[4] It is great kindness that all troubles that befall us shall be for our profit. "God disciplines us for our profit." Hebrews 12:10.
What profit is in affliction?
Afflictions are disciplinary, they teach us. They are the school of the cross. Many psalms have the inscription, Maschil, a psalm giving instruction. Just so, affliction has the inscription Maschil upon it, an affliction giving instruction. "Pay attention to the rod and the One who ordained it." Micah 6:9. Luther says he could never rightly understand some of the psalms until he was in affliction. Gideon "took thorns from the wilderness, and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth." Judges 8:16. God by the thorns and briers of affliction teaches us.
1. Affliction shows us more of our own hearts. Water in a glass looks clear; but set it on the fire, and the scum boils up. Just so, when God sets us upon the fire, corruption boils up which we did not discern before. Sharp afflictions are to the soul as a soaking rain to the houses; we do not know that there are holes in the roof until the shower comes—but then we see it drop down here and there. Just so, we do not know what unmortified lusts are in the soul, until the storm of affliction comes; then we find unbelief, impatience, carnal fear, dropping down in many places. Affliction is a sacred eye-salve, it clears our eye-sight. The rod gives wisdom.
Affliction brings those sins to remembrance which we had buried in the grave of forgetfulness. Joseph’s brethren, for twenty years, were not at all troubled for their sin in selling their brother; but when they came into Egypt, and began to be in straits, their sin came to their remembrance, and their hearts smote them. "They said one to another, we are truly guilty concerning our brother!" Genesis 42:21. When a man is in distress, his sin comes fresh into his mind; conscience makes a rehearsal-sermon of all the evils which have passed in his life; his waste of precious time, his slighting of the Word, come to remembrance, and he goes out with Peter and weeps bitterly. Thus the rod gives wisdom, shows the hidden evil of the heart, and brings former sins to remembrance.
2. Affliction quickens the spirit of prayer. [the righteous are afflicted that in their affliction they may pray.] Jonah was asleep in the ship—but at prayer in the whale’s belly. Perhaps in a time of health and prosperity we prayed in a cold and formal manner, we put no coals to the incense; we scarcely minded our own prayers, and how should God mind them? God sends some affliction or other to stir us up to take hold of him. When Jacob was in fear of his life by his brother, he wrestled with God, and wept in prayer, and would not leave him until he blessed him. Hosea 12:4. It is with many of God’s children as with those who formerly had the sweating sickness in this land, it was a sleepy disease, if they slept they died; therefore, to keep them waking, they were smitten with rosemary branches. Just so, the Lord uses affliction as a rosemary branch to keep us from sleeping, and to awaken a spirit of prayer. "They poured out a prayer, when your chastening was upon them;" now their prayer pierced the heavens. p 26:16. In times of trouble we pray feelingly, and we never pray so fervently as when we pray feelingly; and is not this for our profit?
3. Affliction is a means to purge out our sins. "By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged." Isaiah 27:9. Affliction is God’s purgative to expel the noxious humor, it cures the pestilence of pride, the fever of lust; and is not this for our profit? Affliction is God’s file—to scrub off our rust. Affliction is God’s flail—to thresh off our husks. The water of affliction is not to drown us—but to wash off our spots.
4. To be under the black rod is profitable, in that hereby we grow more serious, and are more careful to clear our evidences for heaven. In times of prosperity, when the rock poured out rivers of oil, we were careless in getting, at least clearing, our title to glory. Job 29:6. But when an hour of trouble comes, we begin to look after our spiritual evidences, and see how things stand between God and our souls; and is it not for our profit to see our interest in Christ more clear than ever?
5. Affliction is a means to wean us the world. The world often proves not only a spider’s web—but a cockatrice egg. Corrupting worldly things, are great enchantments. They hinder us in our passage to heaven. If a clock be overwound, it stands still; so, when the heart is wound up too much to the world, it stands still to heavenly things. Affliction sounds a retreat to call us off the immoderate pursuit of earthly things. When two things are frozen together, the only way to separate them is by fire; so, when the heart and the world are frozen together, God has no better way to separate them than by the fire of affliction.
6. Affliction is a means to purify us. It works us up to further degrees of sanctity. "God disciplines us for our good—that we may share in his holiness." Hebrews 12:10. The vessels of mercy are the brighter for scouring. As you pour water on your linen when you would whiten it—so God pours the waters of affliction upon us to whiten our souls. Afflictions are in themselves bitter—but they bring forth the sweet fruits of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11. This should make us submit to God and say, "May your will be done."
[5] There is kindness in affliction, in that there is no condition so bad but it might be worse. When it is dusk, it might be darker. God does not make our cross so heavy as he might—he does not stir up all his anger. Psalms 78:38. He does not put so many nails in our yoke—so much wormwood in our cup—as he might. Does God chastise your body? He might torture your conscience. Does he cut you short? He might cut you off. The Lord might make our chains heavier. Is it a burning fever? It might have been the burning lake! Does God use the pruning knife to lop you? He might bring his axe to hew you down! "The waters were up to the ankles." Do the waters of affliction come up to the ankles? God might make them rise higher; nay, he might drown you in the waters! God uses the rod when he might use the scorpion!
[6] There is kindness in affliction, in that your case is not so bad as others, who are always upon the rack, and spend their years with sighing. Psalms 31:10. Have you a gentle illness? Others cry out of the severe pain of cancer. Do you bear the wrath of men? Others bear the wrath of God. You have but a single trial; others have several of them mingled together. God shoots but one arrow at you, he shoots a shower of arrows at others. Is there not kindness in all this? We are apt to say, "never any suffered like we do!" Was it not worse with Lazarus, who was so full of sores that the dogs took pity on him—and licked his sores! Nay, was it not worse with Christ, who lived poor—and died cursed! May not this cause us to say, "May your will be done"? It is in kindness that God deals not so severely with us as with others.
