of the stone, gout and the like evils—howexperience of thesemelts the heart into tears of sympathy and fellow-feeling;whilestrangerstosuchsufferingsstandwonderingat,andalmostderidingtheheart-breakinglamentationsofpoorwretches.

Brethren,thatyoumaynotwonderatthis,IbeseechyoutoconsiderwhattheapostlespeaksofChristhimself,"Itbehoovedhiminallthingstobemade like unto his brethren—that he might be a merciful and faithfulHighPriestinthingspertainingtoGod"(Hebrews2:17).Andagain,"WedonothaveaHighPriestwhocannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities,butwasinallpointstemptedasweare"(Hebrews4:15).

Amanwouldsaywithinhimself,'Why,whatneedhadtheLordJesustoinvesthimselfwithabodyofflesh,thathemightknowtheinfirmitiesofour nature—since he was God, and knew all things?' Nay, but mybrethren,itseemstheknowledgewhichChristhadasGod,wasdifferentfromthatknowledgewhichhehadasman.Thatknowledgewhichhehadas God was intuitive—that knowledge which he had as man wasexperimental. Experimental knowledge of misery is the heart-affectingknowledge. Therefore Christ himself would afflict his own heart, asMediator,byhisownexperience.AndiftheLordJesus—whowasmercyitself—would put himself into a suffering condition that he might themore sweetly andaffectionately act thosemercies towardshis sufferingmembers—then how much more do we—that by nature are selfish,uncharitableandcruel—needsuchpractical teachingstoworkuponourown hearts? Certainly we cannot gain so much sense of the saints'sufferingsbythemostexactrelationthatthetongueofmenorangelsisabletoexpress,nonorbyallourScriptureknowledge,thoughsanctified—aswedobyoneday'sexperienceintheschoolofaffliction,whenGodispleasedtobetheschool-master.

2. In theschoolofaffliction,Godteachesushowtoprizeouroutward mercies and comforts more—and yet to dote uponthemless.Wearetaughttobemorethankfulforthem—andyetless ensnared by them. This is a mystery indeed to nature, and aparadoxtotheworld.FornaturallyweareveryproneeithertoslightortosurfeitGod'sblessings.Andyet(sadtoconsider)wecanmakeashifttodo both at once! We can undervalue our mercies—even while we glut

ourselveswiththem!Wecandespisethem—evenwhenwearesurfeitinguponthem.

Witness that cautionbyMosesandJoshua: "Whenyouhaveeatenandaresatisfied,praisetheLORDyourGodforthegoodlandHehasgivenyou. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing toobserveHis commands,His laws andHisdecrees that I amgiving youthisday.Otherwise,whenyoueatandaresatisfied,whenyoubuildfinehousesandsettledown,andwhenyourherdsandflocksgrowlargeandyour silver and gold increase and all you have ismultiplied, then yourheartwill become proud and youwill forget the LORD yourGod,whobroughtyououtofEgypt,outofthelandofslavery.Heledyouthroughthe vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with itsvenomoussnakesandscorpions.Hebroughtyouwateroutofhardrock.Hegaveyoumannatoeatinthedesert,somethingyourfathershadneverknown,tohumbleandtotestyousothatintheenditmightgowellwithyou.Youmaysay toyourself, "Mypowerand thestrengthofmyhandshaveproducedthiswealth forme."Butremember theLORDyourGod,for it isHewhogives you the ability toproducewealth."Deuteronomy8:10-18

Behold while men fill themselves with the mercies of God—they canneglect the God of their mercies! When God is most liberal inremembering us—then we are most ungrateful to forget him. Nowthereforethatwemayknowhowtoputadueestimateuponmercies,Godoften cuts us short—thatwemay learn to prize that by lack,which ourfoolishunthankfulheartsslightedintheenjoyment.

Thustheprodigal,whowhileyetathomecoulddespisetherichandwellfurnishedtableofhisfather;whenGodsenthimtoschooltotheswine-trough—would have gladly filled his belly with the pods which he wasfeedingtotheswine!"Howmanyofmyfather'shiredservantshavebreadenough, and to spare!" (Luke 15:17). He would have been glad of thereversionofbrokenpodsthatwascastintothecommonbasket.

IdonotbelieveDavideverslightedtheordinances,yetcertainlyheneverknewsowellhowtoestimatethemaswhenhewasbanishedfromthem.Then the remembrance of the company of saints, the beauty of the

ordinances, and the presence of God—fetched tears from his eyes andgroans from his heart, in his sorrowful exile. Oh how amiable are theassembliesofthesaints,andtheordinancesoftheSabbath—whenwearedeprivedofthem!

"InthosedaysthewordoftheLordwasprecious!"(1Samuel3:1).Whenwasitnotprecious?Itwasalwayspreciousintheworthofit—butnowitwas precious for the lack of it; prophets andprophecieswere precious,becauserare;soitfollows,"therewasnoopenvision."

Theabsenceofcommonmercies,willteachustheinestimableworthofthem!

Our libertiesanddearestrelations,howcheapandcommonthings theyare,whilewepossessthemwithoutanycheckorrestraint.Whilewehavethe keeping of our mercies in our own hands, we make but smallreckoning of them. Oh, but let God threaten a divorce by death orbanishment; let taskmastersbesetoverusandourcomforts,whoshallmeasure out unto us at their own pleasure; let us be locked up awhileunder close imprisonment, and there be kept fasting from our dearestenjoyments;thenthesightofafriend(thoughbutthroughanirongrate),the exchange of a few common civilities with a yoke-fellow under thecorrectionandcontrolofakeeper—thenhowsweetandprecious!

When months and years of God's mercies and blessings are passedthrough—wescarcelytakeoneseriousviewofthem;weseldomsenduponethankfulprayertoGodforthem.Wepassbyourmerciesascommonthings,scarcelyworththeowning.Whereasintimesoffamine—theleesanddregsof thosemercieswill beprecious,whichwhile the vessel ranfullandfresh,wecouldhardlyrelish.Infaminetheverygleaningsofourcomfortsarebetterthanthewholevintageintheyearsofplenty!

And as God teaches us to prize our mercies—so he also teachesusmoderation in the use of them, and not to glut ourselves on them.Indeed it is the inordinate use of outward comforts, which renders usunfit toprize them;we loseouresteemofmercies, in theexcessuseofthem.Gluttonyusuallyrenderthosethingsnauseous,whichformerlyhadbeenourdelicacies.Byourexcessesincreatureenjoyments:

reasonisdrownedinsense,judgmentextinguishedinappetite,andthe affections being blunted by excess—even pleasures themselvesbecomeaburden.

Now this distemper, Godmany times cures by the sharp corrosive ofaffliction.Byhardship,he teachesusmoderation.Goddoes this,partlyby accustoming us to afflictions and needs, whereby what at first weconsiderednecessity,afterwardsgrowstobeourchoice.Hencesaystheapostle,"Ihavelearnedtobecontentwhateverthecircumstances.Iknowwhat it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I havelearned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whetherwellfedorhungry,whetherlivinginplentyorinwant."(Philippians4:11-12).Howisthis?Godhastaughthimtoliveoffalittle.Inthesameway,byfeedingussparingly—Godabatesandslackenstheinordinancyoftheappetite.

Butespecially,Godtakesoffourheartsfrominordinateindulgencesinasuffering condition, by revealing richer andpurer satisfactions in JesusChrist. It is God's design by withdrawing the creature—to fix the souluponhimself.Thevoiceoftherodis,"OtasteandseehowgoodtheLordis!"(Psalm34:8).WhenthesoulhasonceperceivedthebeautyofJesus—he thrusts the creature awaywith contempt and indignation!He openshissoultoGod,saying,"WhomhaveIinHeaven,butyou?AndthereisnoneuponearththatIdesireincomparisonofyou!"(Psalm73:25).

Surely it was in the school of affliction that David learned that lesson,evenwhenthewickedprospered—andhimself,withtherestofthegodly,"were plagued all the day long, and chastened every morning" (Psalm73:14)."WhenItriedtounderstandallthis,itwasoppressivetome—tillIentered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny!"Psalm73:16-17

3. In the school of affliction, God teaches self-denial andobedientsubmissiontohiswill.

Inourprosperityweare fullofourownwills,andusuallywegiveGodcounsel—when he looks for obedience; and so we dispute our cross—

whenweshouldtakeitup.Butnowbybearingalittleaffliction,welearntobearmore.Thetrialofourfaithworkspatience.Themorewesuffer—themoreGodfitsusforsuffering:

a.)Byworkingusofffromourownwills,"Follyisboundupintheheartof (God's)children;but therodifcorrectiondrives it fromthem"(Proverbs22:15).

b.) By accustoming us to the cross. The bullock which isunaccustomed to the yoke, is very impatient under the hand of thefarmer;but after it is used to labor, itwillinglyputs itsneckunder theyoke.

AndsoitiswithChristians;afterawhiletheyokeofafflictionbeginstobewell-settled.Bybearingmuch,welearntobearwithquietness.Anewcart makes a great noise and squeaking—but when once used, it goessilentlyunderthegreatestload.Nonemurmursomuchatsufferings,asthose who have suffered least!Whereas on the contrary, we see manytimesthatthosewhohavetheheaviestburdenupontheirbacksaremostpatient. "Hesitsalone,andkeepssilence,becausehehasborne ituponhim" (Lamentations 3:28). In otherwords, he is patient, because he isacquaintedwithsorrows.Whenpeoplecryout, 'Oh,noneeverhadsuchsufferingsasmine!'—itisanargumenttheyarestrangerstoafflictions.

c.) Because by chastisements God works out by degrees, thedelicateness and fragility which we contract in ourprosperity. Prosperitymakesus tender; thosewhoare always kept inthewarmhouse,darenotputtheirheadoutofdoorsinastorm.Nonearesounfitforsufferings—asthosewhohavebeenalwaysdandledupontheknee of providence. Themost delicate constitutions, aremost unfit forhardship.

d.)Lastlyandchiefly,thiscomestopassbecausebysufferings:We come to taste the fruit of sufferings. "No chastening for thepresentseemsjoyous,butgrievous;butafterwardsityieldsthepeaceablefruitsof righteousnessunto thosewhoareexercised thereby" (Hebrews12:11).

Thus,onewayoranother,Godworkshischildrenintoasweetobedientframeby their sufferings. It isevensaidofChristhimself, "He learnedobedience by the thingswhich he suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). By his ownexperience,hecametoknowwhat itwastobesubject to thewillofhisFather.

ItisequallytrueofGod'sadoptedchildren—theylearnobediencebythethingswhichtheysuffer;andthatnotonly inapassivesense,but inanactivesense.BysufferingGod'swill,welearntodoGod'swill.Godhasnosuch obedient children as those whom he nurtures in the school ofaffliction.AtlengthGodbringsallhisscholarstosubscribe:whatGodwill,whenGodwill,andhowGodwill.

"MayYourwillbedoneonearth,asitisinHeaven"(Matthew6:10).Thisisablessedlessonindeed.

4. In the school of affliction, God teaches humility andmeeknessofspirit. It is oneofGod'sdesigns in affliction, todebasetheprideofman.Godintendstospreadsackclothuponallman'sglory,so thatmanmayseenoexcellency (wherein topridehimself) inall thecreature.

God led Israel forty years in the wilderness to humble them. By thethornsof thewilderness,Godpricked thebladderofpride,and letoutthewindinessofself-exaltationwhichwasintheirhearts.

Prosperity usually makes men surly and haughty towards their poorbrethren.Therichmananswers roughly,evenwhile thepoormanusesentreatiesandaddresseshimwithallhumility.Heholdsuphisheadorturnshisbackuponhimwithscornandcontempt,andthinkshimselftoogoodtogivehispoorneighborasoftandpeaceableanswer.

Pride is a disposition which naturally runs in our veins, and it isnourishedbyeaseandprosperity.And therefore, to tame this pride ofspiritthatisinman,Godtakeshimintothehouseofcorrection,putshisfeetinthestocks—andthereteacheshimtoknowhimself."Hehumbled

you,andallowedyoutohunger"(Deuteronomy8:3).HungerateoutthatproudfleshwhichbegantorankleinIsrael'sstomach.

Henceitis,thatifyoutakethechildrenofGodeitheryetinthefurnaceofaffliction,orjustcomeoutit—youshallobservethemtobethehumblest,meekest creatures upon the earth; as it is said, "A little childmay leadthem" (Isaiah 11:6). Whereas before bring cast into this furnace ofaffliction—perhapstheyweresoproudandarrogant,thatanangelofGodcouldnottellhowtodealwiththem.ButnowthelowestofGod'sservantsmayreproveandcounselthem.

David put his poor Ammonite prisoners and captives to death in coldblood (2 Samuel 12:31). But banishment and persecutionmade him sotame,thatnotonlytherighteousmightreprovehim;buteventhewickedmightreproachhim,yetheholdshispeace;orifhespeaks,itisinwordsofpatienceandsubmission:"Solethimcurse,becausetheLordhassaid,'CurseDavid'"(2Samuel16).

Amanbyaffliction,comestoknowhisownheart—whichinprosperityhewasa stranger to.He then sees theweaknessofhis grace—and thestrength of his corruption. He then sees how nothing is weak but hisgrace—andnothing isstrongbuthissin.This layshim in thedust: "OhwhatawretchedmanIam!"(Romans7:24).Andtrulywhenamanhaslearned this lesson, he is not far from deliverance; "Seek the Lord, allyoumeekoftheearth,seekrighteousness;seekmeekness,itmaybeyoushallbehidinthedayoftheLord'sanger"(Zephaniah2:3).

ThisisGod'sdesign:first,tohumblehispeoplebyaffliction,andthentosave them from it. "For the Lord takes pleasure in his people, he willbeautifythemeekwithsalvation"(Psalm149:4).

5. In the school of affliction, God reveals the unknowncorruptionintheheartsofhispeople."RememberhowtheLORDyourGod ledyouall theway in thedesert these fortyyears—tohumbleyouandtotestyouinordertoknowwhatwasinyourheart,whetherornotyouwouldkeephiscommands."(Deuteronomy8:2).Inotherwords,tomakeyouknowwhatwasinyourheart:whatpride,whatimpatience,what unbelief, what idolatry, what distrust of God, what murmuring,

whatunthankfulnesswasinyourheart—whichyounevernoticed.

Sinliesveryhiddenanddeep,andisnoteasilydiscerned—untilthefireofafflictioncomesandmakesaseparationofthepreciousfromthevile.'What shall I do,' says God, 'for the daughter of my people? They areexceedingbad, and theyknow itnot.What shall Idowith them? Iwillmeltthemandtrythem.Intothefurnacetheyshallgo—andthereIwillshowthemwhatisintheirhearts!'

Inthefurnaceweseemorecorruptionthaneverappearedbefore,orwassuspected.'Oh,'saysthepoorsoulwhomGodhastaughtintheschoolofaffliction,'IneverthoughtmyheartsobadasnowIseethatitis.Icouldnothavebelieved thisvainworldhadhadsomuchplace inmyheart—andChristso little. Ididnot thinkmyfaithhadbeensoweak—andmyfearssostrong.Ifindthatfaithweakindanger,whichIthoughthadbeenstrongoutofdanger.LittledidIthinkthesightofdeathwouldhavebeenso terrible; and parting with nearest friends and dearest relations sopiercingtome.OhhowunskillfulandunwiseamItomanageasufferingcondition,todiscernGod'sends,tofindoutwhatGodwouldhavemetodo, to moderate the inordinancies of my own passions, to apply thecounsels and comforts of theWord for their proper ends and uses!Ohwhereismypatience,mylove,myzeal,myrejoicingintribulation?Ah,IneverthoughtthatIwouldfindmyheartsodiscomposed,myaffectionssooutofcommand,mygracessoweak—whenIwouldfallintoafflictions!Whatagreatdealofself-love,pride,distrustinGod,creatureconfidence,discontent, murmuring, rising of heart against the holy and righteousdispensations of God does my heart contain! There is seething andfrettingwithinme!Woeisme,whatafoulhearthaveI!'

And besides all this, in the hour of temptation God brings old sins toremembrance. "We are truly guilty concerning our brother" (Genesis42:21).Joseph'sbrethrencouldsaythistwentyyearsaftertheyhadsoldhimforaslave,whentheywereindangertobequestionedfortheirlives,astheysupposed.

ThuswhentheIsraelitescrytoGodintheirsoredistressforrescueanddeliverance, God puts them inmind of their old apostasies: "You haveforsakenme,andservedothergods.Go,andcry to thegodswhomyou

havechosen!"(Judges10:13-14).

Sufferingtimesaretimesofbringingsintomind."Iftheyhaveachangeof heart in the landwhere they are held captive, and repent and pleadwithyouinthelandoftheircaptivityandsay,'Wehavesinned,wehavedonewrongandactedwickedly!'"(2Chronicles6:37).Afflictionsbringtohearttheremembranceofsin—itisatimeofturninginuponourselves,and bringing back to heart ourwayward doings. ThusDavid under therodcouldcallhimselftoaccount:"Ithoughtonmyways,andturnedmyfeetuntoyourtestimonies"(Psalm119:59).

6.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godteachesustopray.Thosewhoneverprayedbefore,willprayinaffliction."Lord,indistresswesearchedforyou.Weprayedbeneaththeburdenofyourdiscipline."(Isaiah26:16).Those who kept their distance with God before, yes, that said to theAlmighty'departfromus'—intheirafflictiontheyturntoGod.Thosewhoneverprayedbefore,orat leastdidbutnowandthendropoutasleepysluggish wish—can now pour out a prayer when chastisement is uponthem.Rebels,fools,mariners,eventheworstofmen,oftencrytoGodintheirtrouble.Theheathenmarinersfall totheirprayersinastorm,andcan awaken the sleepy prophet to this duty, "What do you mean, Osleeper!AriseandcalluponyourGod!"(Jonah1:6).Hencesomesay,"Hewhocannotpray—lethimgotosea."

Thus, I say, affliction opens dumb lips, and unties the strings of thetonguetocalluponGod.ThosewhomGodteachesinaffliction,learntoprayinanothermanner—morefrequentlyandmorefervently.

MoreFREQUENTLY.God'speoplearevesselsfullofthespiritofprayer—andafflictionisapiercer,wherebyGoddrawsitout.Davidwasalwaysa praying man, but now under persecution he did nothing else,"Igivemyselfuntoprayer".Aswickedmengive themselvesup to theirwickedness—so David gave himself up to prayer, hemade it his work.HenceyoumayobservethatallthePsalmsarealmostnothingelsebutthe runnings out of David's spirit in prayer under a variety ofafflictions and persecutions. As his troubles were multiplied—so hisprayersmultiplied.Theholymanwasneverinthatconditionwhereinhecouldnotpray.

Alas, it is sad toconsider, that inourpeaceand tranquility,wepraybyfits and startsmany times—weallowevery trifle to comeand jostleoutprayer;butinafflictionGodkeepsusuponourknees,andasitwere"tiesthesacrificetothehornsofthealtar"(Psalm118:27).

MoreFERVENTLY.Asheteachesustopraymorefrequently,soalsotopraymore fervently. It is said even ofChrist himself, that "being in anagony—he prayed more earnestly" (Luke 22:44), more intensely. Heprayeduntilhesweat,yesuntilhesweatgreatdropsofblood.Thereasonbeingbecausehehadnotonly thepangsofdeath,butalso thesenseofhisFather'swrathtodread.Soitiswithbelieversmanytimes.Outwardafflictionsareaccompaniedwithinwarddesertions.

Truly Christians, those prayerswhich you contented yourselveswith inthedayofyourpeaceandprosperity—willnotserveyourturninthehourof temptation,whenyouwill call tomindyourshort, slight, cold,dead,sleepy,formaldevotionsinyourfamiliesandclosets,andareashamedofthem.Thenyouwillseeneedofprayingallyourprayersagain,andstirupyourselvestotakeholdonGod.

IndeedforthisveryendGodsendshispeopleintocaptivity,thathemaydrawoutthespiritofprayer,whichtheyhaveallowedtoliedeadwithinthem. "Omydove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on themountainside,showmeyourface,letmehearyourvoice;foryourvoiceissweet,andyourfaceislovely."(SongofSolomon2:14).

Christ's dove never looks more beautiful in his eyes, than when hercheeksarebedewedwithtears!Nordoessheevermakesweetermusicinhisears, thanwhenshemourns tohim fromthecleftsof the rock, inadarkanddesolatecondition.Then,saysChrist,"Yourvoiceissweet,andyourfaceislovely!"

7.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godbringshischildrenintomoreacquaintance with theWord. "It is good for me that I have beenafflicted—thatImightlearnyourstatutes"(Psalm119:71).GodsentDavidintotheschoolofaffliction,tolearnhisstatutesthere.

Bycorrection,thepeopleofGodlearn:

a.)toconversewiththeWordofGodmoreabundantly,b.)tounderstanditmoreclearly,c.)torelishitmoresweetly.

a.) By affliction, we come to converse with the Word moreabundantly.ItisourdutyatalltimestostudytheWord,to"letitdwellrichlyinusinallwisdom"(Colossians3:16).Job"esteemedthewordsofGod's mouth more than his necessary food" (Job 23:12). It is ourhappiness,aswellasourduty.Blessedisthemanwhodoesnotwalkinthecounseloftheungodly,"buthisdelightisinthelawoftheLord,andinhislawhemeditatesdayandnight"(Psalm1:2).

But through distractionwithout, and distemperwithin—the children ofGodmany times grow strangers to theirBibles.We allowdiversions tointerposebetweentheWordandourhearts,andthereforeGoddealswithusaswedowithourchildren—wewhipthemtotheirbooksbytherodofcorrection. "Princes sat and spoke against me" (Psalm 119:23a), saysDavid.Inotherwords,theysatincounciltotakeawayhislife,thattheymight condemn him as a traitor against Saul. And what did he in themeantime? It follows, "but your servant meditated on your statutes"(verse 23b).And again, "Princes have persecutedmewithout a cause—butmy heart stands in awe of yourWord" (Psalm 119:161).While thepersecutorsareconsultingwiththeoraclesofHelltosinagainstDavid—heisconsultingwiththeoraclesofHeaven,thathemightnotsinagainstGod;whiletheysinnedandfearednot—Davidfearedandsinnednot.

b.) By affliction, we learn to understand the Word moreclearly.AsitwaswiththedisciplesinreferencetoChrist'sresurrection,"At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesuswasglorifieddidtheyrealizethatthesethingshadbeenwrittenabouthim."(John12:16).Soit iswiththepeopleofGodmanytimesinreferencetoaffliction—the rod expounds the Word, and providence interprets thepromise.WewouldneverunderstandsomeScriptures,hadGodnotsentusintotheschoolofaffliction.Thenwecanrememberhowitiswritten:wecanbringGod'sWordandhisworkstogether.

c.) Affliction makes us relish the Word more sweetly. Inprosperitymanytimesweallowthelusciousenjoymentsoftheworld,so

todistemper ourpalates thatwe cannot relish theWord,nor taste anymoresweetnessinitthaninthewhiteofanegg,asJobspeaksinanothercase(Job6:6).

ButwhenGodhaskeptusforweeks,months,andyearsitmaybe,fastingfromtheworld'sdainties;whenweare thoroughlyhunger-bitten in thecreature, then "How sweet are your words to my taste! Sweeter thanhoneytomymouth!"(Psalm119:103).ThesearethewordswhichDavidspokeinhisaffliction.TherodsweetenedtheWord:'Itismydelight,myjoy,anestofsweetnesses.'"Thefullsoulloathesthehoney-comb";whenwe are crammed with creature comforts, we nauseate many times thevery Word itself; "but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet"(Proverbs 27:7). Let God famish the world round about us—then howcordial is a word of Scripture consolation! How precious then are thepromises!

"Oh,"saidagraciouswomanreducedtogreatstraits,"Ihavemademanyamealuponthepromises,whenIhavelackedbread."TheWordisneverso sweet, aswhen theworld ismost bitter. ThereforeGod lays vinegaruponthetreatsoftheworld,thatwemightgotothebreastsoftheWord,and there "suck and be satisfied with the milk of consolation" (Isaiah66:11)."Thisismycomfortinmyaffliction—foryourWordhasquickenedme" (Psalm 119:50).Blessed be God for that afflictionwhich sweetenstheWorduntous.

8.God,intheschoolofaffliction,especiallyinlife-threateningdangers—shows them the necessity of sound evidence forHeavenandhappiness.

Alas,withwhateasyandslightevidencesdoweoftencontentourselvesinthetimeofourprosperity,whenthecandleoftheAlmightyshinesinourtabernacles,andwhenall ispeaceandquiet roundaboutus!Theheartbeing taken up with other fruitions, we lack both the time and will topursuethetrialofourownestates.Peoplemindonlywhatwillservetheirturnforthepresentandquiettheirhearts,sothattheymayfollowtheirpleasuresandprofitswiththelessregret.Thereforetosavethemselvesalabor, they take that for evidence, which their sluggish carnal heartwisheswereso.Butnowinthehourof temptation, fig-leaveswillcover

nakednessnolonger;nothingwillservetheturnbutwhatwillbeabletostandbeforeGod,andendurethetrialoffireinthedayofChrist.

O, then one clear and unquestionable evidence of saving interest inChrist,andtheloveofGod,willbeworthtenthousandworlds!ShadowsandappearancesofgracewillvanishbeforetheSearcherofHearts.Onlytruthandsoundnessofgrace,cangiveboldnessinthedayofjudgment.

Ah,what lazyanddeceitfulheartsare inus,whichcanbesatisfiedwithvainhopes,andventuretodieuponthem?Andyetgoodandupright istheLord,whowillteachsinnershisway—thatbythethunderclapsofhisrighteous judgments will awaken the vain creature out of these foolishdreamsinwhichiftheyshoulddie,theywereundoneforever.Well,letusbe still urging and pressing these questions upon our souls: 'Will thisfaith save me when I come to stand before the throne of the Lamb?Will this love give me boldness in the day of judgment? Will thisevidenceservemyturnwhenIcometodie?'OChristians,letusbeafraidto lie downwith that evidence in ourbeds—withwhichwedarenot liedowninourgraves.

9.Intheschoolofaffliction,GodcausesustoseewhatanevilandbitterthingitistogrievehisgoodSpirit.

