I. In a general point of view —
David, who had had a long and early experience of troubles, confessed " it was good for him that he had been afflicted V And beyond a doubt, much benefit may be reaped,
1. From temporal afflictions —
[The loss of health, of friends, of property, are heavy
afflictions yet, if duly improved, they may become
real blessings to the soul. Illness in early life, though in many respects to be lamented and deprecated, tends exceed- ingly to counteract the vanity of the youthful mind, and the ardour of youthful passions. It renders a person sober, thoughtful, temperate, and willing to listen to subjects of a more serious cast ; and keeps him from innumerable snares and difficulties, to which a buoyant spirit and a vigorous con- stitution would have exposed him.
Bereavements also (whether of friends or property), and disappointments in life, give us an early taste of the empti- ness of the world, and the vanity of all created enjoyments. They have a tendency to direct the mind to higher pursuits, and to make us seek satisfaction, where alone it can be found, in the knowledge, the service, and the enjoyment, of God. The more we are made to feel that the creature is only a broken cistern, the more shall we be disposed to seek our consolation in the fountain of living waters.]
2. From spiritual afflictions —
[These are far heavier than any which mere temporal things can ever produce. " A man may sustain any trial respecting earthly things ; but a wounded spirit who can bear?" Yet are the groans and mournings of a deserted soul far preferable to the mirth and gaiety of a thoughtless sinner. A fear of God's wrath, though so distressing to the soul, has indeed a kindly influence upon us. How does it embitter to us the remembrance of former sins ! How does it dispose us to desire true repentance, and to long for an interest in the Saviour ! What a different aspect does the sacred volume bear under such a state of mind ! and how tremendous its threaten- ings; how glorious its promises! how happy they to whom those promises are made ! In a word, an apprehension of God's wrath assimilates the mind thus far to the mind of God himself; since it invariably inspires this thought, " Happy art thou, O Israel, O people saved by the Lord ! "]
3. From afflictions for righteousness' sake —
b Ps. cxix. 71.