Afflictions and Temptations are to be Endured

Then had the churches rest and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.—Acts of the Apostles 9:31.

But though the churches had rest from persecution, still the members were in the body; Satan was active; afflictions and temptations ceased not. In this, nor they nor we shall ever be exempt in this vale of tears: to endure them, we are taught, is part of our blessedness.—James 1:12. By them we learn many useful lessons of faith, patience, humility, and resignation to the will of God, and are made the more to partake of his holiness; so the Holy Ghost sanctifies them to our profit, and enables us to glorify the Lord our God, being cheerful and confident in Jesus' promise: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation."—Revelation 3:10.

- William Mason, A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God, Volume 1, April 27