Ver. 4. AtffilIions acaur ofspiritual Difguietients. 3 z I they had of Gods difpleafure in and under them, and of his hiding of his face from them while(t they. were fo exer- cited. It is not otherwife at prefent, as is known unto fuch as con - verfe with many, who are either furprized with unexpected troubles, or worn out with tryals and difappointm: nrs of an expe6ted end. They confider themfelves.both abfolutely, and with refpetl unto otbers, and on both accounts are filled with dirk. tboughrs and defpondencies. Saith one, I am rolled from one trial unto another; the clouds with me return (till after the rain. All the billows and water-pouts of God go over me. In my perfon, it may be, prefl'ed with ficknefs, pains, troubles; in my Relations, with their fins, mifcarriages, or death , in my outward 'fate, in wants, loffes, difreputation, I am even as a witheredbranch. Surely ifGod had any efpecial regard unto my foul, it would not be thus with me; or fome timely end would have been put unto thefe difpenfations. On the other hand, they take a view offome other Profef ors ; they fee that their Tables are fpread day by day ; that the Candle ofthe Lord Chines continually on their tabernacle, and that in all things they have their hearts delire. Setting ofde the common atten- dencies of humane nature, and nothing befalls them grievous in the world. Thus it is with them. And Curtly had I an. interehl in his Grace, in Pardon, the God ofIfrael would not thus pur- fue a Flea in the Mountains, nor fet himfelf in battei array againfi a leafdriven toand fro with thewind ; he would (pare me a little, and let me alone fora moment ; but as things are with me, I fear n'y way is hidden from the Lord, andmy Judge- ment is pafied over from my God. Thefe kindof thoughts do perp'..x the minds ofmen, and keep them off from par- takingof that lfrorrg confolation which God is abundantly wil- ing they (hould receive, by a comfortable perfwafion ofa WC- fed Intereft in that forgivenefs that is withhim. And this wasthe very cafe of David ; or at leaft theft out. ward troubles were a fpecial part ofthole depths, out ofwhich he tilted for relief, by a.fenfeofPardon,Grace and Redemption with God. Ianfwcr to thefe Complaints; Fir(, That there are fo many i 3
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