Moses his choice with his eye fixed upon Heaven, discovering the happy condition of…

CHAP. VIII. Eleven Rules for preparation to suffer afflictions.

First, make account of them, do not say, I shall never be removed; although you know not what particular afflictions shall befall you, yet make an account, that an afflicted condition will be your portion: according to that of the Apostle, Acts 20. 22, 23. And now I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; save that the holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. It is our wisdom thus to make an account of afflictions, that when they come, they may be no other then were expected before. As is reported of Anaxagoras, that when news came to him of the death of his Son, and it was thought he would have been much troubled at it; he answered, I begat him mortal: so when any troubles befall us, we should entertain them with these thoughts, I knew my condition was to be an afflicted condition, I entered upon the ways of godliness upon these terms, to be willing to be in an afflicted condition; this is Gods ordinary way towards his people, it is Gods mercy, it is no worse, I expect yet greater trials then these.

FIrst, make account of them, do not say, I shall never be removed; although you know not what particular afflictions shall befal you, yet make an account, that an afflicted condition will be your portion: according to that of the Apostle, Acts 20. 22, 23. And now I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal me there; save that the holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and afflictions abide me. It is our wisdom thus to make an account of afflictions, that when they come, they may be no other then were expected before. As is reported of Anaxagoras, that when news came to him of the death of his Son, and it was thought he would have been much troubled at it; he answered, I begat him mortal: so when any troubles befal us, we should entertain them with these thoughts, I knew my condition was to be an afflicted condition, I entred upon the ways of godlines upon these terms, to be willing to be in an afflicted condition; this is Gods ordinary way towards his people, it is Gods mercy, it is no worse, I expect yet greater tryals then these.