[There can be no comfort to the soul whilst we view God as a vindictive Judge. As long as we are really desiring his favour, we are authorized to regard him as a loving Father, who seeks only the welfare of our souls. If we see a hus- bandman prune his vine, or a workman chisel his stone, or a goldsmith put his gold into the fire, we are at no loss to account for their conduct, even though, to the eye of sense, it may appear severe : to improve the vine, to beautify the stone, to purify the gold, to bring forth from the furnace a vessel meet for the Master's use, are, in our minds, an ample vindication of the apparent severity. Let us, then, conceive of God as wise, and good, and gracious, and as personally interested in our welfare ; and then we shall never murmur at any of his dispensations; but shall say, under the most painful trials, " It is the Lord ; let him do what seemeth him good."]
2. To make a suitable improvement of afflictive dispensations —
[Every " rod has a voice, which we ought to hear, as well as Him also that has appointed itr." Would we but listen attentively to God speaking to us in the night-season of afflic- tion8, verily, we should learn many invaluable lessons. We often acquire a more just and comprehensive and endearing knowledge of God in one hour of adversity, than we had pre- viously gained in whole years of prosperity*. Those who are accustomed to behold fine paintings, know that there is a point of view, in which if we are placed, we shall see every figure, as it were, standing out of the canvass. Now God is sometimes pleased to call us to this point, that we may have richer views of his Divine character. The ascent to the place may be difficult, and attended with pain ; but the subsequent views will richly repay all our labour. Let us then especially seek to improve in our knowledge of God, and in an admira- tion of his adorable perfections. And if there be in us any evil, which God has discovered to our view, let us put it away, though it be dear to us as a right eye, or apparently necessary to us as a right hand. If our afflictions do but " yield us the peaceable fruits of righteousness, we shall never have reason to complain, however much we may have been exercised by them11." Only let them " purge away our dross and our tinx," and we shall bless God for the furnace by which this blessed change has been effected. " The trials that have been pro- ductive of so great a blessing will issue in praise and honour and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ y," and through the countless ages of eternity2.]
r Mic. vi. 9. ■ Ps. xvi. 7. * Job xxxvi. 8—10.
u Heb. xii. 11. * Isai. i. 25. y 1 Pet. i. 6. 7.
z Rev. vii. 13 — 1 7.
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