WHEN I consider the conduct of Providence towards all His saints, I should rather be astonished that I am permitted to pass through the world not more chastised, than take it amiss that I am chastened every morning. And surely, were I free from afflictions, whereof all are partakers, I might infer, that I were a bastard, and not a son. Whatever be my affliction, the wisdom of Him that sends it should make me embrace and bear it without a grudge. Though it springs not out of the dust, nor comes at random, yet man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward; and even some of His favourite ones have, for wise ends, had the severest afflictions. The wisdom of God, however, in afflicting His people, is folly to the world, who would compute love and hatred by common providences; and, therefore, they cry out, as the ignorant Jews of old to the Captain of our salvation, who Himself was made perfect through suffering, “Let Him deliver them, if He delighteth in them.”
Again, as the infinite goodness of God shines in sending afflictions, though the scales on mine eyes hinder me from seeing all their beauty, inasmuch that I often wonder why it fares so and so with me, and would fain essay to swallow up all in submission and faith, believing the veracity of the promise, that all things shall work together for good to them that are the called and chosen of God: I say, as His goodness appears in sending them, so the divine wisdom is conspicuous in their variety. Abraham, the friend of God, had a trial which would have startled the whole world of believers. Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise; Moses the man, and Aaron, the saint of God; Joshua and the Judges; Job, David, and his royal line; Samuel and the Prophets; yea, the Lamb and His Apostles, had afflictions of every kind, in substance and estate, in relations and connections, in name and character, in soul and body. Now, such has been the conduct of God these five thousand years with His Church and people; and had not this government of His house been both for His own glory, and the good of His people, such a wise Father, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, would by this time have changed the manner of His procedure towards His own. But, who can doubt the wisdom and goodness of His conduct, who considers, that through this discipline many thousands have gone to glory, and are this day happy in their joyful harvest from their weeping seed-time?
How happy is it for me that the world often gives me the slip, that I may forsake the world, and look more out for the better country:—That men often prove false to me, that I may rely only on the God of truth:—That wants beset me on every side, that I by faith may set myself down at the gate of Heaven, and, in the promise, and in His fulness, find a rich supply:—That death now and then cuts off a relation, that I may more remember mine own end, the immortal world, and Him who is the resurrection and the life. Affliction renders the creature tasteless, the world barren, and dispels the intoxicating juice of carnal pleasures and sensual delights. It breaks the sleep of security, and awakes and rouses up to duties. Even the saints themselves are more frequent and fervent in their devotions under the rod of affliction; and many in trouble visit the throne of grace and pour out a prayer, when His chastening hand is upon them, who before were utter strangers both to the place and the employment. I verily believe the whole church of the first-born are children of the cross, and have drunk of the cup of affliction, sweetened by Christ’s drinking so largely of it. Now, would I go another way to Heaven than the redeemed have trod in? Would I walk Zion-wards out of the King’s high-way, out of the covenant? However much in the dark I may be about particular providences, and singular afflictions, till all things are cleared up above, yet, in general, I shall welcome whatever may loose me from this world, and bring me nearer God.—Solitude Sweetened or Miscellaneous Meditations.
I am tried about the beginning, middle and end of my religion. Tried about sin in myself and tried about sin in others.—William Tiptaft.