July 7

Endure afflictions.—2 Timothy 4:5.

DO I bear patiently the afflictions and trials that God, in his providence, may send me? Or do I allow myself to become discouraged, and impatient under them? Do I call to mind the patient endurance of Christ under all his sufferings? And does the thought of his example sustain and encourage me, when otherwise flesh and heart might fail? If he was made perfect through suffering, can his followers expect to go and meet him but by the road that he trod?

Though the word and the Spirit do the main work, yet suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that both the word and the Spirit have easier entrance.—BAXTER.

We are as sure of trouble in this world, as of waves on the sea; but while the waves toss and roll, they bear us on to the haven.—LYNCH.

If God dries up the water in the lake, it is to lead you to the unfailing fountain. If he sends the cross, it is to sweeten the crown. For no cross, no crown; no rain, no rainbow.—NOTTIDGE.

Oft by the sharpest, roughest ways,

Thou leadest on to happiness;

And who to thee doth consecrate his days,

Trouble shall meet him but to bless.

The end thereof shall clear and glorious be,

Though the dull heart fail how, or now, to see.

—WARNER.