150 THE SAINTS' REST [Chap. 10. the creature for God, and earth for heaven. What warn affectionate, eager thoughts have we of the world, till af- fictions cool and moderate them ! Afflictions speak con- vincingly, and will be heard when preachers cannot. Many a poor Christian is sometimes bending his thoughts to wealth, or flesh -pleasing, or applause, and so loses his re- lish of Christ, and the joy above; till God break in upon his riches, or children, or conscience, or health, and break down his mountain which he thought so strong. And then, when he lieth in Manasseh's fetters, or is fastened to his bed with pining sickness, the world is nothing, and heaven is something. If our dear Lord did not put these thorns under our head, we should sleep out our lives, and lose our glory. 3. Afflictions are also God's most effectual means to keep us from losing our way to our rest. Without this hedge of thorns on the right hand and left, we should hardly keep the way to heaven. If there be but one gap open, how ready are we to find it, and turn out at it ! When we grow wanton, or wortuly, UI FLoud, 1,.,.. a i . inavo, mhnr affliction, reduce us ! Every Christian, as well as Luther, may call affliction one of the best schoolmasters; and, with David, may say, " Before I was afflicted, I went astray ; but now have I kept thyword." Many thousand recovered sinners may cry, " Ohealthful sickness ! O comfortable sor- rows ! O gainful losses ! 0 enriching poverty ! O blessed day that ever I was afflicted !" Not only the " green pas- tures and still waters, but the rod and staff, they comfort us." Though the word and Spirit do the main work, yet suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that the word bath easier entrance. 4. Afflictions likewise serve to quicken 'Sur pace in the way to our rest. It were well, if mere love would prevail with us, and that we were rather drawn to heaven than driven. But, seeing our hearts are so bad that mercy will not do it, it is better to be put on with the sharpest scourge, than loiter, like the foolish virgins, till the door is shut. O what a difference is there betwixt our prayers in health and in sickness ! betwixt our repentings in prosperity and adversity ! Alas ! if we did not sometimes feel the spur, what a slow pace would most of us hold toward heaven ! since our vile natures require it, why should we be unwill-
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