John 15:25

The second argument of consolation, obviating the scandal of his being hated in the world, is taken from the prediction thereof in Scripture. For this end he citeth a passage from Psal. 35.19. which though it had its own accomplishment in David as a type, yet it relateth also unto Christ, as the substance. For this connexion of the prediction with the event compare what is said on Ch. 12.37, 38, 39, 40. Only Hence learn, 1. The eying of God, and his decree and providence about hard lots, is a mean to make them more easie, and lesse stumbled at; for hereby we are encouraged to beleeve that there is more in them, then we can see, and that nothing cometh to passe without him: Therefore doth he guard against their stumbling at his lot, by pointing out a decree and providence in it, intimate long age. 2. The comfortable sight of Gods purpose and providences about his people, is only to be found in Scripture, and when it is found agreeable to a Scripture way; Therefore doth he remit them to see this, in what was written in their law. 3. It is a sad case, when mens greatest dignities contribute to aggravate their iniquity, as it will be with the abusers thereof; Therefore, doth he call the Scripture, their law (of which title, see further on ch. 8 17. & 10.34) to point out their great sinne, whose priviledge it was to enjoy the Word, Rom. 9.4. and yet were persecutors, rather accomplishing what was foretold of persecutors, then obeying the directions thereof. 4. The Scriptures are of infallible verity, and may be leaned to, in what they declare, promise, or foretel; for, This cometh to passe, that the word might be fulfilled that was written in their law. He will see nothing of it unaccomplished. 5. Christ hath been a very sweet subject to the Church of the Old Testament, to think, speak, and sing of him; for, by many citations applyed to him, it is apparent he hath been much in their minde. 6. Christs sufferings are a very sweet meditation to Saints in their troubles, as assuring them of a sympathizer, and that the sting is taken out of their sufferings; Therefore, David in the Psalmes, speaking of his own sufferings, doth so often look out of the sufferings of Christ, as this and other citations make manifest. 7. It evidenceth the worlds malice against Christ and his followers, that their innocency cannot shelter them from their cruelty; And it is Christ and his peoples encouragement, that their malice and cruelty is causelesse; for, so much is imported in the Scripture cited, as it relates to David and Christ both, They hated me without a cause. See Psalm 109.4.