Plots and Contrivances of the Wicked turning to the good of Gods People. [ 1602]
TUlly maketh mention of one Phereus Iason, whom his Enemy running through with a sword intending to kill him,* 1.1 by chance opened an Im∣postume in his body, which the Physitians could not by any means cure; Such was that confederacy of Ioseph's brethren, they sell him into Egypt, thought all cock-sure; but God so ordered it, that the wickednesse of their cons••ltation was the stirrop whereby he mounted into greater exaltation.* 1.2 Thus it is, that all the Plots and contrivances of wicked men shall turn to the good of Gods people; the vexations,* 1.3 troubles, sorrows, or any Affliction whatsoever, wherewith the Sons of Belial are wont and do usually exercise the Children of God, are but as so many spurs and goades in their sides to drive them forward to their Heavenly Father; And though by his permissive Providence it hath, and doth often so fall out, that they have a very large Commission to touch their bodies, their goods, and their good names,* 1.4 nay, their very lives, yet all shall be for the good of their pretious and immortal Souls.