2. Consider the degree of affliction ; it is not measured out by your- selves, but measured out by a wise God ; though afflicted very much and very sore, the measure it is ordered by God, as well as the kind of it. If it were measured out by ourselves, it would be too light, it would be too gentle ; the patient must not be trusted in searching his own wounds ; and if it were left to our enemies, they would know no bounds : Zech. i. 15, ' I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.' But it is left to the wise, just, and gracious God and Father ; he tempers the cup in his own hand ; and therefore
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98 SERMONS UPON" PSALM CXIX. [SeR. CXVI.
wlien the affliction is grown sore and strong, it comes not only from a wise God, but a tender Father, that best knows what is good for ns. Job xxxiv. 23, that is a notable place, ' For he will not lay upon man more than right, that he should enter into judgment with God ; ' that is, the party afflicted hath no just complaint against God, can take no exception jigainst God's proceedings, for he perfectly understands our need, and understands our strength. God perfectly understands our need : 1 Peter i. 6, ' If need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations.' And understands our strength : 1 Cor. x. 13, ' Faithful is he, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.' Many parents do not correct their children in measure, being ignorant of their nature and disposition. Many physicians mistake their patients' coustitution, therefore the physic may work too strongly and too violently for them ; but God understands our need and our strength, and so suits all his remedies accordingly.
Use 2, To reprove those fond complaints that are extorted from us in deep and pressing afflictions ; as if —
1. Sometimes, there was never any so afflicted as I am. God's people have been sore troubled : Lam. i. 12, ' Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ? Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me/ Yes, others have been afflicted in the same kind and degree, if not worse : 1 Peter v. 9,
' All these things are accomplished in your brethren that are in the - world.' You think it is such as the like hath never been known or heard of, for every man's own pain seemeth most grievous : Lam. iii. ], ' I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.' Other prophets foretold them, I see them executed. The best of God's people have their measures of hardships ; you are not singular, do not stand alone. This is one of Satan's deceits. Satan will suggest this to a child of God, that he ma}'' question his Father's affection, lose the comfort of his adoption, and put yourselves out of the number of God's children. Your lot is not harder than the rest of God's children ; all that are in the world have the same trials, troubles, pressing evils npon their hearts now and then.
2. Another you find complaining, taxing God of unfaithfulness, as if he would break trust, and lay upon you more than you are able to bear, and you deceive yourselves ; for if you cannot bear your present burden, you would bear none, you do not improve Christ's strength : Phil. iv. 13, ' I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Christ doth not help us in such a degree, or one trouble, and no more, but in all.
3. Another we find complain, I am cut oflP; God will be merciful and gracious no more, Ps. Ixxvii. 8, 9, &c. ; he hath forsaken me and forgotten me. God's children have been brought thus low, yet have been raised, as the church : Ps. cxviii. 18, ' Lord, thou hast chastened me sore, yet hast not given me over unto death.' Within a little while he will show this was but our infirmity ; this would stop these idle complaints by which we give vent to our daily inipatience.
We have seen David's case, but what doth he do ? He goes to God about comfort and relief, ' I am afflicted very sore : 0 Lord, quicken me, according to thy word.' There observe —
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1. That he prays, and makes his addresses to God.
2. For what lie prays.
Doct. First, That he prays. Observe, affliction should put us upon prayer and serious address to God. Thus God's people are wont to do: Isa. xxvi. 16, 'Lord, in trouble have they visited thee; they poured out a prayer when thy chastening w^as upon them.' They that have neglected God at other thnes, will be dealing with him then, and this God expects : Hosea v. 15, ' I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face ; in their afflic- tion they will seek me early.' It will be the first thing they will do, the greatest thing they will take care of ; as that which we most care for, most is thought of in the morning. Nay, it is that which God onjoins : Ps. 1. 15, ' Call upon me in the time of trouble.' Some might hang off when God's rod is upon their backs, or be discouraged by the bitter sense of a trouble ; therefore God doth not only give us leave, but commands us to call upon him. This is the special season when this duty is performed with life and vigour : ' Is any man afflicted ? let him pray,' James v. 13. Let him thus give vent to his trouble, it doth mightily ease the heart. An oveu stopped up is the hotter within ; the more we keep down grief, and do not unburden ourselves, the more it presseth upon the heart. Wind imprisoned in the bowels of the earth makes a terrible shaking there till it gets vent ; so till our sorrow gets a vent it rends and tears the heart. The throne of grace was appointed for such a time, Heb. iv. 16 ; when need comes, then it is a time to improve our interest, to put promises in suit ; when God seems to be an enemy to us, when, to appearance, he executes the curse of the old covenant, oh ! then we should work through all dis- couragements, then we should hold God to his second grant and charter, and come to his throne of grace, and keep him there.