ButthereisbutlittlebenefitderivedfromahastyreadingoftheScriptures。OnemayreadthewholeBiblethroughandyetfailtoseeitsbeautyorcomprehenditsdeepandhiddenmeaning。Onepassagestudieduntilitssignificanceiscleartothemindanditsrelationtotheplanofsalvationisevident，isofmorevaluethantheperusalofmanychapterswithnodefinitepurposeinviewandnopositiveinstructiongained。KeepyourBiblewithyou。Asyouhaveopportunity，readit；fixthetextsinyourmemory。Evenwhileyouarewalkingthestreetsyoumayreadapassageandmeditateuponit，thusfixingitinthemind。
Wecannotobtainwisdomwithoutearnestattentionandprayerfulstudy。SomeportionsofScriptureareindeedtooplaintobemisunderstood，butthereareotherswhosemeaningdoesnotlieonthesurfacetobeseenataglance。
Scripturemustbe91
comparedwithscripture。Theremustbecarefulresearchandprayerfulreflection。Andsuchstudywillberichlyrepaid。Astheminerdiscoversveinsofpreciousmetalconcealedbeneaththesurfaceoftheearth，sowillhewhoperseveringlysearchesthewordofGodasforhidtreasurefindtruthsofthegreatestvalue，whichareconcealedfromtheviewofthecarelessseeker。Thewordsofinspiration，ponderedintheheart，willbeasstreamsflowingfromthefountainoflife。
NevershouldtheBiblebestudiedwithoutprayer。BeforeopeningitspagesweshouldaskfortheenlightenmentoftheHolySpirit，anditwillbegiven。WhenNathanaelcametoJesus，theSaviourexclaimed，\"BeholdanIsraeliteindeed，inwhomisnoguile!\"Nathanaelsaid，\"WhenceknowestThoume？\"Jesusanswered，\"BeforethatPhilipcalledthee，whenthouwastunderthefigtree，Isawthee。\"John1：47，48。AndJesuswillseeusalsointhesecretplacesofprayerifwewillseekHimforlightthatwemayknowwhatistruth。Angelsfromtheworldoflightwillbewiththosewhoinhumilityofheartseekfordivineguidance。
TheHolySpiritexaltsandglorifiestheSaviour。ItisHisofficetopresentChrist，thepurityofHisrighteousness，andthegreatsalvationthatwehavethroughHim。Jesussays，\"HeshallreceiveofMine，andshallshowituntoyou。\"John16：14。TheSpiritoftruthistheonlyeffectualteacherofdivinetruth。HowmustGodesteemthehumanrace，sinceHegaveHisSontodieforthemandappointsHisSpirittobeman’steacherandcontinualguide!
（93）
ThePrivilegeofPrayerThroughnatureandrevelation，throughHisprovidence，andbytheinfluenceofHisSpirit，Godspeakstous。Butthesearenotenough；weneedalsotopouroutourheartstoHim。Inordertohavespirituallifeandenergy，wemusthaveactualintercoursewithourheavenlyFather。OurmindsmaybedrawnouttowardHim；wemaymeditateuponHisworks，Hismercies，Hisblessings；butthisisnot，inthefullestsense，communingwithHim。InordertocommunewithGod，wemusthavesomethingtosaytoHimconcerningouractuallife。
PrayeristheopeningofthehearttoGodastoafriend。NotthatitisnecessaryinordertomakeknowntoGodwhatweare，butinordertoenableustoreceiveHim。PrayerdoesnotbringGoddowntous，butbringsusuptoHim。
WhenJesuswasupontheearth，HetaughtHisdiscipleshowtopray。HedirectedthemtopresenttheirdailyneedsbeforeGod，andtocastalltheircareuponHim。AndtheassuranceHegavethemthattheirpetitionsshouldbeheard，isassurancealsotous。
JesusHimself，whileHedweltamongmen，wasofteninprayer。OurSaviouridentifiedHimselfwithourneedsandweakness，inthatHebecameasuppliant，apetitioner，seekingfromHisFatherfreshsuppliesofstrength，thatHemightcomeforthbracedfordutyandtrial。Heisourexampleinallthings。Heisabrotherinourinfirmities，\"inallpointstemptedlikeasweare；\"butasthesinlessoneHis94
