The practice of piety directing a Christian how to walk, that he may please…

9. Sanctified affliction is a singular help to further our true Conversion, and to drive us home by Repentance to our heavenly Father. In their affliction (saith the Lord) they will seek me diligently. ¹Egypts burdens made^a Israel cry unto God.^b David's troubles made him pray. ^cHezekiah's sickness made him to weep, and misery drove the^d prodigal Child to return and sue for his Father's grace and mercy. Yea, we read of many in the Gospel, that by sicknesses and afflictions were driven to c•me unto Christ, who, if they had had ⟨p. 382⟩health and prosperity, as others, would have (like others) neglected or contemned their Saviour, and never have sought unto him for his saving health and grace. For as the Ark of Noah, the higher it was tossed with the Flood, the nearer it mounted towards Heaven: so the sanctified Soul, the more it is exercised with affliction, the nearer it is lifted towards God O blessed is that Cross that draweth a sinner to^* come (upon the knees of his heart) unto Christ, to confess his own misery, and to implore his endless mercy! Oh blessed, ever blessed be that Christ, that never refuseth the sinner that cometh unto him, though weather-driven by affliction and misery.

9. Sanctified affliction is a singular help to further our true Conversion, and to drive us home by Repentance to our heavenly Father. In their affliction (saith the Lord) they will seek me diligently. ¹Egypts burthens made^a Israel cry unto God.