- selves with true confidence, against all the perturbations and
temptations which may arise unto them from afflictions.
The Doctrines drawne herehence.
Doct. 1. Afflictions and persecutions should not seeme a new or strange thing unto Christians.
This is gathered from verse 12.
Reason 1. Because they were foretold by Christ and his Apostles. 2. Because Christ himselfe and his chiefe Disciples were used after the same manner. 3. Because such is the disposition of the world, that we must alwayes expect such things from it. Vse. This may serve to admonish us not to be troubled at these things, as it is in the text. Doct. 2. The end and use of afflictions is for the triall of Christians.
This is gathered from the same verse. See the same doctrine Chap. 1. verse 7.
Doct. 3. The faithfull in suffering afflictions and persecutions are partakers of Christs sufferings.
This is gathered from verse 13.
Reason 1. Because when they suffer for the name of Christ, Christ suffers in them, according to that of the Lord, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
2. Because they are made conformable unto Christs death, Phil. 3.10. Vse. This may serve to comfort us, because therein we have matter of rejoycing, as it is in the text. Doct. 4. From these afflictions, if we suffer them joyfully, we have a sure argument of our eternall joy and glory to come hereafter.
This is gathered from verse 13.
Reason 1. Because they that are partakers of Christs death, are partakers also of his resurrection and everlasting life, Rom. 8.17. 2 Cor. 4.11.
2. Because that joy which we have in afflictions, is the first fruits of our eternall joy and glory.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us to learne to suffer joyfully for the name of Christ, Iames 1.2. Acts 5.41.