When we are in the bitterness of our spirits, and want the Comforter,thenwebegintocall tomindhowoftenwehavegrievedtheSpiritwhowould have been a Comforter to us and have sealed us to the day ofredemption(Ephesians4:30).WesaywithinourselvesinreferencetotheSpiritofGod,asoncethesonsofJacobsaidonetoanotherinreferencetoJoseph,"Wearetrulyguiltyconcerningourbrother,inthatwesawtheanguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear;thereforeisthisdistresscomeuponus"(Genesis42:21).

In some such language, I say, will the soul in the hour of temptationbespeakitself.'Ah,IamtrulyguiltyconcerningthattenderSpiritofGraceandComfortwhohasoftensaid,"O!DonotthisabominablethingwhichI hate!" (Jeremiah 44:4); but I would not hear. Is not this He whoserebukesIhaveslighted,whosecounselsIhavedespised,whosewarningsI have neglected, yeswhose comforts I have undervalued, and counted

themasa small thing?Ahwretch!How just is itnow that theSpirit ofGodshouldwithdraw?Howjustisitthatheshoulddespisemysorrows,andlaughatmytears.Howjustisitthatheshouldshutoutmyprayers,quenchmy smoking flax, andbreakmybruised reed? (cf. Isaiah42:3).Well,iftheLordshallindeedbepleasedtobringmysouloutoftrouble,andtorevivemyfaintingspiritwithhissweetconsolations—thenIhopeIshall carry myself for the future more obedient to the counsels andrebukesoftheSpiritofgrace.

10. In the school of affliction, God draws the soul into sweetandnearcommunionwithhimself. Outward prosperity is a greatobstruction to our communion with God. Partly because by letting outour affections inordinately to the creature—weallow theworld to comebetweenGod and our hearts, and so intercept that sweet and constantfellowship which should be between God and us. God's people offendmostintheirlawfulcomforts,becausetherethesnarebeingnotsovisibleas in grosser sins, they are the easier taken in it. We are soonestsurprised,whereweareleastjealous.

OutwardprosperityalsoobstructsourcommunionwithGod,becausewefailtokeepwatchagainstlessersins.Whileourheartsarewarmedwithprosperity,wethinkmanytimessmallsinscandonogreatharm.Butinthiswewoefullydeceiveourselves—fortheleastsinhasthenatureofsinit, as the least drop of poison is poison. In smaller sins, there is thegreatercontemptofGod,inasmuchaswedefyGodforatrifleaswecountit,andventurehisdispleasureforalittlesensualsatisfaction.

Isay,besidestheseandmanyotherconsiderationswhichmayrenderoursmall sins great provocations, this is one unspeakable mischief: thatsmallsinsinterruptourcommunionwithGodasmuchasgreatsins,andsometimesmore.Forwhereasgreatsins,bymakingdeepwoundsuponconscience,makethesoulgobleedingtothethroneofgrace,andtheretomournand lament,andnevertogiveGodrestuntilhegivesrest to thesoul,andbyafreshsprinklingofthebloodofChrist,torecoverpeaceandcommunionwithGod—smallersins,notimpressingsuchhorrorupontheconscience,areswallowedinsilencewithlessregret,andsodoinsensiblyalienateandestrangetheheartfromJesusChrist.

Theleasthaircastsitsshadow;anacornputdirectlyinfrontoftheeye,keepsoutthelightofthesunaswellasamountain.TheeyeofthesoulthatwillseeGod,mustbekeptveryclear:"Blessedarethepureinheart,for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). Little sins, though they do notdisturbreasonsomuchasgreatsins—yettheydefileconscience,andtheconscienceunderdefilement(unlamented)isshyofGod,andGodshyofit.

But affliction sanctifies; as it deadens the heart to the world—so itawakensandsoftenstheconscienceagainstsin.ThesoulismadesensibleofherdeparturefromGod,andofthebitterfruitsofthatdeparture,andnowbeginstolamentafterGodinAugustine'slanguage,"Lord,youhavemademyheartforyourself,anditisrestlessandunquietuntilitcanrestinyou."

The soul hasmany turnings andwindings, but likeNoah's dove, it canfind no place for its foot to rest on, until it returns into the ark fromwhenceitcame.Inthesameway,whenthesoulhasbeenweather-beatenabroad—ifGodispleasedtoputforthhishandandtakeitintohimself,ifGod comes and gives the soul a visit when the poor creature is indarkness and can see no light—then for God to lift up the light of hiscountenanceandshinewithagracioussmileuponthesoul,andsayuntoit, "I am your salvation" (Psalm 35:3)—ofwhat sweet and unspeakablerefreshmentandconsolationisthistotheafflictedheart?

WhatagraciouscondescensionisthisinGod,thatintimesofprosperity"when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ" (1Timothy 5:11), and sported itself in unspouselike familiarities withstrangers—JesusChristshouldsend it into thehouseofcorrection, andtherebythedisciplineoftherod,correctandworkoutthesensualdesiresoftheflesh.Andwhenhehasmadeitfitforhispresence,hetakesitintosweet and social communion with himself again! This is astonishingmercyandgoodnesswhichcannotbeparalleledinthewholecreation!

11.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godmakesafflictiontheexerciseandimprovementofgrace.Intimesofprosperity,gracemanytimeslies dead in the soul—which affliction awakens and draws forth intoexercise.Thewinterofouroutwardcomforts,oftenprovesthespringof

ourgraces;frostandsnowstarvetheweed—butnourishthegoodgrain.Thoughfaithandpatienceareofauniversal influence inaholy life,yetafflictiongivesthemtheirperfectwork.

Ofthetimesofpersecutionitissaid,"Hereisthepatienceandfaithofthesaints"(Revelation14:12);thatis,nowisthetimeforthesaintsofGodtoexert their faith and patience, and to let themhave their perfectwork.Thereisaworkofpatience,andthereisaperfectwork,"thetrialoffaithworks patience" (James 1:3). It works, or as the word signifies,it perfects. The cross exercises—and exercise perfects the grace ofpatience. As sufferings arise, so patience arises also, "Be patient,brethren,untilthecomingoftheLord"(James5:7)—inotherwords,beartheafflictionuntilChristcomesandtakesitoff.Letyourpatiencebeofthe same extent with your sufferings. As patience is perfected byafflictions,sofaithisperfectedbyafflictions.Sometimesthesoulfindsitsfaithlivelyinasufferingcondition—whichbeforeitquestionedwhetheritwerealiveornot.Orifafflictiondoesnotfinditlively,itmakesit lively.InthesamefurnaceofafflictionwhereinGodtriesourfaith—herefinesit,andpurifiesitmoreandmorefromthedrossofworldliness.

Theyare thepurest actsof faith,which the soulputs forth in thedark.Faith never believes more, than when it cannot see—because then thesoulhasnothingtostayitselfuponbutGod.Sense,whileitseemstohelp,renderstheworkoffaithmoredifficultbydoublingit.Amanmustfirstbelieve the insufficiency of what he sees, before he can believe the all-sufficiencyofhimwhoisinvisible,"Welooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen"(2Corinthians4:18).

Itishardertolivebyfaithinastateofabundance,thaninpoverty.ThesoulisastepnearerlivinguponGod,whenithasnothingtoliveuponbutGod.Yes,whenGodisnotseen—heismostbelieved."MyGod,myGod,why have you forsakenme?" (Matthew 27:46). Observe, and you shallfind a great deal more of precious faith in that desertion, than ofcomplaint; faithbreaksforthfirst, 'MyGod,'before 'forsaken'.Youhavetwowordsof faith, foroneofdespair,"MyGod,myGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?"Faithspeakstwicebeforesensecanspeakonce.

Again, faith speaks confidently and positively, you are 'myGod'. Sense

speaksdubiously,'whyhaveyou?'asifsensedarednotcallitaforsaking,whilefaithdaressay,'myGod.'Surelyfaithisneversomuchfaith,asinspiritualdesertion.Faith'striumphslieinthemidstofdespair,andevenin this sense also, "Though you have not seen him, you love him; andeven thoughyoudonot seehimnow, youbelieve inhimandare filledwithaninexpressibleandgloriousjoy!"(1Peter1:8).

Howgreatlyisgodlysorrowenlargedbysanctifiedaffliction!Thatstreamwhichwasaccustomed to run in the channelofworldly crosses,now isdivertedintothechannelofsin:"IwillbeartheindignationoftheLord,becauseIhavesinned"(Micah7:9).Anyburdenislightincomparisontosin, the very indignation of God. The soul that God teaches by hischastisements,canstandundertheburdenofGod'sindignationforsin—whenitcannotstandundersinwhichhaskindledthatindignation.

Ah,criesJobuponthedunghill,"Ihavesinned,whatshallIdountoyou,Opreserverofmen?" (Job7:20).He forgetshis suffering inhis sin;hesays not, 'I have lost allmy substance. I am now upon the dunghill asnakedaseverIwasborn,savethatIamclothedwithscabs.Myfriendsreproachme, my wife curses me, or that which is worse, she bids mecurseGod.Satanpersecutesme,andGodhimselfhasbecomemyenemy.Allthishasbefallenme—whatwillyoudountome,Opreserverofmen?'But instead it is, "I have sinned,what shall I do unto you?"Sufferingsconvictofsin—andthesenseofsinswallowsupthesenseofsufferings.

And what shall I say more? The time would fail to instance in othergraces, love, fear, holiness, and so forth. "By this shall the iniquity ofJacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his sin" (Isaiah27:9).

Graceisnevermoregrace,thanwhenbesiegedwithafflictions.Thebattledrawsforththatfortitudeandbraverywhichintimeofpeacelaychilledin the veins for lack of opposition and exercise. Tribulation workspatience.

12. In the school of affliction, the necessity and excellency ofthelifeoffaithislearned.

a.)Thenecessityoflivingbyfaith.Wheresenseends—faithbegins."Thejustshalllivebyfaith"(2Corinthians5:7).Welivebyfaith—ordieindespair.WhenGodpullsaway thebull-rushesofcreaturesupports—thesoulmusteitherswimorsink.Godteachesthislesson:

[1.] By the uncertainty of second causes, and the vicissitudeswhichare in creatureexpectations.Wehave a little hope today—but tomorrow we are reduced to despair. We have good news today:PharaohsaysthatIsraelshallgofree—butbadnewstomorrow:Pharaohrages and swears that "if Moses sees his face any more, that he shallsurelydie"(Exodus10:28).

Otheebbsandflowsofsublunaryhopes!Onespeaksawordofcomfort—anotherspeakswordsofterror.Nowwereceiveaparcelofgoodwords—andshortlythereafterasolemnthreatening.Thesickmanisinhopesofrevivingtoday—buttomorrowatthepointofdeath.

Whatawoefulheart-dividinglifeisalifeofsense,alifethatisworsethandeathitself;tobethusbandiedupanddownbetweenhopesandfears;tobe baffled to and fro between themaybe's of second causes! To be likemariners upon the billows and surges of the tempestuous sea! "Theirshipswere tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; thesailors cringed in terror. They reeled and staggered like drunkards andwereattheirwits'end!"(Psalm107:26-27).

[2.] By the disappointment of the creature. How often does thecreature totally fail and disappoint our expectations! Like the deceitfulbrook,towhichJobmostelegantlycompareshisbrethren,whichmocksthetravelerwhocomesforadraughtofwatertoquenchhisthirst—butissent away with confusion and shame. "Surely men of low degree arevanity,andmenofhighdegreearealie"(Psalm62:9).Menoflowdegreewould help, but cannot—there is vanity. Men of high degree can helpmanytimes,butwillnot—no,notwhentheyhavepromisedandsworn—there is a lie! Both disappoint, the one by the necessity, the other bydeceit!

Disappointmentisoneofthegreatesttormentsthatarationalcreatureiscapableof.SaysDavid,"Ilookforsomeonetocomeandhelpme,butno

onegivesmeapassingthought!Noonewillhelpme;noonecaresabitwhathappenstome."(Psalm142:4).Peter-like,they"knewnottheman"(Matthew26:72)—theymadeasiftheyhadneverseenhimbefore.JustsothatchurlNabal,"WhoisDavid?AndwhoisthesonofJesse?"(1Samuel25:10).And itwasnotNabalonlywhostoodat thisdistance fromhim,hisnearestanddearestacquaintancecasthimoff:"Youhavetakenawaymycompanionsand lovedones.Darkness ismy closest friend." (Psalm88:18)."Refugefailedme,nomancaredformysoul!"(Psalm142:4).

Paulwas in no better condition in the persecutionwhich befell him atRome, "Atmy first defense, no one came tomy support, but everyonedesertedme!"(2Timothy4:16).Therewasnotamanofallthemthatsatunder the famous apostle'sministrywhowoulddare appear to speak awordforhim,ortohim.Ohbitterdisappointment—hadnothePaulhadfaith to support him under it! Sorrow and shame are the fruits ofcreature-expectation.

Butnowonthecontrary,"ThosewholooktoHimforhelpwillberadiantwithjoy;noshadowofshamewilldarkentheirfaces."(Psalm34:5).Faithmeets with no disappointment—for God is always better than ourexpectation,"NeverthelesstheLordstoodwithme,andstrengthenedme—andIwasdeliveredfromthemouthofthelion"(2Timothy4:17).

Bysuchexperiencesdowelearnthenecessityoflivingbyfaith,"Iwouldhave perished in my affliction, unless your law had been my delight"(Psalm119:92).UnlessDavidhad learned to livebyGod'spromises,hewouldhavebeenadeadman.

Surely he dies often, whose life is bound up in the dying creature. Asoften as the creature fails—his hope fails and his heart fails.When thecreaturedies,hishope isdisappointed.Healone livesanunchangeablelife,whobyfaithcanliveuponanunchangeableGod.

WehearsuchthingsindeedintheWord;butwedonotbelievethemuntilourownexperienceconvincesusofourinfidelity.Alongtimedowerelytotally upon the creature, knowing no other life than that of sense andreason, "Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to hisdragnet"(Habakkuk1:16).

AndbecausetheWordtellsusmuchoflivingbyfaith,wewouldeagerlypatchupalifebetweenfaithandsense,whichindeedisnotalifeoffaith.Thoughwemayusemeans—wemusttrustGodandtrusthimsolely;andthereforetobringustothis,Godallowsustobetriedandvexedwiththemockery of second causes. And when we have spent all uponthesephysiciansofnovalue—then, andneveruntil then,we resolve tolivebyfaith.

WhenDavidhadsufficientlyexperienced the falsenessandhypocrisyofSaulandhisparasites,"Theydelightinlies,theyblesswiththeirmouth,buttheycurseinwardly,"thenheresolvesnevertotrustacreaturemore:"My soul wait only upon God, he alone ismy Rock andmy salvation"(Psalm62:4-6).

Unmixed trust in God—is the fruit of our experience of the creature'svanity.WeneverresolveexclusivelyforGod,untilwiththeprodigal,wearewhippedhomenakedtoourfather'shouse.WhentheChurchhadrunherself barefoot in following her lovers, who answered her expectationwithnothingbut fear,andsentherawaywith shame insteadofglory—then she went home, and confessing her atheism and folly, gives upherselfpurely todivineprotection: "Assyriacannot saveus;wewillnotmountwar-horses.Wewillneveragain say 'Ourgods' towhatourownhands have made, for in You the fatherless find compassion." (Hosea14:3).

b.)Bythemutabilityanddisappointmentofthecreature,Godteacheshispeopletheexcellencyofthelifeoffaith.David,whenhelearnsitintheschoolofaffliction,publishesitfortheuseandbenefitofafterages:"BlessedishewhohastheGodofJacobforhishelp,whosehope is in the Lord his God" (Psalm 146:5). He had before entered acaveatagainstcreatureconfidence,"Putnotyourtrustinprinces—norinman";andgivesthereasonofit,thereisnohelporsalvationinthebestofmen—"norinman,inwhomthereisnohelp"(verse3).

Alas,manisbutalittlebreathingclay;andwhenthatbreathgoesforth,hereturnstohisnativeearth.Whenthebreathisgone,thereisnothingbutalittlelumpofclayremaining.Inthatverydayhisthoughtsperish.Whenthemandies,allhiscounselsandplotsandprojectsdiewithhim.

Havingthusputinhiscautionagainstcreaturedependence,andgiveninthe account of the vanity thereof—David shows the difference betweentrustinadyingman,andalivingGod.

Only trust in God is able tomake aman blessed. Those who have thegreatmenoftheworldtotrustinmayseemhappy,butonlyhewhohastheGodofHeaven to trust is truly blessed, "Blessed is hewhohas theGod of Jacob for his help."Why so? Because while those who trust inprinces shall be disappointed—those who trust in God shall never bedisappointed; forhe isJehovah.Hishopeis intheLord,or inJehovah,his God: "HemadeHeaven and earth, the sea, and all that therein is"(verse6);andhewhogavebeingtoeverycreature,cangivebeingtohispromisealso.Cananythingbe toohard for a creatingGod?He keepstruth and promises forever.Heaven and earthmay pass away, but notone jot or tittle of his promise shall pass away until all be fulfilled(Matthew5:18).

Menmayproveunfaithful,butGodwillneverproveunfaithful.Hekeepstruth forever, "Faithful is hewho has promised" (Hebrews 10:23). Andthusthesoulcomestoseethesweetnessandexcellenceofalifeoffaith,whileothersaremocked,abused,andslain,bydisappointmentfromthesecondcauses."Heiskeptinperfectpeace,whosemindisstayedonGod—becausehe trusts inhim" (Isaiah26:3).He lives indeed,who livesbyfaithintheeverfaithfulGod.

THEEXCELLENCYOFALIFEOFFAITHREVEALSITSELFINTHESEFOURPARTICULARS:

Itisasecurelife.Itisasweetlife.Itisaneasylife.Itisanhonorablelife.

[1.] The life of faith is a SECURE life. "This is theman who willdwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the impregnable rocks. Hisbreadwillbesupplied,andwaterwillnotfailhim."(Isaiah33:16).Howsecurelydoeshedwell,whosefortificationsareimpregnable,inaccessiblerocks! In the Hebrew it is, "He shall dwell in heights," or rocks

sohighthatnone can scale them, rocks so thick that no breach can bemade in them, rockswithin rocks, "impregnable rocks". Rocks so deepthatnonecanunderminethem.Surelyapersonthusdefendedoneveryside,neednotfearstorming.

OBJECTION. Yes, though rocks may be a good fence—they are but illfood, a man cannot feed on rocks; rocky places are barren, thoughimpregnable;hemaybestarved,thoughhecannotbestormed!

ANSWER.No!Thewordsfollowingrelievethatfearalso,"Hisbreadwillbesupplied"(verse16).Heshallhavebreadenough,anditshallcosthimnothing—itshallbegiventohim.

And whereas a rock is but a dry situation, without either springs orstreams,andthereuponamanmightbeexposedtoperishingforlackofwater.Thirstwill slay,aswellashunger.Therefore it is likewiseadded,"His water will not fail him" (verse 16). He shall have waters whichneithersummer'sheatnorwinter'sfrostsshallbeabletodryup—never-failingwatersshallfillhiscisternsfromdaytoday"Hiswaterwillnotfailhim."

Under such an excellent metaphor is the security of a life of faithdescribed,andthismetaphorisexpoundedinanotherplace:"Ourcityisstrong!WearesurroundedbythewallsofGod'ssalvation."(Isaiah26:1).Wallsshallnotbetheirsalvation,butsalvationshallbetheirwalls.Howsafelydotheydwell,whoarewalledaboutwithsalvationitself!Thewallsaresalvation,andthatsalvationisJehovah;forsoitfollows,"TrustintheLord forever, for in theLordJehovah is everlasting strength" (verse4).The Lord Jehovah is the rock of all ages! His refuge will be theimpregnablerocks;andtheLordJehovahis thoserocks,arockofages.Ages pass away, one after another—but the rock abides, and abidesforever."IntheLordJehovahiseverlastingstrength"(verse4).

He who rained manna in the wilderness, will give bread; and he whofetchedwateroutoftherock,willbeanever-failingfountain—hiswaterwillnotfailhim.

[2.]ThelifeoffaithisSWEET.Isitnotasweetthingtofetchallour

waters from the fountain, from the spring-head, before they aredegeneratedormuddiedbythemirychannel?FaithsaystoGod,"Allmyfresh springs are in you!" (Psalm 87:7). Is it not sweet to be fixed andcomposedinthemidstofallthechangesandconfusionsunderthesun?Thisistheprivilegeofhimwholivesbyfaith,"Noeviltidingsshallmakehim afraid, his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord" (Psalm 112:7). Andagain,"Youwillkeephiminperfectpeacewhosemindisstayedonyou,because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3). The Hebrew has it "peace,peace"—that is, multiplied peace; pure, unmixed peace. Constant andeverlastingpeace, is theportionofhimwho livesby faith—so far ashelivesbyfaith.Unlesssenseandreasonbreakintodisquiethim—helivesinamostsweetandconstantserenity.

[3.] The life of faith is an EASY life. It is an easy life to have allprovisionsbroughtintoaman,withoutanycareortrouble.Suchistheprivilegeof a believer; hehas all his caresprovided for. "Innothingbeanxious,butineverythingbyprayerandsupplication,withthanksgiving,letyourrequestsbemadeknowntoGod"(Philippians4:6).Faithleavesabelievernothing todobut toprayandgive thanks!Topray forwhatheneeds,andtogivethanksforwhathehas—thatisallhehastodo.

Itistrue,believersmustlaborandtravelintheuseofmeans,aswellasthe restof the sonsofAdam—but it iswithoutworry—withoutanxious,heart-rending,soul-distractingcare.Worry isthethorn,thestingwhichthesinofmanandthecurseofGodhasthrustintoallourlabors.Faithpullsthisthornout,sonowallthelaboroffaithisaneasylabor,likethelabor of Adam in paradise. Faith uses means, but trusts God. Faithobediently closes with the providence ofmeans, but sweetly leaves theprovidenceofsuccesstoGod.Yes,faithcantrustGodwhentherearenomeanstouse,andsay;"Eventhoughthefigtreeshavenoblossoms,andtherearenograpesonthevines;eventhoughtheolivecropfails,andthefieldslieemptyandbarren;eventhoughtheflocksdieinthefields,andthecattlebarnsareempty,yetIwillrejoiceintheLORD!IwillbejoyfulintheGodofmysalvation!"(Habakkuk3:17-18).

FaithcanliveuponGod,whenthereisafamineuponthewholecreation.ThepeaceofGodfencestheheartfromallsurprisesoffearandtrouble,"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and

petition,withthanksgiving,presentyourrequeststoGod.AndthepeaceofGod,which transcendsallunderstanding,will guardyourheartsandyourminds inChristJesus." (Philippians4:6-7).As faithenjoysGod inallthingsinthegreatestabundance—soshecanenjoyallthingsinGodinthedeepestneed.

[4.]ThelifeoffaithisanHONORABLElife.Itisthehonorofthecourtfavoritethathecango immediatelytohisprince—whenstrangersarenotadmitted.Yes,withoutallquestion,itisanhonorablelifetoliveasGodhimselflives.ThisisthegloryofGod,thathelivesinhimselfandofhimself.Andintheirproportion,suchhonorhaveallhissaints.Theylive inGodanduponGodhereby faith—andtheyshall live inGodanduponGodhereafterbysight,inthebeatificvision.

This is the excellency of the life of faith, and this the people of Godexperiencebytheirsufferings,wherebyGodcallsthemoutoftheworld,andtakingthemintohimself,herevealstothembydegree,themysteryandprivilegeoflivinguponGod,anduponGodalone.

13. In the schoolof afflictionanddistresses,God takesusofffrom self-confidence, and teaches us to trust himmore, andourselvesless.

Thisisthesamewiththeformer—exceptonlythatwespeaknowoftrustin God—in opposition to confidence in ourselves, and not in others; adistemper that prevails much in our natures. Ever since we renderedourselves able to do nothing but sin—we think ourselves able to doanything; we imagine to ourselves to have a kind of omnipotence.Naturally we are prone to entertain and nourish high presumptions ofourownstrength,andofourownwisdom.

a.)OfourownSTRENGTH.Inourprosperitywethinkourselvesabletocarryanycross;weimagineourselvesstrongenoughtobearawayevenSamson's gates upon our shoulders, and prepared to encounter anyafflictionintheworld.Butwhenthehourofafflictionactuallycomes,wefindwearebut likeothermen,andareready tosink,withPeter, ifbutonewaveriseshigherthananother.

Usually sufferings, before they come, are like a mountain at a greatdistance,whichseemssosmallthatwethinkwecouldalmostjumpoverit.Butuponnearerapproaches,whenwecometothefootofit,itappearsasifitwouldfalluponus,andcrushusinpieces.

Peter issobigwith love toChrist, thathewilldiewithhimrather thanforsake him. Yes, though all the rest should betake themselves to theirheels—Peter will stand by Jesus to the last drop of blood. Yet behold,whenitcomestotheactualtrial,aweaksillydamselisablewithasinglequestion to frighten him out of his confidence—and Peter not onlyforsakes,butforswearshisLord.

Pendleton,inthebookofmartyrs,boaststhathewillfryhisfatbodyinflamesofmartyrdom,ratherthanbetrayhisreligion;butwhenthehourcomes that Christ and religion hadmost need of him—he had not onedropofallthatfattospareforeither.

b.)Aswearepronetopresumeofourownstrength,soweareveryapttoidolizeourownWISDOM.Wearepronetoleantoourownunderstanding—andthinkbyoursagacity,towindourselvesoutofanylabyrinthoftroubleandperplexity.Butwefinditotherwisewhenweactually come into the snare. We then are forced to cry out with theChurch,"HehashedgedmeaboutthatIcannotgetout—hehasmademychainheavy"(Lamentations3:7).Likeamalefactorwhohasbrokenoutofprison—he thinks to run away, but he has a heavy chain uponhis heelthat spoils his haste; and being fenced in round about, he goes to thiscorner,hoping to findsomegap,but therehe finds thehedgemadeupwiththorns;andtoanothercorner,andtherealsothebriarsstophim.

Butthatisnotall;readonintheChurch'scomplaint,andyoushallfindgreaterobstructions,"Hehasenclosedmywayswithhewnstones"(verse9). Suppose a man would venture the scratching of his flesh to breakthroughahedgetosavehislife—yetthatwouldnotdo,asGodhadtakenaway thehedge, andbuilt awall instead of it—awall sohigh that theycouldnotclimbover,awallsothickthattheycouldnotdigthrough.

Themeaningis,maninafflictionthinkstomakehiswaythroughbyhisownartandcunning—butupontheattempt,hefindsdifficultiesarising

still higher and higher, so that when all is done, escape is impossiblewithoutanimmediaterescuebythearmofomnipotence!

