The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. Sith the care and providence of God is so great for his children, as you have largely declared: what then, I pray you, is the cause why God suffereth his to be brought into so many troubles and necessities?

Phil. Sith the care and providence of God is so great for his children, as you have largely declared: what then, I pray you, is the cause why God suffereth his to bee brought into so many troubles and necessities?

Theol. Their profit and benefit is the cause, and not their hurt. For he loveth them, when he smiteth them. He favoureth them, when he seemeth to be most against them. He aimeth at their good, when he seemeth to be most angry with them. He woundeth them, that he may heal them. He presseth them, that he may ease them. He maketh them cry, that afterward they may laugh. He always meaneth well unto them, he never meaneth hurt. He is most constant in his love towards them. If he bring them into necessities, it is but for the trial of their faith, love, patience, and diligence in prayer. If he cast them into the fire, it is not to consume them; but to purge and refine them. If he bring them into great dangers, it is but to make them call upon him more earnestly for help and deliverance. He presseth us, that we might cry: we cry, that we may be heard: we are heard, that we might be delivered. So that here is no hurt done: we are worse scared than hurt. ⟨p. 125⟩Even as a mother, when her child is way-ward, threateneth to throw it to the Wolfe, or scareth it with some poker, or bull-beggar, to make it cling more unto her, and be quiet: So the Lord oftentimes showeth us the terrible faces of troubles and dangers, to make us cleave and cling faster unto him, and also to teach us to esteem better of his gifts when we enjoy them, and to be more thankful for them; as health, wealth, peace, liberty, safety, &c. So then still we see, here is nothing meant on Gods part but good: as it is written,¹ All things work together for good to them that love God. For,