“Affliction is a bag of gold given unto the people of God; though it seem a leathern bag without, yet there is gold within. So long as they stand poring upon the leathern bag, or attend unto the smart of their affliction, they are not thankful, they do not praise the Lord, but are much discouraged; but if they would look into the bag, and count their gold, they they would have comfort, and not be discouraged. I tell you from the Lord, there is gold within; look in this bag, the bag of affliction; count over all the gold which the Lord has given you in this affliction, and then you will be quiet.
If a mercy be taken from you, consider the burden that is taken away too. If a misery come, consider the mercy that comes with it. Labour ever, labour to see both together, as well what is for you as what is against you; then will you never be much discouraged, although your affliction be ever so great.”
William Bridge, A Lifting up for the Downcast (Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth, reprint 1995), 211-12.
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