---
title: 'A cause and a cure for misery: J.W. Alexander'
type: post
author: 'R. Andrew Myers'
date: 2019-03-27
url: https://confessional.org/blog/2019-a-cause-and-a-cure-for-misery-j-w-alexander
---

# A cause and a cure for misery: J.W. Alexander

In a precious volume titled *Consolation*, consisting of discourses addressed to the suffering people of God, [James W. Alexander](/authors/james-waddel-alexander) tells us about the main ingredient that is needed to make life miserable. And then, thankfully, he explains what is needed to set things right.

> ***Spiritual Quiet is favoured by Submission.***
> 
> The first law of religion is submission. “Thy will be done;” and where it does not exist there is no piety, and just as truly there is no tranquillity. What a hideous sight to see a human creature in full rebellion against God’s providence; repining at his allotments; fighting against his dispensations, and cursing his judgments! But it is not more sinful than it is wretched; and hell is not only wickedness, but woe: the wickedness makes the woe, or rather is the woe. **The true recipe for miserable existence is this: Quarrel with Providence.** Even in the smaller measures of this temper there is enough to prevent tranquillity. And **hence, when God means to make us happy, he teaches us submission — a resignation of every thing into his hands, and an acknowledgment that whatsoever He does is wisest and best.** O how sweetly even afflictions fall when there is such a temper to receive them! “Shall we receive good at the hands of the Lord’, and shall we not receive evil?” “Why should a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?” Such dispositions tend to stillness of soul; and even amidst chastisement there is internal quiet.