ThiswasPaul's case, "Wedonotwantyou tobeuninformed,brothers,aboutthehardshipswesufferedintheprovinceofAsia.Wewereundergreat pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despairedevenoflife."(2Corinthians1:8).Inallprobability,thiswasthatuproaratEphesus,whereinPaulwaslikelytohavebeenpulledinpieces,foritwasatroublethatbefellhiminAsia(Acts23:10).Itwasastraitwhereintheapostlewasathiswit'send;hedespairedevenoflife,'Wewerebereftofallcounselhowtoexpediteourselvesoutofthedanger.'

SoDavidcomplains,"HowlongshallItakecounselinmysoul?"(Psalm13:2). When he was persecuted by Saul, and beset with innumerabledangers—hetookcounselwithinhimself.He thoughtof thismeansandtheothermeans.Hecastaboutthiswayandthatwayhowtoescape,butin vain; all his counsels left him as full of sorrow and despair as theyfoundhim."HowlongshallI takecounsel inmysoul,havingsorrowinmyheart?"Hehadhissorrowforhispains.

Thus it was with the apostle, all his counsel left him in the hand ofdespair, "We despaired even of life". His case was no other than theprisoneratthebar,atthetimethesentenceofdeathispasseduponhim.Helooksuponhimself(andsodobystanders)asadeadman;heislegallydead,deadtoallintentsandpurposesofthelaw;therelacksnothingbutthe execution. So it was with Paul, "We had the sentence of death inourselves"(2Corinthians1:9);thesentencewaspassedinhisownheart,andnowsaysPaul,'Iambutadeadman!'

Thiswashisstrait,and itseemedGodhadadesign in it,andwhatwasthat?Hehimselfwilltellyou,"Wehadthesentenceofdeathinourselves—thatweshouldnottrustinourselves,butinGodwhoraisesthedead."

Seeherethatthedesignisexpressedbothnegativelyandaffirmatively.

NEGATIVELY,"thatwemightnottrust inourselves,"forGodsaweveninthatgreatapostlehimselfadispositiontoself-confidence,apronenesstobeexaltedabovemeasure,throughtheabundanceofrevelations.And

thereforesoastoprickthebladderofpride,Godgavehimathorninthefleshtoworkoutthisself-trust.Godreducedhimtoastateofdespair,astooutwardandvisibleprobabilities.

AFFIRMATIVELY, "But inGodwhoraises thedead"—by thisdesperateexperience,GodwouldteachPauleverafterwherestrengthandcounselweretobehadinthelikeextremities—nowherebutinGod—andinhimabundantly.TheGodofresurrectionscanneverbebaffled.Hewhocanraisethedeadcanconquerthegreatestdifficulty;hewhocanputlifeintodeadmen,canputlifeintodeadhopesandraiseupourexpectationsoutof theverygraveofdespair.ThatGodcanput life intodeadbones, isaconsiderationabletoputlifeintoadeadfaith.

To this purpose it is observable that even those to whom God hasindulgedthelargestproportionsoffaithandcourage,hehasallowednotonly to languish under fears, but even to despair under insupportabledifficulties—beforetheycouldrecoverholyconfidenceinGod.

WefindDavid,thatgreatchampionofIsrael,morethanoncesurprisedwithdreadfulfear:"Isaidinmyhaste"(Psalm31:22;116:11).TheHebrewsignifies, 'in my trembling'—when I was almost besidemyself for fear.Well,whatdidhesaythen?Whyhesaid,"Iamcutofffrombeforeyoureyes"(Psalm31:22).Thatis,'Godhascastmeoutofhiscare,helooksnomoreafterme,Iamalostman.'

Andagain, "I said inmyhaste:Allmenare liars" (Psalm116:11). 'EvenSamuelhimself,whotoldmeIwouldbeaking,hehasseenbuta falsevision,anda lyingdivination;Godneversaidsotohim.No,IshallonedayfallbythehandofSaul.'

AndthustheprophetJeremiahlaments,"YoudrewnearinthedaythatIcalleduponyou;yousaid:Fearnot"(Lamentations3:57);butbeforeGodspoke a 'fear not' to his soul, he was afraid—hear what he says, "Theyhave cut offmy life in the dungeon, and cast a stone uponme;watersflowed overmy head, then I said: I am cut off!" (verses 52-54).Mark,withPaul,hehadreceivedthesentenceofdeathinhimself,helooksuponhimselfasadeadman,yesasalreadyinhisgrave,andhisgravestonelaiduponit,"Theyhavecutoffmylifeinthedungeon,andcastastoneupon

me"—I am dead and buried, and a stone rolled to the mouth of thesepulcher.

AndthusyoumayhearJonahcryinginthewhale'sbelly,"Iamcastoutofyoursight!"(Jonah2:4).

AndthusyoumayhearZion, inthedust,tuningherlamentations,"TheLordhasforsakenme,andmyLordhasforgottenme!"(Isaiah49:14).Itwereeasytomultiplyinstances.

Now this is continually our case—and this is still God's design.We areproud creatures, full of self-confidence, and therefore God, by strangeandunexpectedprovidences,hedgesupourwaywith thorns, andwallsupourpathwithhewnstones—bringingtodespairevenoflife,bereavingusofcounsel,drivingusfromallourownshiftsandpolicies,bringingusundertheverysentenceofdeath—allthatwemightnottrustinourselves,butinGodwhoraisesthedead.

Heunbottomsusbydespair.Heconvincesusofourimpotenceandfolly.Heshowsuswhatbabesandfoolsweareinourselves—sothatinallourfuture hazards and fears, wemight know nothing but God, "Go in thestrengthoftheLord,andmakementionofhisrighteousness,andofhisalone"(Psalm71:16).

AndthusyouseePeter,whobeforewassoconfidentthathethoughtallthe worldmight forsake Christ sooner than himself—afterward he wasconvincedofhisowninfirmityandinstability,whenChrist,toputhiminmindofhisthree-folddenial,puthimuponthatthree-foldinterrogatory:"Simon Peter, do you love me more than these?" (John 21). In otherwords, 'doyou lovememore than the restofyour fellowdisciples?'Hedared make no other answer but this, "Lord, you know!"—he pleadsnothingbuthissincerity;andforthatalso,hecastshimselfratheruponChrist'strial,thanhisown:"Lord,youknow."

14.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godmakeshimselfknownuntohis people. How long do we hear of God, before we experimentallyknowhim?We often getmore experimental knowledge of God by oneaffliction, than by many sermons. "I have heard of you often by the

hearingoftheear,butnowmyeyeseesyou!ThereforeIabhormyselfindustandashes," criesJobupon thedunghill (Job42:5-6). In theWordwedobuthearofGod—inafflictionweseehim.

Prosperityisthenurseofunbelief.Theunderstandingbeingcloudedwiththestreamsandvaporsofthoselustswhichareincidenttoaprosperousestate—mengrowbrutish,andthereverenceandsenseofGodislittlebylittledefaced.Butnowbyaffliction,thesoul(beingtakenofffromsense-pleasingobjects)hasagreaterdispositionandlibertytoretireintoitself.And being freed from the attractive force of worldly allurements—themindisaccustomedtobemoreseriousandfertile—andsomorecapableofreceivingdivineillumination.

Theclearertheglassis—themorefullydoesitreceiveinthebeamsofthesun.Whenthewarmbreathoftheworldhasblownuponus—wearenotsocapableofthevisionsofGod.

Thewicked,throughtheprideofhisheart,willnotknowGod.TheysaytotheAlmighty,"Departfromus,forwedesirenottheknowledgeofyourways!"(Job21:14)."WhoistheLord?"saysPharaoh(Exodus5:2).

Likewise, the very godly themselves are exceeding dark and low in theapprehensionsofGod—ourignoranceofGodbeingneverperfectlycureduntilwecometoHeaven,whereweshallseehimfacetoface,andknowhim as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12). In the meantime, by thestrokes of divine vengeance God makes the wicked know him totheircost.Inthesameway,bytherodofcorrection,hemakeshispeopleto know him to their comfort. As God brought all his plagues uponPharaoh'sheart,thathemightknowwhotheLordwasinawayofwrath—sohelaysafflictionuponhispeople,thattheymayknowhiminawayoflove:"Israelshallcryuntome,'MyGod,weknowyou'"(Hosea8:2).

MosesneversawGodsoclearly,aswhenhedescended inacloud.Andtrulythatdispensationwasbutatypeof themethodwhichGoduses inmakinghimselfknownuntohissaints.Heputsthemintothecleftsoftherock,coversthemwithhishandwhilehepassesby,andthenproclaimshisnamebeforethem,"TheLord,theLordGod,mercifulandgracious"(Exodus33:19-23).

ThepeopleofGodhavethemostsensibleexperienceofGod'sattributesintheirsufferings:Hisholiness,Hisjustice,Hisfaithfulness,Hismercy,andHisall-sufficiency.

a.)HisHOLINESS.Afflictionshowswhatasin-hatingGodourGodis;for thoughhis chastisementsonhisChurchare in love to themselves—they are in hatred to their corruptions. While he saves the sinner, hedestroysthesin,"BythisshalltheiniquityofJacobbepurged,andthisisallthefruittotakeawayhissin"(Isaiah27:9).Ifthesoulistolive—thensinmustdie.

b.) His JUSTICE. Afflictions are correction to the godly—andpunishment to thewicked. InbothGod, is righteous.Thus Israel knewGod; "Howbeit you are just in all that has comeuponus, for youhavedoneright,butwehavedonewickedly"(Nehemiah9:33).Intheseverestdispensations, they judge themselves and justify God. Yes, when theycannotdiscernhismeaning—thentheyadorehisrighteousness:"Youarealwaysrighteous,OLORD,whenIbringacasebeforeyou.Yet Iwouldspeak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wickedprosper?Whydoallthefaithlessliveatease?"(Jeremiah12:1).Whenthesoulisunsatisfied—yetGodisnotunjustified.

c.) His FAITHFULNESS. We see God's faithfulness in the veryafflictionitself,"Iknow,Lord,thatyourjudgmentsareright,andthatyouinfaithfulnesshaveafflictedme!"(Psalm119:75).

We seeGod's faithfulness tohis covenant—foraffliction isnot somuchthreatened as promised to believers; but of this hereafter. The moreDavidwasafflicted,themoreGod'sfaithfulnessappeared. 'Oh,'saystheholy man, 'I could not have lacked a stroke of all that discipline withwhichmyheavenlyFatherhaschastisedme.'

WeseeGod'sfaithfulnessinhearingprayer."ThispoormancriedandtheLordheardhim,andsavedhimoutofallhistroubles."EvenwhenDavidlackedfaith,Godlackednotfaithfulness."Isaidinmyhaste:Iamcutofffrom before your eyes'—nevertheless you heard the voice of mysupplicationswhenIcrieduntoyou"(Psalm31:22).Unbeliefitselfcannotnullify the faithfulness ofGod. I conceive thesewords of the apostle to

bear this sense, "Ifwebelievenot—yetheabides faithful, forhecannotdenyhimself" (2Timothy2:13). It isnot tobeunderstoodof astateofunbelief,butofanactofunbelief;notofalackoffaith,butalackinfaith;neitherofwhichcanrenderGodunfaithful,whoisengagednotsomuchtoourfaith,astohisownfaithfulnesstohimself,toheartheprayerofhistroubledservants."Calluponmeinthedayoftrouble,Iwilldeliveryou,andyoushallglorifyme"(Psalm50:15).

Believers experience the faithfulness of God best in their sufferings,because:

[1.]Thentheyaremostprayerful.WhenourelderbrotherEsauisuponus—thenwecanwrestlewithourelderbrotherJesus,andnotlethimgountilheblessus.

[2.] Then they aremost vigilant to observe the returnsof prayer. "Myvoice shall you hear in the morning, in the morning will I direct myprayeruntoyou,andwilllookup"(Psalm5:3).Inadversity,weareearlywith God in prayer, "In the morning shall you hear my voice, in themorning will I direct my prayer". This implies double earliness, anddoubleearnestnessinprayer.

Andwhenwehavedonepraying,weshallbeginwaiting,"Iwilllookup."Inprosperity,weputupmanyaprayerthatweneverlookafter;Godmaydenyor grant, andwehardly takenotice of it.But in affliction,we canpressGodforthereturnsofprayer,"Hearmespeedily,OLord,myspiritfails,hidenotyourfacefromme,lestIbeliketothosewhogodownintothepit"(Psalm143:7).Notonlydenials,butdelayskillus—thenwecanhearkenfortheechoofourvoicefromHeaven,"IwillhearkenwhatGodtheLordwillsay,forhewillspeakpeacetohispeople"(Psalm85:8).

AsGodcannoteasilydenytheprayerofanafflictedsoul,soifhegrants,wecantakenoticeofit,andknowourprayerswhenweseethemagain;"Thispoormancried, and theLordheardhim" (Psalm34:6)—and thisendears the heart to God and to prayer. "I love the Lord, because heheardmy voice andmy supplications; because he has inclined his earuntome,thereforewillIcalluponhimaslongasIlive"(Psalm116:1-2).

As faithfulness in hearing prayer, so also inmaking good the promise.TheafflictedsoulcanwitnessuntoGod,"aswehaveheard—sohaveweseen"(Psalm48:8).Whatwehaveheardinthepromise—wehaveseenintheaccomplishment;Godwasneverworsethanhisword.Asafflictionisa furnace to try the faith of God's people—so it is also to try thefaithfulnessofGodinhispromises.Anduponthetrial,theChurchbringsinherexperience,"ThewordsoftheLordarepurewords,assilvertriedina furnaceofearthpurifiedseventimes"(Psalm12:6).Letamancastthepromiseathousandtimes intothefurnace, itwillstillcomeout fullweight! "As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is tried"(Psalm 18:30). It is to be understood in both places of theword of thepromise.Amanmay setHeavenand earthuponapromise, and itwillbearthemup.

d.) His MERCY. God is merciful in the MODERATION ofchastisements. In themidstof judgment,heremembersmercy. "It isoftheLord'smercies thatwe arenot consumed, becausehis compassionsfail not" (Lamentations 3:22), cries the Church in Babylon. It isbanishment—butitmighthavebeendestruction!WeareinBabylon—butwemight have been in Hell! It of the Lord'smercies, and hismerciesalone,thatwearenotthere.

Sosaystheafflictedsoul:'Ifmyburningfeverhadbeentheburninglakeoffire;ifmyprisonhadbeenthebottomlesspit;ifmybanishmentfromsociety had been expulsion (with Cain) from the presence of God, andthatforever—thenGodwouldhavebeenrighteousinit.'ItisneversobadwiththepeopleofGod,but itmighthavebeenworse!AnythingonthissideHellispuremercy.

AndasthereismercyinGodmoderatingtheafflictionsofhispeople—sothere is mercy in SUPPORTING his people under afflictions. "When Isaidmyfootslips"—nowIsink,Ishallneverbeabletostandunderthisaffliction, I cannot bear it, "Your mercy, O Lord, held me up" (Psalm94:18).WhenDavidwassinking,Godputunderhimhiseverlastingarmsand held him up—just as Christ stretched forth his hand to save Peterwhenhebegan tosink.EvenwhenGod's sufferingpeoplehavenotanygreat raptures—yet then they find sweet supports, "His left hand wasunderme,hisrighthandembracedme"(SongofSolomon2:6).

And yet it is not supportingmercy onlywhich they experience in theirsufferings—butoftenhisREFRESHING,hisrejoicingmercy.Soitfollowsin the psalm above cited, "In themultitude ofmy thoughtswithinme,your comforts delightmy soul" (Psalm 94:19).My thoughts were darkanddoleful,andfullofdespair,andnotafewofthem;multitudesbrokeinuponme,andevenswallowedmeup.Butyourcomfortswerelightandlife, and delight tomy soul.My thoughts did not sinkme so deep, butyourcomforts raisedmeupashigh.MythoughtswereaHell,butyourcomfortswereaHeavenwithinme.

ThesoulhearsofGod'smercyinprosperity—butittastesofhismercyinaffliction.Andasitwereovercomewithenjoyments,cancalltoothers,"OtasteandseehowgoodtheLordis!"(Psalm34:8).Henceitis,thatofallthedaysoftheyeartheapostlewouldchooseasitwereaGood-Friday—apassionday,torejoicein:"GodforbidIshouldrejoiceinanythingbutinthecrossofJesusChrist" (Galatians6:14);Christ's sufferings forhim—andhissufferingsforChrist.

e.)TheALL-SUFFICIENCYofGodisthelastattributeImentioned,which God proclaims before his suffering people. "Now you shall see,"saysGod toMoses, "what Iwill do to Pharaoh" (Exodus 6:1).HithertoyouhaveseenwhatPharaohhasdonetoIsrael—nowyoushallseewhatIcandotoPharaoh.Andsotheydidseethatthedoublingoftheirburdens.wasthedissolvingoftheirbondage;theextinguishingoftheirnation,wasthemultiplyingoftheirseed;thesamewaterswhichwereIsrael'srocks—weretheEgyptians'grave.

"Iwillpursue, Iwillovertake them. Iwilldivide thespoils; Iwillgorgemyselfonthem.Iwilldrawmyswordandmyhandwilldestroythem!"(Exodus15:9)—soboaststheproudtyrant.'Iwill,Iwill,Iwill'.Butnotsofast Pharaoh, let God speak the next word, "But You blew with yourbreath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mightywaters!" (Exodus15:10).Osuddenturn!There liesPharaohwithallhisboastings, drowned in the sea. Thus did God appear to his oppressedIsrael in the very nick of their extremities. "Israel saw that great workwhichtheLorddidupontheEgyptians;andthepeoplefearedtheLord"(Exodus14:31).

"Israel saw." In prosperity God works—but we see him not. Afflictionopensour eyes!Whenwe seeourdangers, thenwe can seeGod inourdeliverances.GodcouldhavebroughtIsraelintotheLandofPromisebya shorter way, in forty days. But he leads them about in a howlingwilderness forty years (not amore likely place in all theworld to havestarvedthemandtheirflocks),andwhy?ButtoproclaimtoIsraelandallsucceeding generations, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger andthen feeding you withmanna, which neither you nor your fathers hadknown,toteachyouthatmandoesnotliveonbreadalonebutoneverywordthatcomesfromthemouthoftheLORD."(Deuteronomy8:3).

IsraellearnedmoreofGod'sall-sufficiencyinalandofdrought,thanshecouldhavelearnedinthelandflowingwithmilkandhoney;namely,thatGodcanfeedwithoutbread,andsatisfythirstwithoutstreamsofwater;thathecanmakethecloudsraindownfood,andtherockgiveoutrivers;thatthecreaturecandonothingwithoutGod,butGodcandowhateverhepleaseswithoutthecreature.

Instancesareendless—Inaword,sufferingtimeisthetimewhereinGodmakeshisattributesvisible, "TheLordwillbea refuge tohispeople, arefugeintimeoftrouble";andwhatfollows?"Andthosewhoknowyourname will put their trust in you" (Psalm 9:9-10). In the school ofafflictionGod reads lecturesuponhis attributes, and expoundshimselfuntohispeople—sothatmanytimestheycometoknowmoreofGodbyhalfayear'ssufferings,thanbymanyyears'sermons.

15. In the school of affliction, God teaches them tomind theduties of a suffering condition, to study duty more thandeliverance,andseriouslytoinquirewhatitiswhichGodcallsforunder thepresentdispensation. The soul cries out with Paul,whenlaidfordeadatChrist'sfeet,"Lord,whatwillyouhavemetodo?"(Acts9:6).Thereisnoconditionortrialintheworld,butitgivesamanopportunityfortheexerciseofsomespecialgrace,andthedoingofsomespecialduty.ItistheworkofaChristianineverynewstate,andineverynewtrial—tomindwhatnewdutyGodexpects,andwhatnewgraceheistoexertandexercise.

To mind deliverance alone, is self-love, which is natural to man, "The

captiveexilehastensthathemayheloosed,andthatheshouldnotdieinthepit"(Isaiah51:14).Maninafflictionwouldeagerlybedelivered,havetheburden takenoff,and theyokebroken;hemakesmorehaste togethisafflictionsremoved,thansanctified.'O,'thinksone,'ifGodwouldhealme of this sickness, deliverme out of this distress—Iwouldwalkmorecloselywithhim;Iwouldbemoreabundantinfamilyduties;Iwouldbemorefruitfulinmyconverse;Iwoulddothusandthus,'andsoon.

Nowthoughmenshouldsitdownintheirafflictions,considertheirways,andmakenewresolutionsforbetterthingsifGodshallgivebettertimes—yetifthisisall,itmaybenothingelsebutawileofthedeceitfulheart,atemptation and snare of the devil; a mere diversion to turn aside theheartfromthepresentdutywhichGodexpects.AndthereforewhenGodintendsgoodandhappiness to thesoulby thepresentchastisement,hepitchesthesouluponthepresentduty,whichisto"heartherod,andhewhohasappointedit"(Micah6:9);todiscernGod'saim,andtofindoutthemeaningofthepresentdispensation—tosaytoGod,"Iamguilty,butwilloffendnomore.TeachmewhatIcannotsee;ifIhavedonewrong,Iwill not do so again." (Job 34:31-32). To reflect upon our ways andhearts; to complain of sin—andnot of punishment, "Why does a livingmancomplain?Amanforthepunishmentofhissin?Letussearchandtry our ways, and turn again to the Lord" (Lamentations 3:39-40). Tothinkthepresentconditionasthebest,"IhavelearnedinwhateverstateIam,therewithtobecontent"(Philippians4:11).Inpatiencetopossessoursouls,torejoiceinGodevenintribulation.Tomindthepubliccalamitiesof the Church more, and our private sufferings less; to pray for thewelfareofZion,"InyourgoodpleasuredogooduntoZion"(Psalm51:18).To liveuponJesusChrist, and tomakehimgloriousby our afflictions,"ThatChristmaybemagnifiedinourbodies,whetheritbebylife,orbydeath" (Philippians 1:20). Paul studied more how to adorn the cross,thantoavoidit;howtorenderpersecutionamiable;andifhemustsufferforChrist,yet thatChristmightnotsufferbyhim; thatChristmightbeexalted,andtheChurchedified.Andlastly,tocommitthekeepingofoursoulstoGodinwell-doing,asuntoafaithfulCreator.

16. In the schoolofaffliction,another lecturewhich theHolySpirit teaches is, the fruits and advantages of a suffering

condition.Thereisineverystateoflifeasnareandaprivilege;anditisthefollyandmiseryofman,lefttohimself,thathewillinglyrunsintotheformerbutmissesthelatter.Heisonlyabletoaddtohisownmisery,andtomakehisconditionworsethanhefindsit.

Those whom God loves, he teaches. He teaches them to study, asthedutyoftheirpresentstate,sotheadvantage.WhenGodtakesawaycreature comforts, he does not only necessitate, but by the secretimpressionsofloveupontheheart,heemboldensthesoultolookoutforreparations, and to urge God for a recruit in some richeraccommodations."Lord,"saysAbraham,"whatwillyougiveme,seeingIgochildless?"(Genesis15:2).

Inlikemanner,'Lord,whatwillyougiveme,'saysasufferingsaint,'sinceIgowifeless,andfriendless,andpennyless,andhouseless,'andsoforth.Sothedisciples,"Lord,wehaveforsakenallandfollowedyou—whatshallwehavetherefore?"(Matthew19:27).FaithmaybealoserforChrist,butit will not be a loser by Christ. And accordingly Christ makes answer,"TrulyIsayuntoyou,thereisnomanwhohaslefthouse,orbrethren,orsisters,or father,ormother,orchildren,or lands, formysake,and thegospel's—but he shall receive a hundred-fold now in this life" (Mark10:29-30).

Advantageenough!Ahundredforonewasthebestyear thateverIsaachad—but how shall this bemade good?Whywith "a hundred times asmuchinthispresentage(homes,brothers,sisters,mothers,childrenandfields—andwiththem,persecutions)andintheagetocome,eternallife."(verse30):thismustmakeuptheaccount.Itisveryobservable,thatyearwherein Isaac receivedhishundred-fold,was Isaac's sufferingyear; theyearwhereinfaminehadbanishedhimfromhisowncountrytosojournwithAbimelechinGerer;yetIsaac'sbestharvestwasinayearoffamine;and this was typical to all the children of promise: they must receiveIsaac'sincrease,"ahundred-fold—andwiththem,persecutions."

And I conceive our Savior may allude to this type in this promise. Inpersecution,thepeopleofGodfindtheirhundredfold;whentheymakeaScripture inquiry, theyfindsufferings,especiallythoseforChrist'ssake,tobe...

theirletterstestimonialforHeaven;thepledgeofadoption;apurgeforcorruption;theimprovementofholiness;and,theenhancementofglory.

In a word, whatever the affliction is, that shall be the soul's gain, "Allthingswork together for good to thosewho love God" (Romans 8:28).ThisGodteacheshispeople;itistheverydesignoftheeighthchaptertotheRomans, andof the twelve first versesof the twelfth chapter to theHebrews, to show thatGod'srodandGod's lovegoboth together.Thisquietstheheart,andsupportsthesoulunderitsburden,"Forthiscausewefaintnot".Why?because"thoughouroutwardmanperishes,yettheinwardmanisreneweddaybyday"(2Corinthians4:16).

Asifhehadsaid,'Whatweloseinourbodies,wegaininoursouls;whatwe lose in our estates,we get in grace'; thus they bear up and comfortthemselves in their deepest sorrows, while those who lie poring upontheir afflictions, only aggravate every circumstance of a sufferingcondition, sink their own spirits, vex their souls, dishonor God byslanderinghisdispensations,andbringupanevilreportupontheCrossofJesusChrist.

ThespiritualprivilegesofGod'ssufferingpeoplearethereforecalled,"thepeaceable fruits of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:11) because the taste ofthisfruitbringssuchpeaceandcomfortintothesoulasmakesitrejoicenotinGodonly,butintribulation;andinallthesethingstoaccountitself"morethanconquerorthroughhimwhohaslovedus!"(Romans8:37).

