j6 Qneflions,andCafes ofConfcience Chap. 3 1. That they are therefore bletfcd. 2. Great fhall be their reward in heaven. 3. That the Prophetsbefore them fuffered the like. 4. That at prefent they havecaufe to rejoyce,andbe exceeding glad. So, ¡Pet. 4.12, C?'c: Peter ufes fundry arguments in the like cafe ; as I. The endof persecution is to try their faith,and patience,.fincerity and con- flancy:as the fire the gold. 2. In fuffering for Chti(+ they are partakers ofChrif+s fufferings in way ofcom- munity, and conformity, who fuffered the like things for his confetiîon of the truth : and they that have fellowfhip with Chritl in his fufferings shall have communion with him in glory, &c.v. 13. 3. They are happy: their fufferings beingboth a figs and meanes of their happi- neflè, v. 54. 4. They that are reproached for thename of Chrift have the glorious Spirit of God ref+ingon them , which is glorified, not only by them , but in them , and makes them glorious, v.14. 5. Such fufferings arcno (+range thing, but what is common: no matterof grief nor fhame, but ofjoy, and honour to fuffer as a Chri(+ian : and for which they fhould praifeGod,v.i z,13,16. 6. Its Gods will that they fhould fuffcr,andbear the crofle patiently,and fuffer accordin to his o iii, v. i 9. 7. In (Pitch fufferings theymay comfortably commit the keepingof their fouls to God in well-doing , as to a faithful Creator, andgraciotts redeemer, and ful- filler ofhis promifes, v. t 9. (4.) If it arife from defection, and terrours of conkience, fee how ChritI pro- vidés for their comfort, Ifa.6LI,2,3. and 54.7,8. and 5o.IO.ond 57,15,16,1 ,18. (5.) If the afflißion be any other kindof corre&ion, propofe Paulsgrounds of comfort, H 6.12,5,&c. s. All chaffifernents are the rod of a Father , who will neither forget mercy, nor meafure, v.5. 2. They proceed from Gods love, v.6. 3. They are fignes and pledges ofAdoption,that we are fons,and not bailards, ver. 6, 7, 8. 4. Submi(lion CO chaflifements is the way to life andfalvation,v.9.11tf.14.22. 5.G ods end therein is our profit,that we may be partakers ofhis holinefs, V.10. 6. Though they be fadand troublefome at the prefent yet in the iffue they will be comfortable. For we íhall reap the peaceable fruits ofrighteoufnefle thereby, andbe both bettered and comforted thereby. Quef+. But what are the begmeans whereby awe may comfort others? Anfw. Fir(i, ufe kind and loving fpeecheswhich will revive,and refrefh the fpi- ritsofhim that is difconfolate : So Jofeph to his brethren, Gen. 5o. 2o, z I. Boaz to Ruth, ch.z.13. fo the Angel, Zach.II.13. II. Secondly, flrong reafons, or argumentsdrawn from the feveral heads of con- folat ion : as the Author, ends, and benefits ofaffliaion , and comparifon there- of with what they deferve , and what forceother fuffer,&c. III. Thirdly , plaine Scripturesproperly and fitlyapplied : as precepts , promifes, and examples recorded therein. The Scriptures are atreafury of comfort, full of choice cordials, and were written for this end, Rom. 15.4. Davidfound it by ex- perience, Pf. 159.5o. 82.93. Scripture comfortsare the chiefef#,cumin; home to the heart,and areefficacious to revive fainting fouls, having the confolations of God in them,and his bleffing upon them, r Thej.4.18. IV. Fourthly, experience both ofour own, andothers is an excellent meanes of comfort to others. r Our ownexperienceofGodsdealing with us in the like conditions , and of the
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