John 16:21–22

This explained encouragement is (in these verses) illustrate from a similitude taken from a woman in travel, which is propounded v. 21. and applyed v. 22. to this purpose, That as a woman in travel hath bitter pangs and sorrows, & yet all that is shortly swallowed up in the joy she hath for the birth of a man-child; So however they were in sorrow, yet his seeing them again shall afford them cordial and perminent joy.

From v. 21. Learn, 1. The Lord, in the ordinary course of his providence in the world, hath given ample proofe of his power and goodwill, and that he is able to bring bitter lots to a sweet issue, whereof the godly should make use, for their own encouragement in sad lots: Therefore doth he lead them to comfort themselves by the example of a woman in travail, and elsewhere he remits them to the consideration of other his works in the world. 2. The godly may expect that their hours of sorrow will be very sharp and bitter, that so their trial may be compleat and searching; Therefore it is compared to the sorrow of a woman in travail, as being very bitter, and nearer the birth, the sharper, and such as God only can open the womb and give an issue from it. 3. Their sorrows also do resemble that of a woman in travail, in respect that as this pain is the fruit of Evah’s transgression; So whatever be the Lords love, or scope in exercising his own, yet the Original and rise of all their troubles, is sin, and they are sent to put them in minde what they are to chasten, and humble them for by-past failings, or to mortifie the roots of sin, and prevent it for the future. 4. It may contribute to sweeten the bitter sorrows of Saints, that they are as necessary to make way for the consolations of Christ, as pangs are to make way for child-bearing; for, in this also the comparison holds. 5. The sorrows of Saints may be more easie to them, when they consider that they are but for a set time, and by their violence and extremities are hasting to an issue; for, so a womans sorrow is, when her hour is come, and but an hour, which will passe over. 6. It is ample matter of hope and encouragement to sorrowful Saints, that their afflictions and sorrows will not only have an issue, but are bringing forth somewhat, that will be as a man-child brought forth by a travailing woman; for, so is here imported, that their afflictions are as a travailing in birth, bringing forth some fruit, and that they shall not miscarry, but a man-child be born. 7. The fruit of Saints afflictions and sorrows will be so full, as may swallow down all the bitternesse of their former trouble; for, in this also they resemble a woman delivered of the child, who remembreth no more the anguish (that is, thinks nothing of it, though otherwise it be good to remember it for instruction) for joy that a man is born into the world, See Heb. 12.11. 2 Cor. 4.17.

From v. 22. Learn, 1. Beleevers sorrow for the absence of Christ is so great, that the very apprehension and intimation of his removal, begets sorrow; for, now therefore, saith he, ye have sorrow, even before I be gone. 2. Christ doth take special notice of the sorrow of his own, when it is for his sake, and because of his removal; for, he intimateth so much to them, ye now therefore have sorrow. 3. The sorrow of Saints for Christs absence will not be perpetual, but ought to be measured by the present now, as not knowing how soon he may put a period to it; for, so much also is imported in this, now ye have sorrow, but I will see you again. 4. Kindly sorrow of Saints can only be removed by Christs coming to them, and their enjoying the light of his countenance; And he will not stay away, but be at pains himselfe to comfort such; for, I will see you again, to remove your sorrow. 5. It compleats the joy of mourning Saints, that not only they see Christ, but do know that he seeth them, and hath an eye of kindnesse toward them, and an eye of providence and care about them; Therefore in place of, ye shall see me, v. 16. it is here, I will see you again. 6. Albeit the joy of the godly may be interrupted for a time; yet it will never totally be extinguished, but will revive after sorrow; for, here is rejoycing after sorrow. 7. It is Christs work, not only to afford matter of joy unto his people, but effectually to bear it in, for their encouragement; for, here he undertakes, ye shall rejoyce. 8. The joy of the godly doth far outstrip the carnal delight and mirth of the wicked, whose heart is sorrowful in the midst of laughter, Prov 14.13. whereas this is a solid joy, which upholds and refreshes the heart; for, your heart shall rejoyce, saith he. 9. The joy of beleevers is a permanent joy; whereof they shall never be totally deprived, till they enter into the Ocean of eternal joy, Matth. 25.21, 23. for, your joy no man taketh from you. It cannot be denyed but sometime it is interrupted by their peevish refusing of it, and by tentations taking it from them: But yet. 1. They want not still some measure of joy, in so far as they are not totally discouraged. 2. They want not matter of joy, when themselves do put it from them. 3. Tentations prevail to take away their joy, when they put not themselves and it in Christs custody; who here undertakes to make them rejoyce. 4. Whatever their wrastlings and faintings be, yet they shall be carried through, till they come to obtain everlasting joy, where sighing and sorrow shall flee away, and not be found, though they were sought, whereas now we both seek and finde them too often.