A. S. HUTCHINS by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 20, 1871

A. S. HUTCHINS

By A. S. Hutchins

Chastisement.

SAYS the apostle, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous.” Heb. 12:11. With many professed followers of Jesus, perhaps it requires but little or no effort to remember thus much of this text; while it may be much more difficult to believe from the heart, and know from actual experience, the truthfulness of what follows, “Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

To patiently lie under the rod of chastisement of our Heavenly Father, to endure with Christian fortitude, afflictive and painful dispensations of providence, buoyed up with the reflection that they will work far more and better for us than could numerous earthly blessings and comforts, gives the child of God great confidence and trust in him.

The trials and temptations which come upon us in consequence of our connection with the cause of God, may be likened to the workman seasoning his lumber for important use. “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him; for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” We must be tried. Our strength in the Lord must be developed before he can trust us with great blessings, or before calling us to fill important stations. God will prove us before taking us to himself.

The truth on this point, is beautifully expressed in the following words: “And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded; for God proved them, and found them worthy for himself.” Wisdom of Solomon III:5.