And to think of all other things as they are, according to the disposal of thy wisdom. CHAPTER XXIII. _How we ought to call upon God, and bless him in tribulation._ _Christian._ BLESSED, O Lord, be thy name for ever, who art pleased that this temptation and tribulation should come upon me. I cannot fly it; but must needs fly to thee, that thou mayst help me, and turn it to my good. Lord, I am now afflicted. I am much troubled with this present suffering. And now, dear Father, what shall I say? I am in a strait, save me from this hour. Yet therefore came I unto this hour, that thou mayst be glorified, when I shall have been brought very low, and then delivered by thee. Let it please thee, Lord, to deliver me; for, what can I do, and whither shall I go without thee? Grant me patience, Lord, at this time also. Help me, my God, and then I will not fear, how grievously soever I be afflicted. 2. And now, in these my troubles, what shall I say? Lord, thy will be done, I have deserved to be afflicted. Surely I ought to bear it; and O that I could bear it with patience, until the tempest be passed over! But thy hand is able to take even this temptation from me, and to assuage the violence thereof, that I utterly sink not under it, as often heretofore thou hast done unto me, O my God, my merciful God. And the more hard it is to me, the more easy is this change to the right hand of the Most High. CHAPTER XXIV. _Of craving the divine aid, and confidence of recovering grace._ _Christ._ SON, I am the Lord, that giveth strength in the day of tribulation. Come unto me when it is not well with thee. This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art slow in turning thyself unto prayer. For before thou dost earnestly pray unto me, thou seekest many comforts, and triest to refresh thyself with outward things. And hence it comes to pass that all doth little profit thee, until thou considerest, that I am he that delivers those that trust in me; that out of me is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy. But now having recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of my mercies, for I am at hand to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly. 2. Is there any thing hard to me? Or am I like unto him that promiseth and performeth not? Where is thy faith? Be firm and constant. Take courage and be patient; comfort will come to thee in due time. Wait, wait for me, I will come and heal thee. Let not thy heart be troubled, neither let it fear. Believe in me, and put thy trust in my mercy. When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from me, often I am nearest unto thee. When thou judgest, almost all is lost, then often is the greatest opportunity of improvement. That which I have given I can take away; and restore it again when I please.