Chapter III: PIOUS PARENTS, in such a Circumstance, have farther Reason to

say, _It is well_,--as they may observe an apparent Tendency in such a Dispensation to teach them a Variety of the most instructive and useful Lessons, in a very convincing and effectual Manner.

'TIS a just Observation of _Solomon_, that _the Rod and Reproof give Wisdom_[z]; and 'tis peculiarly applicable to such a Chastisement of our heavenly Father. It should therefore be our great Care to _bear the Rod and him that hath appointed it_[a]; and so far as it hath a Tendency to teach us our Duty, and to improve the divine Life in our Souls, we have the highest Reason to say, that _it is_ indeed _well._

EVERY Affliction hath in its Degree this kind of Tendency, and 'tis the very Reason for which _we are_ thus _chastened_, that we may _profit_ by our Sorrows, and be made _Partakers of God's Holiness_[b]. But this Dispensation is peculiarly adapted, in a very affecting Manner,--to teach us the Vanity of the World,--to warn us of the Approach of our own Death,--to quicken us in the Duties incumbent upon us, especially to our surviving Children,--and to produce a more intire Resignation to the Divine Will, which is indeed the surest Foundation of Quiet, and Source of Happiness.