e hand of God is concerned in all
things that occur within our observation, they would appear no less
wonderful.

In this doctrine, we have the strongest possible motive for a hearty and
cheerful resignation to all the crosses and difficulties, trials and
afflictions, which come upon us in this life, whatever may be their
immediate cause. We know that they are directed by our heavenly Father,
whose "tender mercies are over all his works;" and who "doth not afflict
willingly, nor grieve the children of men." And, whether we are
Christians or not, the duty of submission remains the same. When we
consider the relation which man sustains to God, as a guilty rebel
against his government, we must see that, whatever may be our earthly
afflictions, so long as we are out of hell, we are the living monuments
of his mercy. "Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the
punishment of his sins."

But, if we have evidence that we are the children of God, his promises
furnish the most abundant consolation, in every trial. We are assured
"that _all things_ work together for good to them that love God." And of
this we have many examples in the Holy Scriptures, where the darkest
providences have in the end, to be fraught with the richest blessings.
It was so in the case of Joseph, already mentioned. We are also taught
to look upon the afflictions of this life as the faithful corrections of
a kind and tender Parent. "For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." How consoling the reflection,
that all our sufferings are designed to mortify and subdue our
corruptions, to wean us from the world, and lead us to a more humble and
constant sense of our dependence upon God. Besides, the people of God
have the most comforting assurances of his presence, in affliction, if
they will but trust in him. "_In all thy ways acknowledge him_, and he
shall direct thy steps." "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall
sustain thee: _he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved._" "God
is our refuge and strength, _a very present help in trouble_: therefore
will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains
be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and
be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."
"_The steps of a good man are ordered_ by the Lord; and he delighteth in
his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord