The oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, was intended to break the backs and the hearts of God’s people, but God intended to get himself a glorious name in their deliverance, and the overthrow of their enemies. When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram conspired against the Priesthood, this was a sore affliction to Moses and Aaron; their aim was to degrade the priestly office, and to bring the Lord’s own servants into contempt amongst the people; this was permitted, as God intended to over-rule it, that his servants might be more fully confirmed in their office, to honor his own sacred institutions, and to give a public testimony of his approbation of his own servants. This was for good to them. The hand of the Lord was soon known among his servants, and his indignation towards his enemies. The history of David is another instance of this truth: Satan stirred up Saul to hunt him as a Partridge upon the mountains; Absalom and Ahithophel to plot against his life and his kingdom, with almost innumerable foes all his reign. Satan well knew that the Messiah was to come of the seed of David, and it was at him he aimed, in all the afflictions of David: but God meant it unto good, to answer many valuable ends. The Holy Spirit kept up his mind in great spirituality, and he was then enabled to compose many blessed Psalms, which were, doubtless, a peculiar blessing to the Saviour, on earth, and has been a choice treasure to his tried family ever since. We might proceed to illustrate this subject by a cloud of witnesses, but you have the sacred pages in your hands, and can read them for yourselves. I might mention the history of Naomi and Ruth, of Mordecai and Esther, and many more, but shall only remark, that the falling out of brethren, and the divisions made in churches, though designed by Satan, to put a stop to the spread and force of truth, yet, it has frequently been found to bring about some gracious purpose of God, and the dissemination of the very truth Satan aimed to stop in its progress. This truth is found also in the daily experience of God’s children; and however numerous their foes, and complicated their trials, it is the work and wisdom of their faith to look above them, to the gracious purposes of God, in covenant love and wisdom, who is working all things after the counsel of his will. It is true, the designs of God may be hid from the believer’s view for a time, and the trial may be long, dark, and distressing, yet, faith can rest upon this truth, The Lord hath his ways of grace and mercy, in the whirlwind and in the storm; and though in common trials we may be able to read God’s designs, and to trace the footsteps of the flock, in our painful experience, yet there are cases to be found amongst the Lord’s people, of an extraordinary nature, wherein we can only exclaim with the Palmist, _Thy way_, _Oh God_, _is in the sea_, _thy paths in the mighty waters_, _and thy footsteps are not known_. _Deep in unfathomable mines_.