It is good to bear the yoke of the moral law, or the commandments of God, as they are in the hands of Christ, a rule of walk and conversation; a yoke obliging all mankind, and especially saints; it is the duty of all to submit their necks to this yoke; it is but their reasonable service to love the Lord their God, and their neighbour as themselves; as must be judged by all but sons of Belial, who are without this yoke, having cast it off; and especially it is “good” to bear the yoke of Christ, to embrace his doctrines, and profess them, and submit to his ordinances, since his yoke is easy, and leads to true rest, ( Matthew 11:29,30); it is commendable so to do; since it is a following Christ, and those who through faith and patience have inherited the promises; and, besides, is both pleasant and profitable, being the means of increasing spiritual strength, light, and joy: and it is right to do this “in youth”; which is the choices, time of life, and most acceptable to Christ, and when a man is capable of doing him most service; and especially, if men do not take upon them this yoke in the day of their espousals, and while their first love lasts, it is much if they ever do it after, and therefore should not neglect it: and so it is good to bear the yoke of afflictions, though disagreeable to flesh and blood, to take up the cross, and bear it after Christ, willingly, and cheerfully, and patiently; this is “good”, for hereby souls are brought to a sense of sin, to be humbled for it, and confess it; it is a means of purging from it, and preventing it; hereby the graces of the Spirit are tried, exercised, and become brighter; saints are instructed in many useful lessons in the word of God, in humility faith, and fear; herein they enjoy much of the presence of God, and all work for their good, spiritual and eternal. And as there is a close connection between a profession of faith in Christ, and submission to his ordinances, and suffering reproach and persecution for the same; it is good for a than to bear the one, as well as the other, “in his youth”; this will serve to keep him humble, and hide pride from him, which youth are addicted to; to wean him from the world, the lusts and pleasures of it, which are ensnaring to that age; to prevent many sins and evils such might be tempted to go into; and to inure them to hardships, and make them good soldiers of Christ.

Lam. 3:1-20 The prophet relates the more gloomy and discouraging par of his experience, and how he found support and relief. In the time of his trial the Lord had become terrible to him. It was an afflictio that was misery itself; for sin makes the cup of affliction a bitte cup. The struggle between unbelief and faith is often very severe. But the weakest believer is wrong, if he thinks that his strength and hop are perished from the Lord.

Lam. 3:21-36 Having stated his distress and temptation, the prophe shows how he was raised above it. Bad as things are, it is owing to the mercy of God that they are not worse. We should observe what makes for us, as well as what is against us. God's compassions fail not; of thi we have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishin things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty, and will be ou comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvatio of the Lord. Afflictions do and will work very much for good: many have found it good to bear this yoke in their youth; it has made many humbl and serious, and has weaned them from the world, who otherwise woul have been proud and unruly. If tribulation work patience, that patienc will work experience, and that experience a hope that makes no ashamed. Due thoughts of the evil of sin, and of our own sinfulness will convince us that it is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed If we cannot say with unwavering voice, The Lord is my portion; may we not say, I desire to have Him for my portion and salvation, and in his word do I hope? Happy shall we be, if we learn to receive affliction a laid upon us by the hand of God.

Lam. 3:37-41 While there is life there is hope; and instead of complaining that things are bad, we should encourage ourselves with the hope they will be better. We are sinful men, and what we complain of is far less than our sins deserve. We should complain to God, and no of him. We are apt, in times of calamity, to reflect on other people' ways, and blame them; but our duty is to search and try our own ways that we may turn from evil to God. Our hearts must go with our prayers If inward impressions do not answer to outward expressions, we moc God, and deceive ourselves.

Lam. 3:42-54 The more the prophet looked on the desolations, the mor he was grieved. Here is one word of comfort. While they continue weeping, they continued waiting; and neither did nor would expec relief and succour from any but the Lord.

Lam. 3:55-66 Faith comes off conqueror, for in these verses the prophe concludes with some comfort. Prayer is the breath of the new man drawing in the air of mercy in petitions, and returning it in praises it proves and maintains the spiritual life. He silenced their fears and quieted their spirits. Thou saidst, Fear not. This was the languag of God's grace, by the witness of his Spirit with their spirits. An what are all our sorrows, compared with those of the Redeemer? He wil deliver his people from every trouble, and revive his church from ever persecution. He will save believers with everlasting salvation, whil his enemies perish with everlasting destruction __________________________________________________________________

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