_Of the usefulness of adversity._ IT is good that we have sometimes troubles and crosses; for they often make a man enter into himself, and consider that he ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that we be sometimes contradicted; and that men think ill of us: and this, although we do, and intend well. For then we more diligently seek God for our inward witness, when outwardly we are contemned by men. *2. Wherefore a man should settle himself so fully in God, that he need not seek comforts of men. When a man is afflicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts; then he understandeth better the great need he hath of God. 3. So long as we live in this world, we cannot be without temptation. Hence it is written in _Job_, The life of man is a warfare upon earth. Every one therefore ought to take care as to his own temptations, and to watch, in prayer, lest he be deceived by the devil; who never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. 4. Temptations are often very profitable to men, though they be troublesome and grievous: for in them a man is humbled, purified, and instructed. All the saints have passed through, and profited by many tribulations and temptations: And they that could not bear temptations, became reprobates and fell away. *There is no place so secret, where there are no temptations. 5. There is no man that is altogether secure from temptations whilst he liveth. *When one temptation goeth away, another cometh; and we shall ever have something to suffer. Many seek to fly temptations, and fall more ♦grievously into them. ♦ “grivously” replaced with “grievously” By flight alone, we cannot overcome, but by patience and humility we conquer all our enemies. 6. He that only avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little; yea, temptations will soon return unto him, and he shall feel them worse than before. *By patience (through God’s help) thou shalt more easily overcome, than by harsh and disquieting efforts in thy own strength. Often take counsel in temptations; and deal not roughly with him that is tempted. *7. The beginning of temptation is inconstancy of mind, and little confidence in God. *For as a ship without a rudder is tossed to and fro with the waves; so the man that is negligent is many ways tempted. Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. *We know not often what we are able to do; but temptations shew us what we are. *We must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation; for the enemy is then more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of your hearts, but be resisted without the gate at his first knock. Wherefore one said, “Withstand the beginning; for an after-remedy comes too late.” *First there occurreth to the mind a simple evil thought; then a strong imagination; afterwards delight; and lastly consent: