March 7

Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.—2 Corinthians 4:17.

WHEN God sees fit to afflict me, do I look forward to that eternal weight of glory, the thought of which makes present suffering seem light? Does the thought of it help me to be patient under my Father's dealings, knowing that he will remove the trial when he sees it has accomplished its intended end? And do I so receive his kind discipline as by it to be better prepared for the inheritance of the saints in light?

Afflictions to God's children are like the rough blasts to the ship which bear it the more speedily to the haven of rest.—J. MASON.

Let patience have her perfect work, and bring forth her celestial fruits. When God's people are able and willing to labor and wait, they will find that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, and the grand harvest shall come to its reaping, and the day shall broaden to a thousand years, and the thousand years be but a perfect, and finished, and endless day.—MACDONALD.

Beloved children! let the Master train you:

Surely to you he meaneth nothing ill.

His love to you can never know decreasing.

He knoweth what he does—'tis wisdom still.

Patience in heavy days of dark distress,

Works out for you the heavenly blessedness.

—VON SALIS.