Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of
extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary
graces.--MATTHEW HENRY.

If you would not have affliction visit you twice, listen at once to
what it teaches.--BURGH.

Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.--JOB 5:7.

Affliction is the wholesome soul of virtue;
Where patience, honor, sweet humanity,
Calm fortitude, take root, and strongly flourish.
--MALLET AND THOMSON.

Affliction's sons are brothers in distress;
A brother to relieve, how exquisite the bliss!
--BURNS.

With the wind of tribulation God separates in the floor of the soul,
the chaff from the corn.--MOLINOS.

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.--HEBREWS 12:11.


AGE.--No wise man ever wished to be younger.--SWIFT.

I venerate old age; and I love not the man who can look without