§. 137. Of Moses Choosing the better.
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the plea∣sure of sin for a season.
A Second instance of Moses contempt of the world, was, his light esteem of pleasure. This is set out comparatively, whereby the high degree of his slighting pleasure is manifested; He so slighted it, as he chose affliction be∣fore it.
The word translated a 1.1 choosing, implyeth a voluntary act: and that upon due consideration. It is but twice more used in the New Testament, Once of Pauls choosing to be with Christ, Phil. 1. 22. Betwixt two things he did not wot what to choose: yet in regard of himself, he took it to be far better to be with Christ. The other is of Gods choosing men to salvation, 2 Thess. 2. 13.
Here the word it set down in a participle, choosing, to shew that it dependeth on the former, as a cause thereof. His choice of affliction was one cause of his re∣fusing honour.
This manner of setting down his suffering of affliction, by choosing to suffer, was noted in the latter end of the former §. about a willing doing or enduring what we do and endure: and it doth wonderfully commend his pious mind, and good respect to the people of God, that he chose to suffer affliction with them.
The conjunction or note of comparison added hereunto, b 1.2 rather, ampli∣fieth his contempt of Pleasure: for it importeth, that he so far despised pleasure, as he rather chose Affliction: not that affliction was as pleasure, delightsome, and joyous: and in those respects pleasing; for this Apostle granteth, that no affliction for the present seemeth to be joyous, Chap. 12. 11. but in that upon a due consi∣deration of the many ill consequences that might follow upon pleasures; and the many benefits and blessings that might be found among the people of God, he preferred to be in their case with them, than to remain in Egypt with the frui∣tion of pleasures.
This manifested his wisdom in choosing that which was indeed the more ex∣cellent.