[Perhaps the text may refer to that period when the Christian Church was to be delivered from the destruction which was coming on the Jewish nation. At that time they were very numerous in Judaea, and might, in general terms, be represented as a " third part." But in every age and place they have been comparatively a " little flock," or, as the Apo- stle calls them, " a remnant according to the election of grace." Even in one of the most distinguished Churches in the apostolic age we read that there were " but few who had kept their gar- ments undefiled:" and, if those who bear the Christian name at this day were tried by the standard of God's word, the number of true disciples would be found very disproportioned to the collective body.]
But, whether few or many, they are all " brought to God through the fire" —
[It is no uncommon thing for persons to receive their first serious impressions by means of some afflictive dispensation : many must say with David, " Before I was afflicted I went astray." But, in whatever way they are converted to God, they seldom continue long in his service without experiencing some temporal or spiritual affliction. God, who is a wise physician, knows what is most conducive to the health of our souls. He sees that there is much " folly bound up in our hearts, and that nothing but the rod of correction can effec- tually drive it out." He sees it necessary " to try us, as gold, and to purify us as silver," that we may both manifest what we are, and become what we should be. If we be only superficial Christians, who, like " the stony-ground hearers, have no root in ourselves," we shall " be offended as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word :" but if we be " Is- raelites indeed," the trial of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, which, though it stand the trial of fire, yet perisheth at last, will be found to praise, and honour, and glory in the day of his appearing3." Besides, the very best have much amiss within them, which escapes their notice, till " God counsels them in the night season" of affliction, and discovers to them the hidden abominations of their hearts. On this account especially the saints have testified with one con- sent that they have found it " good to be afflicted;" and have seen reason to bless God more for their heaviest trials, than for their richest comforts.]
That their trials, however, are not unmixed, will appear by considering how God deals with them,
II. In respect of enjoyments —
If the Christian has much "bitterness of heart," with
a 1 Pet. iv. 12. and i. 6, 7.
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which others are unacquainted, so has he also much "joy, with which a stranger intermeddleth not." He enjoys,
1. Communion with God —
[Before he was converted he knew nothing of fellowship with a reconciled God and Father. He performed perhaps many outward acts of worship, but never prayed from his in- most soul. He felt not the greatness of his wants ; he knew not the excellency of spiritual attainments : he was not per- suaded of the efficacy of prayer : no wonder therefore that he never cried to God in earnest, and consequently, that he never obtained an answer to his prayer. Not even Paul him- self, notwithstanding all his zeal, had ever prayed aright, till Christ appeared to him in his way to Damascus13. But the true Christian is enabled to "pour out his soul before God:" and to him is that promise fulfilled : " Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear"." Often does he go to God weak, weary, or disconsolate, and return from a throne of grace strengthened with might, and filled with peace and joy.