Important lessons are learned in the valley of affliction.  There one becomes more fully sensible of his own frailty and entire dependence on the Lord.  In that valley the value of hope of a better world than this is more fully seen and felt.  There is a weaning of the heart from things that are seen and perishable, and a clinging to those things that are unseen and eternal.  The sweet promises of God shine forth to lighten the otherwise dark environments, and with the sealing of these promises to the heart comes an increased confidence and trust in the everlasting arm.  We read what God says to His people concerning His love and mercy and faithfulness to them, and in the vigor of health we believe it all, but when laid low by the hand of affliction we actually experience what we had only believed before.  As we sink with weakness brought on by disease, and the soul is made to feel, at the same time, the Almighty Hand giving unfailing support, a blessed resignation calms the anxiety and brings a sweet peace that otherwise could not be known.   —Elder John R. Daily    Primitive Monitor, 1918.