II. What now can m5re illuftrate the Wifdom of Pro-

vidence, than the converting our bittereft Calamities incoOccanonsofourVirtueandHappinefs? And which of all our Calamities is more likely to contribute to our Reformation^than thofe of Sicknefs and Pain?For thefe, by touching our own Perfons are moil fenfible and grie^ VOU5 to be l3orn ; and, by punifhing the Body, for the fake and fervice of which molt^ if not all, our Wick- ednefles are committed, they meet with the very Caufe, and go CO the Root of the Dircafe, and fo are beft fit- ted to perfed the Cure. Our Phyfician of Souls is both skilful and kind ,* he will not give us over out of a cru- el Indulgence to our own Eafe. Our Father anfwers his Charader, and gives feafonableCorredion to pre- vent our utter Undoing. But in all this there is the Prudence of the Phydcian mixt with the Tendernefs of the Parent. The One would not prefcribe the bitter Cup, unlefs he knew it neceffary and beft for us ,* and if our Circumftances call for Corredion, it is with Gentlenefs and Relu Yearning of Bowels, that the Other fcourges.