To reconcile us to these dispositions, we proceed to shew,
II. Why it is the will of God that we should suffer — God is pleased to permit it,
1 . For the trial of our faith —
[God can discern our graces, though we should have no opportunity to exercise them ; but, if they be not called forth into act, neither have we the comfort of them, nor he the glory : hence God permits " the fiery trial to toy us," that he may discover both to ourselves and others " what great things he has done for us."]
2. For the advancement of our graces —
[Our graces almost invariably languish when our outward circumstances are easy; but in seasons of difficulty they put forth themselves with strength : though Jesus needed no such stimulus, yet even he was " made perfect through sufferings ;" and it is for the accomplishment of the same end, that God has made our road to lie " through much tribulation."]
3. For the manifestation of his own glory —
[The patience of the saints is a ground of astonishment to the unbelieving world ; and the supports which God admi- nisters to them fills their hearts with gratitude towards him. But what bursts of praise will resound from the myriads of his redeemed, when all the wonders of his love shall be universally and completely known !]
Satisfied with these appointments of the Deity, let us inquire,
III. What our conduct should be when called to surfer —
The best of men may be brought, as it were, " to their wit's end" —
But the advice in the text is the most proper that
can be driven — -
°
I. Let us " commit our souls to God's care and keeping" —
[We must not attempt to stand in our own strength : nothing less than God's wisdom and power can defeat the conspiracy that is formed against us : we should make him therefore the manager of our cause, and " the keeper" of our souls.]