Afflictions, if any thing, will make us seek God. [ 1285]
THe Persian Messenger,* 1.1 (though an Heathen) as Aeschiles in one of his Tra∣gedies observeth, said thus, When the Graecian Forces hotly pursued our host, and we must needs venter over the grea•• Water Strymon, frozen then, but beginning to thaw, when a hundred to one we had all dyed for it, with mine eyes, I saw, saith he, many of those Gallants, whom I had heard before so boldly maintain, There was no God, every one upon his knees, and devoutly praying, that the Ice might hold till they got over. And Pharaoh was at high terms with God, but when Extremity came upon him, then he was humbled. Thus it is, that many Men,* 1.2 like the Dromedary of exceeding swiftnesse, (the Female especi∣ally) run over hill and dale,* 1.3 take their whole swing of pleasure,* 1.4 and snuff up the ayr of all sensual delights; Age, death and sicknesse are afar off; Youth, health and strength possesse them, there's no coming to them then; no medling with them till their Month come,* 1.5 till Winter come, a day of sorrow and distress overtake them,* 1.6 then they will seek unto God. And herein is Folly condemned even of her own Children, and Wisdome justified of her very Enemies: That they, that greedily seek sin, are at last glad to be rid of it; and they that mer∣rily scorn Religion, at last are glad to be sheltered under the protection thereof.