Consolations for the Afflicted, Book 2 · Chapter 26

Consolations for the Afflicted · Book 2 · Chapter 26

p. 548CHAP. XXVI.

That the Lord vseth afflictions as a notable meanes to preserue vsus from condemnation, and to further our eternall glory and happinesse.

BY that which hath been said it appeareth, that the Lord by our afflictions communicateth§ Sect. 1. That the Lord by afflictions preserueth vsus from c…ndemnation. vntounto vsus many temporary benefits, making vsus thereby partakers both of his spirituall and sauing graces, and also of earthly and worldly blessings. Now according to our order propounded we are to shew, that he also vseth them as meanes to conueigh vntounto vsus such benefits as are euerlasting, and doe respect the life to come. And these are of two sorts; for by these chastisements and fatherly corrections the Lord both preserueth vsus from euerlasting condemnation, and also furthereth and aduanceth our eternall glory and endlesse happinesse. Concerning the former we are to know, that wheras we in our owne nature and disposition are ready to take such waies, and to run such courses, as would, if we continued in them, bring vsus in the end to endlesse woe and misery; the Lord in his infinite louelove and mercy stoppeth and staieth vsus from going on, by casting these blockes and bushes before vsus, that by an holy violence p. 549and profitable necessitie we may be forced to turne back againe vntounto him, and so be saued from this desperate danger. And as the careful husband-man setteth a hedge of sharpe thornes about his wels and deepe pits to keep his cattell from falling into them: so our gracious God, out of his speciall louelove and care ouer vsus, doth with these thornie hedges of trouble & afflictiō, preserue vsus (as we are ranging and rouing in the fields of this world) from falling into, and perishing in the pit of perdition. In our selues we are ready like silly sheep, to wander out of the right way which leadeth vntounto happinesse, into the bypaths of sinne and wickednesse; and so to become a pray vntounto Sathan, who like a greedy wolfe rangeth about, that getting vsus within his reach, he may seaze vponupon and vtterly destroy vsus: and therefore our carefull shepheard watcheth ouer vsus with his prouidence, & when he seeth vsus thus to go astray, he vseth these afflictions, as it were the dog of the flocke, to fetch vsus backe againe, and therewith as with the shepheards crooke and rod, hee pulleth vsus vntounto him, and driueth vsus forward in the paths of holinesse and righteousnesse, which will safely bring vsus into those heauenly folds of endlesse happinesse. If wee were left vntounto our owne libertie, we would like the foolish bird flee from our Lord and master, and so become a pray to hellish fiends, who like rauenous kites, would seaze vponupon vsus; and therefore with these sharpe kniues of affliction he clippeth our wings to hinder vsus from taking this pernitious flight, and restraineth our licentious libertie, by putting vsus into these cages of restraint, that so wee may be preserued safe from perishing in these dangers. Finally if we might hauehave our owne wils, we would, like wanton and vntamed heifers, feede and take our pastime in the pleasant pastures of sinne, and would gladly keepe companie with wicked worldings ordained to destruction; but howsoeuer the Lord suffereth these fat buls of Basan to feede and p. 550Pamper themselues with these delights, to liue at ease, leape and friske about and take their pleasure, because he hath appointed them to be slaughtered in the shambles of perdition; yet he restraineth vsus from this wicked fellowship, by putting vponupon vsus this yoke of chastisement; and causeth vsus to feede in bare fields, because he is purposed to vse our seruice, that we may inioy life eternall, and not accompanie them in a common destruction. So that when wee are iudged (we may say with the Apostle1. Cor. 11. 32.1 Cor 11:32 that) wee are chastened of the Lord that we may not for euer be condemned with the world. To which purpose a worthie father saith, that when God doth correct his children, and vexe them heere with the stinging whipsDiligit quem flagellat, nolen… inuenire quem damnet August. senten. Tom. 3. of holesome and holy chastisements, he exerciseth discipline before iudgement, and sheweth his louelove in scourging them, in that hee therefore correcteth them that he may not finde them such as are fit to be condemned. And therefore seeing the Lord vseth our afflictions as notable meanes, to preserue vsus from falling into euerlasting condemnation, by seuering vsus from wicked worldlings, and keeping vsus from accompanying them in the pleasant broade way which leadeth to destruction: as also by restraining vsus from sinne when we are ready to fall into it, or pulling vsus out of it by vnfained repentance, when wee are already fallen (as I hauehave before more largely proued) great reason hauehave wee to beare these chastisements, not only with patience and meekenesse, but also with ioy and thankefulnesse; For (as oneQuis nescit quòd multō melius est ardere flammis febrium, quam flammis vitiorum? Gregor. saith) it is better to be burned with the flame of a feauer, then with the flame of vices; seeing by this the fier of Hell is kindled against vsus, the torment whereof is intolerable and euerlasting. Let vsus not then thinke any momentanie afflictions heauie and hard to be borne, which helpe to free vsus from those endlesse tortures, yea rather let vsus praise and magnifie Gods mercy in them, in that being in comparison lesse then the by ting of a flye, they p. 551by awakening vsus out of the sleepe of sinne and security, do preserue vsus from being stung euerlastingly with that deadly stinging serpent of death and destruction; and being lesse to be esteemed then the prick of a pin, doe helpe to free vsus from the tormenting racke of Gods inraged wrath.

