But now let it pass; it is not the first that hath happened, nor is it any new thing, neither shall it be the last. Thou art valiant enough, as long as no adversity happeneth. Thou canst give good counsel, and strengthen others with thy words; but when tribulation cometh to thy door, thou art destitute of counsel and strength. I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help thee, and to give thee greater comfort than before, if thou puttest thy trust in me, and callest devoutly upon me. 2. Be patient, and prepare thyself to greater sufferings. All is not lost, if thou feelest thyself afflicted, or grievously tempted. I am he, who will strengthen with health them that mourn, and raise up unto glory those that know their own infirmity. 3. _Christian._ Lord, blessed be thy word, more sweet unto my mouth than honey, and the honey-comb. What should I do in tribulations, unless thou didst comfort me with thy holy words? What matter is it, how much and what I suffer, so I may at length attain the port of salvation? Grant me a good end. Grant me a happy passage out of this world! Be mindful of me, O my God, and direct me in the right way to thy kingdom. _Amen._ CHAPTER XLI. _Of searching the secret judgments of God._ _Christ._ SON, beware thou disputest not of high matters, nor of the secret judgments of God. Why this man is left, and that man taken into favour; why this is so much afflicted, and that so greatly advanced: These things are beyond the reach of man; neither can reason search out the judgments of God. When the enemy therefore suggesteth these things unto thee, answer; thou art just, O Lord, and thy judgments are right. And again, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Thy judgments are to be feared, not to be discussed; they are such as cannot be comprehended by the understanding of man. 2. Neither enquire or dispute of the merits of saints, which of them is holier than the other. 3. I know both the first and the last: I embrace all with inestimable love. I am to be praised in all my saints; I am to be blessed above all things, and to be honoured in every one. CHAPTER XLII. _That all our hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone._ _Christian._ LORD, what is my trust in this life? Or what is my greatest comfort of all things under heaven? Is it thou, my Lord God, whose mercies are without number? Where hath it been well with me without thee? Or when could it be ill with me, when thou wert present? I had rather be poor for thee, than rich without thee. I had rather chuse to be a pilgrim on earth with thee, than to possess heaven without thee. *Where thou art, there is heaven; and there is death and hell, where thou art not. Thou art my desire; and therefore I cannot but sigh, and cry, and pray unto thee. For I have none to trust in, none that can help me in my necessities, but thee alone, my God.