such views of God, of his goodness, his mercy, his power, his grace, as are acquired only in the school of affliction. It is on these occasions also that the Lord Jesus Christ particularly endears himself to our souls, and communicates to us the abundance of his grace. In persons thus instructed there is for the most part a maturity of wisdom and of spiritual under- standing that is rarely found amongst those who have never experienced the discipline of adversity. In comparison of others, they manifest the beauty and sweetness of religion in a high degree ; excelling others as much as the experienced mariner does the man who has never combated a storm.]
2. Submission to God —
[" Tribulation worketh patience, experience, and hope." By directing the thoughts inwards, it leads us to see, what abundant occasion there is within us for Divine chastisements, and how much more lenient they are than we deserve ; and they dispose us to say, " I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against himd." At first, perhaps, nature revolts, and is impatient ; but after a season, when we have " listened to the rod, and to Him that has appointed it," we become desirous only that it may drive out the folly that is bound up in our hearts. Then " we put our mouths in the dust," as penitents that are " dumb before God ; " and we wait God's time, " if so be there may be hope," and his purpose may be ultimately accomplished, and the trials be sanctified to our eternal good. What a blessed state is this ! like Aaron, " to hold our peace;" like Eli, to say, " Let him do what seemeth him good;" like Job, to bless the Lord; and, like David, to say, " Thou in very faithfulness hast afflicted me ! " Surely to learn such lessons as these in early life is most desirable : and, if they cannot be learned without affliction, there is no affliction so severe, but that it will be richly recom- pensed by such an attainment.]
Address —
1. Those who have experienced no particular affliction —
[Whilst, on account of God's forbearance towards you, you have reason to be thankful, you have great reason also to fear: for, " if we are without chastisement, we are bastards, and not sons." At all events, there is much danger lest you become sad witnesses of that truth, " The prosperity of fools destroys them." Be watchful against the vanity of your deceitful hearts, and beg of God to augment towards you the communications of his grace in proportion to your peculiar necessities.]
d Mic. vii. 9.