But let vsus consider further, that as the Lord in his infinite§ Sect. 2. That God by our afflictions furthereth our euerlasting glory and saluation. Cum torquent aliqua mala, & non extorquent opera mala, non solum anima per patientiam possidetur &c. August. lide patien. cap. 8 2. Cor. 4. 10.2 Cor 4:10 louelove vseth afflictions as a notable meanes to preserue vsus from condemnation: so also for the furthering of our saluation, and increasing of our happinesse. For as one saith, when as these euils of puishment torture vsus, and in torturing doe not extort from vsus the euill of sin; not only the soule is possessed by patience, but also when the body it selfe doth meekely indure affliction or temporarie destruction, it gaineth heereby secure and immouable safetie, ioined with euerlasting felicity; and so by sorrow and death, inuiolable health and happy immortality is procured. And this is the chiefe end at which (next vntounto his owne glory) God aimeth in al our afflictions; for eueryevery where wee beare about in our body the dying of our Lord Iesus, that the life of Iesus might also be made manifest in our bodies, as the Apostle speaketh; and as elsewhere he saith, therefore are we tried with tribulations, that our patience and faith being approued wee may be counted worthy of the kingdome of God; yet not2. Thes. 1. 5.2 Thess 1:5 through our owne merit, but through Gods gracious acceptance; for there is no comparison betweene thePatior in terris vt potiar Coelis. smalnesse of our sufferings, and the greatnesse of the reward, though the Lord in his infinite merciemercy is content to repute vsus worthy of this superexcellent weight of glory for these our light and momentany afflictions. So the Author of the booke of Wisdome saith, that the2. Cor. 4. 17.2 Cor 4:17 righteous hauing beene a little chastized shall bee greatly rewarded; for God proued them & found them worthy Wisd. 3. 5.Wis 3:5for himselfe. To the same purpose an ancient father speaking of Gods end in chastening his children saith; p. 552Thou giuest them correction, that thou maiest not takeDas disciplinam vt non auferas misericordiam. Cadis reddas ei promissam haereditatem &c. Idioat. apud Orthodoxogr. de patien. verae contempl. c. …. Erudit ad scientiam, exercetad timorem vt coronet ad gloriam. ibidem. c. 12. August. de ciuit. dei lib. 12. cap. 6. thy mercy from them; thou beatest them for their contumacy, that thou maiest bestow vponupon them the promised patrimony: Neither is it any wonder if thou correctest those being little, whom being come to ripe age in Christ thou wilt make thy heires. Thou therefore scourgest these, but withall thou instructest and preseruest them in safety; whereas thou sparest the wicked for a time, that thou maiest condemne them for euer. Thou instructest them to know thee, thou exercisest them to feare thee, that thou maist crowne them with glory. So another asketh the reason why God permitteth the faithfull to be temped? Is it not (saith he) that his vertue may heereby be tryed and exercised, and hee attaine vntounto greater happinesse, for it is a more glorious victory not to consent being temped, then if hee could not at all bee subiect to temptation. And this consideration moued Moses not only to beare with patience affliction, when through vrgent necessity & vnauoidable violence it was forced vponupon him; but voluntary to choose tribulation with Gods children, rather then to be deuided from their society, because he knew that after his trials being approued, there was a crowne of happinesse reserued for him. For so it is said that he refused to be called the sonne of Pharaohs daughter Heb. 11. 25. 26.Heb 11:25Heb 11:26and chose rather to suffer aduersity with the people of God, then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season; esteeming the rebuke of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Aegypt; because he had respect to the recompence of reward. Yea this was a notable incouragement to our sauiour Christ himselfe in bearing those great afflictions and calamities which were laide vponupon him, whose example theHeb. 12. 1. 2.Heb 12:1Heb 12:2 Apostle propoundeth vntounto vsus for our imitation. Let vsus run (saith he) with patience the race that is set before vsus; looking vntounto Iesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the ioy that was set before him endured the crosse, and p. 553despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God. And surely if we also would continually fix the eies of our mindes vponupon the excellency and eternity of these heauenly ioyes, and consider with our selues that our short and light afflictions doe much further vsus in attayning vntounto them, it would be a notable inducement to make vsus beare them, not onelyonly with patience and comfort, but euen to triumph ouer them with great reioycing. Especially if we consider further, that it is not the bare bearing of these afflictions that doth intitle vsus to this happinesse, but when with our patience we doe ouercome them; for as the Apostle saith, then are we to be accounted blessed not when we suffer, but when weeIam. 5, 10. 11.Jas 5:10Jas 5:11 patiently indure in these sufferings; then shall we be copartners with Gods saints in that glorious kingdome, when we are companions with them, not onelyonly in tribulaon, but also in patience, as the Apostle Iohn conioynethApoc. 1. 9. Apoc 2. 10.Rev 1:9Rev 2:10 them: then will God giuegive vsus the crowne of life, when hauing tried vsus with afflictions he hath found vsus faithful vntounto the death: Then shall we receiue the garland when we hauehave got the victory. And then▪ and not before, shal we triumph in glory when we hauehave fought a good fight, and ouercome and put to flight these our spirituall enemies.

But let vsus somewhat more particularly consider, how§ Sect. 3. That afflictions fit and prepare vsus for the kingdome of heauen. and in what respects these momentany afflictions doe further vsus in attayning vntounto euerlasting happinesse. And first we are to know, that our crosses and calamities doe helpe vsus forward towards these heauenly ioyes, as they doe fit and prepare vsus for the fruition of them. And this they doe in a double respect: first, as they make vsus weary of the world, when we finde such hard entertainment, and willing and desirous to arriue in our heauenly country, where we expect better welcome. For as by the afflictions of Aegypt, the Israelits were inflamed in their desires to leaue that country, whereas they could hauehave p. 554beene contented to hauehave liued and died, if they had inioyed in it ease, peace and plenty, and when their oppressions were increased, then and not before, set their hearts on the promised land, their face to seeke it, and their feete in the way which led vntounto it: So when as we are so addicted to the world, that if without molestation we could inioy the vanities of it, we would be content, yea earnestly desire to continue still in it; the Lord causeth this spirituall Pharaoh to vex and oppresse vsus, with which seruitude being throughly wearied, we desire to forsake the place of our miserable bondage, that we may be freed from these afflictions; and earnestly desiring to be in our heauenly country, where we expect to finde and enioy sweet rest, peace and fulnesse of all spirituall ioy, we thinke of setting our feete toward the holy land, and of walking in the way of righteousnesse and holinesse which leadeth vntounto it. To this purposeGregor. epist. ex registr l. 2. indict. 