By John Angell James
8. A
more entire consecration of the soul to God's service in general, and to some
special service in particular, is also a proof of sanctified affliction. How
delightful a spectacle is it to God, to angels, and to men—to see a Christian
rising from the bed of his own sickness, or returning from the grave of a near
relative, in the spirit of the hundred and sixteenth Psalm—and while the eyes
are yet moistened with tears, and the heart soft with sorrow, yielding up
himself afresh to the claims, the service, and the glory of God; and instead of
being paralyzed with grief, or taken up with enjoyment, setting himself apart
by a new dedication to God.
How beautiful is the language of the Psalmist in
the review of his deliverance, "I
love the Lord because He has heard my appeal for mercy. Because He has turned
His ear to me, I will call out to Him as long as I live. The ropes of death
were wrapped around me, and the horrors of the grave overcame me; I encountered
trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Lord, save
me!" The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
The
Lord guards the simple; I was helpless, and He saved me. Return to your rest,
my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. For You, Lord, rescued me from
death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I will walk before the Lord
in the land of the living. I believed, even when I said, "I am severely
afflicted." How can I repay the Lord all the good He has done for me? I
will take the cup of salvation and worship the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to
the Lord in the presence of all His people. Lord, I am indeed Your servant; I
am Your servant! You have loosened my bonds. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving
and will worship the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord, in the very
presence of all His people, in the courts of the Lord's house. Hallelujah!"
This
is the language of sanctified affliction. Then when the Christian is seen
giving himself afresh to the service of God, in a more devoted attendance upon
all the means of grace, private, domestic, and public; when his liberality is
more diffusive, and his zeal more ardent; when he seems concerned, inventive,
and laborious to show his gratitude and love by new acts of devotedness, and
former measures of service will not content him—it is a convincing evidence
that he has derived benefit from tribulation.
9.
Increased sympathy for others in their affliction, is a proof that our own
affliction has done us good. In some cases sorrow has hardened the heart, and
made men selfish; it has drawn off all their attention from others, and
concentrated it on themselves. This is a dark sign; nothing can be a stronger
proof that trials have done us harm, instead of good—than when they have
blunted our susceptibilities, hardened our hearts, and put all our tears in
reserve for ourselves!
Nor, on the contrary, can there be a more convincing
evidence that they have benefited us, than an increase of sympathy, and a
greater readiness to weep with those who weep. It is a delightful exhibition of
a mind softened and sanctified by affliction, to see a person, on recovering
from it, still holding in remembrance the wormwood and the gall—and instead of
giving himself to selfish enjoyment, going forth with quickened sensibilities
to support and comfort the distressed.
Such
are the proofs, evidences and results of sanctified
affliction.
May
they be found in you, my dear friends; and in your pastor. Trials abound in
this world—it is a valley of tears. Happy will it be for us, if we shall emerge
from it at length into that blessed region, where God shall wipe away all tears
from every eye. "I reckon," said the blessed Paul, "that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us!" "Our light affliction, which is but
for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory!" "We know that all things work together for good to those who
love God, and are called according to his purpose." With such internal
consolations as the gospel affords, and with such a peace as passes
understanding—what external tribulation may we not endure, and endure not only
with all patience, but with joyfulness?
It is
beautifully said by Leighton, "All outward distress to a mind thus at
peace, is but as the rattling hail upon the tiles, to him who sits within the
house at a sumptuous feast." Do not dread affliction—or at least dread far
more being left to grow worldly and sinful, for lack of affliction; or being
allowed to endure the pain of affliction without reaping the benefit of it. The
losses, the pains, the disappointments, of the present state—if blessed for our
spiritual good—will all fit us for the state where there shall be no more
sorrow nor crying! The drops of sanctified grief—are the seeds of immortal joy!
There will soon be a last tear—but never a last joy! Fix your heart upon holiness
as the preparative for heaven, and be little concerned at what expense of
present ease and possessions it be obtained—so that it holiness obtained.
The
first look at Jesus as he is, and the first moment spent in heaven—will make
ample amends for the longest and the saddest life on earth! Abound in hope—a lively hope of that
inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in
Heaven for you! Be much in prayer for the presence and help of the Spirit of
God as a Comforter. Without his aid the least trial will distress you—and with
it the greatest cannot crush you! God is able to support and comfort—as well as
save—to the uttermost! And none of us can tell what, in either case—the
uttermost of God can do!
PART 3
PART 3
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