|
The chastening of love!
(Octavius Winslow, "Morning Thoughts")
Oh, could we always analyze the 'embittered cup',
how astonished should we be to find that in the
bitterest draught that ever touched our lips, the
principal ingredient was love!
Love saw the discipline needful.
Love selected the chastisement sent.
Love appointed the instrument by which it should come.
Love arranged the circumstances by which it should take place.
Love fixed the time when it should transpire.
Love heard the sigh.
Love saw the tear.
Love marked the anguish.
Love never for one moment withdrew its beaming eye from the sufferer.
Alas! how much is this truth overlooked by
the disciplined and suffering believer!
Think, suffering child of God, of the many consoling,
alleviating, and soothing circumstances connected
with your chastisement. Think of . . .
the many divine supports,
the precious promises,
the tenderness of God,
the gentleness of Christ,
and all this will demonstrate to you
that this is the chastening of love!
Welcome your trials; they are sent by your Father.
Welcome the stroke of His rod; it is a Parent smiting.
Welcome whatever detaches you from earth,
and wings your spirit heavenward.
Welcome the furnace that consumes the dross
and the tin, and brings out the precious gold and
silver, to reflect in your soul, even now, the
dawnings of future glory.
Oh! be submissive, meek, and quiet,
under God's chastening and afflicting hand!
|