I will give an everlasting reward for this short labour, and glory without end for transitory confusion.
3. Dost thou think to have always spiritual consolations when thou pleasest?
My saints had not so; but met with many troubles, and various temptations and great desolations.
But they bore all with patience, and confided more in God than in themselves; knowing that the sufferings of this life are not of equal proportion to the merit of the glory to come.
Wouldst thou have that immediately, which others after many tears and great labours have hardly obtained?
Expect the Lord, do manfully, and be of good heart. Do not despond, do not fall off; but constantly offer both soul and body for the glory of God.
I will reward thee most abundantly, and will be with thee in all thy tribulations.
Chap. XXXVI.
Against the vain judgments of men.
1. Son, cast thy heart firmly on the Lord, and fear not the judgement of man, when thy conscience gives testimony of thy piety and innocence.