The Life of Faith in Times of Trial and Affliction, Consideration 9
CONSIDERATION. IX. It is the Commanding will of God.
CHristian souls have much Peace, and joy, when they are going about a commanded duty, and they know upon good grounds, that what they are going about is a commanded duty, notwithstanding of the many Hazards, Difficulties, Pinches and Distresses, they are put to, in the prosecution thereof: and when they are called to suffer, and to lye under outward Trouble and Affliction, are oftentimes under much sadness of heart, and disquietment of mind, upon this account, among others, That they know not, if their suffering be according to the will of God, and whether or not they have ground to expect God's approbation; which if they saw clear ground to beleeve and look for, they would be no more disquieted, than when going about other clear and necessary duties. It will be useful therefore and advantagious to such, as meet with a suffering life, to know some thing, whereby they may come to understand, how and what way they may, or may not be called of God to suffer.
I grant, that Suffering, as it is a meer passion, doth not properly fall under a command: But the Choosing, Embracing, patient, cheerful, couragious and Christian Enduring of Sufferings and Affliction fall under a command; and this is all the subject of our present enquirie, That we may know, when we are to judge our selves called of God to choose Affliction with the people of God, and to undergo it with courage and patience, knowing that in so doing, we are approven of God.
In order therefore to the clearing up of this, we would know, That as there is a time, when God calleth to valient acting and appearing and hazarding lives and fortunes, and all for Him, and His interest, and to jeopard our lives, on the high places in the field, and to come forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty, as we would escape the Curse of Meroz Iudg. 5: 23. So there is a time, when He, who only can change seas…ns and times, calleth for Valiant Suffering, and to become a companion in Tribulation, and in the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ. And this appeareth from these particulars.
1. There is a particular gift of God for this Suffering, as wee see Phil. 1. vers. 29. VntoUnto you it is given not only to beleeve on him, but also to suffer for his sake. And when God giveth a gift for such a peculiar work, it saith, there is a time and season, when that gift is to be imployed and exercised, for he giveth not gifts to lye by us and rust, or to be hid in a napkin under ground.
2. There are peculiar duties called-for at the hands of Christians, relative only or mainly unto a suffering time; as Taking up the Cross, Patience, Being faithful unto the death Revel. 2: 10. Holding fast Christ's name, and not denying his faith Vers. 13. Keeping Christs works unto the end Vers. 26. Keeping of Christs word, and not denying his name, Revel. 3. v. 8. Keeping the word of Christs patience V. 10. Keeping fast and not casting away our Confidence Heb. 10: 35. and the like: All which say, there is a time for suffering, and witnessing to the truth by suffering.
3. …he many motives and encouragments given to bear up the hearts of sufferers, say, that the people of God have such a lot to look for, and must lay their account to meet with Trials and Tribulations for adhering to truth.
4 The many Instances and examples of valiant and stedfast Sufferers before us, recorded for our Instruction, and Information, say, there is such a season, wherein such, as would stand fast in the faith, can look for nothing but sharp trials for the Name of Jesus.
5. The forewarnings given to such, as will follow Christ, to take up withall their cross Mat. 16: 24. And that through much tribulation we must enter into the Kingdom of God, Act. 14: 22. And that all who will live godly, in Christ Iesus, shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. vers. 12. That we should not think strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try us, as though some strange thing hapned unto us 1 Pet. 4. vers. 12 These and the like confirme this matter.
6 Christ, the Captaine of our Salvation, was made perfect through sufferings Heb. 2: 10. & He himself hath told us Mat. 10: 24, 25 That the Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord, & that, it is enough for the Disciple that he be as his Master, & the Servant as his Lord: & that, if they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his houshold? And we are bidden look unto Iesus, the Author and finisher of faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the crosse, despising the shame: And to consider him, that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest we be wearied and fainte in our mindes, Hebr. 12: 2, 3. And we are told 1 Petr. 2: 21. That even hereunto we are called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. And againe Chap. 4: 1. For asmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, we should arme our selves likewise with the same mind. All which and the like say, that a Suffering lot is abiding the followers of Jesus; and that it is the will of God they should prepare for it.
