Southern Christian Advocate

THE AFFLICTED.
THOUGHTS IN AFFLICTION.

I am desirous to be delivered from this affliction, if it be the will of the Lord, upon this account, that I might have a more notable proof of my freer choosing of God for my portion, when I am thus driven to him, as now, because I can go no where else for comfort; also of my freer turning from the world, even then when I am capable of enjoying it. To have such proof of these things in myself, I should take for a great advantage, and be greatly thankful. Nevertheless, for the quieting of my mind, I consider that my present afflicted state doth better secure me from temptations, which might draw my heart from God to the love of the world; in which respect, prosperity is far more dangerous than adversity. Moreover, my present state gives me advantage for a higher proof of the grace that is in me, and of the power of Divine aid, upholding me in a life of faith and patience, by which I live upon God alone when worldly comfort fails me, and by which I am enabled to overcome things grievous to nature; and to get above not only the pleasures, but the sharp pains of sense; and to live and endure with little natural or bodily rest. Also, it gives me the advantage of exercising a resolved, willing self-resignation to God, in this dispensation, which is harsh to flesh and blood; and a resting in hope, when there is no present appearance of help; and a waiting and looking for the Lord, who hides his face. and a cleaving to him by constant love, though he doth sore bruise him. If I continue in the exercise of these graces, they will give me a good proof, that the heavenly nature is in me, and will make way for great assurance towards God, and full consolation in Jesus Christ. And yet further, I trust that I have long before this distress, chosen God for my portion, and drawn off my heart from the flattering vanities of this world. And I know, that in this distress, I do not come to him constrainedly, or merely as driven. For I delight to draw nigh to him. to pour out my heart before him in prayer and meditation. My meditation of him is sweet to my soul, and I do not love to be diverted from it. And when my distemper is in any degree more easy, it works into a rejoicing in him. And it is for an enlargement of heart towards him, that I chiefly desire bodily ease and rest.