Holy Spirit; it is manifest that all Christians, if it be not their own fault, may have their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

AND now, having carried the Christian grace and happiness to its utmost height in the present life: viz. to the sure and certain hope of a blessed Resurrection; this was the proper time for introducing the subject of persecutions and sufferings for the Gospel's sake; according to that which is plainly intimated in,

viii. 17. ειπερ συμπασχομεν, ίνα και συνδοξασθωμεν :

"If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together:" (See also v. 2, 3.)

There being, according to the wise counsel of God, in the Christian economy, a most intimate connection betwixt the sufferings of Christ and of his members, and the glory which should follow hereafter.

THE persecutions of those early times, were indeed a fiery trial of faith, and a grievous temp

tation to the Converts, (especially to the Converts of the Gentiles, who were at that period the greatest sufferers, from the furious bigotry of the Jews;) to make them fall into doubts and misgivings respecting the favour and affection of God toward them; and, according to what is said, Heb. x. 36. they had need of patience; that after they had done the will of God, they might receive the promise.

ST. PAUL, therefore, fortifies their patience by several topics of consolation :

1st. By the consideration of the greatness of that glory which is about to be revealed in them, at the resurrection of the just:

viii. 18. λογιζομαι γαρ ότι εκ αξια τα παθηματα, &c.

" For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us :"

This blessed change, from corruption to incorruption, from dishonour to glory, the whole creation, πασα ἡ κτισις, all mankind, even the very Heathens themselves, long for, and have longed ever since the days of Adam; groaning under the bondage of corruption, to which they were subjected by the first transgression; and waiting impatiently to be reinstated in that freedom from the fear of death, which is the glorious liberty of the Sons of God. (See verses 19, 20, 21, 22.)

2nd. He comforts them from the consideration, that they have many companions in their earnest aspirations after a happier state; all mankind; yea, even the very Apostles themselves, who are endued with the choicest gifts of the Spirit; even they themselves, and himself among the rest, (see 2 Cor. v. 2. 4.) cannot but groan within themselves, with the deepest aspirations after so blessed a change:

viii. 23. 8 μονον δε, αλλα και αυτοι, &c.

*" And not only they, but ourselves also which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."

3rd. He comforts them from the consideration of the very nature of their salvation, which in this life is in hope only: Now as it is of the very essence of Hope to exclude fruition, and always to look forward, and have respect to something future; so ought it to be an inducement to us, to wait with patience for the blessing which is yet at a distance :

viii. 24. τη γαρ ελπιδι εσωθημεν, &c.

" For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen, is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

4th. He comforts them from the consideration, that the Holy Spirit himself takes an interest in their distresses, and assists in bearing them. For whereas, in this case, they are in a strait betwixt two (Phil. i. 23.) and know not what to pray for as they ought; whether to depart now, and to be with Christ; or to abide in the flesh a space longer; (Compare 2 Cor. v. 2. 4.) the Holy Spirit himself guides and assists them in their prayers; stirring up secret supplications in their hearts, for what is really best for them, and most conducible to their eternal good :

viii. 26. ὡσαυτως δε και το Πνευμα, &c.

" Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered."

5th. He comforts them lastly from the consideration, that however for the present these things seem not joyous but grievous, (Heb. xii. 11.) yet they are intended by our Heavenly Father, for the increase of glory and endless felicity. For to them that love God, all things work together for good; especially sufferings; this being a part of the Divine economy in the great mystery of our redemption, to bring his Sons to glory through sufferings. He did so in the case even of the Only-begotten; and in bringing many Sons unto glory, his purpose is, that they should be conformed to his image, first in sufferings, then in glory; (according to the tenor of that in ver.