The saints everlasting rest

3. Consider, afflictions are GOD'S most effectual means, to keep us from straggling out of the way to our rest. If he had not set a hedge of thorns on the right hand, and on the left, we should hardly keep the way to heaven: if there be but one gap open without these thorns, how ready are we to turn out at it? But when we cannot go astray, but these thorns will prick us, perhaps we will be content to hold the way. When we grow wanton, or worldly, or proud; what a notable means is sickness, or other affliction, to reduce us? It is every christian, as well as Luther, that may call affliction one of his best school-masters. Many a one, as well as David, may say by experience, Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy precepts. Many a thousand poor recovered sinners may cry, O healthful sickness! O comfortable sorrows! O gainful losses! O enriching poverty! O blessed day, that ever I was afflicted! It is not only the pleasant streams, and the green pastures, but his rod and staff also that are our comfort. Though I know it is the word and Spirit that do the work; yet certainly the time of suffering is so opportune a season, that the same word will take them then, which before was scarce observed: it doth so unbolt the door of the heart, that a minister or a friend may then be heard, and the word may have easier entrance to the affections.

3. Consider, afflictions are GOD'S most effectual means, to keep us from straggling out of the way to our rest. If he had not set a hedge of thor•s on the right hand, and on the left, we should hardly keep the way to heaven: if there be but one gap open without these thorns, how ready are we to turn out at it? But when we cannot go astray, but these thorns will prick us, perhaps we will be content to hold the way. When we grow wanton, or worldly, or proud; what a notable means is sickness, or other affliction, to reduce us? It is every christian, as well as Luther, that may call affliction one of his best school-masters. Many a one, as well as David, may say by experience, Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy precepts. Many a thousand poor recovered sinners may cry, O healthful sickness! O comfortable sorrows! O gainful losses! O enriching poverty! O blessed day, that ever I was afflicted! It is not only the pleasant streams, and the green pastures, but his rod and staff also that are our comfort. Though I know it is the word and Spirit that do the work; yet certainly the time of suffering is so opportune a season, that the same word will take them then, which before was scarce observed: it doth so unbolt the door of the heart, that a minister or a friend may then be heard, and the word may have easier entrance to the affections.