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The wounded and wounding hand of the
Savior!
(From Winslow's "The Obscurations of Spiritual Life")
There are some believers who only become
fruitful in times of trial, who make no headway
in their spiritual voyage but in a storm!
Affliction times are 'fruit promoting' times
to God's "trees of righteousness."
Afflictions deepen the roots, and clothe the
boughs with the foliage and fruit of righteousness.
Oh, who can fully estimate the real advance of
the spiritual life of the soul in one hallowed trial,
through one sanctified sorrow?
The slumbering spirit of prayer is roused!
The truant heart is recalled!
Trembling faith is strengthened!
The spirit shaded with sorrow, and the soul
bowed with calamity, turns to Jesus, and
finds in the wounded and wounding hand
of the Savior, the balm and the succor which
'heals the broken in heart, and binds up their
wounds.'
When does the trial end?
When, like a faithful servant, it has discharged
its errand; when its 'heaven sent mission' is
fully accomplished, it will dissolve into the light
of joy, and issue in a new song of praise.
"Weeping may endure for a night,
but joy comes in the morning."
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