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§. 64. Afflictions are as means of exercising Saints.
THat it may be known who they be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 partake of the foresaid benefit of afflicti∣ons, The Apostle thus setteth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ut, Them that are exercised thereby.
Of the notation of the Greek word, which we translate a 1.1 exercised, See Chap. 5. v. 14. §. 75. Though the word were at first used for such as strive for Mastery, or Victory at the Olympian games, yet use hath applied it to all manner of exercises, and that of the body and soul. Mention is made of bodily exercise, 1 Pet. 4. 8. and of and heart exercised, 2 Pet. 2. 14. From the common use of this word, a name is taken and given to a place of any exercise, even for a schoole of Learning.
The word here used is of the passive voice: but hath reciprocall signification an∣swerable* 1.2 to the last Hebrew conjugation, to exercise ones self: as if it were thus tran∣slated, Who by it shall exercise themselves. For a man may passively be too much ex∣ercised with affliction, and yet not reach the forementioned fruit thereby. Instance Ahaz, 2 Chron. 28. 17, 18, &c.
But they are properly said to be exercised, or to exercise themselves by afflictions, who thereby are brought contentedly and patiently to endure them; So as thereby they take occasion of manifesting their sound faith, patient hope, undaunted courage, simple obedience, and other like graces.
Here it is taken for granted, that afflictions are means of exercising Saints: They are as the exercises of Champions, or as dangerous wars to Souldiers, or as tempestu∣ous Seas to Mariners, or as scholasticall exercises to Scholars, to try them, to prove them, to discover of what spirit they are. In this respect the learned languages put one and the same word for Instruction and Correction. In this respect an Apostle faith, that faith is tryed by affliction, 1 Pet. 1. 7. Yea expresly he faith of afflictions, that they are to try them, 1 Pet. 4. 12. We heard before that Gods ancient worthie•…•… had tryals of mockings and scourgings, Chap. 11. v. 36. §. 253.
As the fire consumes the drosse of Gold or other like metall: So doth affliction such corruptions as cleave to men. This teacheth us to labour after truth in grace, that so it may abide the tryall: and also to fit and prepare our selves for tryals. An unexercised man will not dare to enter into the list.
Afflictions prove fruitfull by Saints exercising themselves therein. In this respect an Apostle pronounceth him blessed, who endureth temptation, Jam. 1. 12.
They may be said to be exercised by afflictions, who with patience and courage undergo the hardnesse of the tryall, and with all persevere and hold out unto the end. Patience and Perseverance are requisite for that exercise which by affliction brings profit. Of Patience, See Chap. 10. v. 38. §. 135. Of Perseverance, See Chap. 3. §. 68.