The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

Reason. 2 2. There is a great deal of good in afflictions, therefore take them willingly and cheerfully. Lam. 3.27.¹ It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth. Who would not be cut that he might be cured? Afflictions are painful, but there is good in them; a man is content to bear the knife of a Chirurgeon, to be healed. Matthew 19. When Christ measured out their condition, he saith, Ye shall have houses, &c. but they shall be with persecution. We eat salt to make our meat savoury. So afflictions are salt to make us relish the mercies which we receive, the better.

Reason. 2 2. There is a great deale of good in afflictions, therefore take them willingly and cheerefully. Lam. 3.27.¹ It is good for a man to beare the yoke in his youth. Who would not be cut that he might be cured? Afflictions are painfull, but there is good in them; a man is content to beare the knife of a Chirurgeon, to be healed. Matthew 19. When Christ measured out their condition, he saith, Ye shall have houses, &c. but they shall be with persecution. We eat salt to make our meat savoury. So afflictions are salt to make us rellish the mercies which we receive, the better.

1. 1Lam. 3.27.

Reason. 3 3. Consider our great unworthiness of mercy, and our worthiness of judgement. Hath God taken away my liberty? He might have taken away my soul; I am persecuted, I might have been damned; hath God taken away my goods? he might have taken away his mercies. If then, there is the wisdom of a father to provide it; if good comes by it, and we have deserved it, then take it patiently, and undergo it cheerfully.