A Letter Written By Said Walter Of Stoelwijk, Treating Of The Suffering And The Glory Of Christians.

Now if Christ Jesus our Lord frequently spent whole nights in prayer, and also prayed in the garden before his death, we should also pray without ceasing, especially in our distress, to the Father of lights, from whom alone is every good and perfect gift, that he may forgive our sins, for the death of his dear Son, who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised for our justification. Matt. 14:23; Luke 6:12; Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:41; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 1:17; Rom. 4:25.

Hence we are to pray that he would deliver, or punish us, not according to our judgment, but according to his divine wisdom, lest we utterly perish. Yea, we must give praise and thanks to God also in our tribulation, that he do not forget us, but chasten us according to his fatherly mercy, and graciously help us to bear every burden, even as Paul thanked God in his affliction, saying: “Blessed be God, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation. Amen.” 1 Corinthians 1:3,4.