11. c. 90 one saith, that if we rightly obserue the course of this life we shall finde nothing firme or constant, but as the traueller passeth sometimes by pleasant plaines, and sometimes by rough and vneuen waies; so we, whilest we remaine in this life▪ doe one while meete with prosperity, and another while with aduersity, which interchangeably succeede one another, and change their course by turnes. And therefore seeing we are in all estates subiect to changes and alterations, our mindes should neither be exalted with prosperity, nor deiected with aduersity: but with all our hearts we are earnestly to desire to be in that place, where all things which are good are also permanent, and where there is no interchange betweene prosperity and aduersity. To which end God so ordereth it by his diuine prouidence, that in this life either aduersity followeth prosperity, or prosperity aduersity; that one while being humbled we may learne to mourne for our sinnes, and another while being exalted wee may retaine in our mindes the remembrance p. 555of aduersity, as the author of humility. Againe afflictions doe fit and prepare vsus for our heauenly happinesse, as they serue for helpes and meanes, to clense and purifie vsus from the filth of our corruptions and pollution of sin; For whereas no impure or base mettall, can euer come into this treasury of blessednesse; afflictions are that fiery furnace wherein we are purged and refined from the drosse of our corruptions, according to that of the prouerbes; Take the drosse from the siluer, and Pro. 25. 4.Prov 25:4there shall come forth a vessell for the siner. Whereas onelyonly the purest graine shall be stored vp in these grainers of happinesse, afflictions are the winde and fanne which purge and clense vsus from the chaffe of sinne; whereas no vncleane thing can enter in thither, these troubles and cross…s are the meanes to wash, and purge vsus, as they bring vsus vntounto God by vnfained repentance. Finally, whereas faire and well-squared stones only shall be placed in that heauenly building of the new Ierusalem, afflictions are those hammers and tooles whereby wee are smoothed from the bunches and knobs of worldly superfluities, carnall cares, and earthly lone. And as the Lord in building his materiall Temple tooke order that the stones should be hewen, cut and polished, in the quarreyes, because hee would not hauehave so much as the noise of a hammer to be heard in his house; so in the building of his spirituall and triumphant church his wil is that the liuely stones appointed for this worke should be hewed and hammered, squared and prepared with crosses and troubles in the quarry of this world; because he is purposed that no touch of tribulation should disquiet and molest vsus, when as wee are once placed in his heauenly Temple. For there all teares shall be wiped Apoc. 21. 4.Rev 21:4from our eies and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, nor paine, as the holy Ghost speaketh. In which respect one fitly compareth the Christians lifeGregor. moral. lib. 19. cap. 25. to the Palme-tree which in it lower parts is enfolded p. 556with drie and rough barke, and therefore vnpleasant to be touched; but in the vpper parts it is greene, beautifull and fruitfull, spreading it selfe abroad with comely largenesse: for so the faithfull mans life is here below on earth despised, vnpleasant, enclosed and and compassed about (as it were) with a rough rinde of troubles and afflictions; but aboue in heauen it shall be delightful, glorious, and abounding, through our fruition of God, with the fruits of blessednesse.

Secondly, afflictions doe further vsus in attayning§ Sect. 4. That by our afflictions we are assured of euerlasting happinesse; first through Gods gracious promises made to the faithfull which are afflicted. vntounto heauenly happinesse, as they doe whilest wee liue here ascertaine and assure vsus, that we shall enioy them in the life to come; and so enter vsus by the assurance of faith and hope into the present possession of euerlasting glory. The which assurance we attaine vntounto, both by meditation in Gods word, and by the consideration of his workes and administration of his righteous iudgment. For in the scriptures we shall finde, that the Lord hath bound himself by manifold gracious promises, that he will giuegive euerlasting life and happinesse vntounto all who being afflicted in this world, do with faith, patience and humility beare their crosse. So he saith to his afflicted church: For your shame you shal receiue double, & for confusion they shall reioyce in their portion: for in their land they shal possesse the double: euerlasting ioy shalbe vntounto them. AndEsa. 61. 7.Isa 61:7 the holy Apostle assureth vsus, that if we be dead with Christ we shall also liue with him; if we suffer with him, we shall also 2. Tim. 2. 11. 122 Tim 2:112 Tim 2:12reigne with him, and that the crosses of this life, are not wor thy the crowne and glory which shall be shewedRom. 8. 17. 18.Rom 8:17Rom 8:18 vsus in the life to come; seeing as else where he saith, Those short and momentany afflictions shall cause vntounto vsus a far most excellent and an eternall waight of glory. And hereof it is that our Sauiour pronounceth them blessed,2. Co. 4. 17.2 Cor 4:17 who in this life are exercised with afflictions, because, profiting by them, they are so many certaine signes and vndoubted pledges of their future happinesse. Blessed p. 557are they that mourne for they shall be comforted. Blessed are Math. 5. 4. Luk. 6. 20. 22. 23.Matt 5:4Luke 6:20Luke 6:22Luke 6:23ye poore, for yours is the kingdome of God. Blessed are yee that hunger now, for ye shall be satisfied; Blessed are yee that weepe now, for ye shall laugh, Blessed are ye when men hate you, and when they separate and reuile you, and cast out your name as euill, for the sonne of mans sake. Reioyce ye in that day and be glad, for behold your reward is great in heauen. So the Apostle Iames saith that, the man is blessed that endureth Iam. 1. 12.Jas 1:12tentation, because when hee is tried he shall receiue the crowne of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that louelove him. By which it appeareth, that if with patience wee beare the crosse, wee shall be also partakers of the crowne; if we indure the fight and obtain the victory, then shall we also triumph in glory: with which consideration Eliphaz perswadeth to patience in afflictions; Behold (saith he) Blessed is the man whom God correcteth: Iob. 5. 17.Job 5:17therefore refuse not thou the chastening of the almighty. And Christ encourageth the Angel of the church of Smyrna with this consolation to be constant and faithfull in his sufferings. Feare none of these things (saithApoc. 2. 10.Rev 2:10 he) which you shall suffer, behold it shall come to passe that the diuell shall cast some of you into prison, that yee may be tried, and yee shall hauehave tribulation tenne daies. Be thou faithfull vntounto the death, and I will giuegive thee the crowne of life. And the Apostle Paul thus comforteth himselfe after all the miseries which he had suffered in his spirituall warfare; I hauehave fought (saith he) a good fight and hauehave finished 2. Tim. 4. 8.2 Tim 4:8my course; I hauehave kept the faith, from hence-forth is laid vp for me the crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous iudge shall giuegive me at that day. Neither in truth can there be a more effectuall consolation in our troubles and distresses, then when we are by them assured out of Gods word that after these light and momentany afflictions, wee shall enioy vnspeakable and endlesse happinesse; For (as one saith) we shall not feele the pinching miseries of this life, whilest with the whole intention p. 558of our minds we fixe our thoughts vponupon our future hopes. But we shal be like a valiant warriour, who either feeleth not, or contemneth the griefe of his wounds, whilst all the powers of his mind are wholly taken vp with thinking vponupon his future victory. &c. For so doth assured hope ouercome things instant, that that in a sort beginneth to be which is to come, & that endeth which is present, and maketh vsus like to a woman in the paines of childbed, who whilst she hopeth assuredly to hauehave a son, lightly esteemeth of her sorrowes in bearing him.