[7] There is kindness in affliction, in that, if we belong to God, it is all the hell we shall have. Some have two hells. They suffer now in their body and conscience, which is one hell; and they will suffer eternally in another hell to come, in unquenchable fire! Judas had two hells—but a child of God has but one. Lazarus had all his hell here on earth; he was full of sores—but had a convoy of angels to carry him to heaven when he died. Say, then, "Lo! if this be the worst I shall have, if this be all my hell, I will patiently acquiesce. May your will be done."
[8] There is kindness in that God gives gracious supports in affliction. If he strikes with one hand, he supports with the other. "Underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27. There is not the least trial—but if God would desert us, and not assist us with his grace—we would sink under it. Peter was frighted at the voice of a maid. Matthew 26:69. Oh, therefore, what mercy is it to have Christ strengthen us, and as it were, bear the heaviest part of the cross with us! One said, "I have no ravishing joys in my sickness—but I bless God I have sweet supports." Should not this cause submission to God’s will, and make us say, "Lo! if you are so kind as to bear us up in affliction, that we do not faint. Put us into whatever wine press you please. May your will be done"?
[9] There is kindness in affliction in that it is preventive. God, by His afflictive stroke--would prevent some sin. Paul’s "thorn in the flesh" was to prevent his being lifted up in pride. 2 Corinthians 12:7. Affliction is sometimes sent for the punishing of sin, at other times for the prevention of sin. Prosperity exposes to much evil. It is hard to carry a full cup without spilling—and a full estate without sinning. God’s people know not how much they are indebted to their afflictions. They might have fallen into some scandalous sin—had not God set a hedge of thorns in their way to stop them. What kindness is this! God lets us fall into sufferings--to prevent falling into sinful snares! Say then, "Lord, do as it seems good in your sight, may Your will be done."
God by affliction, would prevent damnation. We are corrected in the world, "that we should not be condemned with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32. A man, by falling into briers, is saved from falling into the river. Just so, God lets us fall into the briers of affliction, that we may not be drowned in perdition! It is a great favor when a less punishment is inflicted—to prevent a greater punishment. Is it not mercy in the judge, when he lays some light penalty on the prisoner, and saves his life? So it is, when God lays upon us light affliction, and saves us from wrath to come. As Pilate said, "I will punish him—and let him go." Just so, God punishes his children and lets them go, frees them from eternal torment. What is the drop of sorrow which the godly taste, compared to that sea of wrath the wicked shall be drinking to all eternity? Oh! what kindness is here! Should it not make us say, "May your will be done"?
[10] There is kindness, in that God mixes his providence. In anger he remembers mercy. Habakkuk 3:2. Not all pure gall—but some honey mixed with it. Asher’s shoes were iron and brass—but his foot was dipped in oil. Deuteronomy 33:24-25. Affliction is the shoe of brass—but God causes the foot to be dipped in oil. As the painter mixes with his dark shadows, bright colors—so the wise God mingles the dark and bright colors, crosses and blessings. The body is afflicted—but within is peace of conscience. Joseph was sold into Egypt, and put into prison; there was the dark side of the cloud. Job lost all that ever he had, his skin was clothed with boils and ulcers; here was a sad providence. But God gave a testimony from heaven of Job’s integrity, and afterwards doubled his estate. "The Lord gave Job twice as much;" here was the goodness of God towards Job. Job 42:10. God chequers his works of providence, and shall not we submit and say, "Lord, if you are so kind, mixing so many bright colors with my dark condition—may Your will be done."
[11] There is kindness in affliction in that God moderates his stroke. "I will correct you in measure." Jeremiah 30:11. God will stay his rough wind. Isaiah 27:8. The physician who understands the crisis and temper of the patient, will not give too strong medicine for the body. Just so, God knows our frame, he will not over-afflict; he will not stretch the strings of the violin too hard, lest they break. And, is there no kindness in all this? Should not this work our hearts to submission? "Lord, if you uses so much gentleness, and correct in measure—may Your will be done."
[12] There is kindness in affliction in that God often sweetens it with divine consolation. "He comforts us in all our troubles." 2 Corinthians 1:4. After a bitter potion—he gives a lump of sugar.
(1) God comforts in affliction, partly by his Word. "This is my comfort in my affliction, for your Word has quickened me." Psalms 119:50. The promises of the Word are a shop of cordials.
(2) God comforts in affliction, by his Spirit. David had his pilgrimage-songs, and Paul his prison-songs. Psalms 119:54; Acts 16:25. Thus God candies our wormwood with sugar, and makes us gather grapes off thorns. Some of the saints have such ravishing joys in affliction, that they had rather endure their sufferings—than lack their comforts. Oh, how much kindness there is in the cross! In the belly of this lion, is a honeycomb. Should it not make us cheerfully submit to God’s will, when he lines the yoke with comfort, and gives us honey at the end of the rod?
[13] There is kindness in affliction in that God curtails and shortens it; he will not let it lie on too long. "I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry, for then the spirit of man would grow faint before me." Isaiah 57:16. God will give his people a writ of ease and proclaim a year of jubilee; the wicked may plough upon the backs of the saints—but God will cut them free from the cords of the wicked. Psalms 129:3-4. The goldsmith will not let his gold lie any longer in the furnace than until it be purified. The wicked must drink a sea of wrath—but the godly have only a cup of affliction, and God will say, "Let this cup pass away." Isaiah 51:17. Affliction may be compared to frost, which will break, and spring-flowers will come on. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isaiah 35:10. Affliction has a sting—but with it, a wing: sorrow shall fly away. This land-flood shall be dried up. If there is so much kindness in the cross, and God will cause a cessation of trouble, say then, "May your will be done."
