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

A fourth rule is, when God stirs your heart in affliction, to promise and covenant reformation; begin ¹the work while the affliction is upon you, do something now presently, do not put off all till you be well, till you be recovered, and think then I will do it: there is much deceit of the heart this way, many miscarry in their vows to God upon this ground, because they put off all till they be out of their affliction, and by that time, the impression that was upon their spirits is abated, their hearts are cooled, and so the duty is neglected; wherefore do something ⟨p. 98⟩presently, and be always in doing, till that which is vowed be fully performed.

1. 14.

Fifthly, let every affliction drive you much to God ¹in prayer. Is any man afflicted? let him pray, says S. James. It is a similitude of Chrysostom, As clouds ²darken the heavens, & cause louring weather, but being distilled into drops, then sweet Sun-shine and fair weather follows: so sorrows and cares in the soul, cloud the soul, till they be distilled in prayer, into tears, and poured forth before the Lord, then the sweet beams of Gods grace come in, and much blessing follows.

Fifthly, let every affliction drive you much to God ¹in prayer. Is any man afflicted? let him pray, says S. James. It is a similitude of Chrysostom, As clouds ²darken the heavens, & cause lowring weather, but being distilled into drops, then sweet Sun-shine and fair weather follows: so sorrows and cares in the soul, cloud the soul, till they be distilled in prayer, into tears, and poured forth before the Lord, then the sweet beams of Gods grace come in, and much blessing follows.