(144) 
fleshly affection. And therefore it is not altogether purely for God’s 
honor that they do what they so earnestly request of Him.” Isn’t such 
also oftentimes thy desire, which thou, perhaps, hast signified to be so 
strong? For that is not pure and perfect which is infected with selfish 
interest. 
It’s too true, indeed, what another writer says, that “We are unwil¬ 
ling to suffer the trials which God sends us, and would receive nothing 
from Him but continual consolations; but these, however, are only given to 
support us under dryness and desolation of spirit; He imparts them to us, 
to enable us to support His apparent rigor, which in reality is His good¬ 
ness towards us, by which He spares not in time, that He may be merciful 
to us for Eternity.” 
Think not, therefore, dear reader, that tliou art rejected by God, 
when tliou dost experience nothing but disgust in His service, but do faith¬ 
fully whatever tliou wouldst then do to please Him, if thou didst experience 
the greatest delight in serving Him; and it shall be well with thee. 
Humble thyself on such occasions ; think thyself unworthy of the 
least consolation or support. 
The Lord is pleased that thou sliouldst serve Him without any sensi¬ 
ble comfort, and by this means conquer thy repugnance to good, and thy 
inclination for evil , through a pure desire of pleasing Him, and a real 
dread of offending Him. 
Ah! how abundantly will a happy Eternity repay thee for thy suf¬ 
ferings and fatigues in this life, if thou wilt but bear them now with con¬ 
fidence, fidelity, and patience! 
Take courage, then, my dear friend, a moment's suffering brings 
eternal joy. 
