A treatise co[n]teining certain meditatio[n]s of true & perfect consolatio[n], ... Written in the…A treatice co[n]teining certain meditatio[n]s of trew & perfect consolatio[n], ... Written in the…

Wherefore by the comparison of the goods, which the wicked abuse and the evils and miseries which we suffer: our faith is exercised, and we obtain consolation in God, which is the most holy consolation and comfort. ⟨p. 48⟩So necessary it is that all things happen to the best to the faithful. The other goods, which is much more to be marvelled at: is that their evils be turned to our good and profit as GOD hath ordained it. For all though their sins be offensive to the weakest and infirm and feeble s••lꝭ, nevertheless they be exercises of virtue, and of spiritual battle and of greater health to the strong and faithful. For blessed is the man that suffereth in temptation, for when he shall be tried: he shall receive a crown of life. Now is there a greater temptation then these multitude of most evil examples? And the chief reason why the world is called an enemy to the faithful and elect of God: is that by their enticements and wicked works, they may draw us, allure, provoke and turn us from the way of God to their ways. As is said in the. 6. of Genesis. The Sons of God saw the daughters of men that they ⟨image 61⟩were fair, and joined them selves to them. Also in Numeri. 25. Chapter. The Children of Israel are fallen with the daughters of the Moabites, insomuch that it is a thing healthful to us to be continually pressed & holden down by some misfortune, so that we striving with the evil occasions of the world: fall not into sin and wickedness, we I say that be so weak. Also Saint Peter in the. 2. Chapter of his second Epistle commendeth Lot, for that he suffered many wicked examples of the Sodomites, so that he profited and increased in righteousness through these things. Therefore it is necessary the offences happen which engender war and victory. Yet notwithstanding, woe be to the world because of offences. Now if God procure us so great goodness, in the sins and wickedness of others: how much more ought we to believe with all our hearts that he shall procure and turn into good our ⟨p. 49⟩evils and misfortunes, although the sense and feeling of the flesh judgeth otherwise? The world bringeth us no less goodness on the other side with his evils, which is called adversity & misery. For those which he can not swallow by enticements and incorporate to him self by offences: