4. Our sufferings, how grievous soever they may appear at the time, are all sent for our eternal good —
[Whilst we have the feelings of humanity, chastening, of whatever kind it be, cannot but be grievous to us at the time: but after it has produced its proper effects, " it yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby." At first, tribulation works impatience: but, when the soul has been well disciplined by a continuance or recur- rence of it, a better temper is produced; and, through the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit upon the soul, a
f 1 Sam. iii. 18. s Mic. vi. 9. '' Deut. xxi. 18—21.
different process is produced; and " tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope ; even a hope that maketh not ashamed \" Now shall we complain of dispensations which are sent for such an end? Shall the vine complain of the pruning knife, which cuts only with a view to increase its fruitfulness ? Shall the vessel complain of the furnace into which it is put in order to effect its meetness for the Master's use? Let us then look to the end; and we shall never repine at the means which Infinite Wisdom has ordained for the attainment of it. If we be " in heaviness through manifold temptations, let us not forget that there is a fit occasion for them ; and that the trial of our faith, which is infinitely more precious than that which purifies the gold, will be found to the praise and honour and glory of our God, and to our own also, at the appearing of Jesus Christ'^." If we be " made partakers of his holiness," we shall never complain of the means which were used to bring us to the attainment of it.]
5. Walk so as to encourage others by your ex- ample—
[The influence of example is far greater than we are ready to imagine. Peter, in order to avoid the displeasure of the Judaizing Christians, had recourse to dissimulation. (Here I may observe that if an Apostle swerved so grievously from the path of duty, through his carnal reasonings, who has not reason to take heed lest he also fall ?) And what effect had this on others? "The whole Church dissembled with him; insomuch that even Barnabas himself was carried away with their dissimulation'." On the other hand, see the effect of good example in the Apostle Paul. He was imprisoned for the truth's sake, and retained his fidelity undaunted, and vmdi- minished ; insomuch that " his bonds for Christ's sake became a matter of notoriety through Ceesar's palace, and in all other places. And what was the effect of this ? We are told, that " many of the brethren in the Lord ivaxing confident by his bonds" and by what they heard of his fortitude in supporting them, " were much more bold to speak the word without fear," so that " the Gospel was furthered" by the very means which its enemies used to obstruct its progress"^. Similar effects will, in a greater or less degree, follow from our con- duct under our aflflictions. There are in every place many who may be considered as " lame," who will be stumbled and weakened, and discouraged, if they see us faint ; whilst, on the other hand, they will be encouraged and emboldened to go
i Rom. v. 3—5. ^ 1 Pet. i. 6, 7.
» Gal. ii. 13, 14. n> Phil. i. 12—14.
2336.1 AFFLICTIONS THE FRUIT OF GOD's LOVE. 4G3
forward, if tliey behold us adhering resolutely to the path of duty, and supporting manfully the trials which are come upon us. Let us then think of the probable effect of our conduct upon those around us : let us think how much good or evil we may do, according as we approve ourselves to God, or not, in the discharge of our duty. There is a high line which we should pursue, even that which the Apostle prayed for in behalf of the Colossians, to be " strengthened with all might, according to God's glorious power — unto all patience, and long-suflering, with joyfulness — giving thanks unto the Father who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light"." And think not that such an aim as this would betray any arrogance in you : for Timothy was but a youth, and yet was directed to be an example, not to the world only, but to believers also, in every thing that was good": and it is the duty of every one, whether a minister or not, " so to let his light shine before men, that all who behold it may be led to glorify their Father which is in heaven p." In a word, let us all endeavour so to walk, that we may say with the Apostle Paul, " Whatsoever ye have heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with youi."]