the Lord does not so much look at the work that is done, as at the faithfulness of our hearts in doing it.

Your mercies are more than your afflictions.

Now this is a mystery to a carnal heart. They can see no such thing; perhaps they think God loves them when he prospers them and makes them rich, but they think God loves them not when he afflicts them. That is a mystery, but grace instructs men in that mystery, grace enables men to see love in the very frown of God's face, and so come to receive contentment.

You will not find one Godly man who came out of an affliction worse than when he went into it. Though for a little while he was shaken, yet, at last, he was better for an affliction. But, a great many Godly men have been worse for their prosperity.

Thus, a godly man wonders at his cross that it is not more, a wicked man wonders his cross is so much.

Temptations will no more prevail over a contented man, than a dart that is thrown against a brazen wall.

You may think you find peace in Christ when you have no outward troubles, but is Christ your peace when the Assyrian comes into the land, when the enemy comes?...Jesus Christ would be peace to the soul when the enemy comes into the city, and into your houses.