The Christian warfare wherein is first generally showed the malice, power and politic stratagems…The Christian warfare wherein is first generally shewed the malice, power and politike stratagems…

To this temptation we must answer, that it cannot be denied but that the afflictions of the mind are far more grievous ⟨p. 160⟩than the afflictions of the body;¹ and that the torments of conscience caused by the weight of sin, and the apprehension of Gods fearful wrath, are as it were Gods three-stringed whip, in respect of the gentle rod of outward afflictions; for a sorrowful mind drieth up the bones, ²as it is Pro. 17.12. and the spirit of a man may sustain his other infirmities, but a wounded spirit who can bear, as the wise man speaketh, Prou. 18.14. Nevertheless, though these corrections are more sharp and grievous, than the outward afflictions of the body, yet it cannot be denied but that these also are the chastisements which our heavenly Father inflicteth upon his children: sometimes for his own glory, and sometime for their trial or chastisement, when more light correction will not reclaim them. For first those places of scripture before quoted, are spoken generally of all afflictions whatsoever, and therefore are not to be restrained to the outward afflictions of the body, seeing they extend themselves also to the afflictions of the mind; neither doth our heavenly Father correct all alike, but some he rebuketh only by his word, and goeth no further when as this reclaimeth them; but if this will not prevail, he goeth a step further, and chastiseth them with gentle correction, as with outward crosses and afflictions; but if this will not reform them, he taketh his whip into his hand, wherewith he grievously scourgeth them, to the end they may more sensibly taste of his displeasure, and amend that which is amiss; and this he doth by making them feel the weight of sin,³ and apprehend his wrath and heavy displeasure, which by their sins they have justly incurred; and yet notwithstanding all this he still remaineth their gracious Father, who seeketh not their destruction but their reformation. Neither need this dealing of our heavenly Father seem strange unto us, seeing earthly parents take the same courses with their children whom they tenderly love; for when they often them, they first seek their amendment by words and fatherly admonitions; and when this will do no good they proceed to blows, and in a gentle manner do correct them; and if this prevail not with them, then they use more sharp and severe chastisement;