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death;[1] but men called both to them by their evil deeds. And now that they have once gotten themselves a possession[2] amongst us, and we are so closely bound together by the ties of family and affection as we are; the distribution of them will often seem very mysterious and they will come upon us in instances where we are least prepared to expect them. In every case, no doubt, they are guided as well by infinite goodness as by infinite wisdom; and under the direction of Him in whose sight "right dear is the death of His saints." Still, though assured of His very tenderness toward us, His judgments are so far above out of our sight; and we are so little able to attain the knowledge necessary to the full understanding of them; that we are oftentimes struck almost as much with astonishment as with grief when they fall suddenly in the midst of us.
There is, however, in spite of all, enough even in what we know of the natural connection between suffering and our perfection to make us pause before we venture to declare any visitation of God, however painful and overwhelming, one of unmitigated evil. And blessed are they who can endure to wait upon Him in His judgments; for to such, let them not doubt it, soon or late shall come salvation from Him.
Let us consider this a little further.
