20. And He is called the Comforter, because
He comforts and encourages us, and helpeth our infirmities; for we
know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit Himself
maketh intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be
uttered Rom. viii. 26., that is, makes
intercession to God. Oftentimes a man for Christ’s sake has
been outraged and dishonoured unjustly; martyrdom is at hand; tortures
on every side, and fire, and sword, and savage beasts, and the
pit. But the Holy Ghost softly whispers to him, “Wait
thou on the Lord Ps. xxviii. 14; xxxvii. 34., O man; what is now
befalling thee is a small matter, the reward will be great.
Suffer a little while, and thou shalt be with Angels for ever.
The sufferings of this present time art not worthy to be compared
with the glory which shall be revealed in us Rom. viii. 18..” He portrays to the man the
kingdom of heaven; He gives him a glimpse of the paradise of delight;
and the martyrs, whose bodily countenances are of necessity turned to
their judges, but who in spirit are already in Paradise, despise those
hardships which are seen.