72. Divine Correction
Divine Correction
LIGHTENS THE STROKE.—One in affliction, when asked how he bore it, said, “It lightens the stroke to draw near to Him who handles the rod.”
GOOD AFTER EVIL.—It is the manner of God’s proceeding’s to send good after evil, as He made light after darkness; to turn justice into mercy, as He turned water into wine.
GOD’S DIVINITY SCHOOL.—A minister was recovering from a dangerous illness, when one of his friends addressed him thus: “Sir, though God seems to be bringing you up from the gates of death, yet it will be a long time before you will sufficiently retrieve your strength and regain vigor enough of mind to preach as usual.” The good man answered, “You are mistaken, for this six weeks’ illness has taught me more-divinity than my past studies and ministry.”
REFINING SILVER.—A few ladies who were accustomed to meet and read the Scriptures, and converse upon topics suggested, were reading the third chapter of Malachi, when one of them observed, “There is something remarkable in the expression in the third verse: ‘He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.’“ They agreed that possibly it might be so, and one of the ladies promised to call on a silversmith and report to them what he said on the subject. She went accordingly, and, without telling the object of her errand, begged to know the process of refining silver, which he described to her. “But, sir,” she said, “do you sit while the process of refining is going on?” “Oh, yes, madam,” replied the silversmith; “I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree the silver is sure to be injured.” THE PAINTER’S PERIL.—Two painters were employed to fresco the walls of a magnificent cathedral. Both stood on a rude scaffolding constructed for the purpose, some distance from the floor. One, so intent upon his work, forgetting where he was, stepped back slowly, surveying critically the work of his pencil, until he had neared the edge of the plank on which he stood. At this moment his companion, just perceiving his danger, seized a wet brush, flung it against the wall, spattering the picture with unsightly blotches of coloring. The painter turned upon his friend with fierce upraidings, till made aware of the danger he had escaped.
IMPROVING ROSES AND BIRDS.—Sorrow seems sent for our instruction, as we darken the cages of birds when we would teach them to sing. It is said that gardeners, when they would bring a rose to richer flowering, deprive it for a season of light and moisture.
EXCHANGING CROSSES.—One complaining of the burden of life is represented as receiving instruction from an angel in a dream. She was taken to a place where lay myriads of crosses, and told that she might exchange her own for any she chose. She laid aside her own, and took up a jewelled cross, but soon began to totter under its great weight; and was glad to lay it down, and take up another of chased gold. This was even heavier than the other. She next chose a cross of flowers; but its thorns pierced her flesh, and became unbearable. She said, “Why need I have any cross?” The angel answered, “No cross, no crown.” She soon discovered a plain cross, with the word “Love” engraved upon it in letters of gold, took it up joyfully, saying, “I can wear this.” She found that she had chosen her own old cross again.