Address —
1. Those who are but little conversant with trials —
[Doubtless it is a mercy to be free from troubles, because " they are not joyous at the present, but grievous." But what do you find to have been the effect of this exemption ? Have you not, like Jeshurun, " waxed fat and kicked?" "When you have eaten and been filled, have you not forgotten the Lord your Godg?" Do you not find that your corruptions are unmortified ? Are you not conscious that you have never yet experienced that exalted state of communion with God, and of confidence before him, which it is both your privilege and your duty to enjoy? Guard then against these pernicious effects of ease ; for the prosperity of fools, as we are told, will destroy themh. Let the attainment of a holy and heavenly frame be desired by you far more than any temporal comfort. In a little time all present things, whether pleasing or painful, will come to an end : and then they only will be found happy, who sought an interest in Christ, and " had the Lord for their God1."]
2. Those who are " tossed with tempests and not comforted" —
[Though God brings his dearest children into the fire, he does not leave them there; he engages to bring them " through" it. While they are yet in it, he will be with them, that they may not be burned k: yea, " he will sit by them as a refiner and purifier of silver," to watch the process which he has ordained for their good1. He knows what heat is requisite for the accomplishment of his gracious purposes; and, when their dross is purged out, he will bring them forth as " vessels of honour meet for their Master's usem." Be patient then under your trials, knowing from whom they proceed, and for what blessed ends he has appointed them: and be rather solicitous to have your troubles sanctified than removed. Only let them drive you to a throne of grace, and not, as they too often do, discourage you from drawing nigh to God. Let them make you more earnest in seeking an assured confidence in his love, and an increasing meetness for his glory. Then shall you in due time be numbered with those blessed spirits, " who came out of great tribulation, and made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb." Nor need you fear but that the " eternal weight of glory" which you shall possess, shall abundantly compensate " the light and momentary afflictions" which you endured in the way to it.]
s Deut. viii. 10 — 14. and xxxii. 15. h Prov. i. 32.
i Ps. cxliv. 15. k Isal. xliii. 2. ' Mai. iii. 3.
m Job xxiii. 10.