naturerecoiledfromevil；Heenduredstrugglesandtortureofsoulinaworldofsin。Hishumanitymadeprayeranecessityandaprivilege。HefoundcomfortandjoyincommunionwithHisFather。AndiftheSaviourofmen，theSonofGod，felttheneedofprayer，howmuchmoreshouldfeeble，sinfulmortalsfeelthenecessityoffervent，constantprayer。
OurheavenlyFatherwaitstobestowuponusthefullnessofHisblessing。Itisourprivilegetodrinklargelyatthefountainofboundlesslove。Whatawonderitisthatwepraysolittle!GodisreadyandwillingtohearthesincereprayerofthehumblestofHischildren，andyetthereismuchmanifestreluctanceonourparttomakeknownourwantstoGod。Whatcantheangelsofheaventhinkofpoorhelplesshumanbeings，whoaresubjecttotemptation，whenGod’sheartofinfiniteloveyearnstowardthem，readytogivethemmorethantheycanaskorthink，andyettheypraysolittleandhavesolittlefaith？TheangelslovetobowbeforeGod；theylovetobenearHim。TheyregardcommunionwithGodastheirhighestjoy；andyetthechildrenofearth，whoneedsomuchthehelpthatGodonlycangive，seemsatisfiedtowalkwithoutthelightofHisSpirit，thecompanionshipofHispresence。
Thedarknessoftheeviloneenclosesthosewhoneglecttopray。Thewhisperedtemptationsoftheenemyenticethemtosin；anditisallbecausetheydonotmakeuseoftheprivilegesthatGodhasgiventheminthedivineappointmentofprayer。WhyshouldthesonsanddaughtersofGodbereluctanttopray，whenprayeristhekeyinthehandoffaithtounlockheaven’sstorehouse，wherearetreasured95
theboundlessresourcesofOmnipotence？Withoutunceasingprayeranddiligentwatchingweareindangerofgrowingcarelessandofdeviatingfromtherightpath。Theadversaryseekscontinuallytoobstructthewaytothemercyseat，thatwemaynotbyearnestsupplicationandfaithobtaingraceandpowertoresisttemptation。
TherearecertainconditionsuponwhichwemayexpectthatGodwillhearandanswerourprayers。OneofthefirstoftheseisthatwefeelourneedofhelpfromHim。Hehaspromised，\"Iwillpourwateruponhimthatisthirsty，andfloodsuponthedryground。\"Isaiah44：3。Thosewhohungerandthirstafterrighteousness，wholongafterGod，maybesurethattheywillbefilled。TheheartmustbeopentotheSpirit’sinfluence，orGod’sblessingcannotbereceived。
Ourgreatneedisitselfanargumentandpleadsmosteloquentlyinourbehalf。ButtheLordistobesoughtuntotodothesethingsforus。Hesays，\"Ask，anditshallbegivenyou。\"And\"HethatsparednotHisownSon，butdeliveredHimupforusall，howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings？\"Matthew7：7；Romans8：32。
Ifweregardiniquityinourhearts，ifweclingtoanyknownsin，theLordwillnothearus；buttheprayerofthepenitent，contritesoulisalwaysaccepted。Whenallknownwrongsarerighted，wemaybelievethatGodwillanswerourpetitions。OurownmeritwillnevercommendustothefavorofGod；itistheworthinessofJesusthatwillsaveus，Hisbloodthatwillcleanseus；yetwehaveaworktodoincomplyingwiththeconditionsofacceptance。
96
Anotherelementofprevailingprayerisfaith。\"HethatcomethtoGodmustbelievethatHeis，andthatHeisarewarderofthemthatdiligentlyseekHim。\"Hebrews11：6。JesussaidtoHisdisciples，\"Whatthingssoeveryedesire，whenyepray，believethatyereceivethem，andyeshallhavethem。\"
Mark11：24。DowetakeHimatHisword？
Theassuranceisbroadandunlimited，andHeisfaithfulwhohaspromised。
