§. 138. Of the shortnesse of Saints suffering.
THis expression of the time, yet a little while, hath reference to the troubles whereunto these Hebrewes were subject: and it giveth instance, that Saints sufferings are but short. The Apostle implyeth as much under this phrase, The God of peace shall bruise Sathan under your feet shortly, Rom. 16. 20. This determinate setting down the Churches tribulation by ten daies, (Rev. 2. 10.) importeth a short time. The Apostle therefore sayth of▪ affliction, that it is but for a moment, 2 Cor. 4. 17.
This is true, whether the sufferings of Saints be considered simply or comparative∣ly.
- 1. Simply, in a double respect,
- 1. In that they continue not beyond this life. For when man hath kild the body, he hath no more that he can do, Luke 12. 4. And they that die in the Lord rest from their labours, Rev. 14. 13. and 21. 4. But our life is short. It is resembled to the shortest things that are, Iob 14. 1.
- 2. In that they are not continuall in this life: for God affords to his Children in their greatest tryals some intermissions, and some refreshings. They have a time of sleep. After great paine, they have oft ease. Yea they have spiritu∣all comforts which swallow up their outward griefes. They have also many occasions of rejoycings, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy commeth in the morning, Psal. 30. 5.
- 2. Comparatively, in reference to eternity; thus without all question it is most true that Saints sufferings are but short. For how short is the longest life, even the life of Methuselah, to eternity? yea how short is the space of the whole world com∣compared thereto? not a day, not an hour, not a minute, not a moment.
Obj. Saints have made complaints of their long sufferings, Psal. 13. 1. Lam. 5. 20.
Answ. Their complaints were effects of the flesh in them, which is weak, Matth. 26. 41. and not fit to judge aright of Gods visitation.
The shortest time of trouble seemeth long to flesh and blood, which is very sensi∣ble therof. The Sabbath, though it be but one day, and a great part thereof be spent in Sleeping, putting on Apparrell, Eating, and Drinking, and sundry other things besides the holy ordinances of God, yet to flesh it seemeth long, Amos. 8. 5.
The chiefe author of Saints sufferings will not suffer them to be over long. He afflicts his Children in love and wisedome, with mercy and pitty and tender com∣passion: and thereupon so moderates the same as they may indure.
- 1. This manifesteth a great difference betwixt Saints sufferings in this world, and the sufferings of the wicked in hell: where there is no cessation, intermission, ease, comfort, or any manner of refreshing, Mark. 9. 43. Matth. 25▪ 41.
- 2. This admonisheth us to take heed of stubbornnesse, or senselesenesse under a crosse: for hereby God may be provoked to adde crosse to crosse, and to continue the same the longer, Lev. 26. 18, &c. And if we remaine impenitent, to adde eter∣nall torment in hell, to the momentary sufferings here on earth.
- 3. Among other motives, this may be added for a patient enduring of afflictions in this world. Though they be grievious to the flesh for the time, yet God will take care that they shall not be over long: He will with the temptation make a way to escape, that we may be able to beare it, 1 Cor. 10. 13. Men of courage will endure great