A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Now because men will say, patience is an hard matter, and so are discouraged from seeking for it; therefore to set an edge on there desire, he adds, It is the patience of Christ: and it is so called, either because he commands it, or because it is his gift, and cometh from the spirit of Christ; or chiefly because he himself suffereth in his members, and as their misery and suffering is his, so is their patience. The consideration whereof is a singular motive to induce every child of God to patience, in bearing the cross for Christ his sake: for they have Christ their fellow sufferer, he takes part with them, and puts under his shoulder: Who would not then be content to suffer with patience? And thus much of the branches of his fellowship severally.

Now because men will say, patience is an hard matter, and so are discouraged from seeking for it; therefore to set an edge on ther desire, he addes, It is the patience of Christ: and it is so called, either because he commands it, or because it is his gift, and commeth from the spirit of Christ; or chiefly because hee himselfe suffereth in his members, and as their miserie and suffering is his, so is their patience. The consideration whereof is a singular motiue to enduce euery child of God to patience, in bearing the crosse for Christ his sake: for they haue Christ their fellow sufferer, he takes part with them, and puts vnder his shoulder: Who would not then be content to suffer with patience? And thus much of the branches of his fellowship seuerally.

Now consider them jointly, and they contain a notable description of the communion of saints, which is a special article of our faith, standing in three things: In tribulation, In the kingdom of heaven, And in patience. And mark well, that this communion begins in tribulation, therein we must be partners, and that with patience, before we come to have fellowship in the kingdom of heaven. That man therefore that hath afflictions laid on him, must bear them patiently; and when the members of Christ are under the cross, he must in tender compassion be touched with their miseries: and when he doth truly feel in his heart this Christian patience and compassion, then may he assure himself he is entered into this communion, and shall undoubtedly with all saints be partaker of the joys of heaven. But if patience and compassion be wanting, we persuade our selves in vain of this communion: and therefore let us strive against impatience, and against the deadness and hardness of our hearts that we may neither murmur against God in our own afflictions, nor ye want compassion towards our brethren that any where suffer affliction for the name of Christ. Thus much for the circumstance of the person.