April 11

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.—Ps. xxxiv, 17.

Let us be patient! These severe afflictions

Not from the ground arise,

But oftentimes celestial benedictions

Assume this dark disguise.

LONGFELLOW.

Life is a progressive principle, and, in its progress to vigor and maturity, is often assisted by apparently adverse principles. The tree is frequently distressed that it may bear fruit; man is inoculated with disease that he may preserve his health; and the Christian is called to endure affliction that his divine nature may be purified from earthly adhesions, and shine out the brighter and the stronger.

ANDREW REED, D. D.

The Lord gets His best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.

SPURGEON.