But as by afflictions we gather assurance of euerlasting§ Sect. 5. That by Gods works the faithfull which are afflicted may be assured of heauenly happinesse. happinesse belonging vntounto vsus out of Gods word; so may we be more confirmed in this assurance by Gods works, and the administration of his righteous iudgements. For the Lord to shew the infinitenesse and omnipotency of his wisedome and power, doth bring vsually one contrary out of another, as light out of darknesse, good out of euill, happinesse out of misery, ioy out of sorrow, and the highest exaltation vntounto heauenly glory, out of the lowest abiection and humiliation through earthly afflictions and calamities. And as our Sauiour was sent, by his word to cast downe strong houlds, and to leuell and make equal with the ground all that lifteth vp and aduanceth it selfe, and contrariwse to raise him vp that is deiected, to preach good tidings vntounto the poore, to bind vp the broken hearted, to preach liberty to captiues, to comfort all that mourne, giuing them beauty for ashes, the oyle of ioy for mourning, and the garment of gladnesse for the Esai 61. 1. 2. 3.Isa 61:1Isa 61:2Isa 61:3spirit of heauinesse; so accordingly he doth in act and deed powerfully effect this his good will and pleasure, bringing men out of misery vntounto felicity, and out of the depths of hell into the kingdome of heauen. Whereas contrariwise he vsually pulleth downe that which is exalted in the world, and out of the greatest worldly prosperity, bringeth men into euerlasting woe and misery. p. 559Both which our sauiour signifieth in that parable of Diues and Lazarus; for as the rich man who surfetted ofLuk. 16.Luke 16 worldly delights, and abounded with all earthly blessings, was stript of all, and cast into hell torments, wheras he could not obtaine so much as a drop of cold water to coole his tongue; so Lazarus (who wāted both means and friends, & had not the priuiledge of the dogs granted vntounto him, which were allowed to eat the crums that fell vnderunder the rich mans table) was out of this worldly misery, carried by the Angells into Abrahams bosome; And this vicissitude of weale and woe, earthly misery and heauenly happinesse, not only was signified in the deed done, but also in Abrahams speech, which being spoken in a parable belongeth vntounto all who are in the like condition. Remember that thou in thy life time receiuedst thy pleasures, and likewise Lazarus paine; now therefore is he comforted and thou art tormented. And thus those, whom the Apostle Iohn seeth adorned with the long white robes of glory and immortality, are said to be such, as came out of great tribulation, although their garments had not their whitenesse by being washed in the tearesApoc. 7. 14.Rev 7:14 of their sorrowes and trouble, but in the blood of the lambe, as it is there expressed. And this is iust with God that the faithfull should (as it were) by the gates of hell trauaile towards heauen, and through many miseriesEt iuste salue illa perpetua quae turpiter amissa est per voluntatem, fortiter r…cipitur per dolorem August. de Genes. ad literam lib. 3. c. 15. passe into euerlasting felicity, that (as one saith) that saluation which was willingly lost for the obtaining of momentany pleasure might againe be recouered by patient sustaining of temporary griefe & misery: And contrariwise that the vngodly and wicked, who flourishing in worldly prosperity, abused Gods good blessings for the dishonor of God, and oppression of his seruants, should come to a day of reckoning, when as being found guilty, they shall be stript of all, and receiue punishment according to their deserts; And with this fitly sorteth the saying of the Apostle, It is a righteous thing p. 560with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you which are troubled rest with vsus, when the 2. Thes. 1. 6. 7.2 Thess 1:62 Thess 1:7Lord Iesus shall shew himselfe from heauen with his mighty Angells, &c. Neither hauehave we only by our afflictions when we profit by them, some assurance fom that viciffic…de of earthly misery and heauenly glory before spoken of; but also may hauehave it most strongly confirmed by an argument taken from the iustice, which must needs be in the administration of Gods righteous iudgements. For when we see that our selues and others, who truely and sincerely feare and serue the Lord, are subiect to innumerable troubles, and (as the Prophet speaketh) are afflicted eueryevery morning, one misery (like the waues of the sea) following in the neck of another, wheras contrariwise the wicked contemners of God and goodnesse, abound with all earthly blessings, and flourish in the prosperity of the world; from hence we may necessarily and infallibly conclude, that the righteous Iudge of heauen and earth, who will render vntounto eueryevery man according to his works, hath most certainly appointed a time for the punishing of their sin, and the rewarding according to his gracious and free promises, our vertues and holy endeauours; for the full freedome of his faithfull seruants out of all their miseries, and crowning of their faith, patience and obedience, with glory and happinesse; and also for the condemnation and destruction of wicked reprobates, who like malicious enemies hauehave all their life prouoked his wrath, and dishonored his name by their sinne and impiety. Neither will it stand with naturall reason, that God infinite in iustice and goodnesse, should create and ordaine his best creatures who are most carefull of his glory vntounto woe and misery in the world; and those who are outragiously wicked to flourish in prosperity and and abound in all earthly blessings, if he had not appointed an after reckoning, and second iudgement, for the rewarding of the godly, who are here afflicted, p. 561& the punishment of the wicked, who are in worldly priuiledges and prerogatiues so highly exalted and aduanced. And therefore seeing by our afflictions we hauehave so many waies assurance of euerlasting life and happinesse, let vsus indure them with patience, comfort and reioycing; for if there were no other fruit or benefit arising from them, this alone were sufficiēt to counteruaile and infinitly to ouerweigh all the griefes and miseries which are incident to the momentany and vncertaine life of man; seeing they being light shall hauehave an end before or with vsus; whereas this superexcellent weight of glory, which they seale and confirme vntounto vsus, is infinite and euerlasting. If then worldly men are content to endure any labour, to hazard themselues to innumerable dangers, and to suffer many and grieuous miseries, that they may be assured of earthly things, their strongest assurances, being but vncertainties, and the best things assured, but trifling vanities; if the husbandmā toyle and labour in the seed time, in hope of a plentifull haruest; notwithstanding that his expectation is often frustrated, by many accidents, as foule and vnseasonable weather, too much drought, or too much raine, wormes, cankers, caterpillers, and such like; If the souldier suffer all those miseries which are incident to his profession, as watching, cold, hunger, and be ready with patience and courage to run into innumerable desperate dangers, which eueryevery day bring him to the very confines of deaths kingdome, and all to obtaine either the vaine breath of mens praises, or some small pay to defray his charges; and if the marchant compasse sea and land, and run vnknowne courses, with much paines and great perill, to get some wealth which he is vncertaine whether he shall obtaine or no; or hauing obtained it may after a tedious voiage perish in the long desired port, or be stolne or taken from him, by outward violence, when he commeth to land; with what patience and comfort should wee p. 562endure all our paines and labour, and beare all the crosses and calamities, which giuegive vntounto vsus when we profit by them, most certaine assurance of such riches, honors, and pleasures, as being vnualuable and vnconceiueable, are also out of all danger of comming, by any outward accident, either vntounto losse or end.

