Affliction stirs up devotion
Use 5. Hence therefore, in the next place, note a sure sign of the true religion, namely, to be able to support men in danger and in spiritual troubles. This is verified in ours, as the subtile Jesuit will acknowledge, while they hold that reposing ourselves merely on mercy and favour in Christ, and not on man's good works, is the safest way. Why, therefore, they live by their uncomfortable rules; and when they die, fly for succour to these, which in their lifetime they despise.* Use 6. Moreover, let this be a ground to encourage us never to give over God's cause. He hath said he will not leave us though we be in depth of our sins, if we belong to him, and therefore much less will he leave us in that work which he himself sets us about. He was with Daniel among the lions, with Moses in the bulrushes, with the 'three children' in the fire, with his church through 'fire and water.'
Use 7. Lastly, Let us therefore be sure to keep God our friend, that he may own us; else when we cry he will not hear us, Prov. 1:28.
Acquaint we ourselves with him, as it is in Job 22:21, in prosperity, and he will be our refuge, &c.
Affliction stirs up devotion Doct. 3. In the third place, observe we that afflictions stir up devotions; for prayers in time of afflictions are cries. Oratio sine malis est avis sine alis; for what allays worldly joy, and embitters it, but affliction? Now we know that it is the worldly afflictions* that quenches our zeal and makes us cold. Affliction is a purgation opening the soul, causing it to relish and to affect† spiritually, and to see the wants and necessity of supply, and so procures longing and earnest hungering, Hosea 5:15. 'In their affliction they will seek me early,' and therefore, Ps. 107:6, it is said they cried to the Lord in