I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

but one standing by, and sm•••g them on the knees with a staff, every one then knew his own Legs, and pulled them up. And so it is many times; There is such a likeness between Hypocrites common Graces, and the Graces of Gods Children, that the Saints do not know their own Graces; O! saith one, it is no more than an Hypocrite may have: but then God smites them with some Affliction, and so they feel, and see, and know their own Graces: and good reason for it; for when God comes, he discovers all: ⟨p. 272⟩and when is God more present with his People, than when they are most afflicted? God useth to be at the back of Affliction. There Heaven opened to Stephen. Afflictions are the rusty Lock often times, which open the door into the Presence Chamber. When was Christ with the three Children, but in the fiery Furnace? And ye have a standing Promise for it; I will be with thee in the fire, and the water, saith the Lord. And saith the Apostle, Then doth the Spirit of the Lord, and of Glory, rest upon his Children. Yea, and as they have most of God, when they are most afflicted; so in time of their Sufferings, they have most Communion, and Fellowship with Jesus Christ in his Sufferings. Therefore saith the Apostle Peter, Chap. 4. Ver. 13. But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christs Sufferings. The word Partaker, is the same that is used in John; Truly our fellowship is with the Father: and the same that is used in the Corinthians, concerning the Lords Supper; The Cup of Blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ? You will all grant, that you have communion with Christ at the Lords Supper; but the same word being used here, shows, That you have Communion with Christ in his Sufferings also; especiall•, when you do suffer for him: and the greater your Sufferings are, the more fellowship, and communion you have with Christ in his Sufferings: Now then, if all this be true, That a Christian hath Experience of Supporting, and Upholding Grace; much Light; his sin discovered, and healed: his Grace exercised, and manifested: Gods Presence enjoyed; and made Partaker of the Sufferings of Christ, in, and by his Afflictions; what reason hath he to be discouraged, although he be much afflicted? But so it is, That a Christian hath never more Experience of Gods Upholding, Sustaining Grace: his sin is never more discovered, and healed;