[14] There is kindness in affliction—in that it is a means to make us happy. "Happy is the man whom God corrects." Job 5:17. It seems strange to flesh and blood that affliction should make us happy. When Moses saw the bush burning and not consumed, he said "I will turn aside and see this strange sight." Exodus 3:3. So here is a strange sight—a man afflicted, and yet happy. The world counts them happy who can escape affliction—but happy is the man whom God corrects.
How do afflictions contribute to our happiness?
Afflictions make us happy—as they are a means of bringing us nearer to God. The loadstone of prosperity does not draw us so near to God—as the cords of affliction. When the prodigal was pinched with need, he said, "I will arise—and go to my father!" Luke 15:18. As the deluge brought the dove to the ark—the floods of sorrow make us hasten to Christ, our ark.
Afflictions make us happy—as they are safe guides to glory. The storm drives the ship into the harbor. Blessed storm—which drives the soul into the heavenly harbor! Is it not better to go through momentary affliction to eternal glory, than through momentary pleasure to eternal misery? Not that afflictions merit glory—but they prepare us for it. No cross ever merited—but that which Christ endured. Think, O Christian, what affliction leads to! it leads to paradise, where are rivers of pleasure always running. Should not this make us cheerfully submit to God’s will, and say, "Lord, if there is so much kindness in affliction, if all you does is to make us happy, may Your will be done." "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
(7) Consider that it is God’s ordinary course to keep his people to a bitter drink, and exercise them with great trials. Affliction is the beaten road in which all the saints have gone. The living stones in the spiritual building have been all hewn and polished. Christ’s lily has grown among the thorns. "All who will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. It is too much for a Christian to have two heavens: it is more than Christ had. It has been ever the lot of saints to encounter sore trials. It was of the prophets, "Take, my brethren, the prophets for an example of suffering affliction." James 5:10. It was of the apostles—for Peter was crucified with his head downwards, James was beheaded by Herod, John was banished into the isle of Patmos, the apostle Thomas was thrust through with a spear, Matthias (who was chosen apostle in Judas’s room) was stoned to death, and Luke, the evangelist, was hanged on an olive-tree. Those saints, of whom the world was not worthy, passed under the rod. Hebrews 11:38. Christ’s kingdom is the kingdom of the cross. Those whom God intends to save from hell—he does not save from the cross. The consideration of this should quiet our minds in affliction, and make us say, "May your will be done." Do we think God will alter his course of providence for us? Why should we look for exemption from trouble, more than others? Why should we think to tread only upon roses and violets—when prophets and apostles have marched through briars to heaven?
(8) Consider that what God has already done for you, Christian, should make you content to suffer anything at his hand, and say, "May your will be done."
[1] He has adopted you for his child. David thought it no small honor to be the king’s son-in-law. 1 Samuel 18:18. What an honor is it to derive your pedigree from heaven—to be born of God! Why then are you troubled, and murmur at every slight cross? As Jonadab said to Amnon, "Why are you, the king’s son, so miserable every morning?" 2 Samuel 13:4. Why are you, who are son or daughter to the king of heaven, troubled at these petty things? What! the king’s son, and miserable! Let it quiet your spirit and bring your will to God’s, that he has dignified you with honor, he has made you his son and heir, and will entail a kingdom on you!
[2] God has given you Christ. Christ is a storehouse of all heavenly treasure! He is the pearl of great price to enrich you! He is a tree of life to quicken you! He is the quintessence of all blessings. Why then are you discontented at your worldly crosses? They cannot be so bitter—as Christ is sweet. Is not Christ your friend? He can never be poor—who has a mine of gold; nor he be poor—who has the unsearchable riches of Christ. Say then, "Lord, may Your will be done; though I have my cross—yet I have Christ with it. The cross may make me weep—but Christ wipes off all tears!" Revelation 7:17.
[3] God has given you grace. Grace is the rich embroidery and workmanship of the Holy Spirit; it is the sacred unction. 1 John 2:27. The graces are a chain of pearl to adorn, and beds of spices which make a sweet fragrance to God. Grace is a distinguishing blessing; Christ gave Judas his purse—but not his Spirit. May not this quiet the heart in affliction, and make it say, "May your will be done! Lord, you have given me that jewel which you bestow only on the elect; grace is the seal of your love, it is both food and cordial, it is a pledge of glory."
(9) Consider that when God intends the greatest mercy to any of his people, he brings them low in affliction. He seems to go quite contrary to sense and reason, for when he intends to raise us highest, he brings us lowest. As Moses’ hand, before it wrought miracles, was leprous; and Sarah’s womb, before it brought forth the son of promise, was barren. God brings us low before he raises us, as water is at the lowest ebb before there is a spring-tide. This is true in a temporal sense. When God would bring Israel to Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey, he first led them through a sea, and a wilderness. When he intended to advance Joseph to be the second man in the kingdom, he cast him first into prison, and the iron entered into his soul. Psalms 105:18. He usually lets it be darkest, before the morning-star of deliverance appears.
It is true in a spiritual sense. When God intends to raise a soul to spiritual comfort, he first lays it low in desertion. Isaiah 12:1. As the painter lays his dark color first, and then lays his gold color on it—so God first lays the soul in the dark of desertion, and afterwards his golden color of joy and consolation. Should not this make us cheerfully submit, and say, "May your will be done"? Perhaps now God afflicts me, he is about to raise me, he intends a greater mercy for me, than I am aware of.
