Years of health are mercies—intervals of sickness are mercies likewise—to the flesh they are not joyous but grievous; but there is a need-be for them, and peaceful fruits of righteousness to be gathered from them, if not immediately yet afterward (Heb. 12:11). Afflictions are either small daily medicines which our Physician and best friend sees that our spiritual maladies require, or they are furnaces to prove and purify our graces; or, lastly, they are occasions which his providence appoints for the clearer manifestation of his power and love to us, in us, and by us. When he darkens our sky,
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