He will not spoil His child by sparing His rod!

(Letters of John Berridge, 1716-1793)

Dear Madam,
When our expectation is too much raised on account of any creature, the Lord Jesus in wisdom disappoints it-that we may seek our whole happiness in Him. He expects that our whole dependence should be placed on Him. He will have it, and is worthy of it. The human heart would gladly be roosting a little on some earthly thing, but Jesus will unroost it, and bring it fluttering to Himself like the dove to Noah's ark, where alone it can find rest.

If the heart happens to seek delight elsewhere, it is kindness in the Lord to deny us our desires.

During our earthly warfare, troubles will come by sixes and sevens-a gracious company, but not one too many. If we could live well without afflictions-we would not have them; but we cannot, and therefore Jesus in love sends them.

You are an afflicted family to be sure-but mercy, much mercy attends you. If you see no family so afflicted as yours, can you find any family so blessed? All of one heart and one mind seeking after Jesus. Surely the Lord delights in you, and bestows His best blessings on you, a healthy soul-while the world is satisfied with a healthy body.

Yet the best need correction, and will have it. Whom the Lord loves, He rebukes and chastens. Some foolishness is bound up in the hearts of all of His children, and He will not spoil His child by sparing His rod!