...the saints nearer to God, and to make them more importunate and earnest in prayer with God. Before I was afflicted, I went astray ; but now have I kept...have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes* I will be to Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I will tear, and...

...openeth also their ear to discipline. — Job xxxvi. 8 — 10. Before I was afflicted, I wentastray: but now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that...have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes, O Lord. Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. — Ps. cxix. 67. 71. 75. They that sow in tears, shall...

...their ear to discipline. — Job xxxvi. 8 — 10. Before I was afflicted, I weutastray: but now have 1 kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes, O Lord. Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. — Ps, cxix. 67. 71. 75. They that sow in tears, shall...

...made him acquainted with the true God and the true religion. With David he might say, " It is good for me that I have been afflicted ; that I might learn Thy statutes." God's ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts. His counsels are of old faithfulness...

...and virtue, which Avas the genuine effect intended to be produced. He says within himself, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes, 0 Lord ; for before I was afflicted I went wrong ; but noio I have kept thy word. In patience he possesseth...

...our souls. . He that could say, " Remember David and all his troubles," could also say, " It is good for me, that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes," Ps. cxix. 71. Well therefore did the angel that spake to Daniel, put these two together, telling him...

...David, It is good for me that I •have been afflicted : that I might learn thy statutes. Before I was afflicted I went astray : but now have I kept thy word, Psal cxix. 71, 67. Although our Lord and Saviour was the only Son, and the beloved of the father, yet...

...made my mountain to stand strong ; but thou didst hide thy face and I was troubled." — " Before 1 was afflicted I went astray ; but now have I kept thy word. O Lord, thou hast been my Saviour; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." Who is...

...incidents of ycjur present calamity, and say, It is good for me that I have been afflicted. Before I was afflicted, I went • astray, but now have I kept thy word. This bereavement may be intended to exalt your character by calling into exercise your religious principles....

...take away his sin." Isa. xxvii. 9. To the same purpose is that place in Psal. cxix. 67, " Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word." And here it may be asked, On what account afflictions are said to purge away the iniquities of the...