Learn hence also, that it is not enough for a 1man only to be patient in afflictions, but he must also humble himself under them, we must not only bear the cross, but willingly and cheerfully acknowledge Gods justice in it, and our own sin, for to be humbled is a further thing then to be patient, as in 2 Chron. 12. 6. when the people were 2left in the hand of Shishak, it is said, that the Princes of Israel humbled themselves, and they said, the Lord is righteous, where being humbled, is expressed by acknowledging God to be righteous, which is more then to be patient, God looks for this in all afflictions, therefore he says in 1 Pet. 5. 6. humble 3your selves (and not be patient only) under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Many a man in affliction may say, he will be patient; but that is not enough, but he must humble himself, which is more then patience; for patience is only to bear it contentedly, but a man must go to God, and say, Lord I confess I am sinful and have deserved more then this punishment, I wonder not at thy judgment but at thy long suffering rather, that it is no worse with me, the least of Saints and the greatest of sinners. So we see it was with Naomi in Ruth 1. 20, 21. call me not by an 4honourable name, not Naomi, but Marah; I went out full, but I am come home empty, and the Lord hath afflicted me; and seeing he hath afflicted me, I will carry my sail accordingly. This is truly to ⟨p. 124⟩humble a mans self. And thus did David, when he fled before Absalom, Let the Lord do with me what seems good in his eyes. 2 Sam. 15. 26. And so said Eli, In all this the Lord is good, that is, the Lord 5is just in all this, and I, and my sons deserve it, and more. Thus when a man thinks it reasonable that God should punish him, he blesseth God that the cross is no greater, without complaining or repining. If the Lord will lead thee through variety of conditions, say with Paul, I know how to want, and how to abound, and how to go through bad report, as well as good report; and I am not only content, but cheerful in all this, and would be, if it were far worse.
Learne hence also, that it is not enough for a 1man only to be patient in afflictions, but he must also humble himselfe under them, wee must not onely beare the crosse, but willingly and cheerfully acknowledge Gods justice in it, and our owne sinne, for to bee humbled is a further thing then to bee patient, as in 2 Chron. 12. 6. when the people were 2left in the hand of Shishak, it is said, that the Princes of Israel humbled themselves, and they said, the Lord is righteous, where being humbled, is expressed by acknowledging God to be righteous, which is more then to be patient, God lookes for this in all afflictions, therefore he sayes in 1 Pet. 5. 6. humble 3your selves (and not bee patient onely) under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Many a man in affliction may say, he will be patient; but that is not enough, but he must humble himselfe, which is more then patience; for pati ence is only to beare it contentedly, but a man must goe to God, and say, Lord I confesse I am sinfull and have deserved more then this punishment, I wonder not at thy judgment but at thy long suffering rather, that it is no worse with me, the least of Saints and the greatest of sinners. So wee see it was with Naomi in Ruth 1. 20, 21. call me not by an 4honorable name, not Naomi, but Marah; I went out full, but I am come home empty, and the Lord hath afflicted mee; and seeing hee hath afflicted mee, I will carry my saile accordingly. This is truly to ⟨p. 124⟩humble a mans selfe. And thus did David, when hee fled before Absolon, Let the Lord doe with mee what seemes good in his eyes. 2 Sam. 15. 26. And so said Eli, In all this the Lord is good, that is, the Lord 5is just in all this, and I, and my sonnes deserve it, and more. Thus when a man thinkes it reasonable that God should punish him, he blesseth God that the crosse is no greater, without complaining or repining. If the Lord will leade thee through variety of conditions, say with Paul, I know how to want, and how to abound, and how to goe through bad report, as well as good report; and I am not onely content, but chearefull in all this, and would be, if it were farre worse.
- 1Use 3. To be humble in afflictions as well as patient.Vse 3. To be humble in afflictions as well as patient.
- 22 Chron. 12 6.
- 31 Pet. 5. 6.
- 4Ruth 1. 20, 21.
- 52 Sam. 15. 26.
