Page 297
§. 63. Of the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse arising out of affliction.
THe particular and speciall fruit of affliction, the Apostle setteth out under this word a 1.1 righteousnesse.
Of righteousnesse what it is, See Chap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 9. §. 114. Of the excellency of righte∣ousnesse, See Chap. 11. v. 7. §. 33.
Though sundry distinctions may be made betwixt holinesse and righteousnesse; yet I conceive that the Apostle here intendeth under this word righteousnesse, the same thing, that he did under this word holinesse, v. 10. §. 58.
This fruit of affliction is amplified by an especiall epithite, in this word b 1.2 peace∣able. This is so set down as it may have reference to chastening, thus, It yeeldeth a peaceable fruit: that is, chastisement worketh quietnesse and peace in a man. Or it may have reference to righteousnesse, the fruit of chastisement, thus, It yeeldeth righteousnesse which is a peaceable fruit. Both tend to the same end, and imply that there is a peaceable fruit growing out of chastisement, either immediatly or mediatly, by righteousnesse, which ariseth from chastisement, and produceth this peaceable fruit. For righteousnesse and peace are oft joyned together, as Isa. 32. 17. Psal. 85. 10. Rom. 14. 17. And Peace and Comfort are oft noted to arise from afflicti∣on, Psal. 126. 5. Matth. 11. 29. This will more clearly appeare by a distinct consi∣deration of the severall kinds of peace.
- 1. Under externall peace, may be comprised freedome from troubles, and all manner of outward prosperities. After Iob was well exercised with sore tryals, God gave him this kind of peace, all manner of prosperity, Iob 42. 10.
- 2. Under internall peace, are comprised Gods favour, reconciliation with him, remission of sins, and peace of conscience. That this kind of peace followeth upon afflictions, is evident, Psal. 116. 7. Matth. 11. 29. 2 Chron. 1. 3, 4. Afflictions are a means to draw us to God, to make us search after his promises, and to apply them to our selves; these cannot but breed peace of conscience. Besides God useth to minister this inward peace to his Saints, that they may be the better enabled to endure the chastisement.
- 3. Under eternall peace is comprised all that coelestiall glory and happinesse, which God hath prepared and promised to such as overcome. That this kind of peace is a fruit of affliction is evident, 2 Cor. 4. 17. 2 Thes. 1. 7. 1 Pet. 4. 13.
Here behold an evidence of the unsearcheable Wisedome and Almighty Power of God, who can raise contraries out of contraries. Such are afflictions and peace. He can bring meat out of the eater, and sweetnesse out of the strong, Iudg. 14. 14.
Among other motives for enduring afflictions, let this blessed fruit be well noted; A peaceable fruit followeth from from thence.
The expression of righteousnesse in this case further sheweth, that righteousnesse is the means, whereby the foresaid peaceable fruit ariseth from affliction, righteous∣nesse is the proper fruit of quietnesse. And this two waies.
- 1. Privatively. For righteousnesse keepeth men from offending God, and from wounding and vexing their own conscience, and from running headlong into the broad way that leadeth unto destruction. Yea furthermore it keepeth men from the penalty of the humane Laws, from incensing such as have authority over them, and from contentions and quarrels with others.
- 2. Positively. Righteousnesse is acceptable to God; it causeth the light of his fa∣vour, which cannot but work much peace in a mans Soul. It gives evidence of mens title and interest in Christ, which of all things doth most work peace of conscience, Rom. 5. 1. Besides, righteousnesse is the way to walke in, for attaining eternall peace.
Hereby we have information in the true cause of the quarrels betwixt God and man; of the troubles and perplexities of conscience; of the discords and conten∣tious among men; and the endlesse and caselesse torture in H•…•…ll: this is want of righteousnesse.
Learn hereby how to get a plentifull crop of peace and quietnesse. Sow the seed of righteousnesse, Hos. 10. 12. Gal. 6. 7. In this kind, He that soweth plentifully shall •…•…eap plentifully.