"Observe the happy condition of every child of God. All things work for his good: the best and worst things. 'Unto the upright arises light in darkness,' (Psalm 112:4). The most dark cloudy providences of God have some sunshine in them. What a blessed condition is a true be-
liever in! When he dies, he goes to God: and while he lives, every-
thing shall do him good. Affliction is for his good. What hurt does the fire to the gold? It only purifies it. What hurt does the fan to the corn? It only separates the chaff from it. . . .
"God never uses His staff, but to beat out the dust. Affliction does that which the Word many times will not, it 'Opens the ear to dis-
cipline,' (Job 36:10). When God lays men upon their backs, then they look up to heaven. God's smiting His people is like the musician's striking upon the violin, which makes it put forth a melodious sound. How much good comes to the saints by affliction! When they are pounded and broken, they send forth their sweetest smell. Affliction is a bitter root, but it bears sweet fruit. 'It yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness,' (Heb. 12:11). "
