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Q. But what if either the violence, or the long continuance of our sicknes bereaue vs of naturall sleep, whereby our life and strength is prolonged and main∣tained; how shall we in this case comfort our selues?
A. By these rules and directions fol∣lowing First, sléepe is a resemblance of
death, and the image of it, for they differ only in time, sléep being but a short death, and death a long sleepe, and therefore the lesse that we sléepe, the longer doe wee liue.
Secondly, we may, & must conceiue good hope of procuring naturall sléepe, and rest; for if sicknes take it away, health may restore it; and if feare depriue vs of it, hearts ease and quietnes of mind will make vs againe partakers of it.
Thirdly, we are by our wakefulnesse, and want of sléepe freed from the terrour of dreames, and from many illusions, doubts, feares, wherewith men in their sléepe are assaulted.
Lastly, God will haue vs to estéeme more highly of the blessing of sleep when we obtaine and enioy it; and to shew our selues more thankefull for it.
Q. What course are wee to take that we may procure rest and sleepe?
A. Wée must first of all, and most ear∣nestly pray vnto God that giueth his be∣loued sleepe in peace, and that gaue S. Peter (that was bound with two chains, and betweene two souldiers) sleepe, to bestow this gift vpon vs, which is ma∣ny times denied to great Monarches.
Secondly, we must striue to disburden & vnlade our selues of cares & thoughts, and to shake off sicknes (what in vs li∣eth) and then sléepe will come vpon vs vnlooked for.
Thirdly, in our non rest, wee must read the holy Scriptures, and good books (especially of Diuinity,) and haue them about vs, with whom we may talke and confer, and we shall find much ease and refreshment. Psal. 77. v. 11.3.4. ad 12.
Lastly, we must in the day time (es∣pecially if our sicknes will suffer vs) di∣ligently, honestly, and conscionably walke in our lawfull callings, and wee shall haue experience of Gods gratious blessing euen this way.
Psal. 4 8. Act. 12. v. 6 Hest. 6.1.
Psal. 1. v. 2
Eccles. 5. v. 1