(10) Consider the excellency of this frame of soul—to lie at God’s feet and say, "May your will be done." A soul that is melted into God’s will, shows variety of grace. As the holy ointment was made up of several aromatic spices, myrrh, cinnamon, and cassia—so this sweet temper of soul, submission to God’s will in affliction, has in it a mixture of several graces. Exodus 30:23. In particular, it is compounded of three graces, faith, love, humility.
[1] Faith. Faith believes God does all in mercy—that affliction is to mortify some sin, or exercise some grace. Faith believes that God corrects in love and faithfulness. Psalms 119:75. The belief of this, causes submission of will to God.
[2] Love. Love thinks no evil. 1 Corinthians 13:5. It takes all that God does, in the best sense; it has good thoughts of God—which causes submission. "Let the righteous God smite me," says love, "it shall be a kindness; yes, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head!"
[3] Humility. The humble soul looks on its sins, and how much he has provoked God. He does not say that his afflictions are great—but his sins are great. He lies low at God’s feet and says, "I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him." Micah 7:9.
Thus a submissive frame of heart is full of grace; it is compounded of several graces. God is pleased to see so many graces at once sweetly exercised; he says of such a Christian, as David of Goliath’s sword, "There’s none like it! Give it to me." 1 Samuel 21:9.
He who submits to God’s will, and says, "May your will be done," shows not only variety of grace—but strength of grace. It argues much strength in the body, to be able to endure hard weather—yet not to be altered by it. Just so, to endure hard trials—yet not faint or fret, shows more than ordinary strength of grace. You who can say that you have brought your wills into subjection to God’s will—that God’s will and yours agree, as the copy and the original—let me assure you, you have outstripped many Christians who perhaps shine in a higher sphere of knowledge than you. To be content to be at God’s disposal, to be anything that God will have us, shows a noble, heroic soul.
It is reported of the eagle that it is not like other birds, which, when they are hungry, cry for food—but it is never heard to make a noise, though it lacks food, because of the nobleness and greatness of its spirit; it is above other birds, and has a spirit suitable to its nature. Just so, it is a proof of great magnitude of spirit, that whatever cross providence befall a Christian, he does not cry and whine as others—but is silent, and lies quietly at God’s feet. There is much strength of grace in such a soul, nay—the height of grace! When grace is crowning, it is not so much to say, "Lord, your will be done;" but when grace is conflicting, and meets with crosses and trials, then to say, "May your will be done," is a glorious thing indeed, and prepares for the garland of honor.
(11) Consider that people are usually better in adversity than prosperity; therefore stoop to God’s will. A prosperous condition is not always so safe. True it is more pleasing to the flesh—but it is not always best. In a prosperous state there is more burden. Many look at the shining and glittering of prosperity—but not at the burdens of prosperity.
[1] There is the burden of CARE. Therefore God calls riches "cares." Luke 8:14. A rose has its prickles—so have riches. We think them happy, who flourish in their silks and gold—but we do not see the troubles and cares which attend them. A shoe may have silver lace on it—yet pinch the foot. Many a man who goes to his day-labor, lives a more contented life than he who has millions. Disquieting care is the evil spirit which haunts the rich man. When his chests are full of gold, his heart is full of care how to increase them, or how to secure what he has gotten. He is sometimes full of care, as to whom he shall leave it. A large estate, like a long, trailing garment—is often more troublesome than useful.
[2] In a prosperous estate there is the burden of ACCOUNT. Such as are in high places, have a far greater account to give to God than others. "Unto whom much is given—of him shall be much required." Luke 12:48. The more golden talents any are entrusted with—the more they have to answer for. The more their revenues—the more their reckonings. God will say, "I gave you a great estate, what have you done with it? How have you employed it for my glory?" I have read of Philip, king of Spain, that when he was about to die, said, "O that I had never been a king! O that I had lived a private, solitary life! Here is all the fruit of my kingdom, it has made my accounts heavier!" So, then, may not this quiet our hearts in a low, adverse condition, and make us say, "Lord, may your will be done! As you have given me a less portion of worldly things—so I have a less burden of care, and a less burden of account."
[3] A prosperous condition has more DANGER in it. Such as are on the top of the pinnacle of honor, are in more danger of falling. They are subject to many temptations. Their table is often a snare. Millions are drowned in the sweet waters of pleasure. A large sail overturns the vessel: how many, by having too large sails of prosperity, have had their souls overturned! It must be a strong head, which can bear heady wine. Likewise, he has need have much wisdom and grace, who knows how to wisely bear a high condition. It is hard to carry a full cup without spilling—and a full estate without sinning!
Augur feared if he were full, he would deny God, "Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say—Who is the Lord?" Proverbs 30:9. Prosperity breeds pride. The children of Korah were in a higher estate than the rest of the Levites: they were employed in the tabernacle about the most holy things of all. They had the first lot; but as they were lifted up above others of the Levites in honor—so in pride. Numb 4:4; Joshua 21:10; Numb 16:3. When the tide rises higher in the river, the boat rises higher; so, when the tide of an estate rises higher, many men’s hearts rise higher in pride. Prosperity breeds carnal security. Samson fell asleep in Delilah’s lap—so do men in the lap of ease and plenty. The world’s golden sands, are quicksands. "How hard it is for rich people to get into the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" Luke 18:24-25. The consideration of this should make us submit to God in adversity, and say, "May your will be done." God sees what is best for us. If we have less estate, we are in less danger; if we lack the honors of others—so we lack their temptations.
(12) Consider that, having our wills melted into God’s is a good sign that the present affliction is sanctified. Affliction is sanctified when it attains the end for which it was sent. The end why God sends affliction, is to calm the spirit, to subdue the will, and bring it into subjection to God’s will. When this is done, affliction has attained the end for which it came; it is sanctified, and it will not be long before it be removed. When the sore is healed, the smarting plaster is taken off.
