Benefit of Adversity.

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It is observed in husbandry, as a point of wisdom, to set those plants together that have an antipathy in their nature, and draw several juices out of the earth; a rose set by garlic, is sweeter, because the more fetid juice of the earth goes into the garlic, and the more odorous into the rose.

This is true in spiritual things—therefore I wonder not why afflictions are the portion of the righteous, for prosperity is as a strong sucker exhausting the spiritual sap and celestial vigour of the soul, and debilitating the principles of spiritual life!

Whereasadversity has a contrary extraction, it only draws out what may be malignant—and leaves behind it what may be nourishing; it takes the dregs—and leaves the spirits, by which the soul is elevated, and made fruitful in holy works!

Oh! blessed be the hand that gave;
Still blessed when it takes.
Blessed be He who smites to save,
Who heals the heart He breaks.
Perfect and true are all His ways,
Whom heaven adores, and death obeys.