Learn to adore providence. Providence has an influence upon all things here below. Observe the happy condition of every child of God. All things work for his good, the best and worst things.

'Unto the upright ariseth 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 believer in! When he dies, he goes to God; and while he lives, everything 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. What hurt do leeches to the body? They only suck out the bad blood. 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 discipline' (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 yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness' (Heb. 12:10). Affliction is the highway to heaven; though it be flinty and thorny, yet it is the best way.