Secondly, The causes of trouble are removed by faith. As (1.) Self-love ; (2.) The life of sense : and (3.) Fancy or vain conceit. A man that is governed by these, and is under the influence of these, will never be free from trouble. But now faith persuading us of the love of God in Christ, cureth our self-love : 1 John iv. 16, 'We have known and believed the love that God hath to us ; ' and showing us better things to come, weaneth us from present sense : 2 Cor. iv. 18, 'While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.' And depending upon the wisdom and care of God, referreth the choice of our condition to him, and the carving of our lot and portion, as it maketh most for his glory : Phil. i. 20, ' Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death ; ' whether by things adverse or prosperous, whether the w^ay be fair or foul. In short, there are certain propositions and conclusions, which are abso- lutely necessary to exempt us from trouble ; and carnal self-love, the life of sense, and fancy or vain conceit, will never submit to them, but are only granted by faith, are the results of faith.
1. That spiritual benefit doth abundantly recompense and make amends for the loss of temporal interests. If an healthy soul be in a sickly body : 3 John 2, ' I wish above all things that thou mayest pro- sper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.' If the inward man may be renewed, though the outward man perish : 2 Cor. iv. 16, ' Though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.' That a little faith discovered to be sound and saving is of more worth than the best gold upon earth : 1 Peter i. 7, ' That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.' If sore trials discover reality of grace, better undergo them than be without them ; and we should esteem and prize these seasons of exercising and trying grace more than times of the quickest and greatest gain in the world. A little comfort in a trial should make up all the pain, shame, and loss that attendeth it. Xow .self-love, sense, and fancy will never subscribe to thi.s.
2. That God will never leave us whollv destitute, or to difficulties
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insupportable : 1 Coi. x, 13, ' God is faithful, who will not suffer you to he tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the tenaptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.' Alas ! many times, in the eye of sense, they are left and see no helper.
3. That all the bitter of outward trials is nothing to the sweets of in- ward communion, which the soul hath or may have with God thei-eby : Heb. xii. 11, 'Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous ; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of rigliteousness unto them that are exercised thereby.'
4. That hope against hope, and patience above strength, is the truest life of faith, and never wanted a most comfortable issue : Rom. iv. 18, ' Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; ' James v. 11, 'Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.'
5. Tliat all the dispensations of God to his people, whatever harsh- ness or hard aspect they have at first view, are yet stamped and marked witli covenant mercy, love and faithfulness : Ps. xxv. 10, ' All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.' There is merciful and faithful dealing with him in every condition ; for all this is but God's way to make them partake of his promises.
6. That every condition is useful, and hath a blessing in it to the godly: Cant. iv. 16, 'Awake, 0 north wind, and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out.' Out of what corner soever the wind bloweth, it is beneficial to Christ's garden, whether the bleak north wind, or hot south wind. The same Spirit sanctifieth afflictions who teacheth us how to serve God cheerfully in our prosperous condition. Whatever changes come upon us, a christian should be a christian still, and the savour of his spices should flow forth. The north and south wind be of contrary qualities, as cold and hot, moist and dry. The church needeth sometimes sharp rebukes, sometimes calm and gentle consolations.
7. That those things which seem to be for our temporal hurt do in the issue turn to our eternal good : 2 Cor. iv. 17, ' For our light afflic- tion, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' Carnal self-love, sense, and fancy are all for our temporal benefit, and would fain be rid of temporal evil ; but this would gratify our flesh, which feeleth what pleaseth it for the present, and so be for our eternal ruin ; but faith owneth God's wisdom and gracious ordering, and can see an eternal benefit in a temporal loss. As a prudent sick man obeyeth his physician before his appetite and against his appetite, because he is persuaded of his skill and faithfulness, we trust God because he is wise and faithful, and taketh the best course with us, though if we consult with fancy and appetite, no such thing doth appear. Some afflictions fit us for glory, as they better our hearts ; others hasten our glory, as they shorten our lives. In the eye of faith, persecution is the nearest way to heaven, and the sword of the enemy is but the key to open the prisoa-doors, and let out the soul that hath long desired to be with Christ,