man. Know that there is no other knowledge of any import- ance whatever in comparison of this ; and that, if even the most grievous sufferings should be welcomed as accessary to the attainment of it, much more must it deserve all the time and attention that can be bestowed upon it. You never need fear that you will hereafter have occasion to complain, that its fruits did not repay you for the cultivation of it.]
2. To those that are under any great affliction —
[The rod under which you suffer, has a voice, to which you should listen with all possible attention"1. It is sent to you in love and mercy. God designs to teach you, by means of it, many things which you would not so well learn without it. It may be that you are already instructed in the Gospel of Christ ; but yet there is much of which you are ignorant ; and many things which you do know, need to be known by you in a very different manner. Even our blessed Lord himself, " though he was a Son, learned obedience by the things which he suf- fered," yea, and " was made perfect through sufferings." Be content to have God's work carried on and perfected in you in the same way : and be more anxious to obtain the benefit which your affliction is sent to impart, than to get rid of the affliction itself. If your tribulation work in you patience and experience and hope, learn to glory in it, and to number it amongst your richest blessings. And do not wait till the affliction is removed, to acknowledge God's goodness to you in sending it ; but now, whilst you are under the affliction, get it so improved and sanctified to the good of your soul, that you may be able to say, " It is good for me, O Lord, that I am afflicted; for by means of it I do learn thy statutes:" I see, " it is in very faithfulness that thou afflictest me ; " and, if only thou " make me a partaker of thy holiness, send me what thou wilt, and when thou wilt : be the cup never so bitter to my taste, I will say, " Not my will, but thine be done."]
m Mic. vi. 9.