DISC,.1{11 AND JOY AT THE RESURRECTION. 355 sin and shew his anger.; but these sufferings are oltert appointed for the trial of their christian virtues and (Traces, for the exercise of their humility and-their pati` ence, for the proof of their stedfastnessin religion, fir the 'honour of the grace ofGod in them, and for the increase of their own future weight of glory. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he_ shall receive the crown of life which the Lordhathpro- ,mised to them that love him ;" Jam. i. 12. ?be devil , shall cast someofyou into prison, that you maybe tried; andye shall have tribulation ten days Be thoa faithfal 21nto. death .and_I will give thee a crown of life; Rev: Our light afflictions which are but for a mo- ment, are working for us a far more exceeding and eteri pal weight of glory ;" 2 Cor. iv. 17. However, upon the whole, this world is a.very painful And troublesome place to the children of God They are subject here to many weaknesses and sins, temptations and follies ; they are in danger of new defilements ; they .g®. through many threatening perils and many real sorrows, which either are the effects ofthe displeasure of God, or; at least, carry an appearance of divine anger in them : But there is a time when these shall be finished, and sorrow, shall have its last period ;.There is a time when these cala- inities will be overpassed, and shall return nomore forever. Reflection.. " Why. then, O my soul, why shouldst thou be so fond of dwelling in this present world? Why shouldst thou be desirous of. a long continuance in it? Hast thou never found sorrows and afflictions.enough among the scenes of life, to make thee weary of them ? And when sorrow and sin have joined together, have they not grievously imbittered this life unto thee. ?. Wilt thou never be wearied from these sensible scenes of flesh and .blood ? Hast thou such a love -to the darknesses, the defilements, and the uneasinesses which are found in such a prison as this is, as to make thee unwilling to depart when God shall call.? Hast thou dwelt so long in this tabernacle of clay, and dost thou not groan, being bur- dened ? Hast thou no desire to a release into that upper and better world, where sorrows, ,sins and temptations .have no place, and where there shall. never be the least appearance or suspicion of the displeasure of thy God to- wards thee ?" Observation II. " The grave is God's known hiding-
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