Job 20:29

REFLECTIONS

READER! instead of following Zophar's sermon with the conclusions he draws, let you and I look at the subject of the trials and exercises of GOD'S faithful servants, according to what the gospel teacheth us; and what the blessed author of the gospel in his bright example proved, that great exercises imply great grace bestowed, and the fullest evidence of divine love in the appointment of both. What prophet, what apostle, what martyr of GOD hath been truly eminent as GOD'S servant, but hath been as truly distinguished in suffering? Nay, thou blessed holy LAMB of GOD! what was thy life when upon earth, but that of a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief?

Reader! let us learn properly to estimate these things. Whenever sinful staggerings would arise at any of the little exercises we are called to; Oh! let us be looking to holy men gone before, and especially looking unto the LORD JESUS. Let us remember the gracious advice the HOLY GHOST gives by his servant the apostle. 'Consider him (saith the apostle) that endured such a contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be weary and faint in your mind.' One view of JESUS directed by GOD the HOLY GHOST, and by him suitably impressed upon our souls, will quell a thousand carnal reasonings, on the subject of the exercises of the faithful. And while we eye JESUS going before us in the path of trouble, and hear GOD'S faithful promises and covenant engagements to his exercised people under him; this will make us strong in the grace which is in CHRIST JESUS. We shall then feel some of Paul's animated spirit; like him be furnished from the LORD with all suitable grace for the trial; and say as he did, I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.