The promises

4 Fourthly, if we consider ¹the high estimation that God holds of his servants, notwithstanding their afflictions. Crosses may make men love us the less, but they do not a jot discommend us before ⟨p. 52⟩God. He can take notice of his servants in their distresses, as well as if they did shine in the greatest outward splendour in the world. This is the consolation that God speaks to us (even when he corrects) as to his children; and for that reason we should not refuse his chastening, Hebr. 12. 6. Prou. 3. 11. We may be honourable in Gods sight, though we be in a most forlorn and despised condition in the world: We may, I say, be precious in Gods sight, and greatly beloved, Isa. 43. 4. 56. The Apostle Peter shows, that ⟨p. 53⟩a poor servant, when he suffers hard words, and ill usage from his froward Master, doth herein find acceptation with GOD, 1. Peter 2. 19. 20. Now this is an instance beyond exception: For, what condition more vile, then of a servant? and what crosses were likely to be disregarded of God sooner, then these domesticall indignities? and yet we see a proof of the regard and love of God even in those things.

4 Fourthly, if we consider ¹the high estimation that God holds of his seruants, notwithstanding their afflictions. Crosses may make men loue vs the lesse, but they doe not a iot discommend vs before ⟨p. 52⟩God. He can take notice of his seruants in their distresses, as well as if they did shine in the greatest outward splendor in the world. This is the consolation that God speakes to vs (euen when he corrects) as to his children; and for that reason wee should not refuse his chastning,