Afflictions | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1858

Afflictions.

God schooleth and nurtureth his people, that through many tribulations they may enter into their rest. Frankincense, when it is put into the fire, giveth the greater perfume; spice, if it be pounded, smelleth the sweeter; the earth, when it is torn up with the plow, after frost, and snow, and winter storms, springeth the ranker; the nigher the vine is pruned to the stock, the greater grape it yieldeth; the grape, when it is most pressed and beaten, maketh the sweeter wine; fine gold is the better when it is cast in the fire; rough stones, with hewing, are squared and made fit for building; cloth is rent and cut that it may be made a garment; linen is washed, and wrung and beaten, but is the fairer. These are familiar examples to show the benefit and commodity which the children of God receive by persecution. By it God washeth his congregation. "We rejoice," saith St. Paul, "in tribulations; knowing that tribulation bringeth forth patience; and patience experience, and experience hope; and hope maketh not ashamed." The power of God is made perfect in weakness, and all things turn unto good to them that fear the Lord.