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who as a lamb, dumb before the shearer, opened not his mouth, Isa. liii. 7. Now, if you would consider him who is the author and finisher of your faith; who endured such contradiction of sinners, Heb. xii. 1 - 3, &c. and such intolerable anguish of soul, when he wrestled with his Father's wrath; then you would not be wearied nor faint in your minds, when you are under any affliction. If with Christ you set the joy before you, you will be able to endure the cross, and despise the shame of all persecution for well doing, and so run that race which is before you with patience, that you shall in the end sit down with Christ at the right-hand of the throne of God, Heb. xii. 2; Rev. iii. 21.

Sixthly, and lastly, Pray much for patience, waiting patiently for it, James i. 4, 5; and without doubt, the God of patience and consolation, who has commanded it, who sees that you have need of it, and who has promised to give you all your petitions which you make according to his will, will surely give you patience.

(6.) Of bearing afflictions thankfully and fruitfully.

To bear adversity and afflictions well, it is not enough that you bear them patiently, because you deserve them, and because they come from God; but you must bear them thankfully, Lam. iii. 22, 23; Job i. 21; cheerfully and comfortably, Rom. v. 3, because they are, as you have heard, for your good, Psa. cxix. 71; Lam. iii. 27. We do not only patiently endure the hand of the surgeon, and the prescriptions of the physician, but we thank them, pay them, and are glad of their recipes, though they put us to pain. Count it exceeding joy, saith James, when you fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience, &c. James i. 2, 3.

Last of all, unto patience and thankfulness, you must add fruitfulness and growth of grace, Psa. cxix. 67 - 71; this should be the fruit of all crosses and afflictions, that with David you may be better for them, and that you may, with Job, come out of them as gold refined and purged from dross, Job xxiii. 10.