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, Be not dejected under sufferings for God, but rejoice with patience, ¹Because God will be with thee, thou shalt have the presence and assistance of Christ, and then Christ being in the ship with thee, thou canst not suffer shipwreck. Paul speaking of that admirable and strong constitution of grace, whereby he was able to endure heats and cold, he could abound, and he could want, be changed from one extreme condition to another, and yet be the same in heart and affection, he addeth, He can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth him, Phil. 4. 13. Thou hast the same power with Christ in some sense; what he can do thou canst do: as a little child enabled by a Giant, can do what the Giant can do. I can do all things; Paul hath a kind of Omnipotency. If then the troubles thou art to combat with were too strong for thee, such as would overwhelm thee, then thou mightst be impatient and discontented, but be quiet and wait for the power of God. See also how notably Paul speaketh to this, 2 Cor. 12. 10. I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, For when I am weak, then am I strong. And vers. 9. Gods strength is said to be perfected in Pauls weakness: most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me. What wonders and ⟨p. 238⟩paradoxes doth Paul speak? His words are miracles, he will most gladly glory and rejoice in all his reproaches; and why? Because hereby Gods power will be the more manifested. Thus you see great ground for patience, because Cods power will come in, and that very seasonably you will have grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4. 16. The Pythagoreans called God, Ipsam opportunitatem, Opportunity it self, because he did always come in seasonably to help: How much more may Christians put forth their patience and faith in this particular? Thou art sure to have his gracious power and assistance, and thou art sure also to have it in the best season, and most opportunely. Let not then impatience so trouble the waters of affliction, and bemud them, that thou canst not see the face of God shining upon thee, and his arm stretched out to help and deliver thee.