sheweth them their work, and their transgressions, that they have exceeded. The distress ofGen. 41. 21, 22. Josephs Bre∣thren in Egypt, revived afresh upon their consciences, their old offences against Joseph; Afflictions awaken their sleepy souls and drowsie consciences. As the Suns Ecclipse is best discerned in water: Or as Blots run most abroad in wet paper: so their sinful blots and ecclipses are most evidently discovered in their waters of affliction. 2. By these, They are more throughly melted and humbled for their sinful failings discovered. The fire melts the mettle in the furnace, that it will run into any mould. When2 Chron. 32. 24, 25, 26. wrath was upon good Hezekiah for the Pride and lifting up of his heart, how quickly did he humble himself under the hand of God! That Phoenix King2 Chron 3. 16, 17. Josiah exceeding∣ly melted and wept before the LORD, when he dis∣cerned the Judgements of God but hanging over their heads for sin, in the clouds of the threatnings. 3. By these, their spots, stains and sins, Detected and Lamented, are very notably cleansed, rubbed out, and purged away,Isa. 27. 8, 9. By this shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged, and this is all the fruit to take away his sin. Davd himself acknowledged this advantage by his Afflicti∣ons; Psal. 119. 67. Before I was afflicted I went astray: Bt now have I kept they word. So true is that of Elihu to Job; Iob 36. 8, 9, 10. Then he openeth their ear to Discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Our afflictions do launce out out corruption; Scour away our spots and stains; File off our rust and canker; Fan away our chaff; Segregate our Dross; And, like theDan. 3. 23, 24, 25. Fiery fur∣nace, burn off the bands and cords of our corruptions, that we may walk at liberty. Even Manasses, that 0