COMMENTS
It is under such discipline that the soul is mellowed to a loving submission that calmly says, I can do all things, bear all things, through Christ who strengtheneth me. As gradually the dross of the old nature is consumed, and the gold becomes more and more manifest, these precious souls become ever dearer to their loving Lord. So dear are they to Him that in every affliction He is near with His grace to sustain and His presence to cheer; and the deepest shades of sorrow become memory's most hallowed resting places, where the Day Star shines the brightest.
By chastisement God's disciplinary measures are meant, and no recipient of them is at the time happy, but rather sad. However, those who permit themselves to be properly disposed by these chastisements are made fruitful by them in the peaceful development of Christlikeness.
1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 10:32-34; Job 5:17; Prov. 3:11, 12; Psa. 94:12; 119:75; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 3:19; Acts 14:22; 1 Pet. 5:9; Jas. 3:18.
