To these chastenings belong outward afflictions, which are precious means, and sanctified to believers. O my dear heavenly Father! thou art pleased with a true child-like confidence, but I am still of a distrusting heart, when anything comes upon me on a sudden.

Help me always to entertain the kindest thoughts of thee, and to fear no adversity, looking upon it as a token of love, and not of hatred; and really believing it to be intended as a blessing for my good. Whatever providence may order, let me only be convinced of thy fatherly affection, and fall in with thy wholesome and loving designs.

Though for my sin I justly feel
Thy discipline, O God,
I wait thy gracious moment still,
Till thou remove thy rod.

For I have found 'tis good for me
To bear my Father's rod;
Afflictions make me learn thy law,
And live upon my God.

This is the comfort I enjoy,
When new distress begins;
I read thy word, I run thy way,
And hate my former sins.