CORDIALS IN
TEMPORAL TROUBLES
By Henry Law, 1873
Each woman's son is born an heir--not to a palace or a
crown, not to broad lands or mines of gold, not to ancestral lineage of
fame, not to high rank among the rich and great, not to a soft seat on
luxury's lap, but to the inheritance of a common portion--TROUBLE. Few are
called to be honored and caressed, to be idols of admiring crowds, to
outstrip others in the worldly race, to enjoy sound health and sinewy
strength, to overabundance of sublunary goods; but many are called to
suffering. Our usual walk is in a valley of tears. The billows of affliction
swell around us, and storms of distress, with little intermission, buffet
us. Where is the eye which rarely weeps? Where is the breast which seldom
sighs? Bereavements go forth to their daily work. Pains and diseases do not
slumber. The lament is not uncommon, "In the morning, would God it were
evening! In the evening, would God it were morning!" Deut. 28:67. Wails
belong not to a scanty class. We know that the white-robed multitude came
out of great tribulations.
Man is indeed endowed with wondrous gifts of intellect;
and mental resources, neither few nor weak, labor to exclude the entrance of
trouble. But they can erect no fortress which sorrow fails to scale. They
can construct no intercepting bars. Trouble has a key for every lock, and
takes its seat by every chair. It is the rich man's shadow, and lies on
poverty's low pallet. It marches with every camp, and sails in every fleet.
It is the native of each climate, and has its root in every soil. Flight to
lonely deserts will not secure escape; and crowds give no concealment. To be
a human being is to be linked to trouble.
This truth cannot be controverted, for every heart
confirms it. We read it in the annals of our race. It is the stamp on
history's brow. In diversity--large as diversity can be--there is the
oneness of distress. In Eden's garden, clear sunshine was a brief delight;
obscuring clouds soon cast a dismal gloom. Sin came. All troubles thronged
its rear. The woman hears--"I will greatly multiply your sorrow in your
conception." The man hears--"In sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of
your life." "Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." Job 5:7. It
is our common course--our beaten path--the well-known stream, on which we
float. Earth is a wide 'Bochim'. "So they called the place 'Weeping.'"
Judges 2:5
Doubtless, some mitigating periods intervene. In stormy
days the wind is sometimes lulled; and the sun sometimes breaks the densest
clouds. In sandy deserts some green spots are found. So, in a troublous
life, there are some intervals of rest. But they are not sufficient to
nullify the rule that trouble is largely written on life's page.
But there is great diversity in man's inward state. Some
are new-born of God--the children of eternal love--the heirs of never-ending
life--the sheep of Christ's pasture--His appointed spouse--the purchase of
His blood--the called of His Spirit--His joy, His portion, His delight. On
them the eye of God beams lovingly; His power protects; His wisdom guides;
His angels encamp around them. Will not their course be constant sunshine?
Will they not soar where trouble cannot come?
Such a conclusion would be a fallacy. Their precious
privileges bring not such immunity. It is forever true--"Many are the
afflictions of the righteous." "We must through much tribulation enter into
the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22.
But yet, there is a grand, happy, glorious distinction.
They are sorrowful, yet aways rejoicing. In their lowest depths they sing.
In all their trials they rejoice. In all afflictions they give thanks.
Troubles thicken, but consolations more than abound. Their heart of sorrow
is a heart of joy.
Many considerations bring to them support. The time of
trouble is the time of thought. They suffer, and they ponder. Their eyes
look inward and above. They ask, 'Whence comes this trial?' The reply is
obvious. It is not the working of blind chance. God's will designs;
His hand inflicts it. It is ordered in the courts of heaven. It is
pre-arranged in the covenant of grace. Who will repine when he endures
according to a Father's will? It is a precious word--"As many as I love I
rebuke and chasten." Rev. 3:19. This is a plank which upholds the sinking
heart. This is an anchor which keeps it steady in the roughest waves. The
spirit cannot faint which tastes this cordial. That trouble does not dismay,
which is fringed with shining evidence of heavenly mission. Then welcome
trials. They subserve spiritual welfare, or they would not be sent.
