In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God responds to the cries and tears of his people when they are suffering. The preacher references various biblical stories, such as God's anger at evil among his people and his response to David's sin. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus is compassionate and responsive to the pain and grief of individuals, urging listeners to turn to him in their time of need. The sermon also highlights the importance of worship and praise, as well as the testimonies of deliverance from afflictions.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the sudden death of his wife, Isabella, expressing deep sorrow and the bewilderment of loss. He shares the comfort found in knowing she leaned on Jesus in her final moments and the hope of reunion in glory. Bonar acknowledges the profound emptiness left behind and the importance of prayer for strength and understanding during this difficult time. He emphasizes the promise that God will take care of those left behind, filling the void left by loved ones.

John Wesley preaches on the theme of mourning the dead, using the example of King David's response to the death of his son. He emphasizes the futility of excessive grief, arguing that it neither brings back the deceased nor serves any purpose, and instead encourages a focus on the hope of reunion in the afterlife. Wesley highlights that grief can lead to sin and that true comfort comes from understanding God's plan and the promise of eternal life. He urges the living to reflect on their own mortality and to find solace in the belief that they will one day be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. Ultimately, he calls for a balance between acknowledging sorrow and embracing the hope of resurrection.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the profound loneliness and sorrow following the loss of loved ones, expressing his belief that God’s afflictions are rooted in fatherly love and compassion. He acknowledges the support he has received through prayers and letters, which have been a source of comfort during his grief. Bonar encourages his sister Jane to find solace in the beauty of memories while also reminding her of the eternal hope found in Christ, emphasizing that present afflictions are temporary and lead to greater glory. He highlights the importance of living fully for the Lord amidst trials and cherishes the memory of their loved ones, affirming that their separation is brief in the light of eternity.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the passing of a beloved family member, emphasizing the deep faith and confidence in Christ that she embodied. He acknowledges the sorrow felt by the family and friends but also highlights the enduring fragrance of her memory through her selfless acts and prayers. Bonar encourages his nephew Lewis and the family to look beyond their grief, finding solace in the hope of eternal rest with Christ.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes that Jesus is present in our moments of mourning, sharing in our grief and suffering. He reflects on the profound truth that Christ, the sinless Son of God, was perfected through suffering to empathize with our afflictions. Winslow encourages the bereaved to focus on Jesus amidst their sorrow, recognizing God's hand in their loss and finding comfort in the hope of resurrection. He reassures that those who die in faith will rise again, both in spirit and at the resurrection of the just. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper relationship with Christ through our trials, as He is the source of comfort and strength in our darkest times.

John Alexander Dowie reflects on the life and death of Esther Dowie, emphasizing the profound beauty and purity of her spirit dedicated to God and humanity. He expresses sorrow over her sudden passing due to disobedience, yet finds solace in the victory given by God, reminding the congregation of His presence in times of grief. Dowie encourages the faithful to remember the joy and love that Esther embodied, even in her absence, and to trust in God's plan amidst sorrow.

D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a man who lost his only child and struggled with grief and rebellion against God. The man initially felt anger towards God for taking his daughter, but through a dream, he experienced a vision of his child in heaven, which transformed his sorrow into hope. He realized that Jesus is the way to reunite with his child and found purpose in his faith, ultimately becoming a Sunday-school superintendent and leading others to Christ. Moody emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming grief and the promise of eternal life.