17. In the schoolofaffliction,God teacheswhatChrist taughtMartha—thatis,theonethingneedful.Afflictionrevealshowmuchwe aremistaken about ournecessities. In our health and strength andliberty, we think this and that thing must be done; we think riches,honors, and a good name in the world to be necessary; we must getestates and lay up large portions for our children; we must raise ourfamiliesandcallourlandsafterourownnames,andthelike.Butinthedayofadversity,whendeath looksus in the face,whenGodcauses thehorror of the grave, the dread of the last judgment, and the terrors of

eternity to pass before us—then we can "put our mouths in the dust,smite upon our thigh, and groan with broken heart and bitter grief."(Lamentations 3:29; Jeremiah 31:19; Ezekiel 21:6). O how have I beenmistaken?"HowhaveIfeduponashes,andadeceivedheartturnedmeaside,sothatIcouldnotdelivermysoul,norsay:Istherenotalieinmyrighthand?"(Isaiah44:20)

Only then canwe see that pardon of sin, a saving interest in Christ, asense of God's love, a life of grace, and an assurance of glory, are theonlyindispensables.Inaword,thatChristalone,istheonethingneedful—andthatallotherthingsarebut"lossanddung"incomparisonof"theexcellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, and of a savinginterest in him, and in his righteousness" (Philippians 3:8), withoutwhichthesoulisundonetoalleternity!

OhthatChristianswouldbewise,thattheywouldnot"spendtheirmoneyfor thatwhich isnotbread,nor their labor for thatwhich satisfiesnot"(Isaiah 55:2)—but labor for faith which might realize and substantiateunseenandspiritual things!Thosewhowillnot learn this lesson in theschooloftheWord—shalllearnitintheschoolofafflictioniftheybelongtoGod.Thereforesetyourhearttoit.

18. In the school of affliction, the redemption of TIME isanother lessonwhich God teaches. In our tranquility, howmanygoldenhoursdowethrowdownthestream,whichwearelikelynevertosee again; for onemomentwhereof in the future, whenwewould giveriversofoil,thewealthofboththeIndies,mountainsofpreciousstones(iftheywereourown)—andyetneitherwouldtheybefoundasufficientpricefortheredemptionofanyonelostmoment.

Itwasthecomplaintoftheheathenmoralist,andmaybemuchmoreourcomplaint, "Who is there amongus that knowshow to value time, andprizeadayataduerate?"Mostmenstudyratherhowtopassawaytheirtime—thantoredeemit.Theyareprodigalof theirprecioushours,as iftheyhadmorethantheycouldtellwhattodowiththem.Ourlifeisshort,andwemakeitshorterbywastingourtime.Howsadathingisittohearmencomplain,'Owhatshallwedotopassawaythetime?'

Alas,evenSabbath-time,thepurest,themostrefinedpartoftime—timeconsecrated by divine sanction—how cheap and common is it in mostmen's eyes,whilemanydo sinaway, and themostdo idle away—thosehallowedhours?

Senecawas accustomed to jeer the Jews for their ill husbandry, in thattheylostonedayinseven,meaningtheirSabbath.Trulyitistootrueofthemost of Christians, they lose one day in seven, the Sabbath for themostpart isbut a lostday;while some spend it totallyupon their lust,and themost, Ihadalmostsaid thebest,do fillup thevoidspacesandintervalsoftheSabbathfrompublicworship,withidlenessandvanity!

Butoh,whentroublecomes,anddangercomes,anddeathcomes—whentheswordisattheheart,thepistolatthebreast,theknifeatthethroat,deathatthedoor—thenhowpreciouswouldoneofthosedespisedhoursbe?

Evil days cry with a loud voice in our ears, 'Redeem the time!' ThatcautionwaswrittenfromthetowerinRome,"Redeemthetime,becausethedaysareevil"(Ephesians5:16).Inlife-threateningdangers,whenGodthreatens as it were, that time shall be nomore—thenwe can think ofredeemingtimeforprayer,forreading,formeditation;forstudyingandclearing our evidences for Heaven; for doing and receiving good,accordingtoopportunitiespresented;yes,thenwecangatheruptheverybrokenfragmentsoftime,thatnothingmaybelost.ThenGodteachesthesoul what a choice piece of wisdom it is for us to be before-handwithtime; for usually it comes to pass through our unskillfulness andunwatchfulness,thatwearesurprisedwithdeath;andwethatreckoneduponyears—manyyearsyettocome,havenotpossiblysomanyhourstomakereadyouraccounts.Itmaybethisnightthesummonsmaycome,andthenifourtimeisdone,andourworktoisbegun—inwhatacasearewe!Thesoulmustneedsbeinperplexityatthehourofdeath—thatseesthedayspent,anditsworkyettodo.

A traveler that sees the sun setting when he is but entering on hisjourney,cannotbutbeaghast.Theeveningofourday,andthemorningofour task—donotwell agree together.The timewhich remains, is tooshort to lament the lossofpast time.BysuchhazardsGodcomesupon

the soul as the angel upon Peter in prison, and smites upon our sides,bidsus riseupquicklyandgirdupourselves;andbindonour sandals,thatwemayredeemlostopportunities,anddomuchworkinalittletime.It isapityto loseanythingofthatwhichissopreciousandsoshort,astime.

19.Intheschoolofaffliction,Godteachesushowtoestimate,or at least tomake some remote and imperfect guess, at thesufferings of Jesus Christ. In our prosperity we pass by the Crosscarelesslyandregardlessly;atthebestwedobutshakeourheadsalittle.ThereadingofthestoryofChrist'spassionstirsusupsomepitytowardsHim—but it isquicklygone;we forgetas soonasweget into theworldagain.

Butnow...letGodpinchourfleshwithsomesoreaffliction;letHimfillourboneswithpain,andsetusonfirewithaburningfever;letourfeetbehurtinthestocks,andtheironsenterintooursouls;letour soulsbeexceedingly filledwith thescorningof those thatareatease,andwiththecontemptoftheproud;letusbedestitute,afflicted,tormented,andsoforth—thenwesitdownandlookuponHimwhomwehavepierced,andbegintosaywithinourselves:

"Arethechipsofthecrosssoheavy?Whatthenwasthecrossitself,whichmyRedeemerbore?

Areafewbodilypainssobitter?WhatthenwerethoseagonieswhichtheLordofglorysustainedinHissoul?

Is the wrath of man so piercing? What was the wrath of God, whichscorchedHis righteous soul, and forcedHis very heart's blood throughHisfleshinacoldwinter'snight,sothatHissweatwasasgreatdropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground?

Arethebuffetingsofmensogrievous?WhatwerethebuffetingsofSatan,whichourLordsustained,whenallthebroodoftheserpentlaynibblingatHisheels?

Is a burning fever so hot?How then did the flames even ofHell itselfscaldmySavior'ssoul?

Isitsuchaheart-piercingaffliction,tobedesertedoffriends?Whatwasitthenforhim,thatwastheSonofGod'slove,thedarlingofhisbosom,tobedesertedofhisFather,whichmadehimcryouttotheastonishmentof Heaven and earth, "My God,my God, why have you forsakenme?"(Matthew27:46).

Isachainsoheavy,aprisonsoloathsome,thesentenceandexecutionofdeathsodreadful?OwhatwasitforHimwhomadeHeavenandearthtobeboundwithachain,hurriedupanddownfromoneunrighteousjudgetoanother,mocked,abused,spitupon,buffeted,reviled,castintoprison,arraigned, condemned, and executed in amost shameful and accursedmanner?

Owhatwasitforhimtoendureallthiscontradictionofsinners,rageofthedevil,andwrathofGod—incomparisonofwhomthemostrighteouspersonthateverwas,maysaywiththepenitentthiefonthecross,"Andweindeedsufferjustly—buthe,whatevilhashedone?Hemadehisgravewiththewicked,andwiththerichinhisdeath,becausehehaddonenoviolence,neitherwasanydeceitinhismouth"(Luke23:41;Isaiah53:9).

BlessedbeGod...myprisonisnotthebottomlesspit,myburningsarenotunquenchableflames,mycupisnotfilledwithwrath.

Inaword,mysufferingsarenotHell.BlessedbeGodforJesusChrist,bywhomIamdeliveredfromwrathtocome.

And thus, as the Lord Jesus by the sensible experience of his ownpassion, came perfectly to understand what his poor members sufferwhiletheyareinthebody—sowebytheremaindersofhiscross,whichhehasbequeathedusasalegacy,comeinsomemeasuretounderstandthesufferings of Christ, or at least by comparing things of such vastdisproportion,toguessatwhatwecannotunderstand.

20. The last lesson which God teaches in the school ofaffliction,ishowtoprizeandlongforHeaven.Inourprosperity,when the candle ofGod shines in our tabernacles, "whenwewash oursteps in butter, and the rock pours us out rivers of oil" (Job 29:6)—wecould set downwith the present world, and even say with the disciple(thoughnotuponsogoodanaccount),"Itisgoodforustobehere;letusbuild tabernacles here" (Matthew 17:4). While life is sweet—death isbitter. Heaven itself is no enticement—while the world gives us heralluringentertainments.

Butwhenpovertyandimprisonment,reproachandpersecution,sicknessandsorediseases,pinchandvexourheartswithavarietyofaggravations—thenwearenotsofondofthecreature,andarepleasedtoparleywithdeath,andtakeHeavenintoourconsideration.Notthatmerelytodesiretobe inHeaven,becausewearewearyof theworld, is an argumentofgrace,or a lessonwhichneedsdivine teaching; self-lovewillpromptasmuch.But because like foolish travelers,we love ourway though it betroublesome,ratherthanourcountry.Godbyputtingusintheschoolofaffliction, takes off our hearts by degrees from this present world, andmakesuslookhomeward;beingburdenedwegroan—andwiththedovewereturntotheark,whentheworldissinkingroundaboutus.

When David was driven from his palace, then "Woe is me that mypilgrimage is prolonged" (Psalm 120:5-6).Wewouldbe contentedwiththe garlic and flesh-pots ofEgypt—ifGoddidnot set cruel taskmastersoverustodoubleourburdens.AndwhenGodthuslessensouresteemofthe world, He reveals to us the excellency of heavenly comforts, anddrawsoutthedesiresofthesoultoafullfruition:"WhenshallIcomeandappear in Your presence?" (Psalm 42:2). "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"(Revelation22:20).

AfflictionsmakeHeavenappearasHeavenindeed.

Totheweary,Heavenisrest;tothebanished,itishome;tothescornedandreproached,itisglory;tothecaptive,itisliberty;tothesoldier,itisconquest;

tothehungry,itishiddenmanna;tothethirsty,itisthefountainoflife;tothegrieved,itisfullnessofjoy;andtothemourner,itispleasuresforevermore.

In a word, to those who have lain upon the dunghill of affliction, andwalked in holiness—Heaven is the throne on which they shall sit andreignwithChristforeverandever!

Surelybeloved,Heaven thusproportioned toevery stateof theafflictedsoul,cannotbutbeveryprecious—andwillmakethesouldesiretodepartandtobewithChrist,whichisbestofall.AChristianindeediscomfortedbyfaith,butnotsatisfied;forhereweareabsentfromtheLord,andwalkbyfaith,notbysight.Hope,thoughitkeepslifeinthesoul,yetit isnotable to fill it;he longs,and thinkseverydayayearuntilhe isathome.Thosewhowalk by faith, cannot be quiet until they are in the sight ofthosethingswhichtheybelieve.

Jacob,whenheheardthatJosephwasalive,thoughhedidbelieveit,yetcouldnotbe satisfiedwithhearingof it; but sayshe, "Iwill goand seehimbefore Idie" (Genesis45:28): so thebelievingsoul, 'He,whommysoulloves,wasdead,butisalive,andbeholdhelivesforevermore.Iwilldie that Imaygoandseehim!'JustasAugustine,upon thatanswerofGodtoMoses,"Youcannotseemyfaceandlive"(Exodus33:20),makesthis quick and sweet reply: "Then Lord letme die that Imay see yourface."

ThushaveIpresentedyouwiththosetwentyvariouslessonswhichJesusChrist, thegreatProphetofhisChurch, teacheshisafflictedones intheschoolofaffliction.

Chapter 2. The Nature or Properties ofDivineTeaching

"ThussaystheLORD,yourRedeemer,TheHolyOneofIsrael:Iamthe

LORDyourGod,Who teachesyou toprofit,Who leadsyouby thewayyoushouldgo."Isaiah48:17

I now come to the second thing—namely, the nature or properties ofdivineteaching.

Itisnoteveryteachingthatwillmakeorevidenceamantobeablessedmanunderaffliction.Thereishardlyanymanthatisunderaffliction,buthelearnssomethingbyit—andyetfewareblessed.Thereasonis,becauseit matters not so much what a man is taught, as who is the teacher,whetherheistaughtofGodornot.Yes,thatisnotalleither,forwearenottoinquireonlywhetherwearetaughtofGod—buthowwearetaught.ThereisatwofoldteachingofGod:

There is a common teaching which even the heathen, wicked men,hypocrites,andreprobateswithintheChurch,mayhave.

There is a specialteaching, proper and peculiar only to the children ofpromise.Acovenantteaching;"AllyourchildrenshallbetaughtofGod"(Isaiah54:13);itisthecovenantofGodwiththeRedeemer.Withoutthisspecialteaching,thereisnoprofit,"IamtheLordyourGod,Whoteachesyou to profit"—so to profit by chastisements and corrections. So itfollows,"Wholeadsyoubythewayyoushouldgo."God'steachingsarenot only directing teachings, but leading teachings. They not onlytoshowtheway,buttoenabletogointheway.

Nowthisteachinghassixproperties:

1.Divineteachingisaninwardteaching.

a.) Inward in respectof theobject. So our Savior, concerning thesavingteachingoftheHolySpirit,"WhentheSpiritoftruthiscome,hewillguideyouintoalltruth"(John16:13).Manmayleadyouuntotruth,butitistheSpiritofGodonlythatcanleadyouintotruth.Healonehasthe"keyofDavid—whoopensandnomanshuts,andshutsandnomanopens" (Isaiah22:22).He canopen to you thedoorof truth, and showyoutheinsideoftruth.

Great isthedifferencebetweenthesetwoteachings.Hewhocomestoastatelyhouseorpalace, seesonly theoutward fabricandstructure;andeventhatmaytakemuch.Buthewhocomes into it,seesall the inwardcontrivances and conveniences; he sees all the rich furniture andadornings of the several rooms and offices of the house which are notonlyforuse,butfordelightandornament.

Surelytheveryoutsideoftruthisgoodly;but,liketheking'sdaughter,"itis all glorious within" (Psalm 45:13); not pleasing only, but ravishing.Those who are led into truth see this, by virtue whereof David sawwonderfulthingsinthelaw,objectswhichfilledhissoulwithwonderanddelight(Psalm119:18).Andastheteachingsofthecovenantareinwardinrespectoftheobject,soalso—

b.)Inwardinrespectof thesubject."In thehiddenpartyouhavemademe to knowwisdom" (Psalm51:6).And again, "I thank theLordwhogaveme counsel,myheart also instructsme in thenight seasons"(Psalm16:7).Theheartisthemostinwardpartofthebody,andthenightseason themost retired and private time; both express the intimacy ofdivine teaching. "God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness,hasshinedintoourhearts,togivethelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryof God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4:6); it is a fullexpression, and holds forth the inward teachings of God, both inreferencetothesubject,andtotheobject.

Inreferencetothesubject,hewho"commandedthelighttoshineoutofdarkness, has shined into our hearts". Man's light may shine intothehead—but God's light shines into theheart. God has his throne inHeaven;buthischair—hispulpit—isintheheart;hehas"shinedintoourhearts."

And then you have the inwardness of divine teaching in respect of theobject;hehasgivenus"thelightoftheknowledgeofthegloryofGodinthe face of Jesus Christ." Man may give knowledge, confused generalknowledge—but God gives the light of knowledge in the luster andbrightnessof it. "Inyour light,weshall see light" (Psalm36:9).Here isnotonlyknowledgeand lightofknowledge,but thegloryof that light—thelightwhichGodbringsintothesanctifiedunderstandingisaglorious

light,amarvelouslight;thesoulthattheSpiritofGodtakesbythehandandleadsintotruth,standswonderingatthegloryandexcellencyofthatlightwhichshinesroundaboutit.

Andthenlastly,all this"inthefaceofJesusChrist"—theface is thefulldiscoveryofaperson.MosescouldnotseeGod'sface,butonlyhisbackparts.Butnowbythe fleshofJesusChrist,Godhasputaveiluponhisface;theveilofhisflesh,throughwhichwemayseethefaceofGod;fornowinChristitisGodmanifestintheflesh,thehumannatureofJesusChrist has made God visible. In this face now of Jesus Christ do theywhomGodteachesbyasavinggospelteaching,seedivinetruth;theyseeitnow—notonlybyborrowedrepresentationsandnaturalresemblances,butinitsownnativebeautyandluster—asthetruthisinJesus.

2.Divineteachingisaclear,convincingteaching.SoourSaviorsaidoftheSpirit,"Whenhehascome,heshallconvicttheworld"(John16:8)—thewordsignifiesacleardemonstrativeconviction.Sotheapostledefines faith to be the evidence, or demonstration—the evidentdemonstrationofthingsnotseen(Hebrews11:1).

TheHolySpirit,inhisteachings,bringsindivinetruthswithsuchaclearand convincing light, that the soul sits under it fully satisfied; the soulfreelyacquiescesinthepresenttruths."NowIknow,"saysMoses'father-in-law, "that the Lord is greater than all gods" (Exodus 18:11). Hehadheardthatbefore,butnowheisthoroughlyconvinced.

So said David concerning his afflictions, "I know, Lord, that yourjudgments are right, and that of faithfulness you have afflicted me"(Psalm 119:75).Hewas fully satisfied both of the equity and fidelity ofGod'schastisements;rightinrespectofthemerit,andfaithfulinrespectoftheend.

And thus in all the lessons before presented to your view—what Godteaches, he teacheswith such a clear evidence of truth, that the soul isfully convinced: "Our gospel came unto you, not in word only, but inpowerandintheHolySpirit,andinfullassurance"(1Thessalonians1:5).

Commonteachingmaysoconvince,thatamancannottellhowtogainsay

orcontradict,buttheunderstandingmayremaindoubtfulstill.Thereisnotafullandclearassentintheunderstandingtothetruthspropounded;but a man remains, in the apostle's language, "a double-mindedman"(James1:8);orasthewordsignifies, 'adouble-souledman'—amanofadoubleordividedspirit,floatingbetweendifferentopinions;onesoul(asitwere)believesthisway,andanothersoulbelievesthatway;one,whilehebelievesthereisaGod,andshortlythereafterthefoolsaysinhisheart,"There is no God" (Psalm 14:1); sometimes he calls sin evil; and thenagainhethinksitgood.Hebelieves,andhebelievesnot;sometimeswhathehearsfromtheWordisthetruthofGod,sometimeshethinksagainitisbutaninventionofman.

ButnowtheteachingsofGodsetamanbeyondallthosefluctuationsandunsettledness in judgment. There is that which the apostle calls "therichesof the full assuranceofunderstanding to the acknowledgmentofthemysteryofGod"(Colossians2:2);assuranceofprinciples,evenwhenthesoulmaypossiblylacktheassuranceofapplication.

3.Divine teaching is experimental teaching. The soul can speakexperimentally of the truths it knows, "It is good for me," says David,"thatIhavebeenafflicted"(Psalm119:71).Butmaynotanymansayasmuchasthat?Yes,mostmenhavethenotionintheirheadsandintheirlips; but mark, the psalmist speaks experimentally to the point, andinstancesthegoodwhichhehadgainedbyaffliction,"Ihavelearnedyourstatutes." He had learned more acquaintance with, delight in, andconformity to theWord—heknew itmore, and loved it better, andwasmoretransformedintothenatureofitthanever.

Soagain,"TheLordpreservesthesimple"(Psalm116:6),inotherwords,God stands by his upright-hearted ones to secure them from violence.Thisagoodnotion,andanymanmayhaveitinthehead.ButDavidhasitin theexperience, "Iwasbrought lowandhehelpedme".My faith,mycomfort, andmy resolutions were brought low, "my feet hadwell-nearslipped" (Psalm 73:2)—but God helped my faith, revived my comfort,strengthenedmyresolutions,andestablishedmyfeet.

ThusPaulsaid,"IknowwhomIhavebelieved"(2Timothy1:12)—Ihaveexperienced his faithfulness and his all-sufficiency; I dare trust my all

withhim."Iamsurehewillkeepitsafetothatday."

And thus those who are taught of God in affliction, canspeak experimentally, in one degree or another, of the gains andprivileges of a suffering condition. They can speak experimentally ofcommunionwithGod,"ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil"(Psalm23:4).Why?"Foryouarewithme".Ihave had comfortable experience of your upholding, counseling,comfortingpresencewithmeinmydeepestdesertions.Justsowithotherfruitsof affliction—this Ihavegotbymysufferings. IblessGod, Ihavelearned more patience, humility and self-denial. I have learned to bemoresensibleofmybrethren'ssufferings.Ihavelearnedtositloosertotheworld, tomindChristianduty, and to trust safetywithGod. I havelearnedtopreparefordeath,andtoprovideforeternity.

Commonknowledgerestsingenerals,andliesmoreinpropositionsthanin application. But those who are taught of God can say, "As we haveheard—so have we seen" (Psalm 48:8). They can go along with everytruth,andsay,'Itisso,Ihaveexperiencedthisworduponmyownheart,'theycansettotheirseal,thatGodistrue.

4. Divine teaching is a powerful teaching. After a man has gotmanytruthsintotheunderstanding—themainworkisyettodo.Andthatistobringdownholytruthstoaction,andtodrawforthdivineprinciplesintopractice.

A natural man may know much, he may have a heap of truths in hisunderstanding;buttheyallliestrengthlessinthebrain;hehasnopowertolivethetruthsheknows.

Covenantteachingsconveystrengthaswellaslight.Thisistheprivilegeof the children of promise—strength goes out from the covenant withinstruction,theLord"whocommandslighttoshineoutofdarkness,hasshinedintoourhearts"(2Corinthians4:6).Godhastaughtusbysuchaword,as thatwherebyhemade theworld,acreatingword,aword thatgivesstrengthaswellascounsel.

AnditisthisteachingwhichtheprophetDavidsofrequentlyimportunes

in his prayers, "Teachme,OLORD, to follow your decrees; then Iwillkeepthemto theend.Givemeunderstanding,andIwillkeepyour lawandobeyitwithallmyheart.Directmeinthepathofyourcommands,for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes." (Psalm119:33-36).Markthat,notonlyteachmetheway,butteachmetofollow;not only teach me your will, but teach me to do your will. Commonteachingmayteachtheway,butonlysavingteachingteachestofollowinthatway.AnunregeneratemanmayknowthewillofGod,butheknowsnothowtofollowthatwill.

5.TheteachingsofGodaresweetandpleasantteachings."Youhave taught me"; what follows? "How sweet are your words unto mytaste! Sweeter thanhoneyuntomymouth" (Psalm 119:102-103).Davidrolled the Word and promises as sugar under his tongue, and suckedfromthencemoresweetnessthanSampsondidfromthehoney-comb.

Luther said he would not live in paradise, if he must live without theWord;butwiththeWord,sayshe,"IcouldliveinHellitself."

There is much spiritual joy in divine teaching, because the Spiritaccompaniesthetruths,andsoirradiatesthemwithhisownbeautyandglory, that they do not only affect, but ravish the heart, "Your word ispure,thereforeyourservantlovesit"(Psalm119:140).Theprophetsawabeam of divine excellency sitting upon the Word, and that happilyengagedhissoul.

Truth is burdensome to unsound spirits, because convicting; and theylabor toextinguish that lightwhichdisturbs theirquiet, "Theyhold thetruth in unrighteousness" (Romans 1:18); they imprison the truth, andwillnotallowittodoitsoffice.

But saving teaching is sweetanddelightful,because it is suitable to therenewed part; to which it comes in with fresh supports, to relieve andfortify it against the assaults of opposite corruption. I say, it is alwayssweet in that respect; but never more sweet than in affliction—thebitterness of adversity giving amore delicate relish unto theWord, byhealingthedistempersofthespiritualpalate.ThenthesoulcriesoutwithJeremiah in the prison, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and

yourWordwas untome the joy and rejoicing ofmy heart!" (Jeremiah15:16).

6. And lastly, divine teaching is an abiding teaching. "Theanointingwhichyouhavereceivedfromhimabidesinyou"(1John2:27).Merenotionalknowledgeistransitoryandinconsistent,leavingthesouldubious and uncertain. Observe how the apostle James expresses it,speakingofthemerenotionalhearer,"Hebeholdshimself,andgoeshisway, and immediately forgets what kind of man he is" (James 1:24).Observe,hedoesnotonlyforgetwhatheheard,butheforgetswhatheis.The looking-glass, whether theWord or affliction, revealed to him hisspots—showedhimhispride,hiscovetousness,theimpurityofheartandlife,andsoforth.Buthewentawayandforgotwhatmannerofmanheis—heforgets theWord,he forgets therod,andwhatbothrodandWordrevealedtohim,togetherwiththeresolutionsandpromisesmadetoGodinboth.

A godly man may forget the Word (a gracious heart may have a badmemory)buthewillnotsoeasily forgethimself—hedoesnot forgethisspots,andthatkeepshimincontinualwork,towashandpurgehimselffromallfilthinessoffleshandspirit,"Rememberingmyafflictionandmymisery, the wormwood and the gall—my soul has them still inremembrance,andishumbledinme"(Lamentations3:19-20).

"Teach me, O Lord," says David, "the way of your statutes, and Iwillkeepituntotheend"(Psalm119:33).Hedarespromiseperseverance—if God will undertake instruction; and accordingly hemade good hispromise, upon this very account, "I have not departed from yourjudgment—for you have taughtme" (Psalm 119:102). Observe: he doesnotsay, 'Iwillkeepyourstatutes';buthecansay,and thatmanyyearsafter,"Ihavekeptyourstatutes."

Many will say in their affliction, 'Iwill keep your statutes'. They willpromise fair, if God will but deliver them. But how few can say withDavid,"Ihavekept"—Ihavenotdepartedfromyourjudgments"!

"Ofoldtime,"saysGod,"Ihavebrokenyouryoke,andburstyourbonds;andyousaid,'Iwillnottransgress';whenuponeveryhighhill,andunder

everygreentreeyouwander,playingtheharlot"(Jeremiah2:20).

Goodwordsintrouble—butpoorperformanceoutoftrouble!Theyarenosooneroutofaffliction,buttheyfallagaintotheiroldcourseofspiritualadultery against God! No sooner do their old hearts and their oldtemptations meet—but they embrace one another! "They were asundependableasacrookedbow!"(Psalm78:57).