Thirdly we are furthered by our afflictions in attaining vntounto heauenly happinesse, as they are vsed by God§ Sect. 6. That afflictions keep vsus in the way of righteousnes which leadeth to euerlasting happinesse. as meanes to keepe vsus in the right way, or way of righteousnesse, which leadeth vntounto them. For whereas by our natural corruptiō we are ready to wander into the by paths of sinne, and to goe into the broad way which leadeth to destruction, being allured by the inticing baits of worldly vanities, the Lord (as hath been shewed) maketh afflictions to serue as a thorny hedge and strong fence to keepe vsus in our right course, and to restraine vsus from digressing and going astray. And when being sayling in the sea of this miserable world, towards the hauen of euerlasting rest, we are ready to listen to the sweet Syren tunes of carnall pleasures, and leaping out of our ship of safety the true and inuisible Church, to perish by adhering to them in the gulfe of destruction; God in louelove vntounto vsus vseth our afflictions, as wax, to stop our eares, that we may not hearken to these bewitching songs, but may without distraction hold on our course which will bring vsus at the last to the po…t of blessednesse. Neither doe our crosses only keepe vsus in the right way which bringeth vsus to heauenly ioy and glory, but also they hasten our speed in trauailing of it; and whereas in our own disposition we are sluggish and slothfull in our iourney and either ready to turne backe againe, to sit still, or at least to make slow hast in going forward, the Lord vseth afflictions as goads and spurs to quicken our dulnesse, and as rods to driue vsus on, and to compell vsus to make more hast, that we may more safely and seasonably come vntounto the end of our iourney, and be better assured of the p. 563saluation of our foules.

Finally our afflictions doe much further vsus in attaining§ Sect. 7. That afflictions are the way whereby we must enter into Gods kingdom. Math. 7. 14. Act. 14. 22.Matt 7:14Acts 14:22 vntounto glory and immortality, as God hath appointed them to be the way that must bring vsus vntounto this euerlasting rest. For there is no comming into heauen vnlesse we will be content to passe through the strait gate and narrow way of trouble and affliction, as our Sauiour teacheth vsus; and if we will euer come thether, we must by many tribulations, enter into the kingdome of God, as the Apostle Paul affirmeth. We cānot enter into the heauenly Chanaan vnlesse we passe through this wildernesse of sinne: we cannot come into the port of happinesse, vnlesse we faile through a sea of miseries; we cannot obtaine2. Tim. 2. 5. 1. Cor. 9. 252 Tim 2:51 Cor 9:25 the garland of glory vnlesse we run and wrastle for it, striuing as we ought to doe till we hauehave gotten the victory, which cannot be performed by vsus, but with much paine and irksome labour. We must neuer lookeTribulatio m… teriam habet pugnae, vnde fit vt occasionem praebeat victoriae, & per consequens coronae, quia non coronabitur nisi qui legitime certauerit Ideot inter orthodox. de pat. ver. contemp cap. 3. to be crowned with happinesse, till we hauehave ouercome the enemies of our saluation, and there is no notable victory obtained, vnlesse a painfull and perillous fight hauehave gone before; we cannot come into heauenly happinesse, but by earthly misery, and here we must endure wants and watching, wounds and wearinesse, weaknesse, sicknesse, and many infirmities, before we can attaine vntounto heauenly plenty, rest, security and that euerlasting health which cannot be impeached with any sicknesse. Neither must we looke for a priuiledge of hauing any other way then this narrow and strait path of afflictions to bring vsus vntounto heauen, seeing (as hereafter I shall shew) it is the common high way, by which all Gods deare saints and faithfull seruants hauehave trauailed before vsus. Yea not the only sonne of God himselfe, had any prerogatiue herein aboue others, but though he were most pure and innocent, yet he was faine by the ladder of the crosse to clime into his kingdome; for as himselfe saith, he ought to hauehave suffered these things, and so to enter into his glory; namelyLuk. 24. 26.Luke 24:26 p. 564that the predictions of the Prophets might be fulfilled who declared first the sufferings which should come vntounto him, and then the glory which should follow after, as the1. Pet. 1. 11.1 Pet 1:11 Apostle speaketh. And therefore if wee euer meane to come vntounto this heauenly happinesse, we must not thinke to finde out some new way which is faire, pleasant and full of ease and carnall delight; but we must tread in the foote-steps of Christ our guide who is gone before vsus, and keepe in the same straight and afflicted way which he hath trauelled; for none come vntounto heauen but his Disciples and the scholars of his schoole, and eueryevery one who will be his Disciple must make account to take vp his Luk. 9. 23.Luke 9:23crosse daily, and follow him, as himself hath told vsus. Wherof it is, that the Apostle saith, that we hauehave neede of patience, Heb. 10. 36.Heb 10:36for the obtayning of our heauenly patrimony which God hath promised vsus; because there is no way of comming vntounto it but through afflictions and tribulations, in which we would quickly faint if we were not strengthned by faith and patience. And therefore the Apostle prayeth, that the God of all grace who hath called, the faithfull to eternall glory by Christ Iesus, after they hauehave suffered a little would make them perfect and constant, implying thereby, that first wee must be cast downe and humbled by afflictions, before we can be exalted to glory and happinesse. And this (as one saith) is iust with God,August. de patient. lib. c. 14. that we who were cast out of the ioyes of Paradise, for our rebellious lusting after the forbidden fruit, that therby we might please and delight our tast and appetite; should be readmitted into our lost happinesse by patient induring vnpleasant griefes and distastfull miseries, that wee who fled from Gods presence by doing of euill, should be brought backe vntounto him by suffering of euil; and that as wee there did against righteousnesse, so wee should heere suffer for righteousnesse: whereby it appeareth that they are in a miserable condition who hauehave alwaies flourished in prosperity, and neuer tasted of any misery, because they are quite out of the narrow and afflicted p. 565way which bringeth vsus to eternall blessednesse, and walke in that broade and pleasant way which leadethMiser et inf… lix est qui non fuerit in foeli. citate tentatus. Caret enim munere qui caret certamine. Hi…r. ad aegrotum amicum▪ T. 4. Ideot inter orthodox. de patien verae Contemp. Cap. 2. Bernard in Psal. qui habitat. Serm. 17 to destruction. For as one saith, he is vnhappy in his happinesse, who was neuer thought worthy to combate with crosses, whereby we attaine vntounto the crowne of euerlasting glory: And againe; he is wretched and vnhappy who in his happinesse is not exercised with tentations; for he hath not the crowne of victory who hath not first sustayned the paines and danger of the fight. To which purpose another affirmeth, that he who is exempted from suffering the smart of afflictions, is exempted also from the society of Gods elect children, because a woe is denounced against them who hauehave here their cōlation, and contrariwise they are pronounced blessed who sorrow and weepe. In which respect tribulation and affliction is much more profitable vntounto vsus then abused prosperity; an abiect and meane condition, better then an high estate and ouer-topping greatnesse; and pinching necessitie, then voluptuousnesse plentie; because§ Sect. 8. That we may comfort our selues in all our afflictions by remembring that they further vsus in attaining vntounto happines. Tendimus per viam laboriosam ad quietam patriam vbi retractis omnibus actionibus nostris non remanebit nisi alleluia. August Serm. infesto paschae de Allleuia. T. 10. both being momentany and passing away with posting speed; the one leaueth behinde it hellish punishments, the other causeth vntounto vsus an heauenly crowne of euerlasting glory.

