Two words of advice I would suggest as arising out of this subject —
1. Be frequent in reviewing the mercies of your God—
[There is no one who has not met with mercies and deli- verances, on account of which he has reason to bless his God. And if we took frequent occasions of reviewing these mercies, what sweetness might we not extract from them ; and that not for our own refreshment only, but for the comfort and refresh- ment of all connected with us ! Though, as must frequently be the case, there may be things in our private experience which we cannot communicate even to our dearest friends, yet it would be impossible but that they must derive benefit from converse with us, after we ourselves have extracted the honey
i Heb. ii. 14, 15. See also 2 Cor. v. 21. and viii. 9. and 1 Pet. ii. 24. k Heb. xii. 10, 11. ' Rom. v. 3—5.
"1 2 Cor. iv. 17. " Matt. v. 10 — 12. " 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10.
V Phil. i. 12. <i J Cor. ii. 11. Matt. xiii. 11.
wliich God's dispensations towards us are calculated to afford. Let us then frequently turn aside even from our dearest friends, or in the midst of the most important business, to contemplate the mercies we have received ; and we shall often be surprised at the rich stores of wisdom and consolation which we shall derive from them.]
2. Be not hasty to complain of his judgments —
[The troubles which we may be called to endure, may appear insupportable ; and we may be ready to say, like Jacob, " All these things are against me." But, if we wait, we shall land, that they are all working for our good ; and that though " clouds and darkness may be round about the Lord, righteous- ness and judgment are the basis of his throne." How many thousands after a time have been constrained to say with David, " It is good for me that I have been afflicted !" Know ye. Be- loved, that there is no trial so heavy, but, if you acknowledge God in it, it shall yield you a rich supply of heavenly conso- lations. The most striking illustration of this truth will be found in Jehoshaphat's victory over three confederate armies:
he was no less than three days in gathering the spoil "^ — •
Even that last of enemies, death itself, however formidable he may appear, shall yield sweets to the believing soul: the con- flict with him may be severe ; but the triumph over him shall be complete, and the fruits of victory eternal.]
r 2 Chron. xx. 2, 25.