192 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. on account of his universal esteem and great moderation, he continued unmolested.. This worthy divine, during the latter part of his life, was afflicted with most racking pains, but was ofa most huml?le, meek, and quiet spirit. Under these tormenting agonies, he never,murmured, but, in the exercise of faith and patience, was entirely resigned to the will of God. He manifestedso excellent a spirit through the whole of his long and painful affliction, that many persons were of opinion that God designed him for a patternof patience to posterity. When his friends asked him how he did, he usually replied, " The bush is always burning, but not consumed. And though my pains be above the strength of nature, they are not above the supports of grace." About two months before his death, his pains became more extreme than ever, when he cried thus unto the Lord : " 0 thou Father of mercies, pity me. Do not contend for ever. Consider my frame, that I am but dust. My God, who hast made heaven and earth, help me. Oh ! give me patience, and inflict what thou wilt. If my patience was more, my pain would be less. Dear Saviour, why dost thou cover thyself with a thick cloud ? Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. Consider, Lord, that I am thy servant. Lord, drop some sweet comfort into these bitter waters. 0 that the blood of sprinkling may allay my pains ! I am in a fiery furnace. Lord, bewith me, and bring me out refined from sin. When. I have sailed through the ocean of these pains, and look back, I see they are all needful. I fly unto thee, 0 God ! Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, till the terrible storm be overpast. 0, my God ! break open the prison door, and set my poor captive soul at liberty. But enable me willingly to wait thy time. No man ever more desired life than 'I desire death. When will that day arrive that I shall neither sin nor sorrow any more ? When shall this earthly tabernacle be dissolved, that I may be clothed upon with that house which is from heaven ? Blessedare the dead which die in the Lord ; for they rest from their labours." Through the wholeofhis affliction heexercised anunshaken confidence in God, and enjoyed an uninterruped, assurance of his favour. He called him my Father and my God, and said, " Consider, and save me, for I am thine. How long, 4P, Clark's Lives, p.266.
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