Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/201

180 as neither sufficiently comprehending the cause; nor rightly considering the End. Now the cause is the love of God towards us, not his hate; and the End is not our hurt, but our benefit. For this exercise doth advantage us more wayes than one: It strengthens us, it tryes us, and it fits us to lead on others. It strengthens us, being (as it were) that School; wherein God trains up his in Fortitude and Virtue. We see wrastlers inure themselves to sharp Tryals; that they may overcome at last: think the same of us in this School of Afflictions. For that great Master of ours is a sharp and severe exerciser of us; and exacts our labours and patience not only unto sweat but blood: Suppose you that he fondly trains up his, and that he cherishes them in the soft blandishments of pleasure and delight? No. They are Mothers which soften and enervate their children, by an over-tenderness Rh