October 22

In the day of adversity, consider.—Ecclesiastes 7:14.

WHEN affliction or trouble comes, do I see the hand of God in it, and feel that it comes with designs of good from on high? Does the thought that it is sent by a loving and unerring Father, who knows what is best, keep me from murmuring or repining? If my plans and hopes are frustrated, do I bow submissively to the divine will, and ask for grace wisely to improve the teachings of God's providence, that they may all lead me nearer to him?

No physician ever weighed out medicine to his patient with half so much exactness and care as God weighs out to us every trial: not one grain too much does he ever permit to be put in the scale.—CECIL.

This may be said of the trials of all God's servants in all ages, that love appoints them, wisdom chooses them, Providence arranges them, promises are provided for them, grace supports under them, and glory shall be the issue of them all.—CADMAN.

What would God have this trial do for me?

What golden fruit lies hidden in its husk?

How shall it nurse my virtue, nerve my will, Chasten my passions, purify my love,

And make me in some goodly sense like him, Who bore the cross of evil while he lived,

And hung and bleed upon it when he died,

And now in glory wears the victor's crown?

—J. G. HOLLAND.