The good of Adversity, and the ill of Prosperity. [ 325]
THe Naturalists observe well,* 1.1 that the North-wind is more healthfull, though the South be more pleasant; the South with his warmth raiseth vapours, which breed putrefaction, and cause diseases; the North with his cold, drieth those vapours up,* 1.2 purging the blood, a••d quickning the spirits. Thus adversity is unpleasant, but it keepeth us watchfull against sin, and carefull to do our duties; whereas prosperity doth Hatteringly lull us asleep: It never goes worse with men spiritually, then when they find themselves corporally best at ease; Hezekiah was better upon his sick-bed, then when he was shewing of his treasures to the Ambassadours of the King of Babylon.* 1.3 How wicked the Sodomites were, we read, Gen. 18. but Ezekiel, chap.* 1.4 16. tells us, the cause was fulnesse of bread. It was a wise policy then, of Epami∣nondas, to stand Sentinell himselfe, when the Citizens were at their Bacchanalls; And surely, when we have the world at will, it is good providence then to look most to our waies.