March 15

Before I was afflicted, I went astray.—Psalms 119:67.

WHEN prosperity smiled upon me, and trouble was not felt, have not the things of God and eternity appeared dim and distant, and comparatively of but little moment? And if God has sent afflictions, has it not been to humble me, and show me the unsatisfying nature of this world, and to point my thoughts to a higher and a better? Has this been their effect? Have they softened my heart, and opened it to the voice of God? Have troubles brought me, like the prodigal, first to myself, and then to my Father?

Sanctified afflictions come, not as lightning to the scathed tree, blasting it more and more, but as the strokes of the sculptor to the marble block, forming it to the image of beauty and loveliness. Let God's presence be felt, and no lot is hard. Let his hand be seen, and no event is unblessed

God knoweth well how to use things; and will make us to be obliged to affliction, and to thank him who has made us acquainted with such a rough messenger, sent to lead us to Christ. —RUTHERFORD.

I ask not, "Take away this load of care;" But for the patient love that all can bear, And for the faith that whatsoever befall Must needs be good, and for my profit prove, Since from my Father's heart, most rich in love, And from his bounteous hands, it cometh all.