of God, are to be discerned; and some that are good, do more, and
some do less discern them, and how they are working, and putting
forth themselves in every providence, in every change, in every turn
of the wheel that passeth by us in this world. I do not question
but that there are some that are alive that have been able
to say, the days of affliction have been the best unto them; and
that could, if it were lawful, pray that they might always be in
affliction, if God would but do to them as he did when his hand
was last upon them. For by them he caused his light to shine: Or
as Job has it, "Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou
shewest thyself marvelously upon me" (Job 10:16). See also the
writing of Hezekiah, and read what profit he found in afflictions
(Isa 38).

But again, these breadths, lengths, depths, and heights, have in
themselves naturally that glory, that cannot be so well discerned,
or kept in view by weak eyes. He had need have an eye like an
eagle, that can look upon the sun, that can look upon these great
things, and not be stricken blind therewith. You see how Saul was
served when he was going to Damascus (Acts 9): But Stephen could
stand and look up steadfastly into heaven; and that too when with
Jonah he was going into the deep (Acts 7). But I have done with
this, and proceed.

Second--That ye may be able to comprehend. Although apprehending
is included in comprehending; yet to comprehend is more. To
comprehend is to know a thing fully; or, to reach it all. But here
we must distinguish, and say, that there is a comprehending that
is absolute, and a comprehending that is comparative. Of comprehending
absolutely, or perfectly, we are not here to speak; for that the