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"If their uncircumcised hearts," said the Lord respecting ancient Israel, “be humbled, and they accept of the punishment of their iniquity, then will I remember my covenant with Jacob," &c. Lev. xxvi. 41.—of the punishment of their iniquity! that is, bear it willingly contentedly. It is a happy state of mind when your trials are Accepted ones: when God's chastening hand is even esteemed a kindness.—Lord! may the believer say, I will not puzzle myself with hows, and whys, and yets. Thou hast done it; I rest there. It seemed good in thy sight that is a sufficient reason. Let God choose my portion; I am sure it will be best in the end.—Even when He acts as a Sovereign, he forgets not his relation as a father.
SCRIPTURE PROMISES.
Psalm 68—6. A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widow is God in his holy habitation.
Jeremiah 49—11. Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive ; and let thy widows trust in me.
Job 5.-17. Happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Verse 18. For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; he woundeth, and his hands make whole.
