Seasonable truths in evil-times in several sermons / lately preached in and about London

I answer, Yea, through the grace of God. When the Ark was taken, were not the people in a sad condition? Yes; they lamented after the Ark twenty years. And did not that condition come by their sin? Yes. Did that turn to any good account? ⟨p. 51⟩Ye•: for Dagon falls down before the Ark: the Philistines own hands brought it home again; and they give glory to God. So that it turned to a good account.

I answer, Yea, through the grace of God. When the Ark was taken, were not the people in a sad condition? Yes; they lamented after the Ark twenty years. And did not that condition come by their sin? Yes. Did that turn to any good account? ⟨p. 51⟩Ye•: for Dagon falls down before the Ark: the Philistims own hands brought it home again; and they give glory to God. So that it turned to a good account.

But especially that instance of David. There was a Pestilence, and many thousands died: and did it come by sin? Yes; David numbers the people. I, but did it turn to any good account? Yes: for then the Lord told David where his Temple should be built, 2 Chron. 3. 1. David had a great desire to know where Gods house should be built; but never was it told till now. So that thus this suffering turned to a good account, although it came by sin. Possibly a suffering may come by sin, and yet (through grace) it may turn to a good account.

But then the great Question of all is, suppose thus: Suppose there be such a great reward laid out for those that suffer for the Name of Christ: suppose there is a great deal of suffering will turn to a little account; suppose there is a little suffering will turn to a great account: How shall I so order and manage my sufferings, as that my sufferings may turn to a good account? Indeed this is a great Question, and worthy of all our consideration.