Return Thanks by C. P. WHITFORD

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1874

Return Thanks.

By C. P. WHITFORD

God himself has said, “In everything give thanks,” and he has taught his servants to say, “We glory in tribulation also,” and most certain it is that, to true believers, afflictions, trials, and disappointments, will work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Afflictions to the true Christian are chastisements of love, and who will dare say that such love does not demand our warmest thanks, our highest praise, our ceaseless adoration? We should praise him, for in this way he is training us for a union with his own Son and a home in glory. Thus he kills our corruptions, and is wisely contriving to bring us nearer to himself and to ripen us for the honors of his heavenly kingdom. And thus shall tribulation work patience, and patience experience, and experience a more assured hope, even a hope which shall not make ashamed while the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.

C. P. WHITFORD.

Berkshire Center, Vt.