He loves the providence of God, because it is the providence of eternal right and wisdom. A sinful love of God is fitted only for days of personal prosperity. While this continues, it can cry hosanna to the Son of David; but when it ceases, crucify him, crucify him. A holy love is not afraid of an adverse providence—can suffer and praise—can be humbled and adore—can feel the rod and kiss the smiting hand, and say, these painful strokes are one reason why God ought to reign in absolute sovereignty. If it will glorify God, if it will advance the majesty and goodness of his government, let him lay me waste, let him smite and slay me. I cannot pray, I cannot even wish the rod should cease, so long as God is glorified and the interests of his holy kingdom are promoted by the continuance.
Nathan Strong — Nathan Strong, Pastor of the North Presbyterian Church in Hartford, Connecticut, Sermons on Various Subjects, Doctrinal, Experimental and Practical, vol. I (Hartford: Hudson & Goodwin, 1798), Sermon X, "Regeneration," p. 171
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