Whenwedonotreceivetheverythingsweaskedfor，atthetimeweask，wearestilltobelievethattheLordhearsandthatHewillanswerourprayers。Wearesoerringandshort—sightedthatwesometimesaskforthingsthatwouldnotbeablessingtous，andourheavenlyFatherinloveanswersourprayersbygivingusthatwhichwillbeforourhighestgood——thatwhichweourselveswoulddesireifwithvisiondivinelyenlightenedwecouldseeallthingsastheyreallyare。Whenourprayersseemnottobeanswered，wearetoclingtothepromise；forthetimeofansweringwillsurelycome，andweshallreceivetheblessingweneedmost。Buttoclaimthatprayerwillalwaysbeansweredintheverywayandfortheparticularthingthatwedesire，ispresumption。Godistoowisetoerr，andtoogoodtowithholdanygoodthingfromthemthatwalkuprightly。ThendonotfeartotrustHim，eventhoughyoudonotseetheimmediateanswertoyourprayers。RelyuponHissurepromise，\"Ask，anditshallbegivenyou。\"
Ifwetakecounselwithourdoubtsandfears，ortrytosolveeverythingthatwecannotseeclearly，beforewehavefaith，perplexitieswillonlyincrease97
anddeepen。ButifwecometoGod，feelinghelplessanddependent，aswereallyare，andinhumble，trustingfaithmakeknownourwantstoHimwhoseknowledgeisinfinite，whoseeseverythingincreation，andwhogovernseverythingbyHiswillandword，Hecanandwillattendtoourcry，andwillletlightshineintoourhearts。ThroughsincereprayerwearebroughtintoconnectionwiththemindoftheInfinite。WemayhavenoremarkableevidenceatthetimethatthefaceofourRedeemerisbendingoverusincompassionandlove，butthisisevenso。WemaynotfeelHisvisibletouch，butHishandisuponusinloveandpityingtenderness。
WhenwecometoaskmercyandblessingfromGodweshouldhaveaspiritofloveandforgivenessinourownhearts。Howcanwepray，\"Forgiveusourdebts，asweforgiveourdebtors，\"andyetindulgeanunforgivingspirit？
Matthew6：12。Ifweexpectourownprayerstobeheardwemustforgiveothersinthesamemannerandtothesameextentaswehopetobeforgiven。
Perseveranceinprayerhasbeenmadeaconditionofreceiving。Wemustprayalwaysifwewouldgrowinfaithandexperience。Wearetobe\"instantinprayer，\"to\"continueinprayer，andwatchinthesamewiththanksgiving。\"
Romans12：12；Colossians4：2。Peterexhortsbelieverstobe\"sober，andwatchuntoprayer。\"1Peter4：7。Pauldirects，\"IneverythingbyprayerandsupplicationwiththanksgivingletyourrequestsbemadeknownuntoGod。\"
Philippians4：6。\"Butye，beloved，\"saysJude，\"prayingintheHolyGhost，keepyourselvesintheloveofGod。\"Jude20，21。
98
UnceasingprayeristheunbrokenunionofthesoulwithGod，sothatlifefromGodflowsintoourlife；andfromourlife，purityandholinessflowbacktoGod。
Thereisnecessityfordiligenceinprayer；letnothinghinderyou。MakeeveryefforttokeepopenthecommunionbetweenJesusandyourownsoul。
Seekeveryopportunitytogowhereprayeriswonttobemade。ThosewhoarereallyseekingforcommunionwithGodwillbeseenintheprayermeeting，faithfultodotheirdutyandearnestandanxioustoreapallthebenefitstheycangain。Theywillimproveeveryopportunityofplacingthemselveswheretheycanreceivetheraysoflightfromheaven。
Weshouldprayinthefamilycircle，andaboveallwemustnotneglectsecretprayer，forthisisthelifeofthesoul。Itisimpossibleforthesoultoflourishwhileprayerisneglected。Familyorpublicprayeraloneisnotsufficient。InsolitudeletthesoulbelaidopentotheinspectingeyeofGod。Secretprayeristobeheardonlybytheprayer—hearingGod。Nocuriousearistoreceivetheburdenofsuchpetitions。Insecretprayerthesoulisfreefromsurroundinginfluences，freefromexcitement。Calmly，yetfervently，willitreachoutafterGod。SweetandabidingwillbetheinfluenceemanatingfromHimwhoseethinsecret，whoseearisopentoheartheprayerarisingfromtheheart。Bycalm，simplefaiththesoulholdscommunionwithGodandgatherstoitselfraysofdivinelighttostrengthenandsustainitintheconflictwithSatan。Godisourtowerofstrength。
