324 How to liveby Faith intimeofAdverfitie, ECay.z1.g. Dan, t L. Deut.8.3. Lieb. 2.; t. Detu.3. i 6, Rom. 5.3i4. Zach.3.9, Mat 3.;. c P:t.g.g. Lam.;. a,. P!à!. ag.g a. Pr0:20.3:0. bles, loffes, difgraces, dangers and fuch like, are the Lords baths and pills, whereby he rids us ofthat infecclieus mat- ter, which,wouldimpaircour fpirituall health, ifit were let alone ; his bitter potions, that (hall worke for cur health andwelfare. He bath Paid unto Croffcs,purge,re- fine, try, exercife, breed the quiet fruits ofrighteoufneffe, i give themexperier:ce of their faith, confirme their pati- ence, (Lippert their hope, make them bring forth more fruit : but he bath given themno allowance to hurt, vexe, confound, weaken faith, or wafleany grace oftheSpirit. When we ferle ourbowels wring,or(as in a Sea-ficknes) aredead-ficke for the prefcnt,then faith puts us in remem- brance, we (hall be the better many daies after. Phyficke makes ficke before it gives health : fo doe affliftions, but the fruit is pleafant. When they area little over we fhail be able to fay, Oh, this was good for me, I would not for any thing, but I had borne the yoke in my youth, that I may live the more comfortably in my age. Wife parents do not alwaiescorrea theirchildren in meafure, as being ignorantoftheir natureand difpofition. The moli learned Phyfician maybe deceived in thedifeafe and conflitution of his patient, sniflake in the quality or flrength ofhis Phyficke,and fo mill'eofhis intended cure : But the fpiri- tuall Phyfician of our foules, doth fo exaclly know our temper and difeafe, doth fo intirely affeE our health, fo accurately mingle the maligne and poifonfull ingredients in our Phyficke withcorrec`lors andallaves, that the con-. fee}ion (hall be good,and altogether (hail and mull worke for thebell. What hough they be bitter to the talc ? It is better with the bodywhen it feedethon fowreherbes, Whichbreed good bloud,thenon fwect meares which en- gender bitter vomits,& mortall fickneff'es.The true foule- fickneffe, viz fin and corruption that dwelleth in it, doth cleave fo fall, and batheaten fo deepe, that gentle purges, cafe corrofives (that fcarce work to fence or feeling)can not expell or remove it. True it is, that all evils in them £elves art hurtful], but faith lóokcth upon them as they are
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=