Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

3944 The fixth petition expounded. feverally , and then from thence to inferre the ufes. rive forts of temptations. Temptations are of two forts ; i. Probations; 2. Provocations to evil. Ofprobati- I. Probations and trialls : And fo men fome - o s and tri- times do tempt, and fometimes God. Men; as when one friend, to try the good will of another, asketh fome benefit which he meaneth not to take:or when a man, to try the fidelity of his fervant, either drop - peth fome money in his way, or biddeth him do fome difficult things which he would not have him to do, &c. God trieth men, either that his graces may appear to his glory and their good ; or their in- firmities may appear, that they may be humbled Of Gods & more ferioufly turn unto him, Deut.8.2,16. And trialls, I. by thefe trialls of God are either of the right hand or profperity; of the left. The former are his temporali bleflings, which he bcfloweth upon men many times to try their thankfulneffe,humility, obedience, charity,af- fiance in God ; or the contrary. Exod. 16. 4. when the people wanted food , the Lord fent them food from heaven to tempt or to prove them whe- ther they would walk in his law or no. If men which are in profperity would confider that the Lord befloweth his bleffings upon them there- by to try them, that they fhould Thew what man- ner of men they are, doubtleífe this meditation would be profitable, partly to bewray their wants unto them, partly to incite them to labour to ap- prove themfelves to the Lord , that proveth them. Prove therefore and examine thy felf: God hath beftow.