That
also that all graces can endure and triumph over, shall not be
known, but when and as we are in a state of affliction. Now these
acts of our graces are of such worth and esteem with God, and he so
much delighteth in them, that occasion, through his righteous
judgment, must be ministered for them to show their beauty and what
bravery there is in them.
It is also to be considered that those acts of our graces that
cannot be put forth or show themselves in their splendor but when we
christianly suffer, will yield such fruit to those whose trials call
them into exercise, as will in the day of God abound to their
comfort and tend to their perfection in glory. 1 Peter, 1:7; 2 Cor.
4:17.
Why then should we think that our innocent lives will exempt us from
sufferings, or that troubles shall do us harm?
Alas, we have need of those bitter pills at which we so much wince.
I see that I still have need of these trials; and if God will by
these judge me, as he judges his saints, that I may not he condemned
with the world, I will cry, Grace, grace, for ever.
Shall we deserve correction, and be angry because we have it? Or
shall it come to save us, and shall we he offended with the hand
that brings it? Our sickness is so great that our enemies take
notice of it; let them know too that we take our purges patiently.
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