In 1843 Harvey Newcomb wrote, “The Young Ladies Guide to the Harmonious Development of Christian Character”. Sadly, the title alone exceeds the attention span of most modern teens. They, and we all, would do well to listen to what he said next. He began with these words,”The secret of true happiness lies in cordial acquiescence in the will of God. It is sweet to lie passive in His hand–and know no will but His!” That is a lesson all need and few ever learn. Later he writes:
Whatever may be our afflictions, so long as we are out of hell, we are monuments of His mercy. “Why does a living man complain—a man for the punishment of his sins?”
We are assured “that all things work together for good, to those who love God.” The afflictions of this life, are the faithful corrections of a kind and tender Father. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” How consoling the reflection—that all our sufferings are designed to mortify and subdue our corruptions, to wean us from the world, and lead us to a more humble and constant sense of dependence upon God! How ungrateful for a child of God to repine at the dealings of such a tender and faithful Father!
God will give us all that He sees is best for us. And surely we ought to be satisfied with this; for He who sees the end from the beginning, must know much better than we—what is for our good. It is our duty to maintain a contented and cheerful spirit in every situation of life. If God directs all our ways, and has promised to give us just what He sees we need, we surely ought to rest satisfied with what we have; for we know it is just what the Lord, in His infinite wisdom and unbounded goodness—sees fit to give us.
