A Saint Indeed

8. Help. F•rther, it would much conduce to the settlement of your hearts to consider, that by fretting and discontent, you do your selves more injury, than all the afflictions you lye under could do; Your own discontent is that which arms your troubles with a sting, 'tis you that make your burden heavy; by struggling under it: could you but lye quiet under the hand of God, your condition would be much easier, and sweeter than it is: impatiens aegrotus crudelem facit Medicum. This makes God lay on more strokes, as a Father will upon a stubborn child, that receives not correction.

8. Help. F•rther, it would much conduce to the se••lement of your hearts to consider, that by fretting and disconte•t, you do your selves more injury, than all the afflictions you lye under could doe; Your own discontent is that which arms your troubles with a sting, 'tis you that make your burthen heavy; by strugling under it: could you but lye qu•et under the hand of God, your condition would be much easier, and sweeter than it is: impatiens aegrotus crudelem facit Medicum. This makes God lay on more strokes, as a Father will upon a stubborn child, that receives not correctio•.

Besides, it unfits the Soul to pray over its troubles; or take in the sense of that good which God intends by them: affliction is a pill which being wrapped up in patience, and quiet submission, may be ⟨p. 57⟩easily swallowed; but discontent chews the pill, and so embitters the Soul: God throws away some comfort which he saw would hurt you, and you will throw away your peace alter it; he shoots an arrow which sticks in your clothes▪ and was never intended to hurt, but only to fright you from sin: and you will thrust it onward o the piercing of your very hearts; by despondency, and discontent.