(13) Consider how UNWORTHY it is of a Christian—to be froward and unsubmissive, and not bring his will into subjection to God’s will.
[1] To be of a froward unsubmissive spirit, which cannot surrender its will unto God—is below the SPIRIT of a Christian. The spirit of a Christian is dovelike, meek, and sedate, willing to be at God’s disposal. "Not my will—but may yours be done." Luke 22:42. A Christian spirit is not fretful—but humble; not craving—but contented. See the picture of a Christian spirit in Paul. "I know how to be abased, and how to abound." Php 4:12. He could be either higher or lower—as God saw good; he could sail with any wind of providence, either a prosperous or boisterous gale; his will was melted into God’s will. To be of a froward unsubmissive frame—is like the bird that, because it is pent up and cannot fly in the open air—beats itself against the cage.
[2] A froward unsubmissive frame, which cannot submit to God’s will—is unworthy of a Christian’s PROFESSION. He professes to live by faith—yet repines at his condition. Faith lives not by bread alone; it feeds on promises, it makes future glory present; it sees all in God. When the fig-tree does not blossom, faith can rejoice in the God of its salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18. To be troubled at our present estate, because low and poor, shows weak faith. Surely that is a weak faith, or no faith—which must have crutches to support it. Oh, be ashamed to call yourself believer—if you cannot trust God, and acquiesce in his will, in the deficiency of outward comforts.
[3] To be of a froward unsubmissive spirit, which cannot surrender its will unto God—is unworthy of the high DIGNITIES which God has put upon a Christian. He is a rich heir; he is exalted above all creatures that God ever made, except the angels; yes, in some sense, as his nature is joined in union to the divine nature, he is above the angels. Oh! then, how is he below his dignity—for lack of a few earthly comforts—to be froward, and ready to quarrel with the Deity! Is it not unworthy of a king’s son, because he may not pluck such a flower—to be discontented and rebel against his royal father? A Christian is espoused to Jesus Christ. What! to be married to Christ—yet froward and unsubmissive! Have not you enough in him? as Elkanah said to Hannah, "Am not I better than ten sons?" 1 Samuel 1:8. Is not Christ better than a thousand worldly comforts? It is a disparagement to Christ, that his spouse should be froward, when she is matched to the crown of heaven!
[4] To be of a froward unsubmissive spirit—is unsuitable to the PRAYERS of a Christian. He prays, "May your will be done." It is the will of God—that should he meet with such troubles, whether sickness, loss of estate, crosses in children—that God has decreed and ordered it; why then is there not submission? Why are we discontented at that for which we pray? We often forget our prayers, nay, contradict them, when we pray "May your will be done." Now, if unsubmissiveness to God is so unworthy of a Christian, should we not labor to bring our wills to God’s, and say, "Lord, let me not disparage religion, let me do nothing unworthy of a Christian?"
(14) Consider that frowardness or unsubmissiveness to God—is very SINFUL.
[1] Quarrelsomeness or unsubmissiveness to God’s will—is sinful in its NATURE. To murmur when God crosses our will, shows much ungodliness. The apostle Jude speaks of ungodly ones; and that we may better know who these are, he sets a mark upon them: "These are murmurers;" ver 15, 16. Some think they are not so ungodly as others, because they do not swear, nor get drunk—but they may be ungodly in murmuring. There are not only ungodly drunkards—but ungodly murmurers. Nay, this is the height of ungodliness, it is rebellion. To be a murmurer, and a rebel, is, in God’s account, all one. "This is the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel strove with the Lord." Numbers 20:13. How did they strive with God? They murmured at his providence; ver 3. What! will you be a rebel against God? It is a shame for a servant to strive with his master—but what is it for a creature to strive with its Maker.
[2] To quarrel with God’s providence, and be unsubmissive to his will—is sinful in the spring and CAUSE; it arises from pride. It was Satan’s temptation, "you shall be as gods." Genesis 3:5. A proud person makes a god of himself, he disdains to have his will crossed; he thinks himself better than others, therefore he finds fault with God’s wisdom, that he is not above others.
[3] Quarrelsomeness or unsubmissiveness to God’s will—is sinful in the ATTENDANTS of it. It is joined with sinful risings of the heart. Evil thoughts arise. We think hard thoughts of God, as if he had done us wrong, or, as if we had deserved better at his hands. Passions begin to rise; the heart secretly frets against God. Jonah was crossed in his will, and passion began to boil in him. "He was very angry." Jonah 4:1. Jonah’s spirit, as well as the sea, was tempestuous. Unsubmissiveness of will, is joined with unthankfulness. Because in some one thing we are afflicted—we forget all the mercies we have. We deal with God just as the widow of Sarepta did with the prophet; the prophet Elijah had been a means to keep her alive in the famine—but as soon as her child died, she quarreled with the prophet, "O you man of God, have you come to kill my son?" 1 Kings 17:18. So, we can be content to receive blessings at the hand of God; but as soon as in the least thing he crosses us in our will, we grow touchy, and are ready in a passion to fly out against him.
[4] Frowardness and unsubmissiveness to God’s will—is evil in the EFFECTS. It unfits for duty. It is bad sailing in a storm, and it is bad praying when the heart is stormy and unquiet; it is well if such prayers do not suffer shipwreck. Unsubmissiveness of spirit, sometimes unfits for the use of reason. Jonah was discontented because he had not his will; God withered the gourd, and his heart fretted against him; and in the midst of his passion, he spoke no better than nonsense and blasphemy. "I do well to be angry, even unto death!" Jonah 4:9. Surely he did not know well what he said! What! to be angry with God—and die for anger! He speaks as if he had lost the use of his reason! Thus unsubmissiveness of will is sinful in its nature, causes, attendants, and effects. Should not this martyr our wills, and bring them to God in everything, making us say, "May your will be done!"
