Faith never expects to learn deep lessons without deep difficulties, therefore she is not surprised
by strange and dark providences. How many are apt to say, "My temptation is peculiar," but we
should remember that it is the peculiar aggravations which make a trial effectual and should not
forget the word "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man." (I Cor.
10:13).

Our faith is greatly strengthened when we are brought to see that no one but God can help. No
wisdom but His can guide and no love but His can satisfy.

God has settled in Heaven certain trials of our faith which will as surely befall us as the crown of
glory be given us at Christ’s appearing. God’s purposes of grace are a golden chain, not a link
must be missing. When a trial comes upon me let me look upon it as sent for a peculiar blessing.
If I receive it thus I shall not consider "how heavy it is" nor ask "when will it be removed" but
"how much advantage shall I gain through it." How shall I turn it to the best account?

FRAGMENT
One important end of God in affliction is to fix the thoughts on Him. Though the Sabeans and
Chaldeans took away Job’s oxen and asses and camels, and murdered his servants, yet he said not
a word of their wicked robbery, but declared, "The Lord hath taken away." Perhaps a message
of deeper alarm never wrung a father’s heart, than that which Samuel bore to Eli. With one
thought the venerable man quieted himself:"It is the Lord:let Him do what seemeth Him good."