7. Some special works there are, which God hath upon the wheels to perfect, and these call for a suffering season; such as the trial and discovery of the sincerity of His grace in His own, as also the exercise and promoving thereof; for tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hop. Rom. 5: 3, 4. So the trying of saith worketh patience Iam. 1: 3. See also 1 Pet. 1. vers. 7. and 4: 12. As also the discovery of the rottenness and hypocrisie of a Professing generation, who want root, and so must wither, when the scorching sun of persecution ariseth Mat. 13: 5, 21. For this is as a small sieve So also the discovery of the Maliciousness and wickedness of Enemies, which lay hid and latent, before it gote a seasonable vent, when their hour and power of darkness cometh. Luk. 22: 53.
8. This may be confirmed by express Testimonies of Scripture, such as 1 Pet. 2. vers. 19, 20, 21. For this is thank worthy (or grace) if a man for conscience toward God, endure griefe, suffering wrongfully.—But if when ye do well & suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable (or grace, or favour) with God. For even hereunto were ye called. It must then be a commanded duty, and obedience to a command, that rendereth a man gracious and acceptable with God. So 1 Pet. 4: 19. Wherefore let them that suffer, according to the will of God. &c. this is according to his will of command. So Heb. 10: 39. The will of God, there mentioned, is, as we explained it, his will of command, which was done by enduring patiently, for the Profession of the truth, a whole fight of afflictions; their patient suffering being noble service to their Lord and Master. By all which we see, that there are some times and seasons, wherein the people of God are called to suffer.
If it be enquired. When is that Time and Season, wherein the people of the Lord are called to suffer? The answere is easie: to wit, when the red horse (spoken of Revel. 6: 4.) is sent forth, and power is given to him, that sitteth thereon, to take peace from the earth; and for that end, hath given unto him a great sword; that is, when Truth and the Profession thereof is persecuted; when Tribulation or Persecution ariseth because of the Word; as it is Mat. 13: 26. When men must be slain for the Word of God, and for the Testimonie, which they hold Revel. 6: 9. When the Truth and the open Profession thereof, is questioned and opposed, then are the followers of Christ called to suffer rather than to sin, and upon all hazards to hold fast the Profession of their faith without wavering, not forsaking even the assembling of themselves together Heb. 10: 23, 25. Then are they to make Moses's choise; that is, chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season Heb. 11: 25. When any of the revealed Truthes of God are opposed, and such as owne the same are maligned, hated and persecuted, that is the Season, wherein the Lord calleth all His to embrace any suffering, rather than deny His Truth, and the word of His Patience. It is spoken to the commendation of the Church of Pergamos Revel. 2. vers. 13. That though dwelling where Satans seat was, yet she held fast Christ's …ame, and did not deny His faith, even in these daies, wherein Antipas, Christ's faithful Martyr, was slaine. So that it is Christ's will and command, that all his followers should abide stedfast, faithful and unmovable in owning of his Truth and Cause, his Word and Interest, on all hazards.
But some will possibly enquire, How shall I know, whether or not, I in particular be called to suffer? Answer. We are not to expect any extraordinary Revelation, or Declaration of God's mind, in this particular; though I grant, the Lord may condescend, in love and pity to some weak persons, to give some more than ordinary intimation of his will, whether by some secret and forcible impulse upon their Spirits; or by some influence of comfort and encouragment, whereby they are enabled to despise the shame, and to endure the cross, as seeing the joy set before them; and are strengthened against the feares of men, even of the greatest and most terrible, as seeing Him, who is Invisible. But these outflowings of his Love and Tenderness, not being the Rule of our duty, we must not think, that we are never called to hazard on suffering, untill we meet with some such Dispensation of his free grace. Nor must we waite for some singular Intimation, made by some more than ordinary light, given to discover the Truth, and the Importance thereof, for owning of which we are exposed to suffering; The Revelation of the Truth, made by Jesus Christ, in his Word, is the only ground of our faith, & our faith thereunto is called for, though we want such rare communications of Light, bearing home the soul-captivaring perswasion of the Truth & its concernments, over all possiblity of doubting or hesitating in the least; for these are not our Ground or Rule of faith, but soveraigne and special helps to strengthen our faith, and to fix us more upon our ground. But the ground of our Suffering, and that which we should look upon as a call from God, to choose suffering, is the Lord's command, to owne and avow His Truth: so that when the Lord, in His Holy and Wise Providence, ordereth matters so, as that we must either suffer, or sin, in denying His word, or any point of Truth, revealed in his word; and so either Suffer or forsake our Duty; then are we to look upon our selves, as called of God to choose suffering, rather than sin: When, as it were, Sin and Suffering are laid before us, that we may make our choise, and there is no third thing to demurre us, nor any faire and lawful way to escape the suffering, but by sinning; then with Moses in that forecited place, Heb. 11: 2…. We are to preferre Suffering before Sinning, and that according to the will of God. This deed of Moses, in chusing rather to suffer a …tction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, was a rare Act of faith; and consequently an act of obedience; faith being no blind act, but walking upon the ground of a command. When then we can not evite suffering, but by sinning in denying the Truth, or in not adhering to it, or not Professing of it, according to the will of God, we suffer for well doing. This is it, that is acceptable unto God, and that to which we are called, to wit That we take it patiently, when we do well and suffer for it. This is to endure grief, suffering wrongfully, for conscience towards God, and which is thankworthie 1 Pet. 2. vers. 19, 20, 21.
