The Shaking of the Tree

*’ When the tree is soundly shaken, 7’otten apples fall to the ground; so in great trials guile of spirit will fail P

This, then, is the purpose of affliction: first, to test me, that I may see how far my supposed graces are real and vital. Those which are not sound will soon be lost; only the living and growing graces will remain. Can I bear the test? How have I borne it?

Secondly, trials relieve me, for it is a hurtful thing to the tree and to its living fruit to be cumbered with rottenness, in which may breed noxious worms, which when they multiply may come to be devourers of the tree’s life. We are enriched when we lose fictitious virtues. Stripping of filthy rags is an advance towards cleanliness, and what are counterfeit graces but mere rags, worthy to be torn off and cast into the fire?

In the end such a result of affliction also beautifies me; for as rotten apples disfigure the tree, so would the mere pretence of virtue mar my character in the sight of God and good men. It is always better to be openly without an attainment than to bear the form of it without in reality possessing it. A sham is a shame: an unreal virtue is an undoubted vice.

Lord, I thank thee for shaking me, since I now perceive that all this good and much more is designed by the process, and is, I trust, in some measure accomplished thereby. Oh that thy Holy Spirit may bless my adversities to this end, and then they will not be adverse to me, but the very reverse!