The world know not the way of the Lord, nor the judgment of our God.
Do you think that saints that dwell in the world, and that have more
of the mind of God than the world, could so rejoice in God, in the
cross, in tribulations and distresses, were they not assured that
through many tribulations is the very road to heaven?
Let this then encourage the saints to hope, and to rejoice in hope
of the glory of God, notwithstanding present tribulations. This is
our seed-time, our winter: afflictions are to try us of what mettle
we are made; yea, and to shake off worm-eaten fruit, and such as are
rotten a core.
Troubles for Christ's sake are but like the prick of an awl in the
tip of the ear, in order to hang a jewel there.
Let this also put the saints upon patience. When we know that a
trial will have an end, we are encouraged to exercise patience. I
have a bad master, but I have only a year to serve under him, and
that makes me serve him with patience. I have but a mile to go in
this dirty way, and then I shall have my path pleasant and green,
and this makes me tread the dirty way with patience.
I am now in my rags; but by that a quarter of a year is come and
gone, two hundred [Footnote: That is, pounds: a large income in the
England Bunyan's day.
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