"Happy is the man whom God correcteth." - Job 5:17
Happy, because the correction is designed to bring him into paths of pleasantness and peace.
Because there is no unnecessary severity in it.
Because the disciplinary stroke is in the place of ten thousand strokes of divine vengeance for our sins.
Because the chastisement is not so much against us, as against our most cruel enemies - our sins.
Because we have abundant words of consolation.
Because the sacrifice of a broken heart, and of a contrite spirit, God despiseth not.
Because there is at such seasons an influx of most precious knowledge.
Because whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.
Because all the good have had experience of this.
Because Christ has said, " The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?"
Because our light affliction is but for a moment.
-