Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
There is a purpose in affliction, in each, in all affliction, in the nature of it, in the extent of it, in the duration of it. It does not follow because an individual, or a family, have been afflicted, that they have been sinners above all others. … But it may be fairly concluded by others that they have something to learn — it may be inferred by themselves. They may not know it. They may require to come to God to be instructed in the matter. They may require to come saying, Shew me, Lord, why thou contendest with me!
But I believe it has been admitted by all sufferers, not merely that they required the discipline of affliction, speaking generally, but that they needed that peculiar and special affliction, to accomplish a certain and now ascertained end — an end which was indicated by the affliction wherewith they had been visited. Not that they would allege that no other discipline could have produced this effect, but they perceive a wisdom in that which is employed of the Lord.
For the reference, see Joseph Thorburn on God’s affliction of specific persons.
But I believe it has been admitted by all sufferers, not merely that they required the discipline of affliction, speaking generally, but that they needed that peculiar and special affliction, to accomplish a certain and now ascertained end — an end which was indicated by the affliction wherewith they had been visited. Not that they would allege that no other discipline could have produced this effect, but they perceive a wisdom in that which is employed of the Lord.
For the reference, see Joseph Thorburn on God’s affliction of specific persons.