Affliction.
I. THE SOURCE OF IT.
1. Negatively.
2. Positively.
II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF IT.
1. Universal. It is the portion, not of one man, or a few, or even of many, but of the race. It forms a portion of the birthright of humanity.
2. Certain. It is absolutely unavoidable. As surely as the sparks ascend, so surely will those sinful passions rage that entail suffering and misery.
3. Perpetual. Meeting man upon the threshold of his birth, it accompanies him throughout life till its close.
III. THE ESCAPE FROM IT.
1. Not by refractory rebellion. Not by behaving like the fool, or like Job, who cursed his day, and fumed and fretted against his misery.
2. But by patient submission. "Humble thyself beneath the hand of God, and he shall lift thee up."