Prayinyourcloset，andasyougoaboutyourdailylaborletyourheartbeoftenupliftedtoGod。
99
ItwasthusthatEnochwalkedwithGod。Thesesilentprayersriselikepreciousincensebeforethethroneofgrace。SatancannotovercomehimwhoseheartisthusstayeduponGod。
ThereisnotimeorplaceinwhichitisinappropriatetoofferupapetitiontoGod。Thereisnothingthatcanpreventusfromliftingupourheartsinthespiritofearnestprayer。Inthecrowdsofthestreet，inthemidstofabusinessengagement，wemaysendupapetitiontoGodandpleadfordivineguidance，asdidNehemiahwhenhemadehisrequestbeforeKingArtaxerxes。Aclosetofcommunionmaybefoundwhereverweare。WeshouldhavethedooroftheheartopencontinuallyandourinvitationgoingupthatJesusmaycomeandabideasaheavenlyguestinthesoul。
Althoughtheremaybeatainted，corruptedatmospherearoundus，weneednotbreatheitsmiasma，butmayliveinthepureairofheaven。WemaycloseeverydoortoimpureimaginingsandunholythoughtsbyliftingthesoulintothepresenceofGodthroughsincereprayer。ThosewhoseheartsareopentoreceivethesupportandblessingofGodwillwalkinaholieratmospherethanthatofearthandwillhaveconstantcommunionwithheaven。
WeneedtohavemoredistinctviewsofJesusandafullercomprehensionofthevalueofeternalrealities。ThebeautyofholinessistofilltheheartsofGod’schildren；andthatthismaybeaccomplished，weshouldseekfordivinedisclosuresofheavenlythings。
Letthesoulbedrawnoutandupward，thatGodmaygrantusabreathoftheheavenlyatmosphere。WemaykeepsoneartoGodthatineveryunexpected100
trialourthoughtswillturntoHimasnaturallyastheflowerturnstothesun。
Keepyourwants，yourjoys，yoursorrows，yourcares，andyourfearsbeforeGod。YoucannotburdenHim；youcannotwearyHim。HewhonumbersthehairsofyourheadisnotindifferenttothewantsofHischildren。\"TheLordisverypitiful，andoftendermercy。\"James5：11。Hisheartofloveistouchedbyoursorrowsandevenbyourutterancesofthem。TaketoHimeverythingthatperplexesthemind。NothingistoogreatforHimtobear，forHeholdsupworlds，Herulesoveralltheaffairsoftheuniverse。NothingthatinanywayconcernsourpeaceistoosmallforHimtonotice。ThereisnochapterinourexperiencetoodarkforHimtoread；thereisnoperplexitytoodifficultforHimtounravel。NocalamitycanbefalltheleastofHischildren，noanxietyharassthesoul，nojoycheer，nosincereprayerescapethelips，ofwhichourheavenlyFatherisunobservant，orinwhichHetakesnoimmediateinterest。\"Hehealeththebrokeninheart，andbindethuptheirwounds。\"Psalm147：3。TherelationsbetweenGodandeachsoulareasdistinctandfullasthoughtherewerenotanothersoulupontheearthtoshareHiswatchcare，notanothersoulforwhomHegaveHisbelovedSon。
Jesussaid，\"YeshallaskinMyname：andIsaynotuntoyou，thatIwillpraytheFatherforyou：fortheFatherHimselflovethyou。\"\"Ihavechosenyou：……thatwhatsoeveryeshallaskoftheFatherinMyname，Hemaygiveityou。\"John16：26，27；15：16。ButtoprayinthenameofJesusissomethingmorethanamerementionofthatnameatthebeginning101
andtheendingofaprayer。ItistoprayinthemindandspiritofJesus，whilewebelieveHispromises，relyuponHisgrace，andworkHisworks。
