AFFLICTION. I. THE CHASTENING ROD IN THE FATHER'S HAND. "This is my comfort in mine afliction :"-Ps. cxIx. 50. "He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.”-LAM. III. 33. NE of the most solemnly interesting inquiries to ONE which the thoughts of a reflecting mind can be directed is,-To what cause are we to attribute the prevalence and the unequal distribution of affliction in the present state? And the solution of this question will lead to another of equal importance and interest, viz., How far these afflictions should affect our confidence in God, or our future hopes under his government? In reference to the first of these questions, viz., what cause we are to attribute the prevalence and the unequal distribution of affliction in the present state, -both reason and Scripture concur in ascribing every affliction with which men are visited, to the purpose and providence of God. Suffering does not arise fortuitously in his dominions, but is the product of his deliberate Το |