But this view is general and vague. It may bewilder
rather than instruct. In wide expanse particular objects are too faintly
seen. Let the horizon now be narrowed; let separate cases be in turn
surveyed; and troubled ones be helped to understand their own distress.
1. SICKNESS.
Many are sick. Disease and languor touch most frames. The outward tenement
decays, and the afflicted inhabitant groans. This case is not more sad than
common. Where is the home long free from this invasion? The marvel is, that
these frail bodies know long respite. Think of the marvelously constructed
framework. The component parts are almost countless, and most delicate and
peculiar. Each part may be the door of malady. Each nerve may be the inlet
of distress. Contagion, also, floats in the surrounding air, and
walks beside us in all the ways of daily life. Hence ailment is our frequent
lot. Bethesda pictures our earth. In it there lies a great company of
impotent folk, the prey of suffering in every form.
In sickness, then, there is no aggravating fear that it
is peculiar hardship. Through all the families of earth, what multitudes are
drinking the cup of sickness! Who then can expect exemption? Who will
repine, because as man he has the fellow-suffering of man? To all in the
flesh the liabilities of flesh are due. Such reasoning checks all murmuring
complaint.
But, when this commonness is clearly seen, there may be
the fear that sickness is an indication of divine displeasure. It may be
asked, "If love is smiling, why does not love avert this suffering?" At
Bethany the reply is sweetly given. It is stated of a family in that little
town--"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." John 11:5. But
Lazarus, thus loved, is sick; so sorely sick that life expires. The love of
Jesus, then, is consistent with disease. Sickness is no evidence of His
displeasure; suffering hours are no messengers of His wrath.
Rather may not the hope be cherished that these
visitations are mercifully sent? The 'hand of love' may pluck the twigs that
constitute this rod. This 'page of chastening', then, when read correctly by
the 'eye of faith', may truly tell of gracious dealings. Surely this
thought extracts the bitterness of the cup, and makes the Marah sweet.
Welcome all pains which heavenly love inflicts!
Our Lord's conduct during His abode on earth should be a
constant study. By this key we enter the secret chambers of His heart. This
is the portrait of His character. In this survey special compassion for the
sick is conspicuous. He sought Jerusalem at a stated feast. Apparently His
feet first turned to the 'crowded home of malady'. Out of the multitude He
selected a sufferer of thirty and eight years. He spoke, and health
returned. May not he who has counted long years of ailment embrace the happy
thought--the eyes which rested so tenderly on the infirm man of Bethesda,
may now be resting tenderly on me?
In every town the sick were brought to Him. In every
place they clustered round Him. Did any frown repel them? Did any denial
disappoint them? As many as touched Him were made perfectly whole. What
teaching is there in the scene--"When the sun was setting, all those who had
any sick with diverse diseases brought them unto Him, and He laid His hands
on every one of them and healed them?" Luke 4:40.
Sometimes His pity yearned where no request was made. We
read--"and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen
years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw
her, he called her forward and said to her, 'Woman, you are set free from
your infirmity.' Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she
straightened up and praised God." Luke 13:11-13.
Thus, sickness was Christ's chosen sphere of mercy when
on earth; and "He is the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." Heb.
13:8.
A multitude of precious words are property of the sick
alone. No music charms the deaf; no prospect captivates the blind. Without
appropriating sense there can be no enjoyment. Thus, without malady, how
many promises become a blank! But sickness gives interest in many sweet
sayings. Thus to the healthful the word is pointless--"I am the Lord
that heals you." Exod. 15:26. But it is a staff to the crippled limb; a
pillow to the aching head; a cordial to the fainting nerves. It tells of
Jehovah's presence, omnipotent to heal. It brings to the lips the wrestling
plea, "Do as you have said."
