The Pruning Knife by Thomas Reed
Christian Meditations To the true believer, afflictions are
blessings in disguise. Every trial is intended for my
good. My foolish heart would be too
much attached to earth if the spade were not inserted to loosen
the fibers and disengage the root, that when transplanted
I may bear a richer fruit in the paradise above. My Heavenly
Father, whose love and wisdom are infinite, knows exactly what
I need and how much suffering is needed to promote the spirituality
of my mind. Shall I then repine at His dispensations
of love? A murmuring spirit increases
every evil. It doubles the affliction. It
adds a sting to sorrow. If our hearts are in heaven,
the trials of earth will be light and momentary, for love can sweeten
every care and lighten every cross. A Saviour's love disarms
affliction of its sting. Oh! that we may learn wisdom
by every dispensation of providence, and yield more fruit by every
application of the pruning knife, the divine gardener pruneth every
branch in Christ, that it may bring forth more fruit.