I AM sorry to hear hat my friend is so poorly again, and especially as all pains m the stomach are so violent. But this is a comfort to the Lord's poor family, that they are not to abide for ever; for above, sorrow, pain, and weeping are to be no more.
It is a great encouragement to submission, that all things work for good to them that love God; but his divine wisdom is often seen in a point of light which to me exceeds all other considerations whatever, and that is, when the soul is inwardly recompensed with such comfort as more than sustains the infirmities of the body. This affords such renewings to the inner man, that the decayings of the outward man are overlooked; and we are brought into a strait, not knowing which to choose, ease or pain. It is often observed that when pain goes, the comfort goes; this is a most wise way of winning the soul to kiss the rod and hug the cross.
I believe that every crook in our path has its origin either in the blindness of our minds, or in the stubbornness of our wills. When we have light to see every cross to be needful and beneficial, it inclines us to submit; and submission makes every crook straight, and is a cushion between the shoulder and the cross, which makes the burthen light. This submission is always attended with meekness, which, like a vent-hole in a cask of fermented liquor, gives vent to the burthened mind, and eases the heart with tears of penitence, which is ready to vent its contents in rebellion and blasphemies.
If my Friend wishes to see me let her send word by the bearer; in the mean time can remember her to the great Physician who alone can assist.
THE COALHEAVER.
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