Afflictions and trials are the lot of the righteous in this world; and they are not more remarkable for their number, than for the peculiarity of their nature, and the end of their appointment. Though they are sharers in those common and general afflictions, to which human nature, since the fall, is subjected, and to which man is born as the sparks fly upward; yet they have a superadded portion of trials distinct from those, which are inseparably connected with their character, as Christians, and with their life, as believers; and for bearing of which they require a proportionable degree of grace and consolation from on high. Indeed, those trials, peculiar to God’s people, are not only the inevitable consequence of their gospel profession, but also the result of divine appointment. So the Apostle Paul expressly declares in his epistle to the suffering professors of the church of Christ at Thessalonica; when, after exhorting them “not to be moved by their afflictions,” he immediately adds, “For yourselves know that ye are _appointed_ thereunto.” 1 Thes. iii. 3. As the great Head of the church is glorified by the patience and fortitude of his suffering witnesses on earth; his infinite wisdom appoints the nature, and fixes the weight, number, and measure of their trials, in order that he may have an opportunity of illustrating the power of his grace in their support. And there is a no less manifestation of mercy and love, than of _wisdom_, in the various trials which God hath appointed as the lot of his church militant. Hereby, he possesses innumerable occasions of demonstrating, that he _loves_ his people under their afflictions, and that the severest chastisements of his rod are suggested by the most tender parental affection. By making the darkest dispensations work together for their good, he shews them the determinations of his _love_, and the wonderworking operations of his over-ruling _power_: he points out to them what he _can_ do, and what he _will_ do for them. So that their sufferings illustrate his goodness, and furnish the most ample display of that wisdom, mercy, faithfulness, and power, which so illustriously shine forth in all the gracious and providential dispensations of Jehovah towards his church and people.