[3.] That we may not faint and grow weary of duties, even of life itself, as Jonah iv. 8. Faith keepeth us from fainting, Ps. xxvii. 13, Ps. xlii. 5.
3. In such times faith is manifested. The true and sensible dis- covery of faith is patience under manifold tribulations.
[1.] Because then we have nothing to stick unto but the comforts
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and supports of faith. While we have anything to live upon on this side God, either for maintenance, or protection, or safety, God hath but the name; as those, Isa. iv. 11, 'We will eat our own bread, we will wear our own apparel, only call us by thy name.' Though the flesh liveth upon its own proper supply, yet we have so much religious manners as to give God the name. But now, when these are removed from us, then it is more plainly seen what we live upon, and how we live, either by faith or sense. Besides, in daily and light trials reason will minister some comfort ; as philosophy knew little better than non si male nunc, et olim sic erit ; that their present troubles will shortly cease, and they shall shortly partake of their delights here, and so force themselves into a kind of quietness in their troubles when they cannot help it, and hope shortly it will be better with them as to their worldly estate. Thus in daily and light trials a man of understanding may hold up the head ; but when one deep calleth to another, then nature yieldeth. Many persecutions and tribulations spend all our probabilities ; these troubles and dangers leave us wholly to faith : Bev. xiii. 10, ' Here is the faith and patience of the saints.' The fit time to exercise these graces ; that is, in the trials of antichrist ; they will have work enough for faith and patience. Sense findeth nothing to live upon ; reason, or confidence, or hope findeth nothing to live upon ; only God's promises keep faith and patience alive.
[2.] Its proper genuine effect is then produced to the view of con- science, and of the world also. It sensibly appeareth what boldness and courage our belief of God's promises hath produced in us, by enduring the greatest extremities rather than forsake the way of the Lord. Certainly the strength of faith, as of all other graces, is most seen in the effects. Now there is a twofold effect of faith — to obey with cheerfulness, and to endure with patience. This is called the ' Work of faith,'" 2 Thes. i. 11, the imperate acts. Now, when the work of faith is fulfilled with power, there is no longer a veil upon it ; the sincerity of it is unquestionable. The latter we are upon, enduring with patience : 2 Cor. iv. 13, ' We having the same spirit of faith, believe, and therefore speak.' Boldly own the truths of the gospel, whatever troubles we endure for it. This showeth a mighty spirit of faith is come upon a man, when death worketh in him, ver. 12, In afflictions, by patience and constancy we confess Christ and his truth, and sensibly express faith in him. But you will say, Is this such a manifest token of our sincerity ? Doth not the apostle say, 1 Cor. xiii. 3, ' Though I give rny body to be burnt, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing? ' I answer — We must distinguish between judging of others and judging ourselves. Of others, by the bare outward acts or effects: Mat. vii. 20, ' By their fruits shall ye know them.' Of ourselves, by habits and effects together. If the ground or inward cause of our suffering be the love of Christ, the belief of the reward, the humble neglect of the flesh, con- tempt of the world, and all this verified in forsaking all for Christ, the case is evident and clear.
Use 1. Let us determine with ourselves that suffering with Christ is the way to reign with him. We would fain have continual prosperity, because it is easy and pleasing to the flesh, but the scripture showeth us another way. God's gold must be tried ; they that would overcome
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must fight. If we like not of these terms, let the way of Christ alone ; but if we desire his glory hereafter, let us be contented with this lot here.
2. Deliberately sit down, and count what it may cost you to follow Christ and save your souls, Luke xiv. 28, that so your thoughts of it may fortify your resolutions, and you may not count it strange when it cometh, 1 Peter, iv. 12. Suffering doth not surprise christians indeed as a thing unlooked for, for they have been long preparing for it. Many read of suffering in the gospel, but see no probability of it, there- fore dream of a smooth and easy way to heaven.
3. Consent to do so. In resolution forsake all, Luke xiv. 26 ; which resolution must still be renewed and strengthened ; for if we be care- less, faith will fail.
4. When it cometh, endure it with patience. It should be some pleasure and satisfaction to your souls to find yourselves in the common way to heaven, 1 Peter iv. 13. Nothing is too dear and hard for sec ur ins: heaven.