But David was taught of God, and therefore he is as careful tomakegoodhis vows, as tomakegood vows: "I willpay youmy vows,whichmy lips have uttered, andmymouth has spoken,when Iwas introuble"(Psalm66:13-14).Theafter-partofDavid's lifewasmuchmoreexactthentheformer:"Ihavenotdepartedfromyourjudgments,foryouhavetaughtme!"(Psalm119:102).

Thesearethepropertiesofdivineteachings;butlestIshouldlayasnarebeforetheblind,andmaketheheartsadwhichGodwouldnothavemadesad—Imustofnecessitylayinafewbriefcautions.

1. Thismust not be understood as if God taughtall at first—eitheralltruth,orallofanyonetruth.Goddoesnotteachallhislessons at the first entrance into the school of affliction (at least notusually—for we dare not limit him). The fruits of affliction are not allgathered presently, "No chastening for the present seems joyous, butgrievous; nevertheless afterwards it yields the peaceable fruits ofrighteousnessuntothemwhichareexercisedthereby"(Hebrews12:11).

Teaching is the fruit of affliction—it must have a ripening time.Therefore,Odiscouragedsoul,donotsaythatGoddoesnotteachyouatall—ifhedoesnotteachyouallatonce."Theentranceofyourwordgiveslight"(Psalm119:130).Godletsinlightbydegrees;usuallyheteacheshischildren,asweteachours:nowalittle,andthenalittle;somethingthisweek,andmorenextweek;somethingbythisaffliction,andmorebythenextaffliction.

It is not to be despised, if God reveals to the soul the need of divineteaching,andengagestheheart inholydesiresandlongingsafter it—sothattheafflictedsoulcansayinsincerity,"Mysoulbreaksforthelonging

thatithasuntoyourjudgmentsatalltimes"(Psalm119:20).

2.It isnottobeunderstoodas ifGodtaughtallalike.Godhasseveral grades in the school of affliction, aswell as in the school of theWord. There are fathers for experience, young men for strength,andbabesforthetruthandbeingofgrace.AndthereforeifGodhasnottaughtyousomuchasanother,thendonotsayhehasnottaughtyouatall.

"Asonestardiffersfromanotheringlory"(1Corinthians15:41)—soalsoistheschoolofChrist.Itisoffreegracethatyouareastar—thoughyouarenotastarofthefirstorsecondmagnitude.ItisoffreegracethatGodhas let in some divine light—though not somuch light as anothermaypossiblyhave. It isof freegrace thatyouare inGod'sschool—though itmaynotbeinthehighestgrade.Inpointofholydesire—weshouldlookat the degrees of grace; but in point of thankfulness and comfort—weshouldlookatthetruthandbeingofgrace.

3.WhenwesaythatGodteachespowerfullyandabidingly—itisnottobeunderstoodasiftheseteachingsputthesoulintoanimmutableevennessofspirit,orfreeit fromall insurrectionsanddisturbancesfromoppositecorruption.Suchaframeofsoulisonlytheprivilegeoftheglorifiedstate,whereinweshallseeGodfacetoface,anddwellinimmutabilityitselftoalleternity.

Here on earth, the Church (like themoon) has its fullsand itswanes.Davidhadhissinkings,andJobhisimpatientfits.We"haveheardofthepatienceofJob"(James5:11),yes,andofhisimpatiencetoo!Moved,thetaughtofGodmaybe—butnotremoved;theymayfall—butnotfallaway;they may fall fearfully, but not finally; they may fall terribly, but nottotally.Butthesethingsareinseparablewithcovenantteaching.

a.)Thesoulistherebymadesensibleoftheleaststirringsandwhisperings of corruption. "I find a law in my members warringagainstthelawofmymind"(Romans7:23).Othershaveit,buttheydonotfindit;theyarenotsensibleofthelawintheirmembers,andsoforth.

b.) They are exceedingly displeased with the opposition they

findintheirnaturesagainsttheteachingsofGod,andriseupin indignation against all that contradiction which is in theunregeneratepart, inanykindwhatever."Whyareyoucastdown,Omy soul? Andwhy are you so disquieted withinme?" (Psalm 43:5). Istherecauseforthisdespondency?IsthisdonelikeaDavid?Like"amanafterGod'sownheart"(Acts13:22)?IsthisthefruitofalltheexperiencesofGod's faithfulnessandall-sufficiency?Andso inothercases, thesoulchides distempers and improper workings of spirit; the soul is full ofdispleasureagainstitself;"SofoolishwasI,andignorant.Iwasasabeastbefore you!" (Psalm 73:22). The soul cannot findwords bad enough togiveitself.

c.)And if thatwillnotdo, then theygo toGod inprayer,andspreadtheirdistressbeforetheLord, "OmyGod,mysoul is castdownwithinme" (Psalm42:6).When they cannot calm the storm,andstillthetempestbytheirownword—then,withthedisciplesintheship,theygotoChrist,andbeseechhimbyhispowerfulwordtorebukeit,thattheremay be a calm. They go and pray out their distempers, and praytheirheartsintoabetterframe;asonceitwassaidofLuther,thatwhenhe found distempers upon his spirit, hewould never give over prayinguntilhehadprayedhisheartintothatframeheprayedfor.

d.) By virtue of the teachings of God, they are enabled tomaintainoppositionagainstallthatoppositionwhichtheyfindintheirownspirits."Asthefleshwarsagainstthespirit—sothespiritwarsagainst the flesh"(Galatians5:17).Thespiritualregeneratepartasnaturallyrisesupandmakeswaragainsttheflesh,andfleshlymotions—as the flesh does against the teachings of God in the spiritual part.Opposition is notmaintained only by precept and rules—but naturally,andbyvirtueofanativeinwardantipathy.Thespiritwars—thisspiritualopposition is as suitable and agreeable to thenewnature, as the sinfulopposition is to the old nature. Hence is the life of a believer calledawrestling,andawarfare(Ephesians6:12).

e.)Notonlyso,butbythehelpofdivineteachingthesoulgainsgroundonthatfleshlyoppositionwithwhichitismolested,bydegrees."InthedaywhenIcried,youansweredme;andstrengthenedmewithstrengthinmysoul"(Psalm138:3).PrayerbroughtinGod,and

Godbrought in strength—wherebyhe gainedgroundofhisdistempers.Andthoughallwasnotdoneatfirst,yethiscomfortwasthatallshouldbedone inGod's time. "TheLordwillperfectthatwhich concernsme"(Psalm 138:8); I amnot perfect—but I shall beperfected; "Hewhohasbegun a good work, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ"(Philippians1:6).

f.) Though the soul is not always the same for temper andacting—yetitisalwaysthesameforpurposeanddesign."ThenIshallnotbeashamed,whenIhaverespectuntoallyourcommandments"(Psalm 119:6). Though he could not keep all, he could respect all thecommandmentsofGod.

"My soul presses hard after God" (Psalm 63:8). Crowds of oppositioninterceptedanddisturbedhissweetandconstantcommunionwithGodat times; but he broke through that crowd to recover God's presenceagain, "My soul presses hard after you." Paul is ever pressing afterperfection—thoughhecouldneverattainit.

g.)Andlastly,thesoulhasnotalwaysthesamerelishandtasteofdivine truthsandordinances—but ithas thesameestimateof them. It keeps up high thoughts of spiritual things, and when itcannotrelishthem,yeteventhenithungersafterthem,"Mysoulbreaksforthelongingsithasuntoyourjudgmentsatalltimes"(Psalm119:20).

Andyeteveninreferencetothesedispositions,whichIcallinseparableconcomitantstosavingteachings,Imustaddthisonecautionincloseofall:namely,thatallowancebemadeincaseofspiritualdesertion.

A child ofGod, for causeswhichherewe cannotmention,may be castintosodeepastateofspiritualdesertionforatime,thathemay(astheapostle speaks) "forget that he was purged from his old sins" (2 Peter1:9).Achildoflightmaywalkindarkness.Andthoughthereisnosuchdecayinthenewman,whereinbothhabitsandactscease—yettheymaybesostupefiedbytheimpressionsofthepresenttemptations,asthepoorsoulshallbesensibleofneither,butreducedasitwereintosuchastateaswhengracewasbutanembryointhewomb—thatspirituallifeshallbealmostextinguished;theremaybelife,butnosenseofthatlife.

Moremightbeadded,butIamsensiblehowthisdiscourseswellsbeyondthe proportion I intended, and therefore I must hasten. Thus much,therefore, for the second thing propounded in the doctrinal part,thenatureandpropertiesofdivineteaching.

Chapter 3. How Affliction Produces thisSpiritualInstruction

I come now to the third thing propounded, namely, to inquire howaffliction produces this spiritual instruction. What tendency doeschastisementhavetopromotetheteachingsofGodinthesoul?WhatusedoesGodmakesofcorrectiontothisend?

Itistrue,thereisneedforanarmofomnipotencetomakechastisementhave a saving influence upon the heart; and likewise with reading theWord itself. The means of grace do not save by an intrinsic virtue, orpoweroftheirown,butthereisaninstrumentalfitnessinthemtoserveomnipotencefordivineandsavingends;afitnessofinstrumentality,asthere is in a saw to cut, and in a wedge to cleave, and so forth. Theinstrumentcandonothingalone,butthereisafitness init toservethehandoftheworkman.

Thus it is, in a proportion, with affliction. It is true, there is not soimmediateanddirecta tendency in the rod,as there is in theWord, toteach and instruct the children of God; yet there is in chastisement asubserviency to prepare the heart of man, and to put it into a betterdispositiontocomplywithdivineteaching,thannaturallyitiscapableof.Christworksinthehotfurnace—themostexcellentvesselsofhonorareformedthere.Manasseh,Paul,andthejailerwereallchoseninthisfire;as God says, "I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction" (Isaiah48:10). Grace works in a powerful, yet in an instrumental way. Godspeakswhenwe aremost apt tohear, congruously yet forcibly, by a fitaccommodationofcircumstances,whichyoumaydiscover inthesefourparticulars:

1.Byaffliction,Godtakesdowntheprideofman'sheart.Thereis not a greater obstruction to saving knowledge, than pride and self-opinion,wherebymaneitherthinksheknowsenough,orthatwhatGodteachesisnotworthlearning.Thereforeitisproclaimedbeforetheword,"Hear and give ear, be not proud, for the Lord has spoken" (Jeremiah13:15). In divine matters, as well as human, "only by pride comescontention" (Proverbs 13:10). It ispridewhich raisesobjectionsagainsttheWord,anddisputesthecommands,whenitshouldobeythem.

TheproudmeninJeremiah,whentheycouldeludethemessageofGodby his prophet no longer, at length stiffened into downright rebellion.First, they shift, "You speak falsely" (Jeremiah 43:2); and then theyresolve,"AsforthewordyouhavespokentousinthenameoftheLord,wewillnothearkenuntoyou";be itBaruch,orbe itGod,wewillhavenone of it: "But we will certainly do whatever goes forth of our ownmouth"(Jeremiah44:16-17).

Suchamasterpieceofobdurationistheheartofman,thatitstandslikeamountainbeforetheWord,andcannotbemoveduntilGodcomeswithhisinstrumentsofaffliction,anddiggingdownthosemountainsofpride,levelsthem—andthenGodmaystand,asitwere,uponevenground,andtalk with man. This pride of heart speaks loud in the wicked, andwhisperstooaudiblyeveninthegodly;itisafollyboundupevenintheheartsofGod'schildren,untiltherodofcorrectiondrivesitout;andthenthepoorbleedingwretchcries,"Lord,whatwillyouhavemetodo?"(Acts9:6).

2. Affliction is God's forge, wherein he softens the ironheart.Thereisnodealingwiththeironwhileitremainsinitsownnativecoldnessandhardness.Butputitintothefire,makeitred-hotthere,andyoumaystampuponitanyfigureorimpressionyouplease."Godmakesmyheartsoft"(Job23:16),saysJob;meltedvesselsareimpressivetoanyform.

Soitiswiththeheartofman!Naturallyitiscolderandharderthanthenortherniron,andthatnativehardnessismuchincreasedbyprosperity,andthepatienceofGodtowardssinners;theironsinewwillratherbreakthan bend. It is only the hot furnace which can make it pliable and

impressivetoGod'scounsels.ThereforeGodresolvesonthiscourse,"See,Iwillmelt themdowninacrucibleandtest themlikemetal.Whatelsecan Idowith the sinofmypeople?" (Jeremiah9:7).SometimesGod isforced tomake the furnace seven times hotter, to work out that drosswhichrendersmensounconformabletotheministryoftheWord,while"Godsendshisprophets,risingupearly,andsendingthem;andyettheywill not incline their ear, but they harden their necks against divineinstruction"(Jeremiah25:4,17:23).

When the earthly heart of a man is so dried and hardened by a longsunshineofprosperity, that theploughof the spiritualgardenercannotenter—thenGodsoftensitwithshowersofadversity,makingitcapableofreceivingtheimmortalseed,andblessesthespringingthereof.Theseedfallsuponstonyground—untilGodturnsthestoneintoaheartofflesh.

3. By affliction, man is made more attentive unto God. Inprosperity,theworldmakessuchanoiseinaman'searsthatGodcannotbeheard,"Hespeaksindeedonceandtwice,"againandagain,veryoften,"yet man perceives it not" (Job 33:14). He is so busy in the crowd ofworldlyaffairs,thatGodisnotheeded.

In the godly themselves there is much unsettledness and giddiness ofmind. Our thoughts are naturally vain and scattered, and the mind isslipperyandinconsistent.Thisisagreatimpedimenttoourclearandfullcomprehensions of spiritual things. ThereforeGoddealswithman as afather with his child playing in the marketplace, who will not hear ormind his father's call.He comes and takes him out of the noise of thetumult, carries him home, lays him upon his knee with the rod in hishand,and then the fathercanbeheard.SodoesGodwithhischildren,"Heopenstheirears"(Job36:10)whichtheworldhadstopped,andtheninstructionwillenter.

When Joab would not come to Absalom—Joab sets Absalom's field onfire. In the same way, after many neglects of God—He brings us toHimselfbyaffliction.Godsays,asitwere,"Come,letusreasontogether"(Isaiah 1:18); and the soul echoes back again, "Speak, Lord, for yourservanthears"(1Samuel3:10):andwhenthesoulisthussilentuntoGod,hecomesandsealsinstructionbyhisSpirit.

4.Andlastly,afflictionisaneye-salve,wherebyGodopenstheeyeofthesoultoseetheneedandexcellencyofdivineteaching—bythediscoveryof itsownbrutishignoranceofGod,andofhisways,under all divine administrations. Just as Ephraim once bemoanedhimselftotheLord,"Ihavebeenasabullockunaccustomedtotheyoke"(Jeremiah31:18).TheprophetDavidwill interpret it, "So foolishwas I,and ignorant, and like a beast before you" (Psalm 73:22). Bymeans ofthis discovery, God draws out the heart into humble and holysupplication fordivine teaching, "Teachmewhat Icannotsee; if Ihavedonewrong,Iwillnotdosoagain"(Job34:32).

Whenorhowdoesthesinnercometoaskforinstruction?"Why,"sayshe,"Ihavebornechastisement"(verse31a).Correctiondiscoveredtheneedof instruction, "Teach me what I cannot see" (verse 32a); and thusEphraim, "You have chastised me, and I was chastised" (Jeremiah31:18a).Butblowsalonewillnotdo it; therefore it follows, "Turnme—andIshallbeturned"(verse18b).ThoughchastisementalonecouldnotturnEphraim,yetitmadehimseeanabsolutenecessityofdivinepowertohisconversion.

AndwhenGodhasbroughttheheartonceintothisframe,toseeandbeaffectedwiththesenseofitsownignoranceandimpotency,andtolieinthe dust at God's feet, humbly importuning an effectual teaching fromHeaven—thenGodwillcausehiseartohear.WhenGodhasengagedtheheartinholydesiresofsavinginstruction,itisnotonlymercyinGod,butfaithfulness,tosatisfythedesireofhisowncreation,"GoodanduprightistheLord,andthereforehewillteachsinnersintheway"(Psalm25:8).

Thusmuchforthethirdparticularthingpropoundedfortheopeningofthedoctrine;Icomenowtothefourthandlastpoint.

Chapter4.TheGroundsandDemonstrationsofthePoint

Itmustneedsbeablessedthingwhencorrectionandinstructionmeet,if

weconsider:

1.ThelessonsthemselveswhichGodteacheshispeople.Theseare, as above shown: sympathy,moderation, self-denial, humility, self-knowledge, prayer, the Scriptures, evidences for Heaven, evil of sin,communion with God, exercise of grace, life of faith, self-diffidence,knowledgeofGod,dutiesofsuffering,privilegeofsuffering,theonethingnecessary, time redemption, the sufferings of Christ, and the value ofHeaven.

Behold Christians! To be taught of God when chastised by him, is ablessednesscompoundedoftwentyseveralpreciousingredients.

2. The nature and properties of divine teaching; which isinwardly,clearly,experimentally,powerfully,sweetly,andabidingly.

This must needs be a blessed teaching; it being a teaching whichpossesses the soul of the excellencieswhich it discovers. Doctrinal andnotional knowledge is a blessing, "Blessed," says Christ to his hearers,"are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear" (Matthew13:16): but to be taught these lessons with these qualifications; to betaught into the nature and image of the truth; to be taught into thepossessionofdivineexcellencies—thisisblessednessindeed;blessednessinbeing;full,perfect,fruitfulblessedness.

3.A teachingchastisement is the fruitofGod'sdistinguishinglove.Chastisements,simplyconsideredinthemselves,lieincommontoall the sons anddaughters ofAdam since the fall. They are the fruit ofthatfirstapostasy,aswellasofactualandpersonaldeparturesfromGod.

Yes and deliverance also lies in common. Providence dispensesdeliverancetotheworstofmen.The106thpsalmisapsalmofpromisesmade to the Church; but the next psalm is a psalm of providentialdispensationstotheworld;andthere,asyoufindaffliction,soyoumayfinddeliverancealsooutofthoseafflictions,tobetheportionofwickedmen.Rebels,fools,andseamen—forthemostpart,notthemostreligiousorderintheworld—allthesearedeliveredoutoftheirtroubles.Theworstof men, I say, share in this fruit of God's providential goodness,

deliverance;butateachingsanctifiedafflictionistheprivysealofspeciallove, "My loving kindness will I not take from him" (Psalm 89:33);"whomtheLordloveshechastens"(Proverbs3:12);thatistosay,withateaching chastisement. When Word and rod meet together, whencorrectionand instructionkisseachother, theyare the fruitofpaternalaffection,andthereforemustneedshaveablessingboundupinthem.

4.A teachingcorrection isabranchof the covenantof grace,whichGodhasmadeinChristforthechildrenofpromise;"Allyour children shall be taught of God. They shall all knowme from theleastofthemtothegreatest"(Hebrews8:11).Byvirtueofdivineteaching,afflictionisadoptedabranchinthecovenantofgrace.The89thpsalmisasongofthenewcovenant,"IwillsingofthemerciesoftheLord"(verse1)—whatmercies?Not providencedmercies only, but promisemercies,covenant-mercies; "I havemade a covenantwithmy chosen" (verse 3).Andamong the rest of thebranchesof the covenant, you shall find therodand thewhiphave theirplace. "Ifhis children forsakemy law, andwalknot inmy judgments, thenwill I visit their transgressionwith therod, and their iniquity with stripes" (verses 30-32). Behold rod andstripes standing here, not upon Mount Ebal, the mount of curses, asbranchesofacovenantofworks,butuponMountGerizim,themountofblessings,asbranchesofthecovenantofgrace.AfflictionisnotsomuchthreatenedaspromisedtoChrist'sseed:"Mycovenantwill Inotbreak"(verse34).WhenGod seemseven tobreak thebones andheartsofhispeoplebysoreandheavystrokesofcorrection,yethedoesnotbreakhiscovenant, "Mycovenantwill Inotbreak"; it is inorder to the covenantwhen God chastises his children, and instructs them by hischastisements. Affliction separated from instruction, is purewrath; butby a matrimonial covenant those two Scriptures, "I will visit—I willteach",aremarriedtogether,andmadeonespirit,asinmytext,andthenthey are pure grace. The covenant is the magna carta of Heaven, andcontains a list of whatever the Father has purposed, the Son haspurchased, and the Holy Spirit applies to the heirs of promise. ThebreastsofthecovenantrunnothingbutthemilkofspiritualblessingstothechildrenofGod.

5. A teaching affliction is the purchase of Christ's death and

bloodshed.Christdiednottoexempthisredeemedfromsuffering,buttosanctifytheirsufferingswithhisownblood;"Ipraynotthatyoushouldtakethemoutoftheworld,butthatyoushouldkeepthemfromtheevil"(John17:15):whateverChristpurchased,heprayedfor;andthiswasonemainprivilege,notfreedomfromtheevilofaffliction,butfromtheevilofsin; "Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth" (verse 17):Christ'sbloodpurchasednothingforusbutblessings.

6.Andlastly,ateachingafflictionistheresultofalltheofficesofJesusChrist.Asakinghechastens,asaprophetheteaches,andasapriest he has purchased this grace of his Father, that the rod mightblossom, that correctionmight be consecrated for instruction unto theredeemed.Behold,asanctifiedafflictionisacupintowhichJesusChristhaswrungandpressed the juiceandvirtueof allhismediatoryoffices;surely thatmust be a cup of generous and royal wine, like that in thesupper,acupofblessingtothepeopleofGod.

And thus I have finished the fourth particular, propounded for theclearing and confirming of the doctrine, namely, the grounds anddemonstrationsofthepoint;andwithitthewholedoctrinalpartofthisgreatandblessedtruth,namely,thatitisablessedthingwhencorrectionandinstruction,Wordandrod,gotogether.

Chapter5.UseofInformation

Icomenowtotheuse,fortheimprovementofthepoint.Anditmayserveforinformationandexhortation.

1. Affliction alone, is not enough to evidence a man to beblessedbyGod.Nomanisthereforeblessedbecauseheischastened;blows alone are not enough, either to evince or to effect a state ofblessedness. "You have chastised me, and I was chastised" (Jeremiah31:18), cried repenting Ephraim; as if he had said, 'I have had blowsenough—if blows would have done me good. Nay, but under all thestrokes and smitings of your displeasure, I have been as a bullock

unaccustomedtotheyoke—unreachableandintractable.Youhavedrawnoneway,andIhavedrawnanother.Youhavepulledforward,andIhavepulledbackward.Allyourchastisementshaveleftmejustastheyfoundme—brutishandrebellious.'

Surelyblowsonlymaybreaktheneck,soonerthantheheart!Theyarein themselves the fruit of divine wrath, a branch of the curse, andthereforecannotpossiblyofthemselvesmaketheleastargumentofGod'slove to the soul. Bastards have blows as well as children; and foolsbecauseoftheirtransgressionareafflicted.

Andyet it is very sad to consider that this is thebest evidence that themost ofmen have for Heaven. Because they suffer in this world—theythink they shallbe freed fromsufferings in theworld to come.BecausetheyhaveaHellhere—theyimaginethattheyshallescapeHellhereafter—theyhope they shallnothave twoHells.Yes,poor,deluded soul, youmayandmusthavetwoHells,withoutbetterevidenceforHeaven.Cain,andJudas,andmillionsofreprobatemenandwomen,havetwoHells—one in this life, in torments of body, and horror of conscience; andanotherinthelifetocome,inunquenchablefire.Andsomustyou,unlessyougetbetterevidenceforHeaventhanthepresentmiserywhichisuponyou.Youmayhaveaprisononearth—andadungeon inHell.Youmaynowlackacrumbofbread—andhereafterlackadropofwater.Youmaynowbethereproachofmen—andhereafterthescornofmenandangels,andofGodhimself.

Therefore"bewisetosalvation,byworkingitoutwithfearandtrembling,andgivingalldiligence,makeyourcallingandelectionsure"(2Timothy3:15;Philippians2:12;2Peter1:10).Godforbid thatamanshould takethat forhis security fromHell—whichmaybebut the foretasteofHell!Presentafflictionsmaybethepledgeofendlessmisery.

OBJECTION.Butdoesnot theScripture say, "WhomtheLord loveshechastens, and scourges every son whom he receives" (Hebrews 12:6)?Andagain,"AsmanyasIlove,Irebukeandchasten"(Revelation3:19)?

ANSWER. Yes, but mark, I beseech you: though the Scripture says,"WhomtheLordloves,hechastens"—itdoesnotsay,'WhoevertheLord

chastens,heloves.'

Though it says, "He scourges every sonwhomhe receives"—itdoesnotsay,'Whoeverhescourges,hereceivesasason.'

Christsays,"AsmanyasI love,Irebukeandchasten"—buthesaysnot,'AsmanyasIrebukeandchasten,Ilove.'

TheseScripturesincludeHisredeemedchildren,buttheydonotexcludebastards.Theytiechasteningtosonship—butnotsonshiptochastening.The sons are chastened—but all the chastened are not, therefore, sons.Thebelovedarerebuked—butallthatarerebukedarenot,consequently,beloved.

ButthatplaceinJobseemstosayasmuch,"Behold,blessedisthemanwhomGodcorrects"(Job5:17).

Itistrue—butoneScripturemustinterpretanother.DavidmustexpoundEliphaz:"BlessedisthemanwhomGodcorrects,"wheninstructiongoesalongwith correction,when chastisement and teaching accompany oneanother:"Blessedisthemanwhomyouchasten,OLord—andteachoutof your law" (Psalm 94:12). The Scripture does not usually give thingstheirnames,butwhentheyaremadeupofalltheirintegrals;"Whoeverfindsawife,findsagoodthing,andobtainsfavoroftheLord"(Proverbs18:22), in other words, a wife made up of Scripture qualifications;otherwiseamanmay,andmanymendo,findaplagueinawife,andhaveherfromtheLordinwrath,andnotinlove!

Indeedchasteningandafflictionisanopportunityofmercy,amay-betohappiness,butnot(singly)anevidenceofhappiness.Laynomoreuponafflictionthanitwillbear;itisanopportunity,improveit;itisnomore,donottrustit.

2.Thisdoctrineinformsus,thatasafflictionsimplyconsideredisnotenoughtomakeorevidenceamantobeblessedbyGod—so neither is it sufficient to conclude a man to be forevermiserable. No man is therefore miserable, because afflicted. It mayprove to be a teaching affliction, and then he is blessed. Yet this is

anothermistakeamongmen;andthatbothinreferencetoothers,andtoourselves.

a.)Inreferencetoothers.Peopleareverypronetojudgethemwretched,whomtheyseeafflicted.ItwasthemiserablemistakeofJob'sfriends,toconcludehimmiserable,becausesmitten;cursed,becausechastened.

b.)Inreferencetoourselves.Itisamercilessmistake,sometimesevenofGod'sownchildren,tositdownunderaffliction,especiallyifsoreandoflongcontinuance—andconcludethatGoddoesnotlovethembecausehecorrectsthem.

It seems to be the very case of the believing Hebrews; they judgedthemselvesoutofGod'sfavor,becauseunderGod'sfrowns.Theythoughtthemselvestobenotatallbeloved,becausetheyweresogreatlyafflictedandpersecuted.Andthereforeitisthatuponwhichtheapostle,afterhepresented themwith a large catalogue and list of theprimitivemartyrsbeforeChrist, in theeleventhchapter,bestows the firstpartof thenextchapter—toprovebyreasonsdrawnfromnature,andinstancestakenoutof Scripture (the first whereof is that unparalleled instance of JesusChrist)—thatGod'sloveandGod'srodmaystandtogether.

The truth is, my brethren, there is nothing that can make a manmiserable but sin! It is sin which poisons our afflictions. "The sting ofdeath issin"(1Corinthians15:56),andsowemaysayofallotherevils,which militate under death as soldiers under their general: the stingof sickness is sin; and the sting of poverty is sin; and the stingofimprisonmentandbanishmentissin—justsoofeveryaffliction.Takethe sting out (which is done by the blood of Christ, and evidenced bydivine teaching), "and they cannot hurt nor destroy in all God's holymountain"(Isaiah11:9).

ThereforeletnochildrenofGodberash,toconcludehardthingsagainstthemselves—andtomakeevidencesofwrathwhereGodhasmadenone.LetChristianslookfurtherthantheafflictionitself;theHolySpirithavinglong since determined this controversy by a peremptory decision, "Nomanknowseitherloveorhatredbyallthatisbeforethem"(Ecclesiastes9:1).Inotherwords,nomancanmakeajudgment,eitherofGod'sloveor

hatredtowardshim—byanyoftheseoutwarddispensations.

"Hecauseshissuntoshineupontheevil,anduponthegood;andsendsrainonthejust,andontheunjust"(Matthew5:45).Thesunofprosperityshinesuponthedunghill—aswellasuponthebedofspices.Andtherainof adversity falls upon the fruitful garden—as well as upon the barrenwilderness.He judges truly of his estate,who judges by theWord, andnot by providence. Evidences of grace, do not consist in outwarddispensations.

3.Deliveranceoutoftroubleisnotenoughtoevidenceormakeamanblessed.Itisnotsaid,'Blessedisthemanwhomyouchasten,OLord,and deliver out of trouble'—but, "Blessed is theman whom youchastenandteach" (Psalm94:12).Amanmayget ridof theaffliction—andyetmissoftheblessing.Allthebreadwhichmenmayeatwithoutthesweatof theirbrows, isnot thereforehallowed;abundancemay flow inwithout labor—andyetnotwithouta curse.Awomanmaybedeliveredfrom the pain of child-bearing—and yet lie under the curse of child-bearing.Aneasychild-bearing isnotaninfalliblesymptomofastateofreconciliationwithGod.IfthereisnotfaithinChrist—whohasborneandborneaway thecurse—aspeedyandeasychild-bearing isnomore thanGodgivestothebrutecreatures;for"byhimthedeercalve,andthewilddonkeysbringforththeiryoung"(Job39:1).Amiscarryingwombmaybeamercy—whenamatureandeasybirthmaybeinjudgment.Amanmayleavehischainsandhisblessingbehindhiminprison.Thefireofafevermay be extinguished, when the fire of Hell is being prepared for thesinner! It is good to be thankful for—but extremely dangerous tobecontentedwith—abaredeliverance.

Ishallconcludethisbranchwiththisnote,whichalonemighthavestoodfor a distinct observation: that those prayers in troubles are not bestheard, which are answered with a deliverance. Those prayers are bestheard,whichareansweredwithinstruction.EvenofourblessedSavioritissaid,"Inthedaysofhisfleshheofferedupprayersandsupplications,with strong crying and tears, unto himwhowas able to save him fromdeath, and was heard, in that he feared" (Hebrews 5:7). How was heheard?Notinthat,"Savemefromthishour,"butinthat,"Fatherglorifyyourname" (John12:27-28).Not indeliverance,but in instruction.For

thathegivesthanks,"IwillblesstheLordwhohasgivenmecounsel;mythoughtsalso instructme in thenight season" (Psalm16:7).HisFathertaught him and strengthened him in his passion—and this was thehearing of his supplications. That is the best return of prayers whichworksourgood—notourwills.WhenGoddoesnotanswerintheletter,ifhe answers in the better—we are no losers by our prayers. Thereforewhenwehaveprayed,letusreferituntoGodtodeterminetheanswer.

4.Hencewemay learnhowto judgeofourafflictions,andofour deliverances from them. For you need not, as the Scripturespeaksinanothercase,say"WhoshallascendupintoHeaven"(Romans10:6)—tolookintoGod'sbookoflifeanddeath?Or,"Whoshalldescendinto the deep" (verse 7)—the deep of God's secret counsels, to makereport hereof unto us?Butwhat says the Scripture? "Theword is nearyou" (verse 8a)—the word of resolution to this inquiry, it is near you,"eveninyourmouthandinyourheart"(verse8b).Thatistosay,ifyoucan evidence this to your own soul, that instruction has accompaniedcorrection, thatGodhastaughtyouaswellaschastenedyou—thenyouareablessedmanindeed,andyoushallbesaved.Youhavethewordofhimwhoistheauthorofblessedness,andisblessednessitself;"Blessedistheman whom the Lord chastens, and teachesout of his law" (Psalm94:12).

Andthereforeperuse,Ibeseechyou,thatmodelofdivineinstructionsorlessons, presented to you in thedoctrinalpart of this discourse above.And then consider the properties of divine covenant teaching—andcompareyourheartsandthoselessonstogether.AndiftheSpiritofGodcanbearwitnesstoyourspirit,thatyouarethustaught—thenblessedareyou!BlesstheLord,fortheLordhasindeedblessedyou.

But now on the other side, when there is no interpreter to accompanyaffliction—to expound unto man the meaning of the Almighty in hischastisements; when there is not a divine sentence in the lips ofcorrection;whentherodissilent,orthecreaturedeaf,andcannotheartherod,andtheOnewhohasappointedit—thenitismuchtobefearedthatthestrokeisnotthestrokeofGod'schildren.

Omybrethren,itissadwhenmencomeoutofafflictionthesameasthey

wentin.Yet it ismuchsadder,whenitmaybesaidofaman,asonceitwassaidofAhaz,"Inthetimeofhisdistress,hesinnedyetmoreagainstthe Lord" (2 Chronicles 28:22). It was an aggravation of wickedness,concerningwhichwemaysay(asourSaviorofthealabasterboxpouredonhishead),wherevertheScriptureshallbepreachedintheworld;thereshallalsothiswhichthismandidbepublished,"ThisisthatKingAhaz!"(verse22b).Surelyitisastandingandadreadfulmonumentofreproachandinfamyuntohimuntoallgenerations.

Christians,itissadanddangerousbeyondallexpression,whenafflictionserves but as an outlet to give vent to the pride and murmur—and tomanifest the atheism and enmity which is in men's hearts against theLord,whenafflictions arebut as oil unto the fire to stir up corruption,and make it blaze more fiercely. To continue in habitual sins—againstsuchproclamationstodesist—isopenrebellionagainstGod.

TheprophetbroughtaheavyindictmentagainstJerusalemwhenhesaid,"OLORD,Youhavestruckthem,buttheyfeltnopain;Youcrushedthem,buttheyrefusedcorrection.Theymadetheirfacesharderthanstoneandrefusedtorepent."(Jeremiah5:3).Insuchcasesitistobefearedthatthecupofaffliction, isavialofwrath—andthat theplaguesof this life,arebut some drops of that coming storm of fire and brimstone, whereinimpenitentsinnersshallbescorchedandtormentedforever!

ThatScripturespeaksdreadfully to thispurpose inJeremiah,"Theyareallgrievousrevolters"(Jeremiah6:28).TheprophetIsaiahexpounds it,"Yourevoltmoreandmore"(Isaiah1:5).Walkingwithslanders,theydonotonlyrevolt—butslanderthosethatreprovetheirrevolting,"Theyhatehimwhoreprovesinthegate"(Amos5:10).

They slander the prophets and theirwords.Nay,God himself does notescape the lash of their tongues.They say, "Theway of theLord is notequal"(Ezekiel18:25).Whentheyshouldcondemntheirownways—theycensureGod'sholyandrighteousways.

"They are brass and iron" (Jeremiah 6:28)—they would pass for silverand gold, a sincere and holy people, while they are a degenerate andhypocriticalgeneration."Theyareallcorrupters"(verse28b)—theyhave

deeply corrupted themselves. "They have corrupted all their doings"(Zephaniah 3:7). "They have corrupted the covenant of Levi" (Malachi2:8)—in other words, the worship, the ordinances, the truths of God."Thebellowsareburntinthefire"(Jeremiah6:29)—thatis,thelungsoftheprophets,whichhavepreachedunto them in thenameof theLord,rising up early, and lifting up their voices like trumpets, "to tell Israeltheirtransgressions,andthehouseofJacobtheirsins"(Isaiah58:1);andstretching forth theirhandsunto themall theday long, they are spent."The lead is consumed" (Jeremiah 6:29)—that is, all the meltingjudgmentsandchastisements,which (as lead is cast into the furnace tomake it thehotter)Godadded to theministryof theprophets, tomaketheWordmoreoperative,willdonogood.

All thiswhile, "The foundermelts in vain" (verse29),whetherGod themaster-founder, or the prophets,God's founders—they allmelt in vain.All their labor is lost; neither Word, nor rod, neither judgments norordinances,canstirtherebels.Theyrefusetoreceivecorrection,theywillnotbetaught."Thewickedarenotpluckedaway"(verse29)—theyarethesame that they ever were. The swearer is a swearer still, andthedrunkardisadrunkardstill,andtheimmoralpersonisimmoralstill."Thevilepersonwill speakvillainy, andhisheartwillwork iniquity, topracticehypocrisy,andtouttererroragainsttheLord"(Isaiah32:6).Theunjust are unjust still, and the ignorant are ignorant still. Nothingwillbetterthem—wickedtheyare,andwickedtheywillbe!

What follows?A formidable sentence; "Theyarecalledreprobatesilver,because theLORDhas rejected them." (Jeremiah6:30).Theywouldbecounted as silver—but it is reprobate silver, refuse silver, dross ratherthanpuremetal.Theirhypocrisyshallbemadeknowntoallmen,"Theyare called reprobate silver"—and blessed are they, if it were but thecensure ofmistakingmen only.Nay, but the searcher of hearts has nobetter thoughts of them—mendo but call them so, becauseGod calledthem so first, "They are called reprobate silver, because the LORD hasrejectedthem."Godhascastthemoutasthefoundercastsouthisdrosstothedunghill,andtheyshallneverstandamongthevesselsofhonor,inwhomtheLordwillbeglorified.Afearfulsentence!

The sum is this—that when divine teaching does not go along with

correction—whenmencomeoutofthefurnace,andlosenothingoftheirdross—it is a sad indication of a reprobate spirit. Without timely andseriousreflection,theyarenearuntocursing."Oconsiderthis,youwhoforgetGodandhischastisements—lesthetearyouinpieces,andtherebenonetodeliver!"(Psalm50:22).

5.Wemay learn that theymaybeblessedbyGod—whom theworld accountsmiserable. The men of the world are incompetentjudges of the estate and condition of God's children. The godly man'shappinessormiseryisnottobejudgedbytheworld'ssenseandfeeling—but by his own; it lies inward, but only so far as by the fruits it isdiscernible.Buttheworld'sfacultyofjudgingisonlyoutward,madeupofsenseandreason."Therefore,"saidtheapostle,"thespiritualmanjudgesallthings,yethehimselfisjudgedofnoman"(1Corinthians2:15).Thatis,he isable to judgeof theconditionof themenof theworld—but themenoftheworldarenotabletojudgeofhiscondition,becauseitisabovetheirfaculty.

Thenaturalmanthinksthespiritualmanunderafflictiontobemiserable—but the spiritual man knows the natural man, in the midst of hisgreatestabundanceandbravery, tobemiserable indeed!ThereforemaythesaintsintheirtroublethinkwithPaul,thatitis"averysmallthingtobejudgedofman'sjudgment"(1Corinthians4:3).Thisisbutman'sdayof judging; so thewordsignifies.God'sday is coming,when thingsandpeople shallbevaluedatanother rate.Christ inhisday shallnot judge"afterthesightoftheeyes"(Isaiah11:3)—thatis,notasthingsappeartosenseandreason;"norafterthehearingoftheears"(verse3b)—that is,according to the report of the world—"but with righteousness he shalljudge"(verse4)—heshalljudgeofthingsandpeopleastheyare,andnotastheyappear.

In the meantime, this is also another comfort, "We have the mind ofChrist" (1 Corinthians 2:16)—the judgment of Christ, by virtuewhereofweareenabled,inourmeasure,tojudgeofthingsandpersons,asChristhimselfjudges.

6. Is chastisement a blessing when accompanied with divineinstruction? See then and admire the wisdom, power and

goodness of God—who can make his people better by theirsufferings!

Behold,Ishowyouagospelmystery!

Godcanextractgold,outofclay!

Godcandrawtherichestwine,outofgallandwormwood!

Godcanturnthegreatestevilofthebody,tothegreatestgoodofthesoul!

Godcanturnthechasteningitself,intoablessing!

God can make the withered rod of affliction to bud into a harvest ofrighteousnessandpeace!

Sinbroughtafflictionintotheworld—andGodmakesafflictioncarrysinout of the world. Persecution is but the pruning of Christ's vine. Thealmond tree is said to bemade fruitful by driving nails into it, therebyletting out a noxious gum which hinders its fruitfulness. God neverintends more good to his children, than when he seems to deal mostseverelywiththem!Theveryheathenhasobservedtous,"Goddoesnotlove his children with a weak effeminate affection, but with a strongmasculine love, and had rather they suffer hardship than perish!"(Seneca).

"Whom the Lord loves he chastens, and scourges every son whom hereceives" (Hebrews 12:6).Godwill rather fetchblood—than lose oneofHissons!Godwill ratherbreakEphraim'sbones—thanallowhimtogooninthefrowardnessofhisheart.Godwillratherdestroytheflesh—thatthespiritmaybesavedinthedayoftheLordJesus."Wearechastenedby the Lord—that we should not be condemned with the world" (1Corinthians11:32).

His discipline is made up of severity and love. He chastises, but hewillteachalso—thathischildrenmayinherittheblessing.Thedisciplineissharp—buttheendissweet."BlesstheLord,Omysoul,andallthatiswithinme bless his holy name. Bless the Lord,Omy soul, and do notforgetallhisbenefits"(Psalm103:1-2).

7.Itshowsusthatasufferingconditionisnotsoformidableathingasfleshandbloodrepresentsit.ItisignoranceandunbeliefwhichslanderthedispensationsofGod,andcastreproachuponhim.Hewho heard the words of God, could by way of holy triumph ask thisquestion, "Why should I fear in thedaysof evil?" (Psalm49:5) as ifhehadsaid,'Whatisthereinanafflictedestatesomuchtobedreaded?Letany man show me a reason—then I will give way to fear anddespondency.'

O that the children of God in affliction, or entering upon sufferings,wouldsitdownanddwelluponthefruitandadvantagewhichGodknowshow to bring out of all their sorrows. This would keep them fromdespondenciesanddejectionsofspirit;"Forthiscausewefaintnot,"saystheapostle—forwhatcause?"Whilewelooknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen"(2Corinthians4:16,18).Thatistosay,wedonotlookatthevisiblesufferings—butattheinvisiblefruitandadvantageofoursufferings.Thisholdsuptheheadandkeepsuptheheart, and makes the soul not only to be patient, but to "glory intribulation; knowing that tribulation works patience, and patienceexperience,andexperiencehope;andhopemakesnotashamed,becausetheloveofGodisshedabroadinourheartsbytheHolySpiritwhodwellsinus"(Romans5:3-5).Thisisthewaytocounterpoisetheaffliction;andintheconflictbetweenthefleshandthespirit,tocomeintothesupportofthebetterpart.

8.ItshowsusthereasonwhyGodkeepssomeofhispeoplesolongunderthedisciplineoftherod.TrulyGodnotonlybringshischildren into his school of affliction, but many times keeps them longthere. History and experience will afford instances without number.HenceyouhavethepeopleofGodsooftenat their 'How-longs' in theirsufferings:"Howlongwillyouforgetme,OLord,forever?Howlongwillyouhideyour face fromme?Howlongshall I takecounsel inmysoul?Howlongshallmyenemybeexaltedoverme?"(Psalm13:1-2).

In this psalmwheremy text is, "How long shall the wicked, how longshallthewickedtriumph?"(Psalm94:3).Twice"howlong,"beforehecanvent his complaint; and yet again the third time, "How long shall they

utterandspeakhardthings?"(Verse4).

"Howlong,"criesJeremiah,"shallIseethestandard,andhearthesoundofthetrumpet?"(Jeremiah4:21).AndZechariah,"OLordAlmighty,howlongwillyounothavemercyonJerusalem,andonthecitiesofJudah?"(Zechariah 1:12).The soulsunder thealtar crywitha loudvoice, "Howlong,OLord,holyand true,beforeyouavengeourbloodon thosewhodwellonearth?"(Revelation6:10).

Truly, God keeps his people sometimes so long under their pressures,that they begin at length even to give themselves up to despair, and toconclude they shall never see deliverance. Thus you find not only thecommonmultitude of the Jews in the Babylonian captivity, concludingdesperately, "Our bones are dried, our hope is lost, we are cut offcompletely" (Ezekiel37:11).Drybonesmayaswell live,asourcaptivityhasanend;buteventheprophetJeremiahhimself,"Theyhavecutoffmylifeinthedungeon,andcastastoneuponme"(Lamentations3:53).Heseemstohimselftobeintheconditionofamanthatisdeadandburied,and the grave stone rolled to themouth of the sepulcher—ametaphorexpressingahopelessanddesperatecondition.

Yes, hence it is that when deliverance is near, they cannot believe it,thoughaprophetofGod,oranangelfromHeavenshouldreportit:"YouwillriseupandhavecompassiononZion,foritistimetoshowfavortoher—theappointedtimehascome!"(Psalm102:13),singssomeonethatlived near the expiration of the seventy years' captivity. Yet in themeantimetheJewsreplyasbefore,"Ourbonesaredried,ourhopeislost,we are cut off completely!"—as much as to say, 'Tell not us of God'sarising;weshallneverseeZionagain,wearebutdeadmen.'

Observe, that thosewhowouldnotbelieve thecaptivitywhile itwas inthe threatening—would not believe deliverance when it was in thepromise.This is a just judgmentupon them, that thosewhowouldnotbelieveGodthreatening—shouldnotbelieveGodpromising.

Butthatisnotall,deliverancewassoincredibleaftersolongacaptivity,that they couldnotbelieve itwhen they saw it, "When theLord turnedagainthecaptivityofZion,wearelikethosewhodream"(Psalm126:1).

Theyknewnot (as it faredwithPeter),whether itwas true,orwhethertheyonlysawavision. 'Is thisa realdeliverance—orarewe inadreamonly?'

Our Savior tells us, that "When the Son of Man shall come," withparticular deliverances to his Church, "he shall not find faith on theearth"(Luke18:8)—therewillnotbefaithenoughinthepeopletobelieveit,byreasonofthelongpressureandpersecutionswhichhavebeenuponthem.

Now,whatisthereasonthatGodpermitsafflictiontoliesolonguponthebacksofhischildren?Trulyoneis,becausetheyhavelivedsolonginsin.They have been long a-sinning, and thereforeGod is long a-correcting.God puts them to their "how longs," because they have putGod to his"how longs." "How longdoyourefuse tokeepmycommandments,andmylaws?"(Exodus16:28)."Howlongwillthispeopleprovokeme?Howlong will it be before they believe?" (Numbers 14:11). "How long shallyourvainthoughtslodgewithinyou?"(Jeremiah4:14)."Howlongwillitbebeforetheyattaintopurity?"(Hosea8:5).AndtrulyiftheyhavemadeGodcomplainoftheir"howlongs"—thenitisnowonderthatGodmakesthemcomplainofhis.

Butthenagain,anotherandthemainreasonis:Becausetheworkisnotyet done. They do not receive instruction by their correction, elseafflictionwouldquicklycease.Godgivesnotablow,hedrawsnotadropof blood,more than is necessary, "For a season if needs be, you are inheaviness"(1Peter1:6).Ifthereisheaviness—thenthereisneedofit.Ifheavinesscontinueslong—thenthereisneedofit.Itisnottogratifytheirenemies, that God keeps them so long under their lash—but to teachthem.It isnotthatGodafflictsthemwillingly(Lamentations3:33),butthathemay"dothemgoodintheirlatterend"(Deuteronomy8:16).

Then they shallwait no longer for their deliverance.Godwill open theprisondoors,andthrowtherodintothefire.Itisinfinitemercythattheyarenotdelivered,untiltheyarebettered.ItisinfinitemercythatGodwillnot cease chastening, until they are willing to cease sinning, saying, "Ihaveborneafflictions,Iwilloffendnomore"(Job34:31).

9. Notice from this, what unteachable creatures we are bynature—whowillnotsetourheartstoreceiveinstructionuntilwebewhippedto itby therodofcorrection,andhardlyeventhen!UnlessGodmultipliesstripes,itisnotmultiplyingofpreceptsthatwill do us good. Theremust be stripe upon stripe, and affliction uponaffliction, aswell as "line upon line, and precept uponprecept" (Isaiah28:10)—orelseit is invain.Wewouldsaythatitwasaverybadchild—whowillbetaughtnolongerthantherodisuponhisback!Sucharewe!WearesounteachablethatweputGod,asitwere,tostudywhatmethodsandcoursestotakewithus."ThereforethisiswhattheLORDAlmightysays:See, Iwill refineand test them—forwhatelsecanIdobecauseofthesinofmypeople?"(Jeremiah9:7).

10.Andlastly,itshowsusonthecontrary,howmuchgraciousheartsareinlovewiththeWordfortheimprovementoftheirspiritualknowledge—whentheycanputsuchanestimateupontheir sufferings, and account that affliction their blessing,whichothermencalltheirmisery."Blessed is themanwhomyouchastenandteach"(Psalm94:12).Thepsalmist inanotherplacespeakswarmly to this purpose, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted,"Why? "That I might learn your statutes" (Psalm 119:71). He loves theWordsodearly,thatfortheWord'ssake,heisinlovewithaffliction.Thewhip, the rod, the prison, the wilderness, anything is precious thatbringsdivineinstructionwithit.

Carnalpeoplecanbecontenttodieintheirignorance—justsothattheymaydieintheirnest.Whereasgraciousheartsthinkitnotmuchtogotoschooltoaprison;andevenwhilethebloodisrunningdowntheback—theycansaythatitisgood,becausetheyaretaughtbyit.Othedifferentaccountthatgraceandnaturemakeofthesamedispensation!Itisprouddisdain to scorn to be taught by the lowest of God's afflictions; thetreasureispreciousthoughinanearthenvessel(2Corinthians4:7).

Therearenonetooold,nonetoowise,nonetoohigh—tobeputintotheworstschoolonthissideHeaven.

Chapter6.UseofExhortation

Ihavedonewiththeuseofinformation,Icomenowinthesecondplacetotheuseofexhortation:

Firstly,tosuchasareyetfreefromsufferings.

Secondly,tosuchasareundersufferings.

Finally,tosuchasarecomeoutofasufferingcondition.

1. The first branch of exhortation is to such as through thepatience and forbearance of God, are yet free fromchastisement and affliction. The candle of the Almighty shines intheir tabernacle,and they"wash their steps inbutter" (Job29:6).Now,would you prevent chastisement, and keep off the strokes of divinedispleasure from yourselves or families? Letme commend unto you, atwo-foldcautionfromthisdoctrine:

a.)Ifyouwouldpreventchastisements,studytheseandthelikelessons well, while you are under the teachings of theWord.ThereforeGodsendsusintotheschoolofaffliction,becausewehavebeennon-proficientsintheschoolofthegospel;becausewewillnotheartheWord,Godturnsusovertoasevererdiscipline,andtohaveourearsboredwithaffliction;andthensaysGod,nowheartherod,andwhohasappointedit.Omybeloved,laborIbeseechyou,toprofitmuchbytheteachingsofJesusChrist in thegospel;setyourhearts toall truthsandcounsels of God revealed to you therein. The gospel is the model orplatform of sound words, able to make you sound Christians, wise tosalvation;O let yourprofitingbemadeknownuntoallmen. In special,setyouhearts to those instructionsor lessons firstpropounded; for theneglectwhereofGod sends his people into captivity, that there hemayteachthemwiththebriarsandthornsofthewilderness,inparticular.

Learn in the time of your peace and tranquility to lay to heart thesufferingsof therestofyourbrethren thatare in theworld.Rememberthemthatareinbonds,asboundwiththem;putyoursoulsintheirsouls'

steads; and content not yourselves with those loose, fruitless, andtransient glances which those that are at ease in Zion do usually castuponmeninmisery;acold'Lordhavemercyuponthem,'andthere'sanend.Remember them that are in bonds, as boundwith them; and thatyoumayknowyouarenottoconfineyourcompassiontoprisonersonly,itfollows,andthemthatsufferadversity.LearntosympathizewithallthepeopleofGodunderanyadversitywhatever;hidenotyoureyes,andshutnot up your affections of compassion from any that are in a sufferingcondition;andthatuponthisaccount,asbeingyourselvesinthebody;ifthedutyrespectyourbrother,themotiverespectsyourself;youareyetinthe body; and while you remain in the flesh, you cannot promiseyourselves one hour's exemption from troubles; but are exposed to thesamecommoncalamitieswhichattendastateofmortality.