The soul of religion is experience. Happy they who have
tasted and have found! The restored can say, "Now know we that
the Lord is faithful; not by the hearing of the ear, not by the assurance of
another's lips, but by personal experience." In the high tide of bodily
strength, the word seems like a foreign tale--belonging to some other
race--"The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing. You will
make all his bed in his sickness." Ps. 41:3. But, when the hour of
languishing has come, and underneath the everlasting arms have given
support, and weakness has felt the power of heavenly help, how precious is
the realization, 'No word of God has failed, nor ever can fail!'
If sickness is unknown, then recovery must be
unknown also. And then, how many songs must be unsung! The inexperienced
spread no thanksgiving-wings. They joy not in the promise
fulfilled--"Behold, I will bring health and cure; and I will cure them,
and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth." Jer. 33:6. But,
it is rapture to exclaim, "The health is come, the cure is given; the peace,
the truth in rich abundance will now surely follow."
Paul had gained much by his distress, when he
testified--"We had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not
trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead--who delivered us from so
great a death, and does deliver--in whom we trust, that He will yet deliver
us." 2 Cor. 1:9, 10. The past rescue, the present calm, gave
pledge of a blissful future. Sickness comes with no terror to the man who
has feasted on the word, "Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all
your diseases." Ps. 103:3.
It may not be denied that active service for the Lord
is happiness in full bloom. The work of each day well done, is cheerful
exercise. But 'daily employments' consume time, and chain the mind to
passing matters. The busy man often knows the sigh, 'Mine own vineyard is
not kept. I desire the sincere milk of the word that I may grow thereby, but
I have no leisure to suck large supplies.' Thus flowers unwatered droop
their heads, and weeds spring up in the neglected soil. The polish becomes
dim when the instrument is not well rubbed.
But if sickness comes, it severs from the
all-occupying toil. Seclusion from bustle is now enforced. The
intruder's step is now forbidden. Tranquil hours are now a necessity. This
is a season to yield rich fruits. Meditation may now have full scope. The
PAST days may be calmly reviewed. Alas, what sins, what negligences, what
failures will appear! These will awaken contrite shame, and impel us to bury
each transgression in the deep grave of the Redeemer's wounds. Here is the
opportunity to tell our miseries to His all-gracious ears, and to sue out
His perfect pardon. Self-examination now may find ample space. The weak
parts of the soul's fortress may be discerned. The dangers of the way may
become more visible. The need of foresight and of help may be felt more
vividly. All this is gain!
Now, also, is the time to study CHRIST more quietly. Oh,
the blessedness of such tranquil exercise. All His goodness may now
leisurely pass before the wondering eye–it is a long train–eternity is too
short to comprehend it. But sick hours give space to read the volumes of His
love, His grace, His goodness, His unfailing care, His patient pitifulness,
His unfailing truth, His work accomplished, His coming reign, His
everlasting glory. Happy the sickness rich in such meditations!
When health is in its prime, many matters press SCRIPTURE
SEARCH into brief space. But now no jostling claimants take the Bible's
place. It sits a companion without rival. Now the heart may joyfully
exclaim, "Oh, how love I your law--it is my meditation all the day."
Ps. 119:97. "Your words were found, and I did eat them--they are the very
joy and the rejoicing of my heart." Jer. 15:16. To tell the varied charms of
Scripture is a boundless theme. But its grand glory is the revelation of
God's love in Christ. Now is the time to feast on this delight, to bathe in
this refreshing stream, to roam in this gallery of joy, and to obey the
Savior's voice exhorting, "Eat, O friends; drink, yes, drink abundantly, O
beloved." Song 5:1.
It may be that languor has no strength for long
perusal. Doubtless, there is much grandeur in extensive prospects.
The eye is charmed with a vast expanse. But when such vision is denied, is
it not joy to scrutinize the tiniest flower, and mark the skill in
its minutest parts? Thus a brief sentence of the Word may be meal for
many languid hours; a few monosyllables from heaven may spread a table
of richest dainties for the week.
