by Daniel Defoe
CHAP. V. _Of suffering Afflictions._
Afflictions are common to all mankind; and whether they proceed fromlosses, disappointments, or the malice of men, they often bring theiradvantages along with them: For this shews man the vanity anddeceitfulness of this life, and is an occasion of rectifying ourmeasures, and bringing us to a more modest opinion of ourselves: Ittells us, how necessary the assistance of divine grace is unto us, whenlife itself becomes a burden, and death even desirable: But when thegreatest oppression comes upon us, we must have recourse to patience,begging of God to give us that virtue; and the more composed, we areunder any trouble, the more commendable is our wisdom, and the largerwill be our recompense. Let the provocation be what it will, whetherfrom a good-natured and conscientious, or a wicked, perverse, andvexatious man; all this we should take as from the over-ruling hand ofGod, as a punishment for our sins. Many times injured innocence may beabused by false oaths, or the power of wicked, jealous, or maliciousmen; but we often find it, like the palm, rise the higher the more it isdepressed; while the justice of God is eminently remarkable in punishingthose, one way or other, who desire to endeavour to procure the downfalof an innocent man: Nor does God fail comforting an afflicted person,who with tears and prayers solicits the throne of Heaven for deliveranceand protection. David says, _that his soul was full of trouble, and hislife drew near unto the grave_. But certainly David's afflictions madehim eminently remarkable, as particularly when pursued by King Saul, andhunted as a partridge over the mountains. But one thing which stands byinnocence, is the love of God; for were we to suffer disgrace, nay, anignominious death itself, what consolation does our innocence procure atour latest conflict, our last moments!
