God separates the sin which he
hates from the soul which he loves by William Nicholson from
Afflictions 1862 Affliction does not come from
the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground. Yet
man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward. Job chapter
5 verse 6 and 7. Man is born in sin and therefore
born to trouble. There is nothing in this world
we are born to and can truly call our own but sin and trouble. actual transgressions are the
sparks which fly out of the furnace of original corruption. Why then
should we be surprised at our afflictions as strange, or object
to them as severe, when they are the effects of sin, and under
God's divine superintendence? Afflictions are the common lot
of man. Man is born to trouble. These afflictions are grievous,
various, numerous, and successive. None are exempt from afflictions.
For wherever there is sin, there is trouble. Man is born to trouble. The poor endure it, the rich
are not exempt. To the pious a bitter cup is
assigned, and the wicked too have aching heads and hearts.
Grandeur, nobility, and royalty are also associated with trouble.
the heart of the peasant and that of the monarch are alike
smitten with anguish. In youth, in middle age, in later
life, there is trouble. In health, in wealth, in honour,
in elevation, there is trouble. In successful enterprise, in
vast financial accumulation, in places of nobility, in beautiful
mansions and splendid palaces, there is no exemption from trouble. Go where you will. You will find
trouble. Take the wings of the morning
and fly to the uttermost parts of the earth, and even there
you will find it. Enter the deep shades of solitude,
and it is there. Crown yourselves with royalty,
take the exhilarating wine, engage in the giddy dance, listen to
entrancing music and convivial songs, visit the drama and other
theatric performances, and you may for a season drown your sorrow,
but the clouds of trouble are sure to gather over your heads. You are born to trouble. It is
your inevitable lot. You will yet have to sicken to
suffer and die. Brethren, you know that here
on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. John chapter 16
verse 33 Afflictions are designed for chastisement. Afflictions
are designed to awaken, correct, reform, divert from sin and the
world, and to transfer the affections to heaven. they are for our profit
Hebrews chapter 12 verse 10 by affliction God separates the
sin which he hates from the soul which he loves two things should
comfort believers under afflictions one that what they suffer is
not hell two that is all the hell they shall suffer Our enjoyments
are greater than our afflictions and our afflictions are much
less than our sins. The source of affliction is not
chance or mere natural causes. Affliction does not come from
the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground. If
afflictions came from chance, there would be nothing wise,
intelligent, reasonable, or good in them. They would be dark,
confused, and miserable. Afflictions are divinely appointed. Job could say, he performs the
thing that is appointed for me. David rejoiced to say, All my
times are in your hand. And Paul comforted the Christians
at Thessalonica by the doctrine of divine appointment. No man
should be moved by these afflictions, for yourselves know that we are
appointed thereunto. 1 Thessalonians 3 that afflictions are appointed
by God is comforting for it indicates that 1. our afflictions will
be mingled with mercy they are appointed by our gracious father
who knows our frame etc. they are sent by the God of love
to one who loves God it is a great comfort to see his hand in everything
that befalls us it is enough and ought to be enough that it
is the Lord's doing let him do what seems good unto him I was
silent I would not open my mouth for you are the one who has done
this Psalm 39 verse 9 When Job was deprived of all
his substance by the Chaldeans and Sabaeans, he said, The Lord
gave, and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord
be praised. To have everything ordered and
arranged by God is all that we can desire. 2. Our afflictions
are sent in wisdom. It is highly conciliating to
view every separate event as part of God's one all-wise scheme,
and to know that when our plans are frustrated, God's plans remain
unalterably wise. He knows what is best for us,
and His plans never fail. 3. Afflictions are designed to produce
glorious results, and we know that God causes all things to
work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28 All our present ills are seeds
of future bliss, and will be followed by a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory in the kingdom of God's dear Son. When such sublime results shall
be realized, We shall perceive that affliction does not come
from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground. Be
submissive. God's design for afflictions
is our sanctification and eventual glorification. 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 chapter 12 verse 11. Afflictions are but blessings
in disguise. you