Chapter 44. Of the Patient Bearing of the Cross.
A GOLDEN CHAIN
Chapter 44. Of the Patient Bearing of the Cross.
The patient bearing of the cross teaches how Christians should undergo the burden.
The cross is a certain measure of afflictions, appointed by God, to every one of the faithful. Mat
16.24, If any man would follow me, let him forsake himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Col 1.24, Now
I rejoice in my sufferings for You, and fulfill the rest of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his body's sake, which is the Church.
We ought to take up this cross willingly, even with both hands, when it pleases God to lay it upon us. And after we have taken it up, we must bear it with patience and perseverance.
Col 1.11, Strengthened with all might, through His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering, with joyfulness. The preservatives of patience are,
I. Strength by the Holy Ghost. Phi 4.13, I am able to do all things through the help of Christ, who strengthens me. Phi 1.29, It is given to you for Christ, that not only should you believe in Him, but also suffer for His sake.
II. A holy meditation, which is manifold:
That the afflictions of the faith do not come by chance, but by the counsel and providence of God, who disposes all things in a most excellent way. Gen
45.4-5, It was God who sent Joseph into Egypt. 2Sam 16.10, The Lord bid Shimei to curse David. Ps
119.71, It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. Hence it is evident that afflictions for the godly are inevitable. Act 14.22, By many afflictions you must enter into the Kingdom of God. Mat 7.14, The gate is strait, and the way narrow, that leads to life; and there are few who find it. Joh 16.33, In the world, you will have troubles.
WILLIAM PERKINS
That even though afflictions are grievous, yet they are good and profitable. For they are helps by which men, being humbled for their sins before God, obtain peace and holiness of life. 2Cor 1.9, We received a sentence of death in ourselves, because we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. Isa 26.16, Lord, in trouble they have visited
You; they poured out a prayer when Your chastening was upon them. Hos 5.15, I will go and return to my place till they acknowledge their fault, and seek Me.
In their affliction they will seek me diligently. Psa 78.34, When he slew them, they sought Him, and they returned, and they sought God early. Jer 31.18,
I have heard Ephraim lamenting thus, You have corrected me, and I was chastised like an untamed calf. Convert [return] me and I shall be converted.
Heb 12.11, No chastisement for the present seems joyous, but grievous. But afterward it brings the quiet fruit of righteousness to those who are thereby exercised. Psa 30.5, Weeping may abide at evening, but joy comes in the morning. Joh 15.2, Every branch that bears fruit, He purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 1Pet 1.6, In this you rejoice, though now for a season (if need requires) you are in heaviness through many temptations [trials]. 2Cor 1.4, The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Rom 5.3, We glory in afflictions, knowing that affliction brings patience. Heb 2.10, He consecrated the Prince of their salvation, through affliction. We permit Surgeons to both bind us, lying diseased in our beds, and sear us with hot irons; yes, shave and search our members with razors; and lastly, we usually send them away with friendly and kind speeches, and often with a golden fee for handling us thus. Shall we then suffer so many things by a Surgeon to cure a bodily
A GOLDEN CHAIN
disease, and not give God leave to cure by afflictions, the most festered diseases of our sick souls?
By this we may also gather that the afflictions of the godly are signs of their adoption. Heb 12.6-7, Whom the Lord loves, He chastens, and He scourges every son that He receives. If you endure chastisement, God offers Himself to you, as to sons.
And that they are to them, the King's Highway to heaven. Jas 1.12, Blessed is the man who endures temptation. For when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 2Cor 4.17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, causes us a far more excellent and eternal weight of glory.
That God has promised favour, mitigation of punishment, His presence, and deliverance. Phi 1.29.
1Cor 10.13, God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above measure, but with temptation, will give deliverance. 2Sam 7.14.
Psa 50.15, Call upon Me in time of trouble, and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. Psa 121.4, He that keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Isa 43.2-3, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the floods, that they not overflow you. When you walk through the very fire, you shall not be burnt, nor shall the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.
That in all troubles of the faithful, Christ is a companion. 1Pet 4.13, Rejoice that you are partakers of the afflictions of Christ. 2Cor 4.10, Everywhere we bear about in our body the dying of Christ, that the life of Christ might also be made manifest in our bodies. Col 1.24.
That the Angels are ready to defend those who fear God. Psa 34.7.
2Kng 6.16, Fear not, there are more with us than against us.