Hence we see, that it must be Truth, and the Word of Christ, that must be suffered for; else we cannot be said to suffer for Conscience towards God, nor for well doing. If a Person be under the Power of an Erroneous Conscience, taking that for Truth, which is nothing but Errour, his suffering in defence thereof, and for adhering thereto, is not suffering for well doing, nor for conscience towards God, nor have such any call from God to suffer upon that account; and yet if, for fear of suffering, any such should deny that, which they apprehended to be truth, they should virtually deny the truth of God, and sinne; because they should deny that, which they took to be the truth of God; and if it had been …eally the truth of God, they would have denied it, no less than now they have done, though they did mistakingly apprehend it to be the truth of God, when it was not. In this case, there is no preventing of sin, but by laving by the blinded and erroneous Conscience; that is, by laying aside the mistake and errour, and receiving …ight Information concerning the Truth. And therefore, when a time of trial cometh, and persecution ariseth upon the account of the Testimony of Jesus, and of his Word, all, w…o would be found faithful in that day of trial, should labour to have the Word dwelling in them richly, to be rooted and grounded in the Truth, tobe receiving and drinking-in the Truthes of God, and to have all grounded upon the infallible Word of Truth, that what they owne and hold may be the sure and undoubted Truth of Jesus, and so a part of his Testimony. And for this Cause, they would be living neer to Him, who is the Truth, that being taught of Him, and receiving the Truth, as it is in Jesus, they may be in case to assert and owne the same, upon all hazards, and so fitted for witnessing to the Truth, and for holding fast Christs Word; and nothing else.
But some may say, Though we know and beleeve the Truth, that is opposed: Yet we are not able to maintaine it against learned Adversaries, nor to answere their contrary Arguments and Objections; How can we suffer upon the account of such a piece of truth, which we have not skill and understanding to defend against cunning Adversaries? I Answ. Though it is true, Men of great parts, and abilities to plead and argue for truth, would seem to have a great advantage, in such a day of trial; yet experience proveth, that such as are far inferiour unto them, as to parts and abilities, will be helped to faithful witness-bearing to the Truth, when they may shamfully decline that Duty. Suffering is a peculiar gift, & doth not alwayes accompany the gift of learning. And I doubt, it be required of all Christians, to be able to disput for the truth, and to answere all the Sophismes of cunning Adversaries; yet it is required of all, that they contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered unto the Saints Iud. 3. and that they stand fast in the faith, 1 Cor. 16: 13. and in the Lord Phil. 4: v. 1. 1 Thes. 3: 8. and hold fast Christs Name and the Word of his Patience, and not deny his Faith and Name Revel. 2: 10, 13, and 3: v. 8, 10. and that they keep his Word Revel. 3: 8. It is the Duty of all to receive the Truth, and the Love of the Truth; and when the truth in its Love and Loveliness is received, then it sincketh into the heart; and such, though they cannot Disput for the Truth, yet can suffer for it; and not deny it, upon any termes. Though they have but a little strength, yet they will keep his Word, as is spoken to the Commendation of the Church of Philadelphia Revel. 3: v, 8. Truth is Truth, though we be not able to defend it against Sophisters, and to stop the mouth of gaine-sayers, and the Truth, as it is in Jesus, and as it is a part of his Testimonie, who is the Truth, should be owned and maintained by suffering. The Primitive Christians, who suffered martyrdom for the Truth, were not all able to answere the Cavils and Sophismes of a Celsus and a Porphyrie, and others, who imployed their learning and parts against the Truth; yet having received the love of the truth, and embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ, no sufferings nor torments could move them to a forsaking or denying of the same; They did keep Christs word, and would not deny his Name.
