338 Howtolive by Faith in time o f dverfatie, 2. Pfal. 3 T. z s. Efay z7.8. Heb. i jer.46. z 8, r Cor. a©.t;. Pfal, i o3, ic, under the burthen of long during croffes. Sinne is more oppofite to faith, more perillous to the foule , then any fatherly Cha[fifements (though fharpe and cutting,) as the difeafe is worfe then the phyficke miniared to expell it. Secondly, Faith in the greate(l extreamities fugge(leth, that we are under the hand of God, who corredfeth in meafure, andfor our profit, who Lath determined the time and weight of our afflitctions, and by his blefliing will turne them to our good ; who doth proportion our evils, according to theflrength wehave, or which he will give, net according to our deferving and aifo continue our aflietions in great wifdome, faithfu:ne(fe, and mercy. Even as the Ph) fìtianonly canprefcribe what quantityof phyficke is to be taken , withwhat change, and how long thecourfe ofdiet is to be contir.ued : fó the Lord onely doth appoint the meafure, variety, and continuance of troubles, wherewith he is pleated to exercifè us. Wicked men cannot fet the time, nor meafure out the quantity of fuch miferies, whereofthey a e in(lruments to the god- ly, for theywouldknow no meane,nor ever make anend. They may be fit executioners ofGods will herein, when they be fettoo, and taken off, according ro his appoint- ment : but unfit determiners what is to be inflifted , or how long it muff be endured. Nor are we our felves to appoint the quality ofour Cha(lifements ; or the termes and teafons wherein andhow long they (hall be continu- ed : for we would tafl onely , (ifat all) of the milder phyficke, or lipbut lightlyof bitter potions, when necef- (ity requires we fh.ould take deepe. The patient is not to be tru(led with the fearching and dreflïng of his owne wound, if painfull to be handled. Now teeing it is the Lord, great inmer y, infinite in wifedome, abundant in love and tender in compalfions, who doth mingle our cup, why flaould we fareor faint ? If Ia'co6 had held or tended Iofeph inprifon, would he haveufed him roughly, Ior kept him overlong ? Nono : much leffe will God : (who
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