(15) Consider that unsubmissiveness to God’s will, is very IMPRUDENT. We get nothing by it, it does not ease us of our burden—but rather makes it heavier. The more the child struggles with the parent—the more it is beaten; so, when we struggle with God, and will not submit to his will—we get nothing but more blows. Instead of having the cords of affliction loosened, we make God tie them tighter. Let us then submit, and say, "Lord, may your will be done." Why should I lengthen out my own trouble by impatience, and make my cross heavier? What did Israel get by their frowardness? They were within eleven days’ journey of Canaan, and fell into murmuring, and God led them a march of forty years longer in the wilderness!
(16) Consider that being unsubmissive to God’s will in affliction, lays a man open to many TEMPTATIONS. Where the heart frets against God by discontent—there is good fishing for Satan in those troubled waters. He usually puts discontented people upon indirect means. Job’s wife fretted (so far was she from holy submission) and she tempted her husband to curse God. "Curse God, and die." Job 2:9. What is the reason why some have given themselves to the devil—but out of envy and discontent, because they have not had their will! Others being under a temptation of poverty, and not having their wills in living at such a high rate as others, have laid violent hands upon themselves. Oh, the temptations that men of discontented spirits are exposed to! "Here," says Satan, "is good fishing for me!"
(17) Consider how far unsubmissiveness of spirit is, from that temper of soul which God requires in affliction! He would have us in patience possess our souls. Luke 21:19, The Greek word for patience signifies to bear up under a burden without fainting or fretting. But is frowardness in affliction, and quarreling with God’s will, Christian patience? God would have us rejoice in affliction. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds;" that is, count it joy, be as birds that sing in winter. James 1:2. "Having received the Word in much affliction, with joy." 1 Thessalonians 1:6. Paul could leap in his fetters, and sing in the stocks. Acts 16:25. How far is a discontented soul from this frame! He is far from rejoicing in affliction—who has not learned to submit to God in affliction.
(18) Consider what it is, which makes the difference between a godly man and an ungodly man in affliction. The godly man submits to God’s will, the ungodly man will not submit. A wicked man frets and fumes, and is like a wild bull in a net. In affliction he blasphemes God. "Men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God." Revelation 16:9. Put a stone in the fire, and it flies in your face. Just so, stony hearts fly in God’s face. The more a rotten substance is rubbed, the more it frets and tears. When God afflicts the sinner, he tears himself in anger. But a godly man is sweetly submissive to his will. His language is, "Shall not I drink the cup which my Father has given me?" Spices when bruised, send out a sweet fragrant smell; so, when God bruises his saints, they send out the sweet perfume of patience. Servulus, a holy man, was long afflicted with the palsy—yet his ordinary speech was "let God be praised!" Oh, let us say, "May your will be done;" let us bear that patiently, which God inflicts justly—or how do we show our grace? What difference is there between us and the wicked in affliction?
(19) Consider that not to submit to God’s providential will—is highly PROVOKING to him. Can we anger God more—than by quarreling with him? Kings dislike to have their wills opposed, though they may be unjust. How ill does God take it, when we will be disputing against his righteous will? It is a sin which he cannot bear! "How long must I endure this evil community that keeps complaining about Me?" Numb 14:27. May not God justly say, "How long shall I bear with this wicked person, who, when anything falls out cross, murmurs against me?" "As surely as I live, you will all die here in this wilderness! Because you complained against me!" ver 28-29. You see how provoking a discontented quarrelsome spirit is to God; it may cost men their lives, nay, their souls. God sent fiery serpents among the people for their murmuring. 1 Corinthians 10:10. He may send worse than fiery serpents, he may send hell fire!
(20) Consider how much God bears at our hand—and shall not we be content to bear something at his hand? It would tire the patience of angels—to bear with us for one day! "The Lord is patient with you." 2 Peter 3:9. How often we offend in our eye by envious impure glances, and in our tongues by rash censuring—but God passes by many injuries, and bears with us! Should the Lord punish us every time we offend, he would draw his sword every day. Shall he bear so much at our hands—and can we bear with nothing at his hand? Shall he be patient with us—and we impatient with him? Shall he be meek—and we murmur? Shall he endure our sins—and shall not we endure his strokes? Oh, let us say, "May your will be done. Lord, you have been the greatest sufferer—you have borne more from me, than I have from you."
(21) Consider that submitting our wills to God in affliction disappoints Satan of his hope, and quite spoils his design. The devil’s end in all our afflictions—is to make us sin. The reason why Satan smote Job in his body and estate—was to perplex his mind, and put him into a passion; he hoped that Job would have been discontented, and in a fit of anger, not only have cursed his birthday—but cursed his God. But Job, lying at God’s feet, and blessing him in affliction, disappointed Satan of his hope, and quite spoiled his plot. Had Job murmured, he had pleased Satan; had he fallen into a heat, and sparks of his anger had flown about—the devil would have warmed himself at the fire of Job’s passion; but Job quietly submitted, and blessed God. Thus Satan’s design was frustrated, and he missed his design. The devil has often deceived us; the best way to deceive him is by quiet submission to God in all things, saying, "May your will be done."
(22) Consider that to the godly, the nature of affliction is quite changed. To a wicked man, affliction is a curse, the rod is turned into a serpent; affliction to him is but a sign of God’s displeasure, the beginning of sorrow. But the nature of affliction is quite changed to a believer; it is by divine chemistry turned into a blessing! It is like poison corrected, which becomes a medicine; it is a love token, a badge of adoption, a preparation for glory. Should not this make us say, "May your will be done"? The poison of the affliction is gone; it is not hurtful—but healing. This has made the saints not only patient in affliction—but send forth thankfulness. When bells have been cast into the fire, they afterwards make a sweeter sound. Just so, the godly, after they have been cast into the fire of affliction, sound forth God’s praise. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." Psalms 119:71. "Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21.