But may some say, what if the point of Truth, upon which I am questioned and staged, be but small, and of no great consequence, and many moe than I do so judge it; must I hazard on suffering, upon the account thereof, and think that God will accept of me therein? Answere. Let the point of truth be never so small and inconsiderable, whether in thine own eyes, or in the eyes of others; yet it being a part of the Truth of God, and of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, it is a part of that Name of Christ's, which should not be denied; and of that Word, which should be kept. Satan may move Persecuters to urge but small things at the beginning, that thereby he may make way to greater; knowing that if once Professors cede in smaller matters, they are the fairer to be prevailed with in greater things; for h…ving forsaken the Lord in lesser, they are out of the ordinary rode of meeting with promised help and assistance, when they are questioned upon greater things. Who love Truth for Truth's sake, and upon the account that it is the Truth of Jesus, will love the l…ast of divine truthes, and therefore will not deny it, because it is a part of the Name of Christ, every part whereof is sweet and desirable unto the gracious soul. On the other hand, who forsake and deny Truth, because it is small, and inconsiderable, will hold no Truth, as the Name and Word of Christ, and so will be faire to deny the greatest; who suffer not for the Truth, as it is the Truth, and because it is the Truth of Christ, cannot be said to suffer for conscience toward God, and as holding fast the Name of Jesus, and the word of his patience. And such as are willing to suffer for the Truth, upon this account, will suffer upon all Truth, how small so ever it may seem to be, if it be a part of the word of His Testimony. The Testimonie to the Truth is not to be estimat, according to the greatness or weightiness of the Truth, upon which the Testimony is called for; but rather on the contrary, that may be accounted a great Testimony, which is for a small Truth (to speak comparatively, for indeed no part of Christ's truth should be accounted small) because it argueth great love to the Truth, and Zeal for it; it argueth much singleness, and honesty; and so is much to the glory of God: such as are thus faithful in a very little, may be much esteemed of by the Lord, and have rule over many cities. The denying of or not witnessing unto the meanest Truth, in a stated case of Confession, is a being ashamed of Christ and of his Truth; and who are ashamed of or deny Him before Men, He will deny them before His Father, which is in heaven. The least sin must not be committed to shun suffering; but the denying of, or not bearing witness unto any of the Truthes of Christ, in a day of trial, is no small iniquity: and therefore (as we said) we are to look upon our selves as called of God to suffer, when we can not avoid it but by finning.
Yet some may say, when the thing required is manifestly sinful and unrighteous, the call to suffering rather, in that case, seemeth very clear and unquestionable; and when it is so, the person may have much peace and calmness within, but when the question seemeth more disputable, the call must needs be less clear, that one hath to suffer upon that account; and an unclear call cannot but creat much perturbation of mind, and perplexity. Ans. A call may be Gods call, wherein or whereabout, there may be much unclearness: It is said of Abraham Heb. 11: 8. That by faith, when he was called to go out into a place, which he should after receive for an Inheritance, he obeyed, and went out, though, as it is added, not knowing whither he went. It seemeth good in the Lord's eyes, not to make every ones call alike clear and unquestionable, that their faith and obedience may be the more tried. Some have their call to suffering written, as it were, with sun-beames, so clearly and distinctly, that he who runneth may read it: others have their duty and call written with smaller letters, which every one cannot read; and yet this be no less the call of God, than the other. The call which the three Children had to suffer, was clear and unquestionable; … being such an act of manifest Idolatry which was enjoyned them; that none acquanted with the law of God, could have the least scruple, touching its horrid iniquity; The call againe which Moses had, rather to suffer, than to be called the Son of Pharaohs Daughter, would seem not to have been so legible and clear to all; and yet it was the true call of God, for by faith he obeyed this call. So Daniel's call to hazard rather on the lions, than forbear prayer to the God of heaven, seemeth more …lear and legible than Mordecai…s call to hazard his own life, and the life of all the Jewes, before he would bow, and do rever…ce unto Haman …e Amalakite and yet this was found to be the true call of God. In the primitive times, the case seemed clear and unquestionable, when Christians were commanded to renounce Christianity, to give up their Bibles, as renunceing the same, or to burne incense to Idols, or to build a Temple to Idols, or suffer death; but when their life was offered unto them, on condition, they would but give any old paper or clout, in stead of the poors coats; or would give a small summe of money, wherewith to helo to build the temple to the Idol God, one would think their call to suffer was more dark: and yet these worthy witnesses would not redeem their life at such a rate: Yea, if the souldiers, weary in executing of them, should have violently plucked any such thing from them against their wills, as desireous of the smallest seeming Victory, they would not consent, but run after them declaring their adherence to the truth; and Marcus Arethusius would not give one penny to the building of the Idol Temple.
