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A. ON SUFFERING

The Hidden Counsels of God

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But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

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They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction

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and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.

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For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality;

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Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.

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As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

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In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;

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They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the LORD shall be their King forever.

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Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

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But the wicked shall receive a punishment to match their thoughts, since they neglected justice and forsook the LORD.

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For he who despises wisdom and instruction is doomed. Vain is their hope, fruitless are their labors, and worthless are their works.

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Their wives are foolish and their children wicked; accursed is their brood.

B. ON CHILDLESSNESS

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Yes, blessed is she who, childless and undefiled, knew not transgression of the marriage bed; she shall bear fruit at the visitation of souls.

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So also the eunuch whose hand wrought no misdeed, who held no wicked thoughts against the LORD - For he shall be given fidelity's choice reward and a more gratifying heritage in the LORD'S temple.

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For the fruit of noble struggles is a glorious one; and unfailing is the root of understanding.

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But the children of adulterers will remain without issue, and the progeny of an unlawful bed will disappear.

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For should they attain long life, they will be held in no esteem, and dishonored will their old age be at last;

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While should they die abruptly, they have no hope nor comfort in the day of scrutiny;

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for dire is the end of the wicked generation.