Seeing therefore the crosse of Christ is (as it is called) the ladder to Heauen, his suffrings being the cause, and ours the way that leadeth vsus vntounto happinesse, as there is no cause of shame in hearing of the one, so there is no cause of sorrow in bearing of the other; for what matter is it, though the way of our pilgrimage bee rough and vnpleasant, if we can be assured that by trauailing of it, we shall be brought into Heauen? what though it be foule and dirtie (like Ieremies dungeon) so that our feete, as we are going, sticke fast in the mire? yet let not this discourage vsus, for as the way is filthy, so it is short, and after we hauehave indured a little paines in passing it, our momentanie labour will bring vsus to euerlasting rest, and p. 566this short foule lane being soone trauelled will conduct vsus vntounto a pallace of all pleasure, and vntounto those glorious mansions of ioy & happinesse which our Sauiour Christ hath prepared for vsus. What though wee must passe through a Sea of miseries, where wee shall be subiect to the stormes and tempests of affliction and trouble, and be in danger of the spirituall enemies of our saluation, which like cruell pirats are ready to rob vsus? yet let not this dismay vsus, seeing God is our guide & master Pilot, who is both willing and able to safeguard vsus from all perils, and it is but a short cut, which being quickly passed, will bring vsus into the safe harbour of heauenly happinesse. What though we cannot enter into heauen, but by passing through the hot burning furnace of tribulation and affliction? and what if with Elias we must be taken vp in a fiery Chariot into the place of our ioy and rest? let not this discourage vsus or abate our comfort,Rom. 8. 18.Rom 8:18 seeing we are assured, that the afflictions of this present time are not worthy the glory which shall be shewed vsus, for they are light and momentany but the glory and happinesse which they cause vntounto vsus is superexcellent and eternall. 2. Cor. 4. 17.2 Cor 4:17Finally, what though others finde a way much more faire and easie that bringeth them to glory? let vsus not enuy them their greater delight, but trauell with patience in that path which God hath appointed vsus. For though theirs is fayrer, yet it may be that ours is shorter and more direct; though theirs is much more pleasant,Dura videtur, sed ipsa est tuta via, alia fortè delici…s habet sed latronis bus plena est. August. in Psa. 36. enarrat. Nehem. 2. 13.Ps 36Neh 2:13 it may be ours is much more safe; not so sweet and delightfull in the passage: but withall not so much beset with theeues, or though ours were behind theirs in all worldly priuiledges, let vsus not be sorry because we goe this way, but glad that wee may goe by any way, vntounto the place of our ioy, and reioyce in Gods mercy, if wee may through the dung-port, or by a posterne-gate, be admitted to enter into the new Ierusalem. Let not these small losses grieue vsus which shall be accompanied with p. 567such inestimable gaine, let vsus not like slothfull husbandmen impatiently repine at our paines in the seede time, but cōfort our selues in the expectation of our heauenly haruest, and let the assurance of our future ioyes mitigate our mourning for present miseries. Let vsus not like timorous passengers feare those windes and seas which will safely bring vsus into the hauen of rest; let vsus not like loytering trauellers refuse that way for a little foulnesse, which wil directly bring vsus to our heauenly home; let vsus not like idle workemen murmure at one daies labour, which wil be rewarded with the wages of heauenly happinesse and euerlasting rest. Finally let vsus not like cowardly souldiours feare to hazard our selues vntounto the paines and perils of such a fight, as will assuredly bring with it such a glorious victorie. And seeing heauenly ioies shall follow our earthly sorrowes, great and inestimable rewards our small and easie labours, and euerlasting happinesse our momentany afflictions, there is no cause of care and sorrow vntounto any, but vntounto those alone who hauehave neither faith nor hope. To which purpose oneCyprianus contra Demetrianum tract. pri…o. saith, that he alone truely feeleth the smart of worldly aduersitie, as of a painefull punishment, whose ioy and glory is all in this life; he mourneth and weepeth if hee be crossed in the world, who expecteth no happinesse after this world, but hath all his comfort continued and concluded with his life, and after his departure looketh for nothing but paine and torment. But there is no cause of griefe when we are inuaded with present calamities; if by faith we are assured of future comforts: neither is there any reason why we should vnmeasurably mourne for earthly afflictiōs, if they any whit further vsus in attaining vntounto heauenly glory. And therfore let vsus not in our afflictions fix our mindes on the euils which we suffer, but look higher to the happines which they cause vntounto vsus; & being to passe (as it were by a narrow bridge) ouer this deepe floud & gulph of worldly miseries, let vsus not p. 568cast down our eyes to our feete and behold the dangers which threaten to swallow vsus; which will but intoxicate the braine and hinder our passage; but let vsus looke aloft to that heauenly happinesse which as the end of our hopes are set before vsus, and so shall we hold a steady course and vndanted resolution in passing ouer with patience these depths of difficulties, and safely arriue at the land of blessednesse.