If it be said, But what if by some Imprudent, or Unnecessary act or other, I have occasioned the trial and trouble to my self; Can I in this case suppose, that I am called of God to suffer. I Ans. It is true, that some unnecessary, or not every way commendable act or other, may give the first rise or occasion to our trouble; and yet when sufferings are not purely upon that account, nor for that cause: but stated upon another ground; we may notwithstanding of this imprudent or unnecessary occasioning of the trial to ourselves, look upon ourselves as called of God to suffer, rather than to deny Him, or any part of His Truth. It is observed by some of Paul, that the occasion of his last trouble, mentioned Act. 21. to wit his hearkening to the advice of Iames and the Elders of Ierusalem, was a thing which he might well have forborne, yea and refused, and therein have walked consonant unto both his former Doctrine, Practice and Writtings, by all which, before this time, he had declared, that the Ceremonial Law was not obliging; Christ, the special end and substance of all these shadowes, being now come, and having established the Gospel way of worship: and others, though they will not blame Paul, nor think he dissembled in what he did, yet they think Iames and the rest should have forborne to have pressed him to do what they urged him to do. Yet we see, that notwithstanding of this, which gave the rise and occasion to these his last sufferings, this not being the ground, or cause, for which he was persecuted; but his maintainance of the Gospel, and opposing of the necessary observation of the Law of Moses, which was now abrogate, he is in all his sufferings, which followed hereupon, owned of God, and approven of him.
If it be said, Though I dar not deny the Truth, upon which I am challenged and staged, nor dar I say, but I am suffering for Truth, and that I could not have shunned this affliction, but by sinning; yet I am made to doubt of God's call and warrand, because He hideth his face from me, yea He hideth himself from me, more than ever. This causeth me suspect, that all is wong; and that I have run, in this matter, without his warrand and allowance. I Ans. This is no certaine ground, whereupon to draw such a conclusion. These out-lettings of his free grace, and sensible significations of his favour, are dispensed according to the Soveraignity of his will and pleasure. A person therefore may have an unquestionable call and warrand to hazard on suffering, when he cannot otherwayes do, unless he would sinne, though he misse these soul-comforting, and heart-establishing blainks of His face. How oft do we finde the Saints of God, in Scripture, cry out of the hiding of God's face, when outward trouble was lying heavy upon them? As in Iob and David: and why may not the Lord dispense thus with others? I grant the Trial and the Exercise is, upon this account, the greater: but what do we know, but the Lord be ordering matters so, in his holy wisdom, for our further trial, and for the exercise of faith? It is easie to swime (we say) when the head is born up above the water. And if the Lord thinketh good to double our Trials, ought we not sweetly to submit? His word should satisfie us; and He hath promised enough to him, that overcometh: We ought to remember our duty, that is, hold fast what we have, till he come, and He will come quickly, Revel. 2. vers. 25. and 3. vers. 11. If He will have us venturing upon faith, why should we not glorifie him thereby? He knoweth, when the fittest season is of intimating his favour and acceptance. That holy martyr, that complained of this want, all the time he was in prison, yet while going to the staik was made to cry out, He is come, He is c…me.
Let us now speak a word unto the improving of this Consideration, to the end, we may see, how it can contribute unto life, in an evil time.
1. This Consideration may calme and quiet the Sufferer, and may make him enjoy peace within, what ever trouble he meet with from without; because, hereby he understandeth, that he is about his Master's work, he is following dutie, and walking in a commanded path, whatever trouble he meet with therein: So whatever other thing occurre, to cause disquietment, this may bear him thorow all, that he is in the way of duty, and obeying the command of the great Lord and Law-giver. Christians use to pacifie their own spirits with this, when they meet with unexpected crosses and disappointments, That they were following their duty: So this may quiet them under all their Tossings, Troubles, Persecutions and Vexations, that they have sinfully occasioned none of these things, nor by their sin and foolly brought them on themselves.
2. When on-lookers are ready to condemne them of Foolly, Rashness, Inconsideratness, Pertinaciousness, and the like, this Consideration; That they are about a commanded duty, may counterballance all; for then they may know, that whoever condemne them, their Lord and Master will approve of them; and how ever men construe of their doings, He will account their Sufferings loyal and faithful service to Him.
3. The consideration of this will helpe the Beleever to a life of Patience and Submission, without fretting at their lot: for sure the honest beleever hath engaged himself unto God, and hath promised absolute obedience unto him in all things, and to take up his cross and yoke, whatever it be, that God shall think good to appointe for him: and without all doubt, he is to have respect to all the commands of God, and is obliged to carry as a Son and as a Servant; and therefore must willingly and with sweet submission do any piece of service, that is laid upon him, & go about any commanded duty with cheerfulness, because it is commanded, how unpleasant so ever it be to the flesh The honest beleever will say, I have given up my self to His service, and count it my glory to be called, the Servant of God; and why should I not go willingly and cheerfully, and with heart and hand, without all repineing or murmuring, about any piece of service He is pleased to put in my hand? I made no reserves nor exceptions, when I resigned and gave up my self unto Him; and why should I not now submit to all He commandeth? Sure, it is He who is Lord and Master, and so must command and give-out orders; I am but a servant, a sworn-servant, and am highly advanced, when I am called and accounted a servant to him, and therefore must not carve-out my own work, and service, but be under Authority, and go and abide, or do this or that, or bear this or that burden, as commanded. It is not seemly for a childe, or for a servant, or for a souldier to quarrel with his Father, Master, or Commander, for putting him to any piece of service; but rather sweetly to acquiesce, and run cheerfully about what is commanded: And (should the beleever say) it is more unseemly for me to quarrel with God, who is my Father, Master, and Commander, upon a more noble and substantial an account, for any piece of service He putteth in my hands: I never covenanted with Him, upon condition, He should not call me to suffering, or put any piece of service in my hand, that was not easie and sweet to the flesh. So that the Consideration of this would certainly move to submission, and shoot-out all contrary thoughts, which distract and disquiet the soul, and make his spirit bitter, and his life less lively and comfortable.
4. Hereby would the beleever be helped to a life of Patience and Long suffering, under the Trial and Tribulation, when continueing long, and like yet to continue longer, without fainting or wearying: for the honest soul would think with it self, I should not weary of prayer, nor of hearing the word, nor of any other religious duty; and why should I weary of the cross, seing the bearing of it, christianly and handsomely, is as much my duty, and an act of obedience to Him, when He calleth thereunto, as is Prayer, or the like, in their season. There is a time, when He calleth for valiant acting, there is also a time, when He calleth for Christian suffering; and every thing is beautiful in its season: and if the season be longer, than we would desire; yet the Supreme Lord of Times and Seasons, He knoweth better than I, how long such a season should endure; and so long as He thinketh fit to appointe the season, so long is the duty seasonable and pleasant, that is called for in that season.
5. This would also help forward the inward Satisfaction of the Believer; for hereby he might see, that how unworthy and inconsiderable soever he thought his own sufferings; yet the Lord would get glory thereby; seing he might easily understand, that the Lord would set him about no imployment or service, but such as would be for his own glory: the husband man will not command his servants to plow-up some cumbersome piece of ground wherein they must meet with much labour and toyl, if he saw not how to reap some fruit thereby; nor will God set any of His servants about an irksome piece of work, if he saw not advantage to be had thereby to his Name, Interest and Glory: The faith of this, That God will get glory by their sufferings, that being a piece of work He hath put them about, who doth nothing in vaine, and whose glory is advanced by our obedience to His commands, will quiet the heart of the honest beleever, while he is sweating in tugging and toiling at that troublesome work. And when such thoughts as these prove troublesome unto the honest hearted beleever, Alas I am out of case now, while thus shut up in prison, to go about my Christian duties, with my Christian Neighbours, wherein I was wont to rejoice, and God was glorified; I cannot get Him now so served and glorified, and his praises solemnly sung, in the publick Assemblies of his people. This may satisfie and comfort him. That now he is called unto this piece of service, and by his Christian deportment herein, God will be as much glorified, as He was by his Christian exercises, while at liberty; That now he hath as good occasion, to advance in his Principal work of glorifying God, though upon another account, as when he was imployed in the most solemne service, that Christians are called to.
