Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 15:4

4. For whatsoever things were written afore-time, were written for our learning ; that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope .

Lest any should think, that the Testimony before alledged, concerneth only David or Christ, he sheweth that it belongeth also unto us; that we may learn by their example to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please our selves. Yea he takes occasion from hence to inform us of the general use of the Scriptures, that whatsoever is written in this or any other place, is written for our Learning and instruction, we are concerned not only in all the precepts, but in all promises, Heb. 13.5. menaces Act. 13.40.41▪ rewards chap. 4.24. and punishments, 1 Cor. 10.11. therein mentioned and declared; and though this passage is more especially to be understood of the Scriptures of the Old Testament, yet it is true also of the Scriptures of the New Testament, they being written by the same Spirit, are profitable for the same ends. vid. 2 Tim. 3.16.

He proceeds to shew more particularly the use and benefit of the Holy Scripture. which is to confirm our hope and assurance of eternal Life. vid. 1 Iohn 5.13. He saith the patience and comfort of the Scriptures, because they are both wrought in us by means thereof. vid. Rev. 3.10. We are armed with Patience, and furnished with consolations from the Examples and Promises contained therein. It may be the hope he here speaks of is to be understood not only of eternal life, but of Salvation and deliverance in this life. q. d. One principal use of the Scriptures, is this, That by the examples we find there of the patience of Holy men, and of Gods relieving and comforting them in their distresses, we might be confident that God will relieve and comfort us also in due time.