There are seasons when the FLESH is found a burden and a
pain. Anguish clogs the spirit's upward flight. It is happy then to think
that the period of escape draws near. When death puts forth its hand, the
body bids farewell to suffering. Power now invests the word, "There shall be
no more death, neither sorrow nor crying--neither shall there be any more
pain--for the former things are passed away." Rev. 21:4. In this distress
how precious is the thought, "Yet a little while, and He that shall come,
will come, and will not tarry," Heb. 10:37; and "He shall change our vile
body that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the
working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself." Phil.
3:21.
These pains proclaim that dissolution will not linger
forever. But unless the earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, how
can we have the building of God--the house not made with hands--eternal in
the heavens? 2 Cor. 5:1. Thus sickness comes with many cordials. It is not
unalloyed adversity. It brings many a reviving song. True is the
repeated testimony, that in our hospitals the sweetest peace and truest joys
are often found.
2. POVERTY. Diversity of 'economic
resources' rules all society. Heavenly wisdom thus orders for general good,
and opens a door through which many blessings pass. But it is common for the
poor and lowly to mark with envy those of exalted rank. They think abundance
shuts out many cares, and that ease dwells with wealth. It is needless to
expose this obvious error. It is better to remind that Scripture gives
especial cordials to the poor. Lowliness is not an unfavored lot. "Hearken,
my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world, to be rich
in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He has promised to those who love
Him." James 2:5. If poverty excluded grace, the poor might well bewail.
But let them sing, when they peruse, "You see your
calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble are called," "but lowly things of the world,
and things which are despised, has God chosen." 1 Cor. 1:26, 28. Let
the 'son of toil' exult in reading "He raises up the poor out of the
dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash-heap, that He may set him
with princes, even with the princes of His people."--Ps. 113:7, 8.
Remember, also, the lowly path is sanctified by Jesus'
step. Though He was sovereign of all, no palace was His home. In early
days the workshop was His constant employment; and when He entered on His
public course, He had no where to lay His head. Both by water and by land He
borrows what His need requires. Poor women shared with Him their
scanty fare; and when His body rested for three days in the grave, His tomb
was not His own. Let not the poor then scorn a lot so sanctified.
But poverty has many shades. Its darkest hue is abject
poverty. Cases occur, which no forethought could avert, when loss of
strength, deficiency of work, domestic trials, or other trouble in some
pinching form, reduce to emptiness the means of living. Heavy indeed is this
burden, and strong faith only can sustain. But this is the time for grace to
triumph over nature's fears. Hope will pierce the intervening clouds, and
see God on His all-arranging throne--reigning, loving, blessing. The promise
brightens, "God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory
by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19. Streams of support may seem all dry,
but His fullness is forever full. The heart is now attuned to sing, "Even
though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine;
even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even
though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I
will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The
Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and
bring me safely over the mountains." Habakkuk 3:17-19
This, also, is the time when wrestling prayer refuses to
let God go; and is such prayer without success? The annals of God's saints
teem with records of the largest answers. Unexpected channels most
unexpectedly are opened. Hands most unlikely bring unlooked-for aid. The
truth is realized, "There is nothing too hard for the Lord to do." It is
forever true, "When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and
their tongue fails for thirst; I the Lord will hear them, I the God of
Israel will not forsake them." Isa. 41:17.
3. DISAPPOINTED HOPES.
The desire to prosper consists with heavenly grace. It is not real humility
to shun the seat of eminence. Success may bring extended influence, and thus
do work for God. Let no one then condemn the straining efforts in the
race of life. But failure is a common condition. Instead of honor
there is neglect. Instead of prominence there is obscurity. Elevation eludes
the grasp. Depression then is prone to sadden. The doubt may trouble--'Where
are the promises?'--"Whatever he does shall prosper." Ps. 1:3. "Seek first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be
added unto you." Matt. 6:33.
