_Of the want of all comfort._ IT is not hard to despise human comfort, when we have divine. It is much to be able to want both human and divine comfort; and for the glory of God to be willing to endure desolation of heart. What great matter is it, if thou be chearful and devout at the coming of grace? This hour is to be wished for of all men. *He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel, if he feel no burthen, who is bore up by the Almighty? 2. We are always willing to have something for our comfort: and a man doth hardly put off himself. *See thou learn to forsake thy intimate and beloved friend for the love of God. *Be not grieved when thou art forsaken by a friend, knowing that we all at length must be separated from one another. When a man trusteth in himself, he easily slideth into human comfort: But a true lover of Christ betakes not himself to human comfort, but rather sustains hard exercises and great labour for Christ. *3. When therefore spiritual comfort is given thee from God, receive it thankfully: but know, it is the gift of God, not thy desert. *Be not puffed up, neither do thou presume vainly: but be rather more humble for the gift, and more wary in all thy actions: for that hour will pass away, and temptation will succeed. 4. _David_, in the presence of the divine grace, said, _I said in my prosperity, I shall never be removed_. But in the absence of it, having experienced what he was in himself, he adds, _Thou didst turn thy face from me, and I was troubled_. Yet doth he not despair, but more earnestly prayeth unto the Lord, and saith, _Then cried I unto thee, O Lord, and gat me to my Lord right humbly_. Lastly, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and witnesseth that he was heard, saying, _The Lord hath heard me, and taken pity on me: the Lord is become my helper_. But wherein? _Thou hast turned_, saith he, _my heaviness into joy: thou hast compassed me about with gladness._ 5. Whereupon therefore can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, but in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace? For whether I enjoy the presence of good men, or religious brethren, or faithful friends, or holy books, or excellent treatises, or sweet songs and hymns, all these help little, and have little relish, when grace forsaketh me, and I am left in my own poverty. At such a time there is no better remedy than patience, and renouncing my own will, according to the will of God. Temptation going before, is wont to be a sign of ensuing comfort. And to those that are proved by temptations, heavenly comfort is promised. _He that shall overcome_, saith He, _I will give him to eat of the tree of life_. 6. Divine comfort is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversity. There followeth temptation lest he should grow proud thereof.