Words Old and New #2

What are all thy sorrows, thy cares, and thy losses, viewed in the light of this happy condition? Tell me of thy poverty and many privations, I will reply, "Yes; but then think of thy justification!' Tell me of thy disappointed hopes and blasted schemes; 'Yes, but thy justification!' Tell me of thy change of circumstances and the painful contrast of the present with the past; 'Yes, but thy justification!' Tell me of thy friends departed and thy now desolate condition; Yes, but thy justification!' Thus, to every tale of want or woe, when that tale comes from the lips of a believer in Christ, I will bring up that one sweet, soothing melody for the troubled spirit, - justification by faith.

John Angell James (1785-1859) from Words Old and New ~ Horatius Bonar, Banner of Truth Trust, page 333.