If any thing adverse befalls him (that is, the Christian), he will forthwith raise his mind to
God, whose hand is most effectual in impressing us with patience and
placid moderation of mind. Had Joseph kept his thoughts fixed on the
treachery of his brethren, he never could have resumed fraternal
affection for them. But turning toward the Lord, he forgot the injury,
and was so inclined to mildness and mercy, that he even voluntarily
comforts his brethren, telling them, "Be not grieved nor angry with
yourselves that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to
preserve life." "As for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant
it unto good," (Gen. 45:5; 50:20.) Had Job turned to the Chaldees, by
whom he was plundered, he should instantly have been fired with revenge,
but recognising the work of the Lord, he solaces himself with this most
beautiful sentiment: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord," (Job 1:21.) So when David was assailed
by Shimei with stones and curses, had he immediately fixed his eyes on
the man, he would have urged his people to retaliate the injury; but
perceiving that he acts not without an impulse from the Lord, he rather
calms them. "So let him curse," says he, "because the Lord has said unto
him, Curse David." (II Sam. 16:11.) With the same bridle he elsewhere
curbs the excess of his grief, "I was dumb, I opened not my mouth,
because thou didst it," (Ps. 39:9.) If there is no more effectual remedy
for anger and impatience, he assuredly has not made little progress who
has learned so to meditate on Divine Providence, as to be able always
to bring his mind to this, The Lord willed it, it must therefore be
borne; not only because it is unlawful to strive with him, but because
he wills nothing that is not just and befitting. The whole comes to
this. When unjustly assailed by men, overlooking their malice, (which
could only aggravate our grief, and whet our minds for vengeance,) let
us remember to ascend to God, and learn to hold it for certain, that
whatever an enemy wickedly committed against us was permitted, and sent
by his righteous dispensation.
- John Calvin (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.17.8)
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