Englands sickness, comparatively conferred with Israels Divided into two sermons, by ThoEnglands sicknes, comparatively conferred with Israels Diuided into two sermons, by Tho

Thus different is the state of Gods servants, and the worlds slaves. They think none sick but we: we know none sick but they. If equal crosses befall us both, our estate is soon descried. We differ as the Camel and the Camomell: the one is stunted, the other thrives by his burden. Afflictions that so scatter them, and loosen the joints of their vain hopes, do more knit and consolidate our healths. As soon as they take themselves it is as easy to prove, as to reprove their diseases. Though I confess in the days of their Joviality; he hath great wisdom, that can make them sensible of their sickness. Were Solon, nay Solomon alive to declare it, they see t not, 'they will not feel it. If the want of health were perceived, how amiable, admirable would the benefit appear? Gratior est saint as redita, quā retenta, vix aliter quā perdendocognoscimus. Returning health is more welcome, then if it had not been lost. We scarce know what health is, but by the want. Let others spend their times, wits treasures, to procure ⟨p. 66⟩health to their bodies, which I embrace when it is offered, and would not loose by my own errors) give me a sound and clear conscience, and let me not want this health, till I envy theirs.

Thus different is the state of Gods seruants, and the worlds slaues. They thinke none sicke but wee: wee know none sicke but they. If equall crosses befall vs both, our estate is soone descried. Wee differ as the Cammell and the Camomell: the one is stunted, the other thriues by his burthen. Afflictions that so scatter them, and loosen the ioyntes of their vaine hopes, doe more knit and consolidate our healthes. As soone as they take themselues it is as easie to proue, as to reproue their diseases. Though I confesse in the dayes of their Iouialty; hee hath greate wisdom, that can make them sensible of their sicknes. Were Solon, nay Salomon aliue to declare it, they see t not, 'they will not feele it. If the want of health were perceiued, how amiable, admirable would the benefit appear? Gratior est saint as redita, quā retenta, vix aliter quā perdendocognoscimus. Returning health is more welcome, then if it had not beene lost. We scarse know what health is, but by the want. Let others spend their times, wits treasures, to procure ⟨p. 66⟩health to their bodies, which I embrace when it is offered, and would not loose by my owne errors) giue mee a sound and cleare conscience, and let mee not want this health, till I enuy theirs.