3. The trials to which the elect are subjected, in
their way to heaven —
[One would suppose that God's chosen people should be freed from the persecutions of men, the assaults of devils, the temptations of sin, and from all which might endanger their salvation: but God sees fit to give both to men and devils a kind of licence to assault his people; as it is said, " Ye wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places™." One would suppose that those whom he has redeemed with the blood of his only dear Son should be free from these things : but, on the contrary, he says, " If ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." One would suppose at least, that from their conversion to God they should be freed from the corruptions of their nature and the power of the evil principle within them. But far different are his dealings with them; and through much tribulation he brings almost every one of them to glory. In all these things he is " both wise and good:" and, however intricate or circuitous the way may be whereby he leads his people to glory, it will be found at last to have been " the right way n ;" the right way for their benefit, and the right way also for the honour of his own great name.]
1 Rom. xi. 33. m Eph. vi. 12. n Ps. cvii. 7.