Affliction Compared to Fire

    AFFLICTION COMPARED TO FIRE

    "Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the Fire," Isa 24:15.

    "I will bring the third part through the Fire," Ecclesiastes 13:9.

    "And the Fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is" 1Co 3:13.

    FIRE is taken in the holy Scripture two ways, either literally, or figuratively and metaphorically; and so it signifies several things, and amongst the rest, these;

    1. The wrath of God, Mal 4:1.

    2. The effects of his wrath, Isa 52:4

    3. Any sore and dismal Affliction, trial, or persecution, Isa 24:15.

    Note. Judgments, or sore calamities, are compared to Fire.

    PARALLELS.

    I. There is a great judgment and terror in Fire let loose upon a people: so when God brings in enemies, or lets loose upon a people, it is a great judgment, very terrible and amazing.

    II. There are different Fires: some are a judgment, as before; but others are profitable, as the refiner's Fire: so there are different metaphorical Fires. God's wrath on the wicked is like a devouring and consuming Fire, that burns up all; but the Fire in which he puts his own children, is like the refiner's Fire. Afflictions and judgments upon the godly, are but to burn up their corruption, and make them more pure; they shall not consume them.

    III. Some fires break forth suddenly, and unexpectedly: so some judgments break forth upon a people and nation suddenly, when no man looks for it, whether it be plague, sword, or famine.

    IV. Fire burns terribly; when it hath gotten to a head, it is hard to stop it: so when the wrath of God breaks forth in good earnest upon the wicked, it is hard to stop it, though wrath hath been quenched by prayer, yet sometimes prayer cannot quench wrath; "Pray not for this people," Jer 7:16.

    V. The Fire will refine gold, and make it more fit for use; but wood, hay, and stubble it consumeth to ashes: so sincere Christians endure the Fire of affliction, and are made better by it; but all drossy professors and hypocrites the Fire of persecution consumes.