But our momentany crosses doe not only further our§ Sect. 9. That by our afflictions our heauenly ioy and glory shall be much increased. euerlasting happinesse, but also doe much increase it; for the more painfull our labours are in Gods seruice, the more rich shall be our wages; the more laborious and dangerous our fight is, the more glorious shall be our crowne of victory; and the more our sufferings exceed in number and measure, the more shall our ioyes be multiplied and our glory augmented. So one saith,Gregor. Nissen. de prouid. c. 8. that our life is a warfare and this world a place of masteries; wherein the best garlands are alotted to them who sustaine the greatest labours. And according to the measure of our affliction shall be the measure of our glorious retribution. The reason whereof is cleare and euident; for the more the Lord increaseth our afflictions, the more he increaseth our strength to beare them; for he is faithfull and will not suffer vsus to be tempted aboue our power 1. Cor. 10. 13.1 Cor 10:13but will giuegive a good issue with the temptation, that we may be able to beare it. And his corrections are trialls to proue vsus, and not intollerable burthens to ouerwhelme vsus; And therefore the more he multiplieth our griefes and sorrowes, the more he enlargeth and increaseth our spirituall graces, as faith, hope, patience, humility and the rest; that we may be inabled in bearing to ouercome them; and according to the greatnesse of our graces shall be the gloriousnesse of our reward, seeing he crowneth his owne gifts with proportionable blessednesse; and as he aduanceth vsus aboue others in grace in this life, so he will exalt vsus aboue others in glory in the world to come. So p. 569that God measureth our greatnesse according to the measure of our crosses: and our glory according to our graces; whereof it followeth that our greater afflictions are signes of our greater grace; and the more we excell in Gods graces now, the more shall we excell in glory, in the day of retribution. Thus one saith, that ourSed & ijsdem flagellis crcuit virtus patientia; at{que}, ex dolore verberis aucta est gloriae remunerationis Gregor. moral. lib. 3. cap. 2. patience increaseth with our corrections, and that by the smart of our stripes, is augmented the glory of our reward. And this is one principall end why God afflicteth the faithfull, when he spareth the wicked, that their conflict may occasion their victory; and their crosses may …it them for the receiuing of their crowne; whereas he imployeth not the other in any seruice, because he is not purposed to giuegive them any wages, and will not let them suffer with Christ in this life, because he will not hauehave them to raigne with him in the life to come. Yea this moueth him chiefly to afflict those whom he chieflyAffligimur, ut coronae & premia nobis augeantur: quantum enim tribulationes intenduntur, tantum & retributiones ampliabuntur Chrysost. in illud, modic… vino vtere. Inferiora sunt premia inferi… ribus pugnis; vbi deni{que} fortia fortibus imperantur, fortiorem fortior muneris sequitur census. Hieronim. ad aegrotū amicu… loueth, and to subiect them to the greatest trialls, who are endued with the greatest graces, because he would fit them for a richer reward, & aduance them to an higher degree of glory, and happinesse. So one saith, that we are afflicted by God, that our reward and crowne may hereby be increased; and as much as he addeth to our tribulation, so and much more will he adde to our retribution. And whereas our great commander bestoweth lesser rewards for lesser conflicts, when he commandeth his valiantest souldiers to attempt and atchieue the most valorous imploiments, it is his purpose for their greater worth to giuegive vntounto them a greater reward. And therefore noble champions think it to be a disgrace and great disparagement vntounto them, when they are imploied in some ordinary seruice, or matched with a weake and contemptible aduersary; because his glory is greatest, which getteth the greatest victory, his deuotion & louelove towards God is most zealous and entire who for his sake is content to vndergoe the greatest difficulties and p. 570dangers, and then doth our vertue and fortitude shine brightest, when as they triumph ouer the strongest enemies: And hee excelleth others in the kings esteeme, who sustaineth the brunt of the battell, and hath his valor t…ied in the hottest conflict, the might of his vanquished enemies adding much to his victory, and the strength & violence of their repelled incounters, greatly increasing the glory of his triumph.

Seeing then our light and momentany afflictions, do§ Sect. 10. That the former consideration should make vsus not only patient but also ioifull in our greatest afflictions: and how by degrees we must ascend vntounto this reioicing. Rom. 5. 3Rom 5:3 not only further our heauenly happinesse, but also augment and encrease it, making our state of blessednesse much more blessed, our excelling ioyes super-excellent; and our crowne of glory farre more glorious; let vsus in this faith and assurance not thinke it sufficient to beare those crosses which God imposeth with patience and contentednesse, vnlesse wee can attaine vntounto that pitch which the Apostle appointeth vsus, and indure all our tribulations with thanksgiuing and spirituall reioycing. And this perfection of patience in bearing the crosse our Sauior requireth in his Disciples: namely, that in the day of their greatest perfecutions & afflictions, they should reioice and be glad because their reward is great in heauen. Luk. 6. 23Luke 6:23So the Apostle Peter exhorteth to this spirituall ioy: Dearely beloued (sayth he) thinke it not strange concerning 1. Pet. 4. 131 Pet 4:13the fiery triall which is among you to proue you, as though some strange thing were come vntounto you, but reioyce, in a… much a… ye are partakers of Christs sufferings, that when his glory shall appeare ye may be glad and reioyce. And the Apostle Iames willeth vsus, to count it exceeding ioy when …am. 1. 2.we fall into diuers tentations, because this triall, by increasing our graces, augmenteth our glory.