As it isanargumentofcomfort to themthatare inaffliction, that theirtemptations and trials are common tomen (1 Corinthians 10:13); Goddoesnotsinglethemouttoencounterwithunparalleledaffliction.Soontheother side it is an incentive to compassion to them thatare free, toconsider that they are liable to the same temptations; and thereforeshouldmeasure out the same compassions to their suffering brethren,thattheywouldexpectinthesametrials;notknowinghowsoonthecupoftremblingmaybeputintotheirownhand:tobesure,insensiblenessofother men's miseries will hasten it. "They put far away the evil day"(Amos 6:3). They give themselves up to all manner of sensuality, andtherebydrownthesenseoftheirbrethren'smiseries.Theyarenotgrievedfor theafflictionof theChurch, itnevercost themanhour's sleep, theyabatednothingofalltheirsensualexcesses;theyneverturnasidetoshedone tear over bleeding Zion in secret.What follows? "Why," says God,"Thereforenowshalltheygocaptivewiththefirstthatgocaptive,andthebanquetofthemthatstretchedthemselvesshallberemoved"(verse7);asif God should have said, 'As I live, because you have not pitied yourbrethren in captivity, you yourselves shall be led away captive, and thenext turn shall be yours; and there you shall learn by sense what youwouldnotfeelbysympathy.'

Andtherefore,Christians,setyourheartstotheafflictionsoftheChurchandpeopleofGod;itisthegreatdutywhichthetimescallfor,andIam

afraid God is now visiting England and London for the neglect of thisduty.Weareguilty concerningourbrethren inGermany, in Ireland, inEngland,andScotland,andinotherplaces."Inthatwesawtheanguishoftheirsouls,whentheybesoughtus,andwewouldnothear;thereforeisthis distress come upon us" (Genesis 42:21);we have not grieved theirsorrows, nor wept their tears, nor sighed their groans, nor bled theirblood; and therefore may fear, lest God should say unto us also, evenuntous,withthenextthatgointocaptivity,'Theyshallgointocaptivity;withthenextthatareplunderedandspoiled,Londonshallbeplunderedand spoiled;with thenext that shall be imprisoned, you shall be takenprisoners;with thenext that shallbeslainwith thesword,youshallbeslainwiththesword;yourwivesshallbemadewidows,andyourchildrenshallbemadefatherless,andyourdwellingsshallcastyouout,andbeleftdesolate'; and therefore let us look to it, and know in this our day thethingsofourpeace,beforetheybehidfromoureyes.Showcompassion,thatyoumaynotneedcompassion;orifyouneedit,youmayfindit.

InlikemannersetyourheartstotheotherlessonswhichGodteachesbyhischastisements.

Prize creature comforts more, and surfeit upon them less; be morethankful and less sensual; especially prize a gospel while you have agospel;prizeitbyitsworth,thatyoumaynotprizeitbythewant;prizeitthatyoumaykeepit,lestyouprizeitonedaywhenyoucannotrecoverit.It isadreadfulword,"Iwillsendafamine,notofbread,norathirstofwater,butofhearingthewordoftheLord,andtheyshallruntoandfro,toseekthewordoftheLord,andshallnotfindit"(Amos8:11-12).

Study self-denial andmeekness of spirit. Labor to discover the hiddencorruptionsofyourownhearts.Continuediggingintothatdunghillandyouwill finditabottomlesspit;"Theheartisdeceitfulaboveallthings,anddesperatelywicked,who canknow it? I theLord search theheart"(Jeremiah17:9-10).OhentreattheLordtodiscoveryourheartstoyou.

Study Scripture evidence for your interest in Christ. Rest not in anyevidencewhichyouwillnotventureyoursoulsupon, ifyouwere todiethismoment.

LabortomaintainsweetcommunionwithGod;tobeabletosaywiththeapostle,and to say truly, "Ourcommunion iswith theFather,andwithhisSonJesusChrist"(1John1:3).MakeGodyourchoice,andnotyournecessity; and labor tomaintain such constant converse with him thatwhenyoudie,youmaychangeyourplaceonly,butnotyourcompany.

Liveupintheexercisesofyourgraces."Addtoyourfaithvirtue,tovirtueknowledge,andtoknowledgetemperance,andtotemperancegodliness,andtogodlinessbrotherlykindness,andtobrotherlykindnesscharity"(2Peter1:5-7).Beaddingonegracetoanother,andonedegreeofgracetoanother,andoneexerciseofgracetoanotherexerciseofgrace,thatGodmaynot addaffliction toaffliction, and sorrow to sorrow.Whileothersare adding sin to sin, drunkenness to thirst, add grace to grace, "Besteadfastandunmovable,alwaysabounding in theworkof theLord"(1Corinthians15:58).

AcquaintyourselveswithGod,andgoodshallcomethereby(Job22:21).StudytoknowGodmoreandlovehimbetter;"Thenshallweknow,ifwefollowontoknowtheLord"(Hosea6:3).

Mind, Ibeseechyou,whileyouare inyourstrengthandpeace, theonething necessary. O take heed of industrious folly, and dishearten notyourselvesinthepursuitoftrifles!Mindyourwork.

"Redeemthetime,thedaysareevil"(Ephesians5:16);OthatChristianswould study the worth of time! Value a day—say of every hour, yes ofeverymoment, 'This is time.' Redeem time while it may do you good;"Evildaysarecoming,whereinyouwillsay'Ihavenopleasureinthem'"(Ecclesiastes12:1).Yes,thedaysareevil;evilwithsin,evilwithsorrow;redeemthetimetodogood,toreceivegood,thatneitheryoumaybetheworse for the times, nor the times for you. Blessed shall that man becalled who contributes not to the heap of the God-provokingabominations, nor receives impressions from the hypocrisy andprevaricationofthepresentgeneration.

StudythesufferingsofJesusChrist.ResolvewithPaul,"toknownothingbut Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). A duecontemplation of the cross will heighten Christ's love, and lesson your

own sufferings. And labor to get your conversation inHeaven, lookingfor,andhasteningto thecomingofChrist (2Peter3:11-12);say,"ComeLordJesus,comequickly"(Revelation22:20).

In aword, brethren, study, and study thoroughly, the sinfulness of sin,emptinessofthecreature,andthefullnessofChrist.

And in all these and the like lessons, labor for an inward, convincing,experimental,powerful,sweet,abidingteaching.

Content not yourselves, Christians, with a general, slight, superficial,unsavory, powerless, flitting knowledge. Rest not in notions; be notsatisfiedwithexpressionswithoutimpressions;norwithimpressionsthatarenotabidingimpressions,thatarelikefigureswritteninthesand;thisistheruinofprofessors.Thoseprofessorsshallhavetheirnameswritteninthedust,whowritedivineinstructionsinthedust.

Knowthis,ifGodhasamindtodoyougood,expectthatheshouldsendyouintothehouseofcorrection,andthereteachyouwithscourges,andwritehisinstructionsasitwereinblood.

Andtherefore ifyouwouldpreventsosevereadiscipline, improveyourtimewellintheschooloftheWord."Whileyouhavethelight,walkinthelight,lestdarknesscomeuponyou"(John12:35);whileyousitundertheteachingsofthegospel,labortogetknowledgeanswerabletothemeans,andgraceanswerabletoyourknowledge.

b.)Ifyouwouldpreventaffliction,labortobeinstructedbythechastisementswhichyouseeuponothermen.Goddealswithhischildrenastutorsdowiththechildrenofprinces,hecorrectsthemuponstrangers'backs.ThusGodscourgedIsraeluponthebackofthenationsroundaboutthem;"Ihavecutoffthenations,theirtowersaredesolate,Imadetheirstreetswastethatnonepassesby,theircitiesaredestroyed,sothat there is no man, that there is none inhabitant" (Zephaniah 3:6).TheirpunishmentwasIsrael'scaution;"Isaid, 'Surelyyouwill fearme,you will receive instruction'" (verse 7). The world's judgments are theChurch's instructions, and God expected that his people should havemade that use of his practical doctrine. God had gracious ends in this

dispensation; his severity to strangers was his tender mercy towardsIsrael; "Behold,"as theapostle says inanother case, "thegoodnessandseverity of God" (Romans 11:22); severity to the nations, but goodnesstowards Israel, had they continued in his goodness and receivedinstructionby theirneighbor'sdestruction.AndasGodpunished Israeluponthenations'backs,soGodpunishedJudahuponIsrael'sback:"GoyounowtomyplaceinShiloh,andseewhatIdidtoit,forthewickednessofmypeopleIsrael"(Jeremiah7:12).

Israel's chastisements should have been Jerusalem's teachings, and bytheirstripessheshouldhavebeenhealed.FortheneglectwhereofGodishighly displeased, and speaks concerning this in a very angry dialect,"And I saw when, for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel hadcommittedadultery,Ihadputheraway,andgivenherabillofdivorce;yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played theharlotalso" (Jeremiah3:8).God took it ill thatJerusalemshouldslightthekindnessofsuchacaution,anddespisethecounselwhichwaswrittento her in her sister's blood; as if he had said, 'I would have madeJerusalemwisebySamaria'sharms,and taughtherbya rodwhichsheonly saw; but she fearednot; shehardenedherheart throughunbelief,andeitherwouldnotunderstandthecaution,ordaredmetomyfacetodomyworst,whilebyhershamelesswhoredomsshewentontoprovokeme to jealousy.' This hastened that judgment upon herself which shedespisedonothers;Judahmust feel Israel's rodbecause shewouldnothear it;as Israelmust suffer those judgmentson thenationswhichsheherself would not use to her improvement; by those very nations bywhomshewouldnotbeinstructed,shemustbedestroyed.

SoJudahmustfeelwhatshefearednotatadistance.Shethatwouldnottrembleathersister'sdivorcemustsufferdivorceherself,and"bejudgedaswomenthatbreakwedlock—andbearherownshameforhersinsthatshehadcommittedmoreabominablethanthey"(Ezekiel16:38,52).

BelovedChristians,ifwewouldpreventthelikeseverity,letustakeheedof the like security.Godhas been a long time scourgingEngland uponGermany'sback,anduponIreland'sback,anduponScotland'sback.Godhas for thesemany years scourgedLondonon the back of all the citiesandcountriesroundaboutus,andGoddailyscourgeseveryoneofusin

particularuponthebackofoursufferingbrethren,indiversekinds.Hisdesign is thatweshould fearhim, thatweshouldreceive instruction. Ifwealtogetherfail,wemayfearthesamerodsarepreparingforourbacks,with which they have bled, yes that their rods shall he turned intoscorpionstous.Wesinworsethanotherswhenwesinthoseverysinsforwhichothershavebeenpunishedbeforeourfaces,andaddcontempttotheirtransgressions;andhowjustwillitbewithGod,ifasweaggravatetheirsins,toaggravateuponustheirplagues;thatwethatwouldnotseeand learn, should feel and perish; even particular judgments should beourwarnings.RememberLot'swife;herpillarofsaltshouldseasonourhearts,thatwhenthejudgmentsofGodareabroadintheearth,wethatare the inhabitants, not of the earth only—but of Zion also,may learnrighteousness.

Even those judgments which the magistrate executes by God'sappointmentarechieflyforcautiontostandersby,thatothersmayhearand fear, anddonomore any suchwickedness; howmuchmore thosejudgmentswhichtheLordhimselfexecutes?

2.Icometothesecondbranchofexhortation,whichistosuchas yet lie under affliction, and the chastisements of theAlmighty.

Takenotice,Oafflictedsoul,whatGod'sdesign is inafflictingyou—andmakeityourdesign,thatyoumaybetaught."HeartherodandtheOnewho has appointed it" (Micah 6:9). It is the greatmistake and folly ofmen, that they make more haste to get theirafflictions removed than sanctified, "The captive exile hastens that hemay be loosed, that he should not die in the pit" (Isaiah 51:14). Menwould gladly breakprison, or escape at thewindow—beforeGodopensthe door; but this theirway, is their folly.Men indeedwould gladly bedelivered, but they take not the right course. Deliverance belongs untoGod:"IamtheLordyourGodwhodividedthesea,"andmadeitawayformy ransomed to pass over, and that when it was most tempestuous,"whenthewavesthereofroared".WhenIwilldeliver,noobstructioncanstandintheway—andyetIsraelnowincaptivitywillnot looktome:"IamtheLordAlmighty"(verse15),whohasallthearmiesinHeavenandearthatmycommand.Andyetwhentheyarebesiegedwithtroublesand

dangers, Idonothear fromthem.Theyrunto thecreatureandneglectGod.Oriftheycrytomeintheirdistresses,itisfordeliveranceonly,butnotforteaching.Though"Ihaveputmywordsinyourmouth"(verse16)—thatis,thoughIhavegiventhemmylawsandstatutes,whereinIhavemade known my design in affliction, that I might humble them, andprove them, and make them know what is in their heart. This is theshortest way to deliverance, and if they had trod in this path, I wouldhavesaidtoZion,'Youaremypeople.'

ThisisGod'smethodwhereinhewillownhispeople,andwhereiniftheymeethim—theyshallnotwaitlongfortheirdeliverance.Andthereforebewise, O afflicted ones, tossed with tempest, and not comforted. Beinstructed, lest God's soul departs from you. Make more haste to betaught, than to be delivered, and choose rather to have your afflictionsanctified, than removed. That is observable in Elihu's speech:"Hypocritesinheartheapupwrath"—theyaddtotheirowncalamities—why?"evenwhenhefettersthem,theydonotcryforhelp"(Job36:13).

Consider that God's design is that he might teach you by hischastisements—andifyoucrossGod'sdesign,itisjustwithhimtocrossyourdesign.Theonlyway todelay it, is tomake toomuchhaste to bedelivered,and"hewhobelieveswillnotmakehaste"(Isaiah28:16).

Considerthatbaredeliveranceisnottheblessing.Itoldyoubeforethatdeliveranceisbutthecommonbounty;Itellyoumorenow—deliverancealonemaybethefruitofthecurse.Amanmaybedeliveredinwrath,andnotinlove;deliverancefromoneafflictionmaybutmakewayforanotherandgreateraffliction.Afflictionmayreturn,liketheuncleanspirit,withsevenmoreworsethanitself;soGodthreatensanunteachablepeople,"Ifbythesethingsyouwillnotbereformed,butwillwalkcontrarytome,"bycrossingmy design in my chastisements, "then will I walk contrary toyou"—Iwillcrossyourdesign,andinsteadofdeliverance,"Iwillpunishyou yet seven times more for your sins" (Leviticus 26:23-24). Theblessingofcorrection, is instruction.Odonot letGodgountilheblessyou(Genesis32:26).

Itisasadthingtohaveaffliction—butnottheblessingofaffliction.Itisasadthingtofeelthewoodofthecross,butnotthegoodofthecross.Itis

asadthingtotastethebitterroot,butnotthesweetfruitofasufferingcondition. It isasad thinghave thecurse,butnot thecordial.Truly insuchacaseoneafflictionmaynotonlymakewayforanother,formore,for greater afflictions; but affliction here on earth, may make way fordamnation hereafter! As one says, "By all the fire of affliction in thisworld—a man may be made fuel for eternal fire." Therefore mindinstruction,studythe lessonsofasufferingcondition(asabove)andbeimportunatefornothingsomuchastobetaughtofGod,withthatspecialsavingteachingwhichchangesthesoulintothenatureofthetruth;andmakesthesoulholyasthatisholy,andpureasthatispure.

3.Tothosewhohavecomeoutofafflictionandfierytrials.Sitdown,Christian,andreflectuponyourself;turninuponyourownheart,and examine yourself. Have divine teachings accompaniedchastisements?Has therodbudded?Castupyouraccounts—whathaveyoulearnedintheschoolofaffliction?HasGodrevealedtoyou...thesinfulnessofsin,theemptinessofthecreature,andthefullnessofChrist?

Isnoevilliketheevilofsin?IsnogoodlikethegoodnessofJesusChrist?Has the world become an empty vanity, a mockery, a nothing in youreyes?Canyousay,"ItisgoodthatIhavebeenafflicted"(Psalm119:71)?Canyoupointoutthatgood,andsay,'ThisIhavegotbymysufferings:Iknow divine truth more inwardly, more clearly, it has a more abidingimpression upon my heart'? I would here speak a word to those whothrough grace do find the fruit of affliction in the savory and savingteachings of God upon their hearts. Let me, by way of exhortation,commendthesedutiestoyou.

a.) Study to be thankful. Has God taught you as wellaschastisedyou?O saywithDavid, "What shall I render to theLord?"(Psalm116:12).ForconsiderhowgreatthingsGodhasdonetoyoursoul:

God has done more for you than if he had never brought you intoafflictionandtrouble—orthanifhehadbroughtyououtofafflictiononthesamedayonwhichhesentyouin.Ifhehaddeliveredyouuponthefirst prayer that ever you made in your affliction, it had not been a

comparablemercy tohis teachingyouby it.Preventionanddeliverancemaybeinwrath,butGodneverteachesthesoul,unlessitisinlove.

Again, God has doubled hismercy and loving-kindness to you; he hascommanded deliverance and instruction too. Yes, as deliverance andinstructionwere thereturnofprayer—this isamultipliedmercy;whichshouldmaketheheartsingwithDavid,"IwilllovetheLord,becausehehasheardthevoiceofmysupplication"(Psalm116:1).Double,triple,andmultiplied mercy calls for double, triple, and multiplied thankfulness.When God loads us with mercy—then we should load him with ourpraises.

Again,instructionisthesealofGod,whichsetuponcorrection,sealsupadoptionandsonshiptothosewhoareexercisedthereby.Thechildrenofafflictionarebydivineteachingsealedupasthechildrenofpromise:"Ifhis children forsakemy law," speaking ofChrist's spiritual seed, "Iwillvisit their transgressions with a rod" (Psalm 89:30, 32). That is, Iwillteachthemwiththerod;itshallbearodofinstructiontothem.Thatisthechildren'sportion:"Ifhischildrenforsakeme,"Goddealswithyouaswithsons.

Behold,OChristian!Godhasdonethatforyouinyoursufferingswhichpossibly may be denied you in your prosperity—he has given you anevidenceofsonship;hehasmadeyoursufferingtimeyoursealingtime;he has allured you and brought you into thewilderness, and there hasspoken comfortably to your heart (Job 36:16). Your Patmos has beenyourparadise,whereinhehasgivenyouhisloves.

God has consecrated your sufferings by his teachings. Afflictions havetaken orders as it were, and stand no longer in the rank of ordinaryprovidences,butservenowintheorderofgospelordinances,officiatingintheholygarmentofdivinepromises,andtothesameuses.

What is the great end and design of the promises?The apostle tells us"thatwemightbepartakersofadivinenature"(2Peter1:4)—ofgraciousdispositionsandqualitieswhichmakethesoulresembleGod.What theapostlePeteraffirmsofthepromises,theverysamePaulaffirmsofGod'schastisements,"Hechastensusforourprofit,thatwemightbepartakers

of his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). See by virtue of divine teaching:afflictions are advanced to the same degree and office with gospelordinances and promises—so that wemay give those titles of honor toafflictions,whichtheapostleheregivestothepromises,andsay, 'Therearegivenuntousexceedinggreatandpreciousafflictions—thatbythemwemightbepartakersofthedivinenature,'thatis,'madepartakersofhisholiness.'

See, O afflicted soul, by teachingGod has changed the very nature ofaffliction! He has turned your water, into wine! He has turned yourprison,yourbedofsickness—intoaschool,intoatemple,whereinhehastaughtyouintohisownlikeness.

And as God has consecrated your sufferings—so likewise he hasconsecratedyoualsobyyoursufferings.AsitissaidofChrist,"Hemadethecaptainofoursalvationperfectthroughsufferings"(Hebrews2:10)—heconsummated,orperfectedhim.Christbecameaperfectmediatorbyhiscross;henceyouhearhimcryuponit,"Itisfinished"(John19:30).

AndthusalsoitmaybesaidofthemembersofChrist,theyare"perfectedby sufferings." Chastisement coupled with teaching is the consecrationandconsummationofthesaints,"Ifillup,"saysPaul,"inmyfleshwhatisstilllackinginregardtoChrist'safflictions,forthesakeofhisbody,whichisthechurch."(Colossians1:24)—theafter-sufferingsofChrist.AsChristasamediatorisperfectedthroughsufferings,soChristasonebodywithhismembers is completed by sufferings. Christ is not full, until all hismembers have had their measure of sufferings. "You have need ofpatience, thatwhenyouhavedone thewillofGod,youmay inherit thepromises" (Hebrews 10:36). When we have done God's will, all is notdone—there is something tobe suffered,withoutwhich theChristian isnotinacapacitytoreceivehisinheritance.Youhaveneedofpatiencetocarryyouthroughthesufferingpartofyourwork,aswellasthedoing—thatsobeingperfect,youmayinheritthepromises.

Finally, by adding instruction to correction,Godhas crowned youwiththeblessing. "Blessed is themanwhomyou chastenand teach" (Psalm94:12).Godhasturnedthecrownofthornsintoacrownofgold,andsetitonyourhead—andnowbringsyouforthwearingthiscrown,andshows

you,as itwere, to theworld,asamonumentof freegrace;proclaimingbefore you, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom God delights tohonor!"(cf.Esther6:6).

Well then,Christian, sitdownand consultwith yourown soul,what torendertoGodforsorichamercy;andbehold,itisresolvedtoyourhand,"Iwilldeliveryou—andyoushallglorifyme"(Psalm50:15).Godhasnotonlydelivered,buttaughtyou;nowthereforeheexpectsgloryfromyou.

Glorify God with your LIPS, 'I cried to him with my lips, and he wasglorifiedwithmytongue.'Letthelipofprayer,beturnedintothetongueofpraise.Makeyourtonguesyourglory,byproclaimingGod'sglory.Betellingwhat great thingsGodhasdone for you; saywithDavid, "Comeandhear,allyouwhofearGod,andIwilltellyouwhathehasdoneformysoul!Abundantlyutter thememoryofhisgreatgoodness,makehispraiseglorious"(Psalm66:16,145:7).

GlorifyGodwithyourLIFE,andlivehispraise.Putallthelessonswhichyou have learned into print: "Show forth the praises of him who hascalled you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9); puttheminsuchalegiblecharacter,thatwhosorunsmayread.Lip-praiseisgood,butlife-praiseisbetter:"Hewhooffersmepraiseglorifiesme,andtohimwhoordershisconductaright, Iwill showthesalvationofGod"(Psalm 50:23). It is good to speak so that bystanders may be God'switnessesandyours,thatyouaretaughtofGod;andsay,"Behold!whathasGodwrought!"(Numbers23:23).

How holily, and humbly, and fruitfully, and self-denyingly do theseservantsofGodwalksincetheycameoutoftribulation?Livesothatyoumaytakeoff thescandalof thecrossofChrist,andbringmen into lovewith a suffering condition. "Let your light shine beforemen, that theymay see your goodworks, and glorify yourFatherwhich is inHeaven"(Matthew5:16).

Again,nowthatGodhastaughtyou—bereadytoteachothers.Itisadebtwhich you owe to all you converse with, "When you are turned,strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:32). Communicate what God hastaught you to your wife, children, and others, upon all seasonable

opportunities. Sanctified knowledge is communicative, "freely you havereceived—freelygive"(Matthew10:8).Godneverlightedthiscandlethatit shouldbeputunder thebedof pleasure, or thebasket of profit—butthat it may be put into the candlestick of your conduct, and so "shinebeforemen,thattheymayseeandglorifyyourFatherwhoisinHeaven"(Matthew5:16).ThisisindeedtoglorifyGod.

b.) Labor to preserve the teachings of God upon YOURheart. Study how tomaintain that sweet gracious frame of heart intowhichGod has taught you by affliction. It is the dutywhichChristiansshouldpracticeasoftenastheycomefromtheWord,oranyotherdivineordinance. When we come out of a Sabbath, we should sit down andobservewithwhatframeofspiritGodsendsusawayfromtheordinance.Iftheordinancehasleftnosavorygraciousimpressionupontheheart—thenlieinthedust,andmourn,andcommunewithourownhearts,andlamentafterGod.

Ifthereisanordinanceframe—thenweshouldrejoiceinit,blessGodforit,andlabortokeepupsuchaframeupontheheartuntilthenextsolemnapproach toGod.Andhowmuchmore should it be our care,whenwecome out ofGod's furnace, to labor tomaintain thatmelting frame ofheart—thatlifeandvigorwhichwehavebroughtwithusoutofaffliction."Look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which God haswroughtinyou"(2John1:8).Tothatend,takethesehelps:

[1.] Be often reading over the lessons which God has taught you.Frequentlyrevivetheremembranceoftheminyourheads,andworktheimpressionsofthemuponyourhearts.Youhaveneedtotakemuchpainswithyourselves,tokeeptheteachingsofGodaliveuponyourspirits,"Theheart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah17:9). There is much of a Pharaoh-like disposition in every man—veryprone to harden when the storm is over. It is sad and astonishing toconsiderhowacorruptionwill lieas if itwerequitedead,whiledangeranddeatharebeforeus—andhowsuddenlyandpowerfullyitwillreviveandbetraythesoulwhenthedangerisover.

ThatcautionwhichGodgavetheIsraelitesinthewilderness,maymakeeverywiseChristiantremble,"Iknowtheir imaginations,whichtheygo

aboutevennow,beforeIhavebroughtthemintotheland,whichIswore"(Deuteronomy 31:21). Their hearts were secretly scheming their lusts,even while they were yet smarting under the rod; and in the howlingwildernesstheyareforecastinghowtosatisfysenseandservetheircarnalinterestswhentheywouldcomeintothelandthatflowedwithmilkandhoney.Possibly,thesewerenotdown-rightresolves;butsaystheLord,"Iknowtheirimaginations."

Omybrethren,weshouldhearkentothewhisperingsoflustinourownbosoms,andlabortosuppressthem;foriftherearenowsuchfloatingsofsin in the imagination—what will there be when enlargement shallpresent both temptations and opportunities? And therefore "keep yourheartswithalldiligence,foroutofthemcometheissuesoflife"(Proverbs4:23).

[2.]Renewoftentheremembranceofthesharpnessandbitternessoftheaffliction—it will be a good corrective to sensuality, and give check tosinful excesses. The flesh will quickly growwantonwhen it finds ease.Jeshurun, when the neck was removed from under the yoke, quickly"waxed fat and kicked" (Deuteronomy 32:15). They soon forgot God'sworks—theyquicklyforgotabarrenwilderness,inalandthatflowedwithmilkandhoney.Theydidnotwaitforhiscounsel;theygrewwearyofitwhenoncefreefromcorrection,andchoserathertowalkbythedictateoftheirownlusts,thanofGod'slaws,untilatlengthGodgrewasweary(ifImaysosay)ofcounseling,astheywereofbeingcounseled.Thenhe"gavethemuptotheirownhearts'lusts,towalkintheirowncounsels"(Psalm81:12).

