XXXIII. AFFLICTIONS WILL ATTEND US TO OUR LAST. Dec. 16, 1794. SHOULD I be surprised at suffering like them that have gone before me! However numerous or uncommon some of my afflictions may be, I thereby am conformed to the happy souls before the throne, who came out of great tribulation and fiery trials. I am to acquit Sovereignty in the kind (though I may be ready to say, Is there any trouble like my trouble wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me ?) and in the continuance of my afflictions, while only sin in the instrument, and sin in myself, are to cause me daily grief. But Divine Love, Infinite Wisdom, and Sovereign Grace, can turn this shadow of death into the morning, and out of this roaring lion bring forth food to my soul. |