Doct. 10. They that suffer for the name of Christ, do properly suffer according to the will of God.2
This is gathered from verse 19. compared with ver. 1416.
Reason 1. Because their sinnes oftentimes are not the causes of these afflictions, but the will of God to make triall of them. 2. Because it is the revealed will of God, that such afflictions are the lot of the faithfull, and the way by which they usually come to the kingdome of God. 3. Because this suffering of such afflictions is part of our obedience to the revealed will of God. Vse. This may serve to comfort us against the trouble of these afflictions. Doct. 11. They which suffer in this manner, may commend their soules unto God.
This is gathered from the same verse.
Reason 1. Because when they suffer for the name of God, God doth in some sort suffer with them, and therefore their cause is Gods cause. 2. Because in that duty which we performe unto God, as his servants, we may expect protection from him, as our Master. 3. Because while we are exposed unto danger for Gods sake, God cannot but take care of us. Vse. This is a use of consolation, and it is explained and set forth by the Apostle Paul, 2 Tim. 1.12. Doct. 12. They should do this by well doing.
This is gathered from the same verse. So Rom. 1.
Reason 1. Because they cannot suffer for the name of Christ but as they suffer for well doing. 2. Because they cannot preserve the liberty of their confidence, but by a good conscience, that is, by well doing. 3. Because to commend an evill cause unto God, is, to make God as it were the Patron of evill. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, to take heed, that we doe not deprive our selves of this great priviledge by evill doing. Doct. 13. God is a faithfull protector and defender of those that commend their soules unto him.
