The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

1. Necessity. 1 Pet. 1.6. If need be you must be in heaviness for a time. In respect of the terms of the Covenant which lye in this, deny your self, and take up your Cross, &c. And in respect of our disposition, we cannot be without them to wean us from the World, to embitter the creature to us, to conform us to a crucified Saviour, and make us partakers of his holiness.

1. Necessity. 1 Pet. 1.6. If need be you must be in heaviness for a time. In respect of the terms of the Covenant which lye in this, deny your self, and take up your Cross, &c. And in respect of our disposition, we cannot be without them to wean us from the World, to imbitter the creature to us, to conform us to a crucified Saviour, and make us partakers of his holiness.

2. The nature and design of Afflictions; They are fire not to consume our gold, but to purge away our dross; they are not revenging Judgments, but fatherly medicinal Corrections; not judicial Poison, but remedial Physic, &c. Therefore 1 Pet. 4.12. Think not strange, be not strangers (as the word imports) to the fiery & greatest trial, and thou wilt not be dismayed when it comes. Even Poison may be habituated and made innocent. If a stranger come in unexpected into our house, grim and armed with Instruments of mischief, we know not whence he is, nor what he comes for, it will startle and appal us: But if we be acquainted with him and his design, and expect him, we are quiet, and composed to entertain him. So when Affliction comes, we can say, This is the Cup my Father gives me, who I am sure means me no hurt, this is but what I looked for every day, &c. Enure we therefore our selves to the Cross, and make it familiar, conversing with it in our meditation and expectation. Seest thou one afflicted with the loss of a Wife, another of a Husband, another of a Child, another of Estate, another begging bread in Prison or distress, &c. bear part of his burden in sympathy and pity, and readiness to succour him, and put thy self in his or her case, supposing thou wert so and so (it will do thee no hurt) what shouldst thou do? And so God will make thy burden light,