An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Thirdly, If thou hast no comfort, it may be God delayeth, and puts off, that so they may be the more welcome, when they do come. Thus God doth not answer prayers presently, that when the mercy doth come, it may be the more esteemed. Christ delayed to raise Lazarus, that when he was restored to life, the mercy might be acknowledged the greater. When Paul and his passengers for a great while had not seen the Sun, this made them rejoice the more when they did behold it.

Thirdly, If thou hast no comfort, it may be God delayeth, and puts off, that so they may be the more welcome, when they do come. Thus God doth not answer prayers presently, that when the mercy doth come, it may be the more esteemed. Christ delayed to raise Lazarus, that when he was restored to life, the mercy might be acknowdged the greater. When Paul and his passangers for a great while had not seen the Sun, this made them rejoyce the more when they did behold it.

Fourthly, Doth God deny thee comfort? it may be it is to try whether thy obedience be pure. Whether thou wilt serve him, though he giveth thee no wages. ⟨p. 218⟩Comfort is for our refreshment, it is to encourage us. We, like Children, cannot live without these breasts; now, if denied these, though we have a stone for bread, yet thou wilt not give over suffering for Christ, then thou showest thy self upright indeed: For we are apt to look to consolations, more then duty; to regard comfort, more then obedience. Now when thou canst say, O Lord, I will not repine, I will not be weary of righteousness, or deny the Name of Christ, though I have no comfort at all; it is not my ease, so much as thy glory, I look at: This will greatly endear thee to God.

Fourthly, Doth God deny thee comfort? it may be it is to try whether thy obedience be pure. Whether thou wilt serve him, though he giveth thee no wages. ⟨p. 218⟩Comfort is for our refreshment, it is to encourage us. We, like Children, cannot live without these breasts; now, if denyed these, though we have a stone for bread, yet thou wilt not give over suffering for Christ, then thou shewest thy self upright indeed: For we are apt to look to consolations, more then duty; to regard comfort, more then obedience. Now when thou canst say, O Lord, I will not repine, I will not be weary of righteousnesse, or deny the Name of Christ, though I have no comfort at all; it is not my ease, so much as thy glory, I look at: This will greatly indear thee to God.