But pause--let no distrust of God arise. He still holds
His righteous scepter. He knows the temperament of each inner man. One can
walk steadily, where another would be giddy and soon fall. All shoulders
cannot bear like weights. Success might ruin some, and therefore is most
graciously denied. It is wisdom to prevent what painful discipline
could scarcely remedy. Hence disappointment is no miscarriage of God's
truth. Such crosses may be blessings in disguise. Lest Paul should be
exalted above measure, there came a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of
Satan, to buffet him. Let the baffled rest in hope, that snares are thus
escaped, and safety's path preserved. Greatness may not make truly
great. Fame among men may not be honor from above.
4. REPROACH.
Believers must expect the hatred of the world. The
warning is most clear, "If you were of the world, the world would love his
own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you
out of the world, therefore the world hates you."--John 15:19. Hatred
then will incessantly assault. Its armory is full of deadly weapons; but
chief among them is the tongue, which is "set on fire by hell." It is still
true of the ungodly, "their throat is an open sepulcher; the poison of asps
is under their lips."
Sometimes malicious exaggeration distorts; and
truth is told so as to insinuate a lie. Sometimes a venomous hint is
dropped, which proves a seed whence evil crops spring up. Thus wounds are
craftily given, and the fair name maligned. Sometimes falsehood stalks
forth, and boldly scatters its vile calumnies. In this suffering the
foremost was our blessed Lord. "The world hated Me before it hated you."
John 15:18. If sinless perfection could escape, surely against Him no
evil tongue would have moved. But His blamelessness envenomed man's
reproach. "They laid to My charge things that I knew not." He is reviled as
worse than the worst of men. "He has a devil." But as a lamb before its
shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth, except in extenuating
prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Let the reviled, then, glory in the thought–"Some
lineaments of the Holy Master awaken such attacks; these are the trials of
the narrow way; the godly people have this 'heritage of hate' upon them."
But when the storm beats pitilessly, heavenly shelter
often intercepts all hurt. True is the word, "You shall hide them in the
secret of Your presence from the pride of man--You shall keep them secretly
in a pavilion from the strife of tongues." Ps. 31:20.
It may not be ignored, that the cause of the reviled is
especially espoused by God; and, "if God is for us, who can be against us?"
Is it not written, "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who
trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled." 2 Thes. 1:6-7. And
again, "Listen to me, you who know right from wrong and cherish my law in
your hearts. Do not be afraid of people's scorn or their slanderous talk.
For the moth will destroy them as it destroys clothing. The worm will eat
away at them as it eats wool. But my righteousness will last forever. My
salvation will continue from generation to generation." Isaiah 51:7-8.
Think, also, the reviled have claim to especial
blessings. The lips of man reproach. The lips of Jesus thus solace.
Which scale preponderates? "Blessed are you when people insult you,
persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12.
Happy they who inherit Moses' spirit. He "thought it was better to suffer
for the sake of the Messiah than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was
looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him." Hebrews 11:26.
The faithful word draws near with a refreshing cordial--"If you are
reproached because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of
glory and of God rests on you. "1 Peter 4:14. Welcome reproach which thus
brings glory to the Lord!
5. INJURIES. But
sometimes hatred rests not in inward feeling or mere speech. Injustice
may deal wrongly. Oppression may do ruinous work. Malevolence
may defraud. This is the time for faith to realize that its substance is far
above the skies. The true riches are not here. They are where rust and moth
cannot corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. No thieving hand can
reach them. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children.
It is kept in heaven, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and
decay. It is laid up in heaven for those who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
The elders of the household of faith took joyfully the
"the confiscation of their property, because they knew that they had better
and lasting possessions." Christian annals are dark with tales of
persecuting rage. But in this darkness there is light. The testimony is ever
sure, "All things are yours--things present, and things to come." 1 Cor.
3:21. "The meek shall inherit the earth." He is upraised above all injury,
who can say, "All things are mine in God."
