WHOM THE LORD LOVETH

 

JANUARY 27
 
Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth.
Proverbs 3:12

 
There are many things in us that need correction.
 
Our follies call for stripes.
Our Father knoweth our frame,
  he reads our hearts,
  he observes our conduct, and
  he has purposed to conform us to his own beloved Son.
 
This will account for a most of all our trials, afflictions, and sufferings.
 
He loves us too well,
  to even seem to sanction us in anything that is wrong.
 
If he did not love us,
  he would not correct us.
 
If one trial would answer,
  he never would send us two.
 
He is mercy is too great.
 
His heart is too kind.
 
It is his children that he corrects,
  and by correcting instructs.
 
Let us not then, for one moment,
  suppose that our trials are indications of his wrath.
 
He may be displeased with us, and
   therefore afflict us;
   but he has sworn that he will not be wroth with us.
 
He will visit our transgressions with a rod,
  and iniquities with stripes;
  but he will not withdraw his loving kindness,
   nor suffer his faithfulness to fail.
 
Precious assurances this!
 
Sweet views of troubles and trials!
 
Let us get a scriptural assurance that
  an interest in our heavenly Father's love,
  and then rejoice even in tribulation.
 
Let him tenderly chastise,
Let him graciously reprove,
Father, all within me cries,
All thy ways are truth and love.
 
James Smith 1849