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(John Newton)
One of the greatest privileges and brightest ornaments of
our profession, is a sweet acquiescence in the Lord's will--founded in a
persuasion of His wisdom, holiness, sovereignty and goodness. So far as we
attain to this--we are secure from disappointment!
Our own limited views and short-sighted purposes and
desires--may be, and will be, often over-ruled. But then our main and leading
desire, that the will of the Lord may be done--must be accomplished.
How highly does it befit us, both as creatures and as
sinners--to submit to the appointments of our Maker! And how necessary it is to
our peace!
This great attainment is too often unthought of, and
overlooked. We are prone to fix our attention upon the second causes and
immediate instruments of events--forgetting that whatever befalls us is
according to His purpose, and therefore must be right and seasonable in itself,
and shall be productive of good in the final outcome. From hence arise
impatience, resentment, and secret repinings--which are not only sinful, but
tormenting.
Whereas, if all things are in His hand; if the very hairs of
our head are numbered; if every event, great and small, is under the direction
of His providence and purpose; and if He has a wise, holy, and gracious end in
view, to which everything that happens is subordinate and subservient--then we
have nothing to do, but with patience and humility to follow as He leads, and
cheerfully to expect a blessed outcome.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is
to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in
want." Philippians 4:12
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