Goddoesnotmeanthatanyofusshouldbecomehermitsormonksandretirefromtheworldinordertodevoteourselvestoactsofworship。ThelifemustbelikeChrist’slife——betweenthemountainandthemultitude。Hewhodoesnothingbutpraywillsoonceasetopray，orhisprayerswillbecomeaformalroutine。Whenmentakethemselvesoutofsociallife，awayfromthesphereofChristiandutyandcrossbearing；whentheyceasetoworkearnestlyfortheMaster，whoworkedearnestlyforthem，theylosethesubjectmatterofprayerandhavenoincentivetodevotion。Theirprayersbecomepersonalandselfish。TheycannotprayinregardtothewantsofhumanityortheupbuildingofChrist’skingdom，pleadingforstrengthwherewithtowork。
WesustainalosswhenweneglecttheprivilegeofassociatingtogethertostrengthenandencourageoneanotherintheserviceofGod。ThetruthsofHiswordlosetheirvividnessandimportanceinourminds。Ourheartsceasetobeenlightenedandarousedbytheirsanctifyinginfluence，andwedeclineinspirituality。InourassociationasChristianswelosemuchbylackofsympathywithoneanother。HewhoshutshimselfuptohimselfisnotfillingthepositionthatGoddesignedheshould。ThepropercultivationofthesocialelementsinournaturebringsusintosympathywithothersandisameansofdevelopmentandstrengthtousintheserviceofGod。
IfChristianswouldassociatetogether，speakingtoeachotheroftheloveofGodandoftheprecious102
truthsofredemption，theirownheartswouldberefreshedandtheywouldrefreshoneanother。WemaybedailylearningmoreofourheavenlyFather，gainingafreshexperienceofHisgrace；thenweshalldesiretospeakofHislove；andaswedothis，ourownheartswillbewarmedandencouraged。
IfwethoughtandtalkedmoreofJesus，andlessofself，weshouldhavefarmoreofHispresence。
IfwewouldbutthinkofGodasoftenaswehaveevidenceofHiscareforusweshouldkeepHimeverinourthoughtsandshoulddelighttotalkofHimandtopraiseHim。Wetalkoftemporalthingsbecausewehaveaninterestinthem。Wetalkofourfriendsbecausewelovethem；ourjoysandoursorrowsareboundupwiththem。YetwehaveinfinitelygreaterreasontoloveGodthantoloveourearthlyfriends；itshouldbethemostnaturalthingintheworldtomakeHimfirstinallourthoughts，totalkofHisgoodnessandtellofHispower。TherichgiftsHehasbestoweduponuswerenotintendedtoabsorbourthoughtsandlovesomuchthatweshouldhavenothingtogivetoGod；theyareconstantlytoremindusofHimandtobindusinbondsofloveandgratitudetoourheavenlyBenefactor。Wedwelltoonearthelowlandsofearth。Letusraiseoureyestotheopendoorofthesanctuaryabove，wherethelightofthegloryofGodshinesinthefaceofChrist，who\"isablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyHim。\"
Hebrews7：25。
WeneedtopraiseGodmore\"forHisgoodness，andforHiswonderfulworkstothechildrenofmen。\"Psalm107：8。Ourdevotionalexercisesshouldnot103
consistwhollyinaskingandreceiving。Letusnotbealwaysthinkingofourwantsandneverofthebenefitswereceive。Wedonotprayanytoomuch，butwearetoosparingofgivingthanks。WearetheconstantrecipientsofGod’smercies，andyethowlittlegratitudeweexpress，howlittlewepraiseHimforwhatHehasdoneforus。
AncientlytheLordbadeIsrael，whentheymettogetherforHisservice，\"YeshalleatbeforetheLordyourGod，andyeshallrejoiceinallthatyeputyourhandunto，yeandyourhouseholds，whereintheLordthyGodhathblessedthee。\"Deuteronomy12：7。ThatwhichisdoneforthegloryofGodshouldbedonewithcheerfulness，withsongsofpraiseandthanksