we are to follow". Who are we then that we should be exempt from trials ? If we were to consider them as punish- ments, they are infinitely lighter than what we deserve : but if we consider them as a furnace to purify us from our dross, and as an honour conferred upon us to render us conformed to our Saviour's image, methinks we should not withdraw ourselves from them, even if we had it in our power ; but be incompa- rably more desirous of acquiring benefit to our souls than of enjoying any present ease in our bodies.]
3. Our Lord's solicitude about the fulfilment of the Scriptures in things relating to his sufferings, is a pledge to us, that he will be no less anxious about their accomplishment in what relates to the salvation of his people.
[There are " exceeding great and precious promises" given to the people of God. Our Lord himself has assured us that " none shall ever pluck us out of his hand;" that " no weapon formed against us shall ever prosper ;" and that " Satan himself shall be bruised under our feet shortly." Now these " Scriptures cannot be broken ;" " nor can one jot or tittle of them fail." We have a security for the accomplishment of them, not only in the veracity of God, but also in the govern- ment which Christ exercises over the world at large, and his Church in particular. " All things both in heaven and in earth are committed unto him;" and all the hosts of heaven are at his disposal. Will not he then be jealous for his own honovir ? Will not he who shuddered so at the thought of the Scriptures failing of their accomplishment in his own case, be equally anxious for the fulfilment of them in ours ? Let us then humbly commit ourselves to him, assured that, however our enemies may appear to triumph for a time, they shall all be vanquished at last; and that, " having suffered with Christ, we shall also be glorified together."]
u 1 Pet. ii. 21.
Mccccin.