The mother and daughter die on one bed, and are buried in one grave!

(William Nicholson, "The Presence of God in Affliction" 1862)

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:5-6

All believers need afflictions. It must be so, for the God of infinite love and wisdom appoints them, and His judgment can never err.

Saints are the children of God, but they need correction and discipline, etc.

The precious seed requires the use of the winnowing fan to blow away the chaff. So do saints.

The gold requires the furnace to purge away the dross. Saints are the gold which belongs to the King of the Church, and He places His gold in the furnace of affliction to purge away the dross of sin.

The patient requires medicine to restore to health — and God chastens His people to restore them to spiritual health.

Afflictions are needful to wean us from earth — and to induce us to aspire after Heaven!

"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


Yet afflictions are transient, and will soon end. The end of our mortal life — will be the end of all our sorrows. The night of affliction may appear long — but a morning of joy will follow it, which will be as long as eternity! It is a short night of sorrow — before a day of endless rejoicing.

At death sin dies, and sorrow expires!

Sin is the mother — and sorrow is the daughter. The mother and daughter die on one bed, and are buried in one grave!