(Harsha, "Thoughts on the Love of Christ")

Affliction comes upon all.

None are exempt from the sufferings incident
to our fallen nature. The young, the old, the
rich and the poor, alike feel the withering touch
of affliction and of sorrow. Disease invades the
strongest constitution, and affliction prostrates
the mightiest energy. Often those in the prime
and vigor of life are laid down on the bed of
sickness, and made to feel that they are dying
creatures. How true it is, that "How frail is
humanity! How short is life, and how full of
trouble!" Job 14:1

The children of God are not exempted from the
afflictions of this life; but it is their blessed
consolation to know that they have a Friend
to sympathize with them in all their sorrows
and sufferings, while in this mortal state.

Yes, Jesus is that friend, who watches over their
sick beds, and consoles their desponding spirits
amid the frailty of sinking nature.

Oh! how often does the blessed Jesus wonderfully
manifest his love to his afflicted ones! How often
does he whisper words of peace and love and
consolation in their ears! How often, in the
manifestation of his love, do their souls overflow
with joy, even when their bodies are racked
with severe pain!

All the afflictions of the children of God are
designed for their good. They come from a
kind heavenly Father, from a God of love;
and one of their designs is their purification
and sanctification.

Afflictions make us fit for glory; they enable us to
obtain a correct view of the vanity of terrestrial
happiness; they tend, through grace, to fix our
souls on Him, in whom alone we can find true
happiness and immortal joys.

Happy sickness, that leads the soul to Jesus,
the only source of blessedness! Afflictions, then,
promote our spiritual welfare, and are ordered
for our good.