The brightest diamond:
God allows heavy trials upon His children for the wisest
and merciful purposes. Because we live in such a fair and pleasant
world, we are so surrounded with so much that is smiling
and mirthful, that if we were not often obliged to taste
of sickness and trial or disappointments, we would forget
our heavenly home–and pitch our tents in this Sodom!
This is why God’s people pass through great tribulations.
This is why they are often called upon to suffer the sting
of affliction and anxiety–or weep over the grave of those
on whom our affections are set… It is thus He weans their
one by one, which bind their wavering hearts to earth!
No doubt such trials are grievous for the time–but
still it brings many a hidden grace to light. …
the most grinding and polishing!
“For our momentary light affliction is producing for us
an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory!”
(2 Corinthians 4:17)