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

Sixthly: A sixth preparation, for the bearing further ¹crosses, is an humble cheerful bearing of present afflictions, and an humble submitting to the present condition: That soul that is willing to yield to God in the present condition, God will fit it for the future: many cast about in their thoughts what they shall do hereafter, if troubles should befall them, and yet in the mean time they neglect the duties of their present condition. Go on therefore humbly, and patiently ⟨p. 79⟩in the performance of the duties that God calls now for, and they will prepare you for whatsoever duties shall be required of you hereafter: there is no good to be expected from any in a new condition, who are not careful to perform the duties of the present: many are ready to promise, When we shall be in such a condition, then we will do thus or thus; but what do you in your present? never think to be able to suffer, if God call you to a new condition, if you cannot be patient under the troubles you meet with now, especially when these troubles are small and petty, in comparison of those you are like to meet withal. Mr Bilney the Martyr used to put his finger into the candle, to prepare him for the burning of his whole body; A patient bearing of less troubles for the present, will prepare the heart for the bearing of greater afterwards.

Sixthly: A sixt preparation, for the bearing further ¹crosses, is an humble cheerful bearing of present afflictions, and an humble submitting to the present condition: That soul that is willing to yield to God in the present condition, God will fit it for the future: many cast about in their thoughts what they shall do hereafter, if troubles should befal them, and yet in the mean time they neglect the duties of their present condition. Go on therefore humbly, and patiently ⟨p. 79⟩in the performance of the duties that God calls now for, and they will prepare you for whatsoever duties shall be required of you hereafter: there is no good to be expected from any in a new condition, who are not careful to perform the duties of the present: many are ready to promise, When we shall be in such a condition, then we will do thus or thus; but what do you in your present? never think to be able to suffer, if God call you to a new condition, if you cannot be patient under the troubles you meet with now, especially when these troubles are small and petty, in comparison of those you are like to meet withal. Mr Bilney the Martyr used to put his finger into the candle, to prepare him for the burning of his whole body; A patient bearing of less troubles for the present, will prepare the heart for the bearing of greater afterwards.