1. Why does God permit believers to be exercised by manifold afflictions?

Many reasons could be assigned for this, but the following are the principal ones:

1. Because there is still sin remaining in believers, and because gross desires of the flesh, warring against the spirit, still cleave to them. On this account God by the cross provokes them to repentance, faith, prayer, renewal of life, and other pious exercises of this kind. Isa. 28:19.
2. Because God wishes believers even in this life to be conformed to the image of his Son. Rom. 8:29.
3. Because God in this manner more clearly exhibits to believers his presence, love, and omnipotence. Isa. 37:20. “Now therefore, O Lord, our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only.”
4. Because he wishes the pious to make testimony and confession of their faith, that they are not hypocrites, and that they truly believe, and do not spread a doctrine invented by themselves for their own advantage. Ps. 116:10. “I believed, therefore have I spoken. I was greatly afflicted.”

2. How must the cross be borne?

First, in true humility, which consists in a heartfelt and soul-distressing conviction of sin.

Secondly, in true faith in Christ, so that we through him alone implore God for a lightening of the cross. Then, in true patience, which quietly resigns itself to the will of God.

Finally, in firm comfort, with which we raise ourselves up under the cross.

3. Whence is such comfort to be obtained?

From the words of God, according to the declaration of David.

Ps. 119:92. “Unless thy law had been my delight, I should then have perished in mine affliction.”

4. Does not philosophy also furnish a sure comfort?

It indeed furnishes comfort, but of a very weak character, which cannot stand in severe trials. Its comforts are:

1. Necessity, whence the well-known expression: “What cannot be cured must be endured.”
2. The importance of virtue, that because of the pain we should do nothing wrong.
3. A good conscience.
4. The example of others.
5. The hope of a happy termination.
6. Immortal glory, and some other things similar to these. (Melanchthon.)

5. Adduce grounds of comfort from Holy Scripture.

Holy Scripture furnishes five special grounds of comfort. The first is the good-will of God; for it is not by chance or accident that we are troubled, because God orders it so. Matt. 10:29, 30. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

6. What is the second?

The good design of the cross. Rom. 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

7. The third?

The promise of the divine aid and presence in all such calamities.

Ps. 91:15. “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.”

8. Name the fourth?

This is a good conscience, which is a great comfort in misfortune.

2 Cor. 1:12. “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience.”

9. And the fifth?

This is the firm confidence in the forgiveness of our sins in Christ, which causes us to be in grace with God, though we be tried by any calamity whatsoever.

Rom. 8:33. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.