But it may be thought that penal evil may come to them. This however we utterly deny. That they may be " visited with the rod," we readily acknowledge : but there is great difference between the vindictive arm of an incensed judge, and the gentle chastisements of an indulgent parent. The cup that may at any time be put into their hands may be bitter; but it has not in it one drop of wrath : it is altogether mixed by love ; and not an ingredient can be found in it, which they themselves shall not one day confess to have been salutary and beneficial.
In short, no real evil shall befall them. That they may have troubles, is certain : that their troubles may be heavy and accu- mulated, is also certain. But who accounts even the amputation of a limb evil, if it be the only and infallible method of preserv- ing life? Much less then are any sufferings to be accounted evil, which the Believer can ever be called to sustain : for he shall never endure any, which shall not work for good to him in this life, and be the means of increasing his weight of glory in the next''.?]
2. None hereafter—
[It is in this life only that the Believer can meet with even the semblance of evil : when he goes hence, he is instantly placed beyond the reach of harm. No sin, no sorrow, no pain, no temptation, no weariness, no want, can ever be felt by him in
the
' See ver. 1 1, 12. ^ Rom. viii. 28. & 2 Cor. iv. 17.