(23) Consider how many good things we receive from God, and shall we not be content to receive some bad things? "Shall we receive good at the hand of God—and shall we not receive evil?" Job 2:10. This may make us say, "May your will be done." How many blessings have we received at the hand of God’s bounty? We have been bemiracled with mercy. What sparing, preventing, delivering mercies have we had! The honeycomb of mercy has continually dropped upon us. His mercies "are new every morning." Lamentations 3:23. Mercy comes in as constantly as the tide; nay, how many tides of mercies do we see in one day. We never feed—but mercy carves every bite to us! We never drink—but in the golden cup of mercy! We never go abroad—but mercy sets a guard of angels about us! We never lie down in bed—but mercy draws the curtains of protection close around us! Shall we receive so many good things at the hand of God—and shall we not receive evil? Our mercies far outweigh our afflictions—for one affliction we have a thousand mercies. O then, let us submit to God, and say, "May your will be done." The sea of God’s mercy, should swallow up a few drops of affliction.
(24) Consider that the conformity of our wills to God in affliction, brings much honor to the gospel. An unsubmissive professor reproaches religion, as if it were not able to subdue an unruly spirit. It is weak medicine, which cannot purge out ill humours; and surely it is a weak gospel, if it cannot master our discontent, and martyr our wills. Unsubmissiveness is a reproach to the gospel—but a cheerful resignation of our will to God, sets a crown of honor upon the head of religion; it shows the power of the gospel—which can charm down the passions, and melt the will into God’s will; therefore in Scripture, submissive patience is brought in as an adorning grace. "Here is the patience of the saints." Revelation 14:12.
(25) Consider the example of our Lord Jesus—how submissive and acquiescent was he to his Father! He who taught us this prayer, "May your will be done," had learned it himself. Christ’s will was perfectly tuned to his Father’s will; it was the will of his Father that he should die for our sins, and he "endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2. It was a painful, shameful, cursed death; he suffered the very pains of hell equivalently—yet he willingly submitted. "He opened not his mouth;" he opened his side when the blood ran out—but he opened not his mouth in repining; his will was resolved into the will of his Father. Isaiah 53:7. "The cup which my Father has given me—shall I not drink it?" John 18:11. Now, the more our wills are subject to God’s will in affliction—the nearer we come to Christ our pattern. Is it not our prayer that we may be like Christ? By holy submission we imitate him; his will was melted into his Father’s will.
(26) Consider that to submit our wills to God—is the way to have our own will. Everyone would be glad to have his will. The way to have our will—is to resign it to God. God deals with us as we do with froward children, while we fret and quarrel, he will give us nothing. But when we are submissive, and say, "May your will be done," he carves out mercy to us. The way to have our will is to submit to his. David brought his will to God’s. "Here am I—let him do to me as seems good unto him." 2 Samuel 15:26. After he resigned his will, he had his will. God brought him back to the ark and settled him again on his throne. 2 Samuel 19:1-43. Many a parent who has had a dear child sick—when he could bring his will to part with it, has had his child restored. Nothing is lost by referring our will to God; the Lord takes it kindly from us, and it is the only way to have our will.
(27) Consider that we may the more cheerfully surrender our souls to God when we die—when we have surrendered our will to God while we live. Our blessed Savior had all along submitted his will to God. There was but one will between God the Father and Christ. Christ in his lifetime having given up his will to his Father, at death cheerfully gave up his soul to him. "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Luke 23:46. You who resign up your wills to God—may at the hour of death comfortably bequeath your souls to him.
[2] The second means to bring our will to God in affliction—is to study his WILL.
(1) God’s will is SOVEREIGN. He has a supreme right and dominion over his creatures—to dispose of them as he pleases. A man may do with his own as he desires. "Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own?" Matthew 20:15. A man may cut his own timber as he will. God’s sovereignty may cause submission; he may do with us as he sees good. He is not accountable to any creature for what he does. "He gives not account of any of his matters." Job 33:13. Who shall call God to account? Who is higher than the highest? Ecclesiastes 5:8. What man or angel dare summon God to his bar? "He gives no account of any of his matters." God will take an account of our conduct towards him—but he will give no account of his conduct towards us. He has an absolute jurisdiction over us, as a sovereign—to do with us whatever he pleases. This may silence all discontents, and charm down all unruly passions. We are not to dispute with God—but to submit to God.
(2) God’s will is WISE. He knows what is conducive to the good of his people, therefore submit. "The Lord is a God of judgment," that is, he is able to judge what is best for us; therefore rest in his wisdom and acquiesce in his will. Isaiah 30:18. We rest in the wisdom of a physician; we are content to follow his counsel, because he knows what is most conducive to our health. If the pilot is skillful, the passenger says, "Let him alone; he knows best how to steer the ship." Shall we not rest in God’s wisdom? Did we but study how wisely he steers all occurrences, and how he often brings us to heaven by a cross wind, it would much quiet our spirits, and make us say, "May your will be done." God’s will is guided by wisdom. Should he sometimes let us have our will—we would undo ourselves! Did he let us carve for ourselves—we would choose the worst piece. Lot chose Sodom because it was well watered—but God rained fire upon it. Genesis 13:10; Genesis 19:24.
(3) God’s will is JUST. "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" Genesis 18:25. God’s will is the rule and measure of justice. The wills of men are corrupt, therefore unfit to give law; but God’s will is a holy and unerring will, which may cause submission. Psalms 97:2. God may cross us—but he cannot wrong us. He may bbe severe with us—but never unjust. Therefore we must strike sail, and say, "May your will be done."
