Without a due sense of predestination, we shall lack the surest and the most powerful inducement to patience, resignation and dependence on God under every spiritual and temporal affliction. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!

(1) There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God. 

(2) He has given me in times past and is giving me at present (if I had eyes to see it), many and signal intimations of His love to me-both in a way of providence and grace. 

(3) This love of His is immutable: He never repents of it or withdraws it. 

(4) Whatever comes to pass in time; is the result of His will from everlasting, consequently.

(5) My afflictions were part of His original plan, and are all numbered in number, weight and measure. 

(6) The very hairs of my head are (every one) counted by Him, nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His determination.

(7) Hence: my distresses are not the result of chance, accident or a fortuitous combination of circumstance. 

(8) But the providential accomplishment of God’s purpose. 

(9) And designed to answer some wise and gracious ends.

(10) Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer then God sees fit. 

(11) He who has brought me to it, has promised to support me under it, and to carry me through it. 

(12) All shall most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good. therefore: 

(13) Therefore “The cup which my heavenly Father has given me to drink, shall I not drink it?” Yes, I will in the strength He imparts, even rejoice in tribulation. I will commit myself and the event to him, whose purpose cannot be overthrown, whose plan cannot be disconcerted, and who, whither I am resigned or not, will still go on to work “all things after the counsel of His own will.”

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Jerome Zanchius (1511-1590)