The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-02-24

cleanliness, and refinement in an attic or {
cottage such as are often vainly sought il
palaces and splendor If she dies her mem
ory is fragrant. The whole family circle
perhaps the neighborhood, are really eleva
ted by the memory of the plans and habits
she first established, and of the atmosphere
she breathed But if she recover, ther
she carries up into life and vigor the neat
ness, order and quiet elevation first con
ceived through the refining processes Of
sickness and sorrow.
Sickness, sorrow or trials of any and eve
ry kind when sanctifed refine and elevate
the character. While they last they are
not pleasant, but grievous and hard for flesh
and blood to bear; but even while they are
crushing our hopes, they teach the senses
acuteness, and expand our sensibilities, and
make US more considerate and less selfish
Agricultural chemists tell US, that if it were
not for the occasional droughts or dry sea-
sons, the best lands would soon become worth
less. They are saved from utter exhaustion
and degeneracy, because in dry seasons the
lands suck up from deep currents beneath,
with the moisture, those mineral manures
that restore and fertilize the soil above, but
which are so far below that they are sucked
up only by the pressing wants of the dry
seasons. And just so it is with sickness and
sorrow. They strike down deep into the
fountains of the human heart, and draw up
from it such influences as develope the high
est style of character.
1t would be extraordinary, my brethren,
l may even say, contrary to the recorded
history of Gods people, if we could be ri
pened for heaven without afliction; and
more particularly, if it shall have pleased
God to make US useful in his service. "We
must through much tribulation enter the
kingdom of God" 1t was through suffering
our Lord himself passed into his kingdom and
glory. And as was the Master, so must the
disciples be whom He most loves and honors.
From Abel to Paul, and from Paul to our
own day, this is manifestly the rule-great
usefulness is tempered by much suffering.
So weak is human nature that revelations
and ascensions to the third heavens must
have the trials of pricking thorn in the
flesh.
Our Lord was man of sorrows. The
Prophets and Apostles were men of sorrows.
The great and the good have been and are
men of sorrows, much greater than we know
or can clearly see; for in their histories, even
the Scriptures give US rather glimpses than
full description of things. The Word of
God gives us an insight into their principles,
rather than detail of their lives. Dauid says,
"before l was afflicted l went astray; but
now my feet hasten to keep thy law" "We
glory" says Paul, sin tribulations, know
ing that tribulation worketh patience, and
patience experience, and experience hope,
and hope maketh not ashamed; because the
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by
the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. "
Rom. v: 4, 5. Affection" says old
Thomas Watson, sis Gods physic to expel
the noxious humors; it cures the impos-
thume of pride, and the fever of lust. AT
Fiction is Gods file to fetch off our rust, his
fail to thrash off our husks; the water of
affection is not to drown us, but to wash off
our spots. 0 what merciful providence is
this, though God bruise his people, yet He
heals them. As if one should throw bag
of money at another, and little bruise him,
vet it doth enrich him. Affliction sanctifed,
enriches the soul and yieldeth the sweet
est fruits of righteousness, even eternal life. "
When are our affections sanctifed?
We answer: Affections are sancti6ed when
they lead us to acknowledge and acquiesce
in the sovereignty of God-when they are
school of discipline enabling US to see the
authority of God, his holiness, justice,
faithfulness, truth and goodness, and to
trust in Him. Affections, are sancti6ed to
US, when they teach US to know ourselves in
our true character.
Self Determination is often urged in the
Scriptures, but it is often wholly neglected
until the hand of God is upon US. Attic
tions are sanctifed when they wean US from
an inordinate attachment to the world, and
prepare US to see God in his glory. The
preciousness of the Divine promises is not
fully tasted till they are tried in the hour Of
sorrow. Then the heart is softened and
humbled, and waiting upon God finds its
strength renewed. Trouble brings Goals tc
the incense, by awakening the spirit o.
prayer. When Gods chastening hand was
upon the Israelites, then they poured ou
their PRAYERS. Isa. XVI 16. In the shiI
Jonah is asleep, but in the depths of the
sea, he is crying nightly to God. Wher
the floods compassed him about, and thu
waves and the billows passed over him, anc
the weeds were wrapped about his head
THEN he remembered the Lord, and hi
prayer came up unto Him, into his hol.
temple. And so with Manasseh. 1t wa
when he found himself in chains, and tn
iron entered into his soul in the gloom,
dungeon, that he prayed to the God of hi
n;o,, So +bar Toe;ob oou;no GO Lord CO.