A selection from a letter by Rev. Thomas Boston, to his friend, James Hog. Hog's wife was ill as was Boston's wife. He wrote to remind his friend that the Lord was not absent in the hour of trial and that the hope of glory was sure. The letter was written April 25, 1726.
I understood by yours, that your wife continues in her ordinary tender condition; may it be sanctified by grace to her and to you. The different states of persons, in respect of health and infirmity, is a piece of sovereign disposal, which the afflicted are to reverence and adore. Our Lord Himself was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with griefs; and if we suffer with Him, we shall also reign with Him. The heaviest burden of affliction is but light in respect of the weight of glory we have in hope; and the affliction that is of such continuance as the party has forgot prosperity, is but for a moment, being compared with the eternity of that weight which faith has the view of.
Memoirs of Thomas Boston, first published in 1899, reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust, 1988, p. 501.
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