CHAP. V.
That it serves to worke in us amendment of life.
2. SEcondly, the malice of our enemies serves to worke in us amendment of life. Every Afflicti∣on sanctified, rubs off some rust, melts off some drosse, straines out some corruption, &c. which done, we rise out of trouble, as Christ rose out of the grave: for when the gold is fined the fire shall hold it no longer. The outward cold of affliction doth greatly increase the inward beate and fervor of the Graces of God in us. Indeed no Chastisement (saith the Author to the Hebrewes) for the present seemes to bee joyous, but grievous; But afterwards it bringeth the quiet fruit of righte∣ousnesse to them that are thereby exercised, Heb. 12. 11.
We are dunged with reproaches, that we may prove a richer soyle for grace, as Nazianzen speakes, (allu∣ding to the parable of the Figtree.) God beates us, that he may better us: he hedgeth us about with thornes, that he may keepe us within compasse, least wee breake over into Satans pastures: which indeede will fat us, but to the slaughter. Yea, he pricks us with Goades, that he may let out our ill humours, and happy thornes or Landsets of tribulation are those, which open a veyne for sin to gush out at.