A sweet interpretation – Thomas Brooks

(“The Glorious Day of the Saints Appearance”)

Love will enable the soul to persevere in the ways of godliness against all discouragements, by putting a blessed interpretation, and a heavenly construction upon all the afflictions, sorrows, and discouragements which an upright heart can meet with in the ways of God. All the afflictions and discouragements which upright hearts meet with, love will thus interpret and expound: “Oh! all these afflictions are but means that God will use to rub off my dross and filth, to convey more of Himself! They are all my friends, and shall work for my good! All these cursings, God will turn to blessings,” says Love. All these afflictions which befall me, are but out of some noble designs that God has to reveal more of Himself and of His glory to me. It is but that He may empty me more of myself and of the creature, so that he may communicate more of His own sweetness and fullness to my soul,” says Love. “I know, though for the present it is bitter  yet,” says Love, “it will be sweet in the end. I know the way to the crown is by the cross, and I know all those afflictions shall lead me to more heavenly enjoyments of God!” Love thus puts a sweet interpretation on all the afflictions which befall the soul.