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manifold temptations." God acts with judgment in proportion to our needs; there is a conveniency and fitness, nay, there is an absolute necessity in the case; it must be that we are in heaviness and that through manifold temptations. One single trial oftentimes will not do, to empty is of self, to wean us from the world, to shew us the vanity of the creature, the sinfulness of sin, &c.: it must be repeated or others joined with it, so fast are our affections glued to the things of time and sense. Now, what this need is in us, what this intention and end is in God, the Christian will and ought to be searching out, and inquiring daily into.
This was Job's frame, (and ye have heard, as says the, apostle, of the patience of Job.) Job xxxiv. 31. 32. “Surely it is meet to be said unto God I have borne chistisement, I will not offend any more. That which a see not, teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more." Sin lies deep, it must be searched after in the deep and secret corners of the heart; there is so much self-love and self-flattery hid there, that a man cannot judge aright of himself, or of God without divine teachings. It is meet to be said unto God, "I have borne chastisment." Sirs, it is one thing to be chastised, and another thing to bear chastisement; to behave aright under it; to be patient, submissive,
