Adversity is not always productive of good.  Some repine at the orders of providence—­at their lot in the world.  Trials sour their minds and render them morose and peevish.  We read of some who “blaspheme the God of heaven” because of their sufferings.  These are enemies of God, and their sufferings here, are a prelude to greater sufferings hereafter.  The case is different with those who have Christ’s spirit; they see a providence in whatever they meet with here; refer themselves to him who rules over all to choose for them, and order out their changes, not doubting but his grace will be sufficient for them, and all work for their good.

We are sure that God orders wisely.  The station then, which he assigns to us, is most suitable for us; the comforts and corrections which he dispenses, most fit and proper.  If wise for ourselves we would not wish for alterations in them.  We shall only be concerned to follow where God leads, and only pray that he will not leave us, but guide us to his kingdom.

Let us bring home these considerations, and inquire how we are affected by God’s dealings with us, and what temper we maintain?  We have comforts and corrections.  Do we see the hand of God in them; acknowledge the comforts to be undeserved, and the corrections less than our demerits?  Do we bless God for the former, and humble ourselves under the latter?  Or do the former render us forgetful of God, and proud and scornful towards men?  Do the latter humble and abase us; keep us mindful that this is not our rest, and quicken our preparations for that world where all tears will he wiped away from our eyes?  Or do they cause us to murmur and repine, as though we suffered unjustly?

Both mercies and afflictions will be a favor of life or death, according to the effect which they have upon us, and the temper and disposition they produce in us.  If mercies increase our love to God, and concern to honor him, then are they mercies indeed.  So are afflictions, if they humble us and quicken us in the way of duty; but if their effect is different they increase our guilt, and will increase our condemnation.

Whatever may be our situation here—­whether we have kind and faithful friends, or are left desolate, or are surrounded with enemies; whether we have joys or sorrows, we need the divine influence to enable us to make a good improvement, and to render them the occasion of good.  We need divine aid and influence, no less in prosperity than in adversity.  Whatever, therefore, may be our situation and circumstances, sensible of our weakness and blindness, let us return to God as our rest, trust in him, and continue in supplications and prayers night and day; and his grace will be sufficient for us; for he hath said to none “seek ye my face in vain.”

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SERMON XXV.

The Good Man Useful In Life and Happy in Death.

Psalm xxxvii. 37.