6. This consideration will also promove their life of inward Contentmen… and Satisfaction, under their suffering lot, in that they will thereby be helped to see, that as God will thereby get his due rent of praise and glory (as we said:) so their own spiritual advantage and spiritual life will be promoved thereby, if they foolishly hinder it not by their unchristian deportment under the crosse. All obedience hath a native tendency to promove the spiritual good of Christians, they walk and go from strength to strength, in the pathes of obedience, The doing of God's will is the exercise of the Christian life, and the Christian's life is made more and more lively by this exercise: So that, all these Tribulations, or Afflictions, are so far from hindering their spiritual grouth and advancment in grace, that on the contrary they promove the same, when the Christian is helped, through grace, to yeeld obedience unto the good will of God, in undergoing that lot and dispensation, in a Christian manner, even because the Christian is then in the way of God, and carrying as a submissive obedient Son and Servant ought to do.
7. Hereby, (which will also prove advantagious to their spiritual life) they will see, How Satan is disappointed of the two great Ends, he aimeth at, in raising up Persecution against the people of God: to wit, the dishonour of God, and the hurt and undoing of the Child of God; neither of which he can at taine by this mean: for when Afflictions, Distresses, Tribulation and Persecution are borne, in way of obedience to the holy will of God, and the soul is sweetly complying therewith, as its present duty, both God is glorified, and the Christian soul is edified, as by all other Christian duties; and thus Satan is disappointed. Sure, this can not but yeeld much peace and comfort unto the suffering beleever, under all his hardships and sore pressures.
8. This Consideration, if rightly improven, could not but make the suffering beleever sing and rejoice, with Paul and Silas, while in prison Act. 16. vers. 25. and with the Apostles, when sh…mfully beaten Act. 5. vers. 40, 41. Because, they cannot but say, that their hearts are glade and rejoice within them (if they be not under the power of some evil frame) when they are about known duty; and that what they do, they do with a piece of joy and gladness, when they reflect upon it, as a commanded duty, and remember how therein they are doing the will of their Father, and running His errands: and why should they not be also glade and rejoice in their sufferings, when they may know, that therein they are also about the will of their Father, and actually evidencing their Loyalty, Faithfulness, Subjection, and Obedience to Him?
9. This Consideration may also quiet the honest-hearted Beleever, when troubled with these or the like thoughts, That now he cannot get God so served as he was wont to do; He cannot get such a good work begun or perfected, which he had intended for the publik good; He cannot get the spiritual good of others, Neighbours and Relations, so promoved, as he would desire. From this, I say, the Beleever may draw grounds of peace to his own soul, & hush these perturbing thoughts to the door; because the Lord is not now calling for these works at his hands; but is now calling for another duty, wherein if he carry himself aright, God will be no less glorified, than by all that work, which he Intended: nay, this being the present duty, and piece of work now put in his hand by God, the doing thereof aright wi…l more glorifie God: And therefore this should allay all their sorrow and griefe, which they finde upon their disappointments, and cause them sweetly comply with the present duty, and account that best, which He accounteth best.
10. Seing in choosing affliction rather than sin, they are about a commanded duty, and doing the will of God; they have the same ground of hope, that the Lord shall enable them thereunto, and by his grace carry them thorow, that they have, as to other duties; the same Covenant-Grounds, and Covenant-promises reatch all duties, and excepte none, so that this very Consideration may raise the soul in hope, & may encourage the man to goe to Christ by faith, and lean to him for seasonable strength and supplies of grace, for throughbearing in the duty; and through Him, expect to be accepted of the Father, in the discharge of the duty.