Afflictions are but medicines

(James Smith, "The Way of Salvation Set Forth")

"The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:6

The Christian may be chastened for his faults, and scourged for his follies — but he shall never be condemned along with the unregenerate world.

To the Christian, afflictions are but medicines prepared with a Physician's skill, and presented by the kind hand of a Father's love. Nothing shall by any means hurt him — but all things shall work together for his eternal good. He need not fear anything — but sin. Whatever God sends, is in love. Whatever happens, is under a divine arrangement. Our light afflictions which are but for a moment, work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11