God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)
The Word, then, is the storehouse of all instruction. Look not for any new diverse doctrine to be taught thee by affliction, which is not in the Word. For, in truth, herein stands our teaching by affliction, that it fits and prepares us for the Word, by breaking and sub-dividing the stubbornness of our hearts, and making them pliable, and capable of the impression of the Word (Daniel Dyke).
Faith, which is trust, and fear are opposite poles. If a man has the one, he can scarcely have the other in vigorous operation. He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust.