6. DESERTION. Sweet is
the tenderness of sympathy. Trials are bereft of bitterness, when a loving
friend is near to share the sorrow, and to whisper a sustaining word. A
kindly smile makes heavy burdens light. But this support is not always
found. The summer brook is often dry. The weary traveler seeks its stream in
vain. Thus sufferers may meet suffering alone--without an earthly arm on
which to lean. But now faith reminds--this loneliness was known by Jesus. He
has preceded in this solitary way. In His most extreme need, they all
forsook Him and fled. Hear the plaintive sigh of Paul--"This you know, that
all those who are in Asia be turned away from me." 2 Tim. 1:15. And
again--"At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me. I
pray God that it may not be laid to their charge."
But had he no help? Was there no support near? Did he
realize unmitigated desertion? Hear his experience--"Notwithstanding, the
Lord stood with me and strengthened me." 2 Tim. 4:16, 17. He felt, "I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We miss no friend when
we can see His smile. We need no human prop when we can lean on Him. Happy
they who can clasp to the heart the assurance of Christ's fellow-sympathy.
"We have not a high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Heb. 4:15. When friends desert, listen to His word--"Fear not; for I
am with you--be not dismayed; for I am your God--I will strengthen
you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my
righteousness." Isa. 41:10.
Details in long train might still be added, and the
extent of trouble not be traversed. Most hearts have some particular
bitterness. An enlarged catalog would not contain each form of
woe. But these are general cordials, which may be adapted to most cases. The
troubled may always find comfort in words general as these--"He shall
deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you."
Job 5:19. " You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You
shall compass me about with songs of deliverance." Ps. 32:7. "You have
allowed me to suffer much hardship, but You will restore me to life again
and lift me up from the depths of the earth." Ps. 71:20.
Some SIMPLE RULES are
now adjoined to promote right use of these cordials.
1. Labor with earnest diligence for an increase of
faith. This grace in exercise prevents sinking amid billows. It
grasps the Savior's hand, and is kept up. It sees His smile, and darkness
disappears. It is a tender and a teaching word--"Let not your heart be
troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1. Thus, faith
is the barrier which trouble cannot pass. Who will not pray, "Lord,
increase our faith?"
2. Frequent with unremitting constancy the throne of
grace. Here help is ready for every time of need. There are no limits in
the precept, "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which passes all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.
4:6, 7. Let distress call to prayer and praise; then peace, flowing like a
river, shall submerge the trouble.
3. Maintain a holy walk. Godliness has the
"promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim. 4:8.
"The Lord God is a sun and shield--the Lord will give grace and glory. No
good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Ps. 84:11.
Trouble of conscience terribly augments other troubles. Relief can only come
from God; and none can claim God's help, whose wills are not conformed to
His.
4. Use your appointed Burden-bearer. Christ is all
things to His people. Not only is His work their uttermost salvation; not
only does He purchase for them deliverance from wrath and give eternal life,
but He presents Himself their shelter from each storm--their
refuge in each need--their present help in every trouble. They
are exhorted to bring every care and cast it upon Him, knowing that He cares
for them. 1 Pet. 5:7. Strength in ourselves is utter weakness; but why
should our shoulders bear what He stands ready to remove?
5. Consider how short is trouble's day. "Our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor. 4:17. However sharp and keen the present
anguish may be, the believer knows that yet a little while and he shall be
raised far above its reach. Let trouble do its worst, its worst cannot last
long.
6. Let self-examination be sincere and deep. The
rod is God's appointed messenger. It is not mute. It calls to the
inquiry–"Is there not purpose in this painful visitation?" Let the prayer go
forth, "Search me, O God, and know my heart--try me, and know my thoughts,
and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way
everlasting. Ps. 139:23-24. Happy the trouble which detects some lurking
evil, rescues from some secret snare, shows an unsuspected leak in the frail
bark, expels some lingering lust, and establishes the undivided rule of
"righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."
The final counsel shall be the Lord's precept, "Call
upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you; and you shall glorify
Me." Ps. 50:15. The testimony will follow--"This poor man cried, and the
Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles."--Ps. 34:6.
"Holy Comforter, fulfill your office, and give some
cordial through these words!"