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§. 138. Of suffering affliction with Gods people.
THis phrase, to suffer affliction with, is the interpretation of a 1.1 one Greek word. It is a double compound. The first compound is of a verb that signi∣•…•… b 1.2 to have, or to handle and deal; and a noun that signifieth c 1.3 evill. Both j•…•…yned, signify d 1.4 to be ill, or to handle hardly. The passive (of which voyce 〈◊〉〈◊〉 word here used is) signifieth e 1.5 to be ill handled. Our English translate it 〈◊〉〈◊〉, v. 37. and suffering adversity, Chap. 13. v. 3.
The double compound is with a preposition that signifieth f 1.6 WITH, so as it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a joynt suffering together with others; or a participation with others 〈◊〉〈◊〉; or being a companion with them in their sufferings. This the Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in these Hebrews: whereof see more Chap. 10. v. 33. §. 126.
The persons with whom Moses chose to suffer affliction, are here said to be g 1.7 the people of God. Of the notation of the Greek word translated people, and of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 respects wherein they are stiled, people of God, see Chap. 4. v. 9. §. 57. They 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Children of Israel, mentioned v. 22. §. 121. These are called, the people of God, because God had chosen them to be a peculiar people to himself. Exod. 13. 5. And at this time, and for many ages after, they were the only Church of God, the onely people that professed the Name of the true God.
This is here added, to shew an especial reason why Moses was so willing to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with them: not so much, because they were of his stock and alliance, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kindred; as because they were Gods people.
It is here taken for granted, that Gods people, even they who are Saints, may* 1.8 〈◊〉〈◊〉 under afflictions. Hereof see more in The Saints Sacrifice, on Psal. 116. 3. •…•…. 16.
The Prophets choosing to suffer affliction with them, giveth proof, that affli∣ction* 1.9 keep not believers from communion one with another. This was the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Prophets associating himself with the Israelites, that they were the people of God: and this was the ground why these Hebrews became companions 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them that suffered, because they were Believers, and so the people of God. This also was the reason why Ioseph, though he foresaw the oppressions of the Children of Israel in Egypt, yet would have his sons incorporated into that com∣•…•…. This moved Esther to adventure her life, because it was in the case of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 people, Est. 4. 16.
True believers well discern betwixt outward crosses (which only touch the bo∣dy, and extend only to the time of this life,) and the privileges that appertain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the communion of Saints, which are spiritual, tending to the good of the soul, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eternal felicity thereof. Therfore, as the soul is more excellent than the body, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than earth, the glory of the world to come than the misery of this world; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they prefer that estate where the soul is quickned, nourished, decked with grace, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepared for glory, though the body be afflicted, before freedom from that affli∣ction, and before the loss of the foresaid privileges.
Great therefore is their folly, who either on the one side associate themselves with Idolaters, Hereticks, or any other wicked persons; because they are, as they 〈◊〉〈◊〉, honored with popular applause, honor, promotion, wealth, or liberty to do what they list; or, on the other side, shrink from the society of Saints, for fear of •…•…eproach, or hindering their profit or preferment, or of restraint of their liber∣ty, or of any such like thing. If such would well weigh the advantage of good 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or the damage of ill company, they would soon discern their folly in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 saking the one, and seeking after the other.
I will therefore endeavour to set down the heads of each of these.
Advantages of society with Gods people, are such as these.* 1.10
- 1. Means of daily edification, 1 Thess. 5. 11.
- 2. Encouragement in good courses, Neh. 2. 18.
- 3. Participation of mutual prayers, Iam. 5. 16.
- 4. Benefit by the gifts of one another, Prov. 13. 20. Isa. 50. 4.
- 5. Divine blessings, 2 Kings 3. 14. Gen. 39. 5.
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