Ver. 11.—1. When God designeth any thing as a chastisement, it is in vain to endeavour to keep off a sense of it; it shall bea matter of sorrow to us. 2. Not to take in a sense of sorrow in aftlic-
CHAP. XII. 13.] PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 533
tion is, through stout-heartedness, to despise the chastening of the Lord. 3. The sorrow which accompanies chastisement is that which the apostle terms xard& Oeiy Aden, 2 Cor. vii. 9,10. 4 The nature and end of afflictions are not to be measured by our present sense of them. 5. A!l the trouble of afflictions is but for the present, at most but for the little while which we are to continue in this world. 6. Those who cannot see an excellency in the abounding of the fruits of righteousness can never apprehend that there is either good or benefit in chastisements. 7. We can never find any benefit in chastisements unless we are exercised by them; that is, unless all our graces are stirred up by them to a constant holy exercise. 8. It is the fruit of righteousness alone that will bring in peace to us, that will give us a sense of peace with God, peace in ourselves and with others, so far as is possible. 9. Grace in afflictions will at length prevail quietly to compose the mind under the storm raised by them, and give rest with peace to the soul. 10. Herein lies the wisdom of faith in this matter, not to pass a judgment on chastise- ments from the present sense we have of what is evil and dolorous in them, but from their end and use, which are blessed and glorious.
Ver. 12, 13.—1. It is the duty of all faithful ministers of the gospel to consider diligently what failures or temptations their flocks are liable or exposed to, so as to apply suitable means for their preservation. 2. Despondency is the great evil which, in all our sufferings and aftlictions, we are with all intension of mind to watch against. 3. We do well to pity men who are weary and fainting in their courage and under their burdens; but we are to be no way gentle towards ourselves in our spiritual weariness and decays, be- cause we have continued supplies of strength ready for us, if we use them inadue manner. 4. This exhortation is given us in a peculiar manner, namely, that we ought to confirm our minds against all discouragements and despondencies under our sufferings and afflic- tions by the consideration of God's design in them, and the blessed - suecess which he will give to them. 5. The recovery of this frame, or the restoration of our spiritual hands and knees to their former vigour, is by stirring up all grace to its due exercise, which is torpid and desponding under sloth in this frame.
Ver. 13.—1. It is our duty not only to be found in the ways of God in general, but to take care that we walk carefully, circum- spectly, uprightly, and diligently in them. 2. To make halts or baulks in our way of profession, or crooked paths, in neglect of duty, or by compliances with the world in times of trial and persecution, _is an evidence of an evil frame of heart, and of a dangerous state or condition. 3. A hesitation or doubtfulness in or about important doctrines of truth will make men lame, weak, and infirm in their
534 SUMMARY OF DOCTRINAL AND [CHAP. XII. 14.
profession. 4. Those who are so are disposed to a total defection from the truth, and are ready on all occasions to go out of the way. 5. Every vicious habit of mind, every defect in light or neglect of duty, every want of stirring up grace unto exercise, will make men lame and halt in profession, and easy to be turned aside with diffi- culties and oppositions. 6. When we see persons in such a state, it is our duty to be very careful so to behave ourselves as not to give any occasion to their further miscarriages, but rather to endeavour their healing. 7. The best way whereby this may be done, is by making visible and plain to them our own faith, resolution, courage, and constancy, in a way of obedience becoming the gospel. 8. The negligent walking of those professors who are sound in the faith, their weakness and pusillanimity in times of trial, their want of making straight paths to their feet in visible holiness, isa great means of turning aside those that are lame, weak, and halting. 9. It is good to deal with and endeavour the healing of such lame halters, whilst they are yet in the way.
Ver. 14.—1. A frame and disposition of seeking peace with all men is eminently suited unto the doctrine and grace of the gospel. 2. They are much mistaken in the Lord Christ, who hope to see him hereafter in glory, and who yet live and die here in an unholy state. 3. If this doctrine be true, that “ without holiness no man shall see the Lord,” the case will be hard at last with a multitude of popes, cardinals, and prelates, who pretend that they have the opening of the door into his presence committed unto them. 4, We may follow peace with men, and not attain it; but if we follow holiness, we shall as assuredly see the Lord as without it we shall come short of this enjoyment. 5. The same means is to be used for the securing of our present perseverance and of our future blessedness, namely, holiness.