But yet (as I hauehave before shewed) we must take heed that wee doe not at the first step iumpe into this ioy, reioycing in the sight and sense of our afflictions themselues, which were Stoicall and stockish senselesnesse; or in the sight of our sinnes which hauehave deserued them, p. 571and drawne vponupon vsus these heauy crosses, which were a testimony of an hard heart and seared conscience, seeing they will not melt and relent in this fiery triall: But wee must arise vntounto this height of perfection by steps and degrees, first lamenting our sinnes with bitter sorrow, because we hauehave moued our heauenly father in his iust displeasure to chastise and correct vsus; and then bewailing our afflictions themselues with moderate griefe, that our harts may be eased by breathing out those sorrows, which if they had no vent would drowne & stifle them. And when by this repentance we are assured of reconciliation with God, that our sin which is the sting of our afflictions, is taken away; then from this faith must arise patience first, and then thanksgiuing and spirituall reioycing, and that not in respect of our crosses themselues, but in regard of our hope and assurance of that heauenly happinesse, which they seale vntounto vsus. And this order our Sauiour himselfe obserueth and requireth: Verely, verely, I say vntounto you, that yee shall weepe Ioh. 16. 20John 16:20and lament, and the world shall reioyce, and yee shall sorrow, but your sorrow shall be turned into ioy. And the Apostle Peter noteth, that these were conioyned and intermingled in the faithfull; reioycing in the assurance of saluation prepared for them, and heauinesse for a season thorough manifold tentations; mourning (if need require) in the sight and sense of our afflictions, and reioicing in Christ with ioy vnspeakable & glorious, as they further vsus in rec…iuing the end of our faith, euen the saluation of our 1. Pet. 1. 6, 7. 8, 9.1 Pet 1:61 Pet 1:71 Pet 1:81 Pet 1:9soules. And this the Psalmist representeth vntounto vsus in the similitude of the husband-man, who sowes in teares, and reapes in ioy; weepeth when hee carrieth out hisPsal. 126. 5, 6Ps 126:5Ps 126:6 seed, but reioiceth when he bringeth home his sheaues: And our Sauiour Christ likeneth vsus in this behalfe to a woman in trauell, who in her labour hath sorrow because her hower is come, but as soone as shee is deliuered of the Ioh. 16. 21John 16:21childe, shee remembreth no more the anguish, for ioy that a man is borne into the world: For so though wee waile p. 572and weep whilest we trauell in paine, through the sharpe pangs of our troubles and afflictions, yet no sooner are we assured by …hem of our adoption and saluation, but we presently forget our griefes, and reioice in this, that we are borne vntounto God, not onelyonly as sonnes, but heires also to his heauenly kingdome. And this is that true and seasonable reioycing in our afflictions which wee must labour to attaine vntounto, first sorrowing for our sinne and chastisement, yet not resting in this sorrow; and then reioicing in the middest of our grieuous afflictions, and not at the first step leaping into this ioy; but considering them not as fruits of sin, nor as scourges in the hand of our displeased father, but as signes of our adoption, and seales whereby our heauenly inheritance is assured (yea improued and bettered) vntounto vsus; let vsus from hence take occasion to reioice, yea to triumph in ioy and gladnesse. For what is the paine of our seed time, in comparison of the profits of our haruest? what is our present smart, in respect of our future ioyes? how small are our griefes being compared with the greatnesse of our glory? what are our earthly sorrowes, to our heauenly comforts? our momentany mourning, vntounto our euerlasting reioicing? these feares to those hopes, these sufferings to those solaces, these paines to those rewards, these light and2. Cor. 4. 172 Cor 4:17 short afflictions, vntounto that farre most excellent and eternall waight of glory, which they cause vntounto vsus? andRom. 8. 18Rom 8:18 what are the tribulations of this present time, in comparison of the glory which shall be reuealed? Let vsus therefore with the wise husband-man, not mourne so much to part with our precious seede, as reioice in our expectation of a plentifull haruest; let vsus not looke so much to our bodies decaying by afflictions, like the corne which rotteth in the earth before it springeth, but rather consider that by this means we rise from our corruption, first growing like faire greene blades in grace, and then florishing like ripe eares in glory and felicity. p. 573Let vsus not respect the present losse of our seede, but thinke of the returning of it with manifold aduantage: yea, let vsus reioice though wee hauehave a wet and weeping seed time, and a hard, stormy, and fros…y winter, because they are seasonable, and doe the better assure vsus of a fruitfull haruest. And (that I may conclude this pointIam cum se… queris via… Christi, non tibi s…culi prosperitate… promittas, per dura ambula…it, sed magna promisit. Sequere. Non tantum attendere qu… iturus es sed quo venturus sis, &c. Aug. in Psal. 36. euarra….Ps 36 with the diuine meditation of a worthy father) whilest we are walking in the way of Christ towards the kingdome of Heauen, let vsus not promise vntounto our selues the prosperity of the world. The path was hard which he trauelled, but the happinesse great which he promised; follow him therefore, and thinke not by what way, but whither thou art going; for thou shalt suffer temporall aduersity, but it will bring thee to euerlasting felicity. If then thou wilt endure the labour, thou must be still mindfull of the reward; for euen the workman would faint in the vineyard, if hee did not remember the receiuing of his wages. But if thou attendest vntounto that which thou shalt receiue, thou wilt lightly esteeme whatsoeuer thou sufferest, and not thinke thy present paines worthy thy future profits. Yea thou wilt wonder, that so great and rich a reward should be giuen vntounto the…, for such small and easie labour: For we should (brethren) for the obtaining of euerlasting rest, hauehave vndergone endlesse paines, and for the gaining of eternall felicity hauehave endured and suffered eternall misery: but this could not be; for if we should hauehave sustained endlesse labour, how could there hauehave bin a beginning for our endlesse rest? and therefore it was necessary that our tribulation should bee but temporary, that being ended, wee might come to euerlasting felicity. But yet out of question (brethren) we might hauehave endured long afflictions, for the attaining vntounto this neuer ending happinesse, &c. For if we should hauehave suffered them the space of a thousand yeeres, what is a thousand yeeres in comparison of eternitie? Yea, what proportion is there betweene the p. 574longest finite time, and that which is infinite ten thousand yeers, yea an hundred thousand; or if ye will, millions of millions, because they hauehave an end, cannot be cōpared with eternity. But Gods louelove & free mercy herein shineth, in that he would hauehave our paines not only temporary, but also short and momentany: for the whole life of man lasteth but a few daies, and therefore though no pleasures were intermingled with our crosses (as there are many) though we should spend all our time in labour and sorrow, in griefe and torment, in prison and tortures, in hunger and thirst; yet because we continew here but a few dayes, our miseries also would bee but momentany: & after these short sufferings thus quickly ended: we shal receiue an eternall kingdome, endles felicity, equall glory with the Angels, & an euerlasting inheritance with Iesus Christ. O how great is our reward for our little labour! we see old souldiers which liue & labour in the wars, euen from their youth vntounto old age, and are still subiect to wounds and in danger of death, that they may enioy a few quiet dayes, when their life draweth towards an end, and when old age beginneth to burthen them, who were not burthened with the weight of warre; what hardnesse they are content to suffer, what iourneies and labours, what cold and heate, what watchings and wants, what wounds and dangers they endure with patience, not looking vntounto the things they suffer, but vntounto those few daies of peace and plenty, which they hope to enioy in their olde age, vntounto which they know not whether they shall euer attaine or no. And how much more then should wee endure the troubles and miseries of our momentany warfare, with patience and contentednesse, yea with thanksgiuing and reioicing; seeing we are certainly assured, that we shall hauehave euerlasting rest, after our few daies labours, and most excellent and neuer ending ioy and felicity, after our short sorrowes, and temporary miseries?