What I have given I can justly take away, and restore it again when I please.
5. When I give it, it is still mine; when I take it away again, I take not any thing that is thine; for every good gift and every perfect gift is mine, James i.
If I send thee affliction, or any adversity, repine not, neither let thy heart be cast down.
I can quickly raise thee up again, and turn all thy burden into joy.
Nevertheless, I am just, and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee.
6. If thou thinkest rightly, and considerest things in truth, thou oughtest never to be so much dejected and troubled for any adversity;
But rather to rejoice and give thanks: yea, to account this a special subject of joy, that I do not spare thee, afflicting thee with sorrows.
As my Father hath loved me, I also have loved you, said I to my beloved disciples, (John xv.) whom certainly I did not send to temporal joys, but to great conflicts; not to honours, but to contempt; not to idleness, but to labours; not to rest, but to bring forth much fruit in patience. Remember these words, O my Son.