These smaller trials
which GOD prepares for us
which GOD prepares for us
(Hannah More, "Practical Piety")
We must trace the hand of our Heavenly
FATHER in those daily little disappointments,
the hourly vexations which occur even in the most
prosperous circumstances, and which are
inseparable from the condition of sinful humanity.
We must trace that same beneficent hand,
secretly at work for our purification and our correction . . .
in the imperfections and unpleasantness of those
around us, in the peevishness of those with whom
we transact business, and in those interruptions
which break in upon our favorite engagements.
We are perhaps too much addicted to our
innocent delights, or we are too fond of our
leisure. A check then becomes necessary,
but it is given in a most imperceptible way.
The divine hand that gives it
is unseen, is unsuspected--
yet it is the same gracious hand which
directs the more important events of life!
Some annoying interruption breaks in
on our projected privacy, and calls us
to a sacrifice of our inclination--
to a renunciation of our own will.
Let us cheerfully bear and diligently
receive these smaller trials which
GOD prepares for us.
Submission . . .
to a cross which HE inflicts,
to a disappointment which HE sends,
to a contradiction of our self love which HE appoints--
is a far better exercise than great penances
of our own choosing.
Perpetual conquests over impatience,
ill-temper and self-will, indicate a better
spirit than any self-imposed mortifications.
By these incessant tests of our temper,
GOD cultivates the more difficult virtues of . . .
humility,
resignation,
forbearance,
temperance,
forgiveness,
and patience.
one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers,
be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8
~ ~ ~ ~
GraceGems has published William Nicholson's very insightful short article,
"The Carnality of the Sinner, and the Prayer of the Saint".
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