ThosewhowouldnotlivebyGod'scounsels,shouldperishbytheirown.And therefore, you who have come out of the house of bondage,remember the sorrows of a suffering condition. Set your heart not somuch upon the pleasure of your present enlargement, as upon thebitternessofyourformercaptivity.TheChurchfoundgreatadvantageinit, when returned from Babylon, "Remembering my affliction and mymisery, the wormwood and the gall; my soul has them continually inremembrance" (Lamentations3:19-20).Andwhatwas the fruitof it? Itfollows,"andmysoulishumbledinme"(verse20b).Andthatisnotall,as remembrance of affliction preserved humility, so humility

strengthened faith: "This I recall to mind, therefore have I hope.Tribulation wrought patience, and patience experience, and experiencehope,"andsoforth(Lamentations3:21).

[3.]Calloftentomindthesaddiscoursesandreasonings,thefearsandtremblings,whichyouhavehad inyourbosoms in the timesof troubleanddistress.Thus says theChurch, "I forgotprosperity" (Lamentations3:17)—she had been so long in a suffering condition, that now she canscarcely remember that ever she saw a good day in all her life; and atlength she sits down, and gives herself up to despair, "And I said,mystrength and my hope is perished from the Lord" (verse 18). Sherememberedwhat unbelieving conclusions shemade in her affliction—andsotheprophetJeremiahsays,"Watersflowedovermyhead;thenIsaid, I am cut off" (Lamentations 3:54); when he began to sink in themire,herememberedhowhisheartbegantosinkwithfear;hecalledtomindwhatfaithlesslanguagehisheartspoke,"Isaid,Iamcutoff."

Hezekiahmakesa largenarrativeofwhatdiscourseshehad inhisownsoulwhenhehadreceivedthesentenceofdeath,andleftitinwritingtoallposterity:"ThewritingofHezekiah,kingofJudah,whenhehadbeensick:Isaidinthecuttingoffofmydays,"whatdidhesay?"Ishallgotothegatesofthegrave;Iamdeprivedoftheresidueofmyyears;myageisdeparted" (Isaiah 38:9-10), and a great dealmore to that purpose; thesumwhereof isthis, 'Ishalldie,Ishalldie.Imusttakemyleaveofthisworld, and wormsmust eatmy flesh in the grave,' and so forth. Suchuncomelywordsheuttered—butherememberedthemafterward,andiscontented to shame himself for them to all the world. He puts hiscomplaints inprint—thathemayhumblehimself, and caution, yes andcomfort,others.

Thus, Christians, should we do, we should call to mind our sins—weshouldsitdownandrecounttheimpatience,murmurs,andunbelief;theloveofapresentworld, the fearofdeath, thehard thoughtsofGod;allthe irregularities and distempers of our own spirits in the time oftribulation.Doubtlessitwouldbeofsingularuse,astohumbleoursoulsand check corruption—and so to endear and preserve the teachings ofGoduponyoursouls.

While youmight tuneDavid's thanksgiving (conceivedupon some suchlike occasion), "Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will he teachsinnersintheway"(Psalm25:8);asmuchastosay,'IsinnedagainsttheLordinmyafflictionbymyimpatience,unbelief,unhumbledness,andsoforth—yet he was pleased, not altogether to leave me without theteachings of his Spirit—not because I was good—but because he wasgood; not because I pleased him—but becausemercy pleased him; notbecauseIwasuprightbeforehim—butbecausehewasupright.Trueandfaithfultohisownpromise,hashedoneit,goodanduprightistheLord—andthereforehehastaughtmeintheway.'

[4.]Remember your vows. When God by affliction showed you yourfolly, and revealed to you the hidden corruption of your hearts, andbroughtyourwaysanddoings to remembrance,whichwerenotgood—youwereashamed,yes,evenconfounded;andsaid,asitisinJob,"Lord,whereinIhavedonewickedly,Iwilldosonomore"(Job34:32).Buttakeheed it benotwithyouas itwaswithbacksliding Israel, ofwhomGodthuscomplained: "Ofold timeIhavebrokenyouryoke,andburstyourbands,andyousaid,'Iwillnottransgress'"(Jeremiah2:20).

Ibroughtyou(asifhehadsaid)hundredsofyearsago,outofthelandofEgypt,outofthehouseofbondage,andthenyoumademefairpromises."I remember the kindness of your youth, the love of your espousals"(Jeremiah2:2);yousaid,"Iwilldosonomore"(Job34:32);Lord,Iwillbe covetous no more, idolatrous no more, adulterous no more. I willmurmurnomore;Iwillnomoredepartfromyou,"Youaretheguideofmy youth" (Jeremiah 3:4). Goodwords—had she been as good as herword!ButOreadwhatfollows,andtremble!"Whenuponeveryhighhill,and under every green tree, youwander, playing the harlot" (Jeremiah2:20). No sooner had her old heartand her old temptationsmet, butpresentlytheyfellintomutualembraces!

This is also the temperof ourhearts,weare very goodwhileweare inaffliction,andpromisefair.Butnosooneristhetrialover,butweforgetGod'steachingsandourownvows,andreturnintothesamesinfulcourseandconductasbefore.

Now therefore, if you would preserve the teachings of God upon your

spirits—sit downand remember your vows; and spreading thembeforetheLord, saywithDavid, "Iwill pay youmy vows,whichmy lips haveuttered,andmymouthhasspoken,whenIwasintrouble"(Psalm66:13-14).

[5.]IfyouwouldpreservetheteachingsofGoduponyourheart,attendconstantlyandconscientiouslyupontheministryoftheWord.Thetruthis,theWordandtherodteachthesamelessons.Therodmanytimesisbut the Word's remembrancer—and therefore as the rod quickens theWord.Inthesameway,theWordwillreviveandsanctifytheteachingsofthe rod. They mutually help to set on one another with deeperimpressions.And therefore "HearWisdom,watchingdaily ather gates,waiting at the posts of her doors" (Proverbs 8:33-34), if you will beblessed.Itwillbeofatwofoldadvantage—

FIRST.Itwillhelpyourmemories.AstherodrepeatstheWord—sotheWord will repeat the instructions of the rod. The Word will bring toremembrancewhatyouhavelearnedintheschoolofaffliction.

SECOND.Itwillquickenaffection.TohearthatrepeatedbythestillsmallvoiceoftheWord,whichbeforeGodtaughtyouinthevoiceofthunderinaffliction—thiscannotbutaffectyourhearts!Asonce the IsraelitessaiduntoMoses, "Speakuntous all that theLordourGod shall speakuntoyou,andwewillhearitanddoit;butletusnothearthevoiceofGodanymore"—thatterriblevoiceofjudgment—"lestwedie"(Deuteronomy5:27;Exodus20:18-19).AndcertainlyGodwilltakeitaswellatyourhandsashedidatIsrael's,andwillanswerinsomesuchlanguage,"Ihaveheardthevoiceofthispeople,theyhavewellsaidallthattheyhavespoken.Othatthereweresuchaheartinthem,thattheywouldfearme,andkeepmy commandments, that it might be well with them" (Deuteronomy5:28-29)—and that I might not bring upon them such evils as I havedone,anymore!

[6.]BeoftenfeedingthatframeofheartwhichGodhastaughtyouinto.DobyitasyoudailybegGodwoulddobyyou—giveitdaybydayitsdailybread(Matthew6:11).MaintainMEDITATIONSsuitabletothenatureofthat grace which you would maintain—threatenings, promises, truths,and Scripture considerations agreeable to the lesson. Take heed of

feedingyourheart'scorruption,withthoughtsofthesweetnesswhichisinsin.Takeheedalso,ofstarvinggracebywithdrawingfromitsuitablenourishment.

Meditatemuchupon...thesinfulnessofsin,thevanityofthecreature,thefullnessofChrist,theexquisitenessofHissufferings,thefinalityofthejudgment,thetormentsofHell,thejoysofHeaven,theinfiniteperfectionsofthedivinenature,andthesolemnityofeternity!

Richinmeditation—richingrace!

[7.]And lastly, be much inprayer. As it was not enough for God tomakethefirstcreation,buthemust"upholditbythewordofhispower"(Hebrews1:3),orelseitwouldquicklyhavereturnedintoitsfirstnothing—so it is with the second creation. Christ is the finisher aswell as theauthorofgrace (Hebrews12:2);hewhohasbegunagoodwork inyou,must perfect it (Philippians 1:6). Stability only comes from theunchangeable God—therefore pray that God would put hisunchangeablenessuponyou.

PrayasLutherwasinthehabitofpraying,"Confirm,OLord,inuswhatyouhavewrought, and perfect thework you have begun in us, to yourglory, Amen." He seems to have taken this out of Psalm 68:28,"Strengthen,OGod,thatwhichyouhavewroughtinus."

Pray that prayer whichDavid prayed over that liberal frame of heartwhichGod had formed in his people, for the service of the temple: "OLord God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, our fathers—keep thisforeverintheimaginationofthethoughtsoftheheartofyourpeople,andestablishtheirheartuntoyou"(1Chronicles29:18).

OhbeearnestwithGodforstabilityofheart,thatyourgoodnessmaynot

be as amorning cloud, and as the early dew; but that itmay, in someproportion, resemble the Author of it, and be the same yesterday, andtoday,andforever(Hebrews13:8).

In SUMMARY, by all thesemeans and helps, andwhat other God hassanctified for this gracious end—labor,Christians, to be such afterGodhasdeliveredoutofyourafflictions,asyoupromisedGodandyourselvesto be when you were in them—so that the fruit of chastening may berepentancenevertoberepentedof.Havinginyourtroublesrepentedofyoursins—takeheedwhenyouaredelivered,thatyourepentnotofyourrepentance.

c.)Icomenowtothethirddutyofthosewhohavecomeoutofafflictions: pray for the afflicted. And when you pray, say,'Lordteachthem,aswellascorrectthem—thattheymaybeblessed.'Opray thus forEngland; shehasbeena long timesorelychastisedof theLord—andyethasbeenallthiswhile"likeabullockunaccustomedtotheyoke"(Jeremiah31:18).Opray,"Turnus,Lord,andweshallbeturned—you are the Lord our God" (Lamentations 5:21). Pray that God wouldteachEnglandinthisdayofhervisitation,thethingsofherpeace,beforetheyarehiddenfromhereyes.Opraythatwemaybeinstructed,lestGoddepart from us. If correction is not accompanied with instruction—ifEnglandisnotatlengthreformedbyallthejudgmentsofGoduponher—then she has already seen her best days, andmay expect to be "madedesolate,alandnotinhabited"(Jeremiah6:8).Thenthereisnobalmforourpain,noranyphysicianwhocanhealourmalady.

Pray thus for all your friends who are or have been in the furnace ofaffliction.Praythattheymaycomeforthasgoldpurifiedseventimesinthefire.Praythattheymaylosenothingthere,buttheirrustanddross.

OnegreatusewhichChristiansshouldmakeofreadingtheScriptures,istolearnthelanguageofprayer.Othattheprofessorsofthisagewouldinthisparticular,learnwhattopray,andhowtoprayfortheirbrethrenintribulation.Othattheywouldcensureless—andpraymore;andinsteadof speaking one of another, speak more one to another, and one foranother. That was the good oldway, "Then thosewho feared the Lordspokeoftenonetoanother"(Malachi3:16).

Butnowthetender,praying,healing,restoringSpiritisdeparted;andifChristians stir not up themselves to call Him back again, it is a sadpresage thatGod is departing too.Andwoeunto uswhenGoddepartsfromus.

We judge before we inquire, and reject before we admonish—ourbrethreninafflictions.Andthiswethinkbefitsus—andwetakeakindofprideandcontentment in it.ButO to inform, toconvince, toexhort, topray, to put the bone that is out in joint again—this is to act like thedisciplesofChrist;thisistoshowourselvesChristiansindeed,professorsnotof the letter,butof theSpirit,andwouldgainourbrethren insteadofblastingthem.

Finally,Iwouldalsoaddresssuchascannotevidencetotheirownsoulsthatchasteninghasbeenaccompaniedwithdivineteachinginanygospelproportion,orat leastarenotdeeplysensibleofthelackof it.Hereisawordofexhortationforthem,receiveit,Ibeseechyou.Rollyourselvesinthedust before theLord; smiteupon your thigh; sigh and cry outwithEphraim, "You have chastised me and I was chastised, as a bullockunaccustomedtotheyoke"(Jeremiah31:18).IhavefelttheblowsofGod,but that isall. Ihave receivednomore instructionbyallmycorrectionthanabrutebeast—orifIhad,Ihavequicklylostit;itisfledawaylikeabird.

Trulyyouhavecausetositdown,andevenwishforyourafflictionagain.Godhadputhimselfintoyourhandsasitwere—andyouhavelethimgowithout the blessing, the blessing of saving instruction. How may youeven wish, 'O that I were in prison again, in my sick bed again, inbanishment again.' However, humble yourself greatly before the Lord,andwrestlemightilyfortheafterteachingsofGoduponyourheart.Pray,"TurnmeOLord, and I shallbe turned, for youare theLordmyGod"(Lamentations 5:21)—what affliction has not done, Lord do—"turnme,andIshallbe turned"—sothatyoursoulmayyetspeakto thepraiseoffree grace: "After that I returned I repented, and after that I wasinstructed,Ismoteuponmythigh;Iwasashamed,yesevenconfounded,becauseIborethereproachofmyyouth"(Jeremiah31:19).

Urge the Lord, as Sampson did after his victory, "You have given this

greatdeliverance into thehandofyour servant,andshall Inowdie forthirst,andfall intothehandoftheuncircumcised?"(Judges15:18).Sayuntohim,'Lord,youhavegivenyourservantthisgreatdeliverancefromdanger and death—and shall I now perish for lack of teaching, and godowntoHellamongtheuncircumcised?'"Teachmeyourway,OLord—andIwillwalkinyourtruth;unitemyhearttofearyourname"(Psalm86:11).Inaword,desiretheLordthathewoulddoallthework—andthentakealltheglory.Say, 'Lordteachmeaswellasdeliverme—andIshallbeblessed.'

4.Thefourthandlastbranchofexhortation,istoparents—toexhortthemintheeducationoftheirchildrentoimitateGod,andthatinthreethings:

a.) Afford your children due correction. It is the counsel of theHolySpirit,"Chastenyoursonwhilethereishope,andletnotyoursoulspareforhiscrying"(Proverbs19:18).Behold,Godcounselsyouwhoareparents todowith your childrenashedoeswithhis—wisely touse thediscipline of the rod, before vicious dispositions grow into habits, andfollyissodeeplyrootedthattherodofcorrectionwillnotdriveitout.

"Errorandfolly,"saysoneverywell,"arethecordsofSatanwithwhichhetiessinnerstothestaketobeburnt inHell!"Thesecordsareeasiestcut early. If youmake the child bleed in the cutting of them, let it notcause you towithdraw your hand; for so it follows, "Chasten your son,and let not your soul spare for his crying." It is not only foolish,butcruelpitytoforbearcorrectionforafewchildishtears;tocauseyourchild to wail in Hell for sin, rather than to shed a few tears for thepreventingofit.Foolishfathersandmotherscallthislove,buttheFatherof Spirits calls it hatred: "He who spares the rod, hates his son!"(Proverbs 13:24). Surely there is nothing so ill-spared, as thatwherebythechild isbettered.Suchsparing ishatred;andbecauseyouhateyourchildren innotcorrecting them—theymaycomeafterwards tohateyoufornotcorrectingthem.

But this is not all. The parent's leniency in disciplining,makesway forGod's severity.Pity to thechild's flesh—iscruelty to thechild's soul.So

theHebrewmayberendered,"Sparenot tohisdestruction,or tocausehimtodie"—thatis,tooccasionhisdestruction.Thefoolishindulgenceofthe parentmay be, and often is, the death of the child—eternal death.Parentssparetheirchildrenintheirfolly—tothedestructionbothofbodyandsoul!

Andthismayhelpustoexpoundthatotherparalleltext,"Withholdnotcorrection from the child, for if youbeathimwith the rodhe shall notdie."(Proverbs23:13).Themeaningmaybeeitherthatcorrectionwillnotkillhim—the rodwillbreaknobones.This reproves the sillyandsinfulsoft-heartedness of parents, who think if they would correct theirchildren,theywouldpresentlydieofit.Theyareasafraidtousetherod,asifitwereasword.Nay,butsaystheHolySpirit,fearnotcorrection,forbehold,thestrokesoftherodarenotthestrokesofdeath.Itisbutarod—itisnotaserpent.Itmayhurt—butitwillnotgiveapoisonoussting.Toobviatethefearofparentsinthiscase,Godhimselfgiveshiswordforit,"Heshallnotdie."

Thismaybethemeaning,whichIratherconceive—thewordsmaybeamotivedrawnfromthefruitofcorrection,"Withholdnotcorrectionfromthe child."Why? "He shall not die"—in otherwords disciplinemay be,and (through divine blessing accompanying it) is often a means toprevent death. Itmay prevent the first and second death, towhich thechildisexposedbythesinfulindulgenceoftheparent.

Thewordusedinthisplace,saysone,seemstonoteanimmortality;sothat"Heshallnotdie"—isalloneasiftheHolySpirithadsaid,'Heshallliveforever,'therodonthefleshshallbeameanstosavethesoulintheday of the Lord Jesus. "We are chastened that we should not becondemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:32). "Such smitings," asDavidsaysinanothercase,"shallbeakindness"(Psalm141:5).Andsuchrebukesaresofarfrombreakingthehead,thattheyshallbeanexcellentoil which shall cure, and give life. Even the philosopher could say,"Correctionisakindofmedicineforchildren."

Alas,ourchildrenaresick,andcruelisthatmercywhichwillallowthemto die—yes eternally—rather than heal their palates with a little bittermedicine! They aremonsters in the form of fathers andmothers—who

thus hug their little ones to death! They are infanticides rather thanparents;ofwhomwemaysay,asoncetheRomanemperorsaidofHerod,whenheheardthathehadmurderedhisownsonamongtherestoftheinfantsinBethlehem,sothathemightbesuretodestroytheKingoftheJews,"Surelyitisbettertobesuchpeople'sswine,thantheirsons!"

O hateful indulgence and merciless pity—to damn a child for lack ofcorrection!Suchparentsthrowboththerodandthechildintothefireatonce!Theythrowtherodintothefireofthechimney—andthechildintothefireofHell.

This is not done like God, for "whom the Lord loves he chastens, andscourgeseverysonwhomhereceives"(Hebrews12:6)—andsodoeseverywise loving parent! "He who spares the rod hates his son, but he wholoveshimchastenshimearly"(Proverbs13:24).

Asmothsarebeatenoutofagarmentwitharod—somustvicesbebeatenoutofchildren'shearts.Forlackofthisdisciplinarylove—howhavesomechildrenaccusedtheirparentsontheirdeath-bed,yesatthegallows!Andhowmanydoandwill curse theirparents inHell—asCypriansupposessome to do: "The wicked fondness of our parents has brought us intothese torments! Our fathers and mothers have been our murderers!Thosewhogaveusournaturallife,havedeprivedusofeternallife!Thosewho would not correct us with the rod, have occasioned us now to betormentedwithscorpions."

Yes, even in this life, how do many godly parents smart for theirindulgent fondness,because theywillnotmake theirchildrensmart fortheir folly.Eli andDavidwouldnot somuchas rebuke their sons—andGod gave them rebukes in their sons. It is said of Eli, "His sonsmadethemselves vile, and he restrained them not" (1 Samuel 3:13). TheHebrew has it, "He did not frown upon them."How sad—for lack of afrown,todestroyasoul!

Iammuchafraid, thisunchristian,yeswicked indulgenceofparents, isthefountainofallthatconfusionunderwhichEnglandatthistimereelsandstaggers likeadrunkenman.And for thisverysin (at least for thisamong others, yes, and for this above others) God is visiting all the

families of the land, from the throne to the poorest cottage. Suchindulgentparentshavelaidthefoundationof...theirownsorrows,theirchildren'sruin,andthedestructionofthenation,inwithholdingproperdisciplinefromtheirchildren!

ThereforeGodcrossesusinourrighteousdesires;wehavewalked,evenin this point, exceedingly contrary to God and to his discipline; andthereforeGodiswalkingcontrarytous,andispunishingusseventimesmore for this iniquity. And therefore O that parents would at lengthawaken themselves, to follow both the pattern and precept of theirheavenly Father, who, as "he corrects those whom he loves," so hecommands them to lovingly correct their children. "Withhold notcorrectionfromthechild;forifyoucorrecthimwiththerodheshallnotdie"(Proverbs23:13).

And it is furtherworthobservation, that the sameword in theoriginal,which is translated "withhold", signifies also "to forbid"; meeting withanotherdistemperinparents,whoastheywillnotcorrecttheirchildrenthemselves, so also they forbid others to correct them, under whosetuitiontheyputthem.Itisasiftheywereafraidtheirchildrenwouldnothave sin enough here, nor Hell enough hereafter—they lay in caveatsagainstthemeanswhichGodhassanctifiedfortheirreclaiming.Parents,takeheedthatwhenyoucommityourchildrentoothers'hands,youdonotinthemeanwhileholdtheirhands.

Ifyoujudgethemunwise,whydoyouchoosethem?Ifyouchoosethem,whydo younot trust them?Well then, if the rod is in your ownhand,withholditnot;ifinyourfriend'shand,forbiditnot.

Certainly there is great need of this duty, which the Spirit of GodfrequentlyinculcatesallthroughtheProverbs.

b.)Andsecondly,ifyouwouldhaveyourchildrenblessed,addinstruction to correction. Imitate God in this part of paternaldisciplinealso.Letchastisementand instructiongo together—it iswhatthe Holy Spirit urges upon you, "Bring them up in the nurture and

admonitionoftheLord"(Ephesians6:4).

There are two words relating to both of these parental duties; in the"nurture" or correction; and it is added, "of the Lord". That is,thechastisementwhich theLord commands earthlyparents to exercisetowards their children—this is the first duty, of whichwe have alreadyaddressed.Andthenthereisanotherword,whichholdsforththeendanddesignofparentalcorrection—that is the"admonition"or instructionofthe Lord—counsels and instructions taken out of theWord of God, orsuchasareapprovedofbyGod.Thesumis this, thatwhilewechastentheflesh—we should labor to informand form themindand spirit, byinfusing right principles, pressing and urging upon their tender heartscounsel,reproof,andinstructionasthematterrequires.

This is the duty of parents, to imitate God, to let instruction expoundcorrection;andwitharodinthehand,andawordinthemouth—totrainuptheirchildrentolifeeternal.

Asilentrodisbutabrutishdiscipline,andwillcertainlyleavethemmorebrutishthanitfoundthem.Chastisementwithoutteaching—maysoonerbreak the bones than the heart. Chastisement alone may mortify theflesh, but not corruption. Chastisement alone may control nature, butneverbegetgrace.But the rodandreproofgivewisdom.As instructionadded to correctionmakes excellent Christians—so also it makes goodchildren.

Thereareparentswhoare severeandcrustyenough to their children—theysparefornoblows.Insteadofbreakingthemoftheirwillsbyawiseandmoderatecorrection—theyarereadytobreaktheirbones,andtheirnecks too sometimes, in their angry passions!But theynevermind theotherbranchofpaternaldiscipline—instructionandadmonition.

OfsuchparentsIsupposetheapostlespeaks,"Wehavehadfathersofourflesh,whocorrectedandchastenedusaftertheirownpleasure"(Hebrews12:9-10).Heisnotspeakingofallparents,buthismeaningis,therearesuchmenandwomen in theworldwhoaremostunlike toGod,and insmiting their children rather please themselves, than profit theirchildren.Goddisciplinesforourprofit—buttheydisciplinetogiveventto

theirpassion,andsatisfytheirvindictiverageandfury.Andwhenisthat?

Trulywhentherodandreproofdonotgotogether,itisanargumentthatthereismorepassionthanwisdom,andmorecrueltythanlove, insuchchastisements.Suchparentsdoratherbetraytheirownfolly,thantakeacoursetomaketheirchildrenwise.

The rod and reproof give wisdom—neither alone will do it. The rodwithoutreproof,willhardentheheartandteachchildrensoonertohatetheir parents than to hate sin. While reproof without the rod, willoftentimes leaveno impression. It is divine truth alone,whichmust bethe instrument which works saving grace in the heart, "Sanctify themwithyourtruth—yourwordistruth"(John17:17).ItisthecommendationofTimothy'smother,thatfromhisveryinfancy,sheinstructedhimintheScriptures,"whichwereabletomakehimwisetosalvation"(2Timothy3:15).When the instruction of theWord in in themouthof the rod—itbringswisdomandlifewithit.

Andtherefore,OthatparentswouldimitatetheFatherofSpiritsinthisblessedareofpaternaldiscipline,jointhewordofinstructiontotherodofcorrection—andteachaswellaschastise"Reprove,rebuke,exhortwithalllong-sufferinganddoctrine"(2Timothy4:2).Othateverychildmighthave cause to give their parents that commendation which onceAugustine gave his mother, "My mother labored with my everlastingsalvationwithmore tenderness and sorrow, than ever she didwithmyfirstbirth."

O that natural parents could speak of the fruit of their loins, as Paulspeaks of his Galatians, "My little children, of whom I travail in birthagainuntilChristbeformedinyou"(Galatians4:19);sothattheymightrejoiceinthesecond,morethantheyeverdidinthefirstbirth.

Beloved,thisisdonebytheWordandtherod."Correctyoursonandheshall give you rest, yes he shall give delight unto your soul" (Proverbs29:17).Whatgreaterdelight than to seeyour childrenwalking in truth,andtothinkthuswithyourselves: thatsomanychildrenGodhasgivenyou,somanychildrenyouhavebroughtupforGod,andsomanyheirsfor the kingdom of Heaven! Well, chastise and teach them out of the

WordofGod,andyourchildrenshallbeblessed.

Takeoneshortcautionmore,andthatis:

c.) Add PRAYER to instruction. As teaching should accompanychastisement—so prayer should accompany teaching. Paul may plant,andApollosmaywater—butGodmust give the increase (1 Corinthians3:6). In the samewaywithus, the fathermay correct, themothermayinstruct,bothmaydoboth—butGodmustgivetheblessing.

SothereforeChristianparents,whiletheyaddinstructiontocorrection—should add prayer to instruction. Themeans are ours—the success isGod's. Therefore let us put the rod into the hand of instruction—andinstructionintothehandofprayer—andallintothehandofGod.

Prayandteachyourchildrentopray—thatGodwouldsoblesscorrectionand instruction, that both may make you and your children blessed.Amen

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