(4) God’s will is GOOD and GRACIOUS. It promotes our interest: if it is his will to afflict us, he shall make us say at last, "it was good for us, that we were afflicted." His flail shall only thresh off our husks. That which is against our will, shall not be against our profit. Let us study what a good will God’s is, and we shall say, "May your will be done."
(5) God’s will is IRRESISTIBLE. We may oppose it—but we cannot hinder it. The rising up of our will against God—cannot stop the execution of his will. "Who has resisted his will?" Romans 9:19. Who can stop the sun in its movements? Who can hinder the progress of God’s will? Therefore it is in vain to contest with God. His will shall take place! There is no way to overcome him, but by lying at his feet.
[3] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to get a gracious heart. All the rules and helps in the world will do but little good—until grace is infused. Until God puts a new bias of grace into the soul, which inclines the will—it never submits to him. Grace renews the will, and it must be renewed before it be subdued. Grace teaches self-denial, and we can never submit our will until we deny it.
[4] A fourth means to submission to God in affliction—is to labor to have our covenant interest cleared—to know that God is our God. "This God is our God." Psalms 48:14. He whose faith flourishes in assurance, who can say that God is his, will say, "May your will be done." A wicked man may say, "God has laid this affliction upon me—and I cannot help it!" But a believer says, "My God has done it—and I will submit!" He who can call God his, knows God loves him as he loves Christ, and designs his salvation; therefore he will, with Paul, take pleasure in reproaches. 2 Corinthians 12:10. In every adverse providence, yield to God, as the wax to the impression of the seal.
[5] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to get a humble spirit. A proud man will never stoop to God; he will rather break than bend; but when the heart is humble, the will is pliable. What a vast difference was there between Pharaoh and Eli! Pharaoh cried out, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?" Exodus 5:2. But Eli said, "It is the Lord, let him do what seems him good to him." 1 Samuel 3:18. See the difference between a heart that is swelled with pride—and that which is ballasted with humility! Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord?" Eli, "It is the Lord." A humble soul has a deep sense of sin, he sees how he has provoked God, he wonders that he is not in hell; therefore, whatever God inflicts—he knows it is less than his iniquities deserve, which makes him say, "Lord, may your will be done." O, get into a humble posture. The will is never flexible—until the heart is humble.
[6] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to get your hearts loosened from things below. Be crucified to the world. Children are very froward—when you take away their playthings. When we love the things of the world, and God takes them away from us, we grow froward and unsubmissive to his will. Jonah was exceedingly glad for the gourd; but when God smote it, he grew froward, and because God had killed his gourd. He said, "Kill me too!" Jonah 4:8. He who is a lover of the world, can never pray this prayer heartily: "May your will be done;" his heart boils with anger against God; and when the world is gone, his patience is gone too. Get mortified affections to these sublunary things.
[7] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to get some good persuasion that your sin is pardoned. "Lord, smite where you will," said Luther, "because my sins are pardoned." Pardon of sin is a crowning blessing. Has God forgiven my sin? Then I will bear anything! I will not murmur but admire! I will not complain of the burden of affliction—but bless God for removing the burden of sin. The pardoned soul says this prayer heartily, "May your will be done." Lord, use your pruning-knife—so long as you do not come with your bloody axe to hew me down to hell!
[8] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to look more on the light side of the cloud. That is, let us not look so much on the smart of affliction—as the good of affliction. It is bad to pore all on the smart, as it is bad for sore eyes to look too much on the fire; but we should look on the good of affliction. Samson not only looked on the lion’s carcass—but on the honeycomb within it. "He turned aside to see the carcass of the lion, and behold, there was honey in the carcass!" Judges 14:8. Affliction is the frightful lion—but see what honey there is in it! It humbles, purifies, fills us with the consolations of God—there is honey in the belly of the lion! Could we but look upon the benefit of affliction, stubbornness would be turned into submissiveness, and we would say, "May your will be done."
[9] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to pray to God that he would calm our spirits and conquer our wills. It is no easy thing to submit to God in affliction. There will be risings of the heart; therefore let us pray that what God inflicts righteously, we may bear patiently. Prayer is the best charm against impatience. It does to the heart what Christ did to the sea when it was tempestuous; he rebuked the wind, and there was a great calm. So, when passions are up, and the will is apt to mutiny against God, prayer makes a gracious calm in the soul. Prayer cools the soul—when it is hot in passion.
[10] Another means to submission to God in affliction—is to put a good interpretation upon God’s dealings, and take all he does in the best sense. We are apt to misconstrue God’s dealings, and put a bad interpretation upon them, as Israel did. "Why have you brought the Lord’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?" Numb 20:4. When God has brought affliction upon us, we say, "It is because he hates us, and intends to destroy us!" And such hard thoughts of God cause sullenness and stubbornness. Oh, let us make a fair and honest interpretation of providence. Does God afflict us? Say, "Perhaps it is because he intends us mercy in this. Perhaps it is because he will try us whether we will love him in afflictions. Perhaps it is because he is about to mortify some sin, or exercise some grace. Perhaps he smites the body, that he may save the soul." Could we put such a good meaning upon God’s dealings, we would say, "May your will be done."
[11] The last means, if you would submit to God in affliction—is to believe that the present condition is best for you. We are not competent judges. We imagine that it is best to have ease and plenty, and have the rock pour out rivers of oil; but God sees affliction to be best. He sees our souls thrive best upon the scanty fare. The fall of the leaf, is the spring of our grace. Could we believe that condition to be best which God carves out to us—the quarrel would soon be at an end—and we would sit down satisfied with what he does, and say, "May your will be done!"
