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Afflictions

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 22, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 5.

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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 tore up with the plow, after frost, and snow, and winter storms, springeth the ranker; the higher 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 better when it is cast into thefire; 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, and 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 and scoureth his congregation. "We rejoice," saith St. Paul, "in tribulations; knowing that tribulations bring 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.