There is something fascinating in GRIEF
(Letters of John Newton)
My dear Madam,
There is something fascinating in GRIEF.
As painful as it is, we are prone to indulge
it, and to brood over the thoughts and
circumstances which are suited
(like fuel to fire) to heighten and prolong it!
My dear Madam,
There is something fascinating in GRIEF.
As painful as it is, we are prone to indulge
it, and to brood over the thoughts and
circumstances which are suited
(like fuel to fire) to heighten and prolong it!
When the LORD afflicts--
it is HIS design that we should
grieve; but in this, as in all other things--
there is a certain moderation which
befits a Christian, and which only
grace can teach.
And grace teaches us, not by
books or by hearsay--
but by experimental lessons.
All beyond this, should be avoided
and guarded against as sinful and hurtful.
GRIEF, when indulged and excessive . . .
preys upon the spirits,
injures health,
indisposes us for duty, and
causes us to shed tears
which deserve more tears.
This is a weeping world.
Sin has filled it with thorns and
briars, with crosses and calamities.
This poor world is a great hospital,
resounding with groans in every quarter.
It is as a field of battle, where many
are falling around us continually!
It is more astonishing
that we escape so well--
than that we are sometimes
wounded. We must have some
share of grief; it is the unavoidable
lot of our nature and state;
it is likewise needful in point
of discipline. The LORD will certainly
chasten those whom HE loves,
though others may seem to pass for
a time with impunity. That is a sweet,
instructive, and important passage,
"And you have forgotten that word of
encouragement that addresses you as sons:
'My son, do not make light of the LORD'S
discipline, and do not lose heart when HE
rebukes you, because the LORD disciplines
those HE loves, and HE punishes everyone
HE accepts as a son.'
Endure hardship as discipline; GOD is treating
you as sons. For what son is not disciplined
by his father? If you are not disciplined
(and everyone undergoes discipline),
then you are illegitimate children and not
true sons. Moreover, we have all had human
fathers who disciplined us and we respected
them for it. How much more should we submit
to the FATHER of our spirits and live!
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as
they thought best; but GOD disciplines us for
our good, that we may share in HIS holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but
painful. Later on, however, it produces a
harvest of righteousness and peace for those
who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:5-11.
It is so plain--that it needs no comment.
It is so full--that a comment would
but weaken it. May the LORD inscribe
it upon your heart, my dear Madam,
and upon mine.
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