A Divine Cordial

7. Afflictions wo•k for good, as they are a magnifying of us, Job 7.17. What is man §7that thou shouldest magnify him, and that thou shouldest visit him every morning? God doth by affliction magnify us three ways. 1. In that he will condescend so low as to take notice of us; that he will afflict us, rather than lose us. 'Tis an honour that God will mind dust and ashes: 'Tis a magnifying of us, that God thinks us worthy to be smitten. Gods not striking, is a slighting, Isa. 1.5. Why should ye be stricken any more? If you will go on in sin, take your course, sin your selves into Hell. 2. Afflictions do magnify us, as they are Insignia honoris, Ensigns of Glory, Signs of Son-ship, Heb. 12.7. If you endure chastening, God dealeth with you as Sons. Every print of the Rod is a badge of honour. 3. Afflictions do really tend to the magnifying of the Saints, as they make them renowned in the world. Soldiers have never been so admi•ed for their victories, as the Saints have been for their sufferings. The zeal and constancy of the Martyrs in their trials have rendered them famous to posterity. How eminent was Job for his patience! God leaves his name upon Record, Ye have heard of the patience of Job, James 5.11. ⟨p. 32⟩Job the Sufferer, was more renowned than Alexander the Conqueror.

7. Afflictions wo•k for good, as they are a magnifying of us, Iob 7.17. What is man §7that thou shouldest magnifie him, and that thou shouldest visit him every morning? God doth by affliction magnifie us three wayes. 1. In that he will condescend so low as to take notice of us; that he will afflict us, rather than lose us. 'Tis an honour that God will mind dust and ashes: 'Tis a magnifying of us, that God thinks us worthy to be smitten. Gods not striking, is a slighting,