is, the
inheritance that is appointed for them was long ago acquired, and
prepared from the foundation of the world, but now is hidden, as yet
covered up, reserved and sealed. But this is only for a little while,
when in a moment it shall be opened and revealed, so that we shall
behold it.

V. 6. _In which ye rejoice greatly, though now for a season (if need
be), ye are in heaviness through manifold temptation._ Are you a
Christian, and do you look for this inheritance or this salvation?
then must you cleave to this alone, and despise all that is upon
earth, and confess that all worldly reason, wisdom and glory are
nothing--a thing the world will not be able to bear; wherefore you
are to expect that men shall condemn you and persecute you. Thus St.
Peter joins faith, hope, and the holy cross together, for one follows
upon the other.

And here he gives us a source of consolation if we suffer and are
persecuted. This sadness shall last a little while; afterward ye
shall be exceeding glad, for this salvation is already prepared for
you; wherefore be patient under your sufferings.

This is moreover a truly christian consolation,--not such comfort as
human doctrines give, which attempt nothing more than to find relief
from outward ill. I speak not of bodily comfort (he seems to say); it
is no real injury that ye have to endure outward ill, only go onward
vigorously and be steadfast; inquire not how you may be free from the
trouble, but think with yourself, My inheritance is prepared and held
out to me; it is only a short time before my suffering must cease.
Thus we should lay aside temporal consolations, and over against them
place that eternal consolation which we have in God.

Besides, it is here to be observed that the Apostle continues and
tells us in what circumstances all this will be, as he will hereafter
say in the third chapter, _if it be God's will_.

There are many people who would storm heaven and enter it at once,
wherefore they impose a cross upon themselves for their own fancied
good; for reason will do nothing but propose for ever its own works,
that God will reject. They should not be our own works which we
select, but we should wait for whatever God imposes upon us and
ordains for us, that we may go on and follow wherever He leads us; so
that you are not to run after your own pleasure, in case it should be
(that is, by God's appointment) that you are to suffer, but accept it
and comfort yourself wi