By John Angell James Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty! (Job 5:17) Our subject is peculiarly appropriate to many. Few are the travelers to heaven who do not pass through the land of Bochim (the place of weeping– Judges 2:5), and the valley of tears, in their way. Blessed are they, and more blessed will they be, who, being chastened by the hand of their heavenly Father—are thereby made partakers of his holiness. The afflictions and consolations of ministers are often made subservient to the good of their people. The apostle has beautifully expressed this, 2 Cor. 1:3-7. I would not be a sterile thorn in the garden of the Lord, but a fruitful vine, and bearing the more fruit for the pruning of his severe but infallible kindness; and I desire fruit that may abound to your account. May it be granted me to teach you by example as well as precept—not only the active virtues, but the passive graces of our holy religion; and both by what I suffer and enjoy, may I be made more effectually the comforter as well as instructor of the sorrowing portion of Gods chosen family.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 14:55:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015