Afflictions, crosses, &c. a surer way to Heaven then pleasures [ 350]
PAssengers that have been told that their way to such a place lyeth over a steep Hill,* 1.1 or down a craggy Rock, or through a moorish Fen, or dirty Vale; if they suddenly fall into some pleasant Meadow enameld with beautiful flowers, or a good∣ly corn-field, or a fair Champion Country, look about them, and bethinking, themselves where they are, say, Surely we are come out of the way, we see no Hills, nor Rocks, nor Moors, nor Fens, this is too good to be the right way: So in the course of our life, which is but a Pilgrimage on Earth, when we passe through Fields of Corn, or Gardens of Flowers, and enjoy all worldly pleasures, and contentments; when the wind sits in such a corner as blows Riches, honours, and preferments upon us, let us then cast with our selves,* 1.2 Surely, this is not the way the Scripture directeth us unto, here are not the Temptations, not the Tribulations that we must passe through; We see little or no footing of the Saints of God in this Road, but onely the print of Dives feet, some where we have mist our way, let us search and find where we went out of it; It is very true that God hath the blessings of this life, and that which is to come in store for his children;* 1.3 when he seeth it good for them, they may go to Heaven this way; but certainly, afflictions and troubles are surer Arguments of God's love, and a rea∣dier way to Heaven then the other.