As in nature. and in the arts, so in grace; it is rough...

As in nature. and in the arts, so in grace; it is rough treatment that gives souls as well as stones, their lustre. The more the diamond is cut the brighter it sparkles, and in what seems hard dealing God has no end in view but to perfect our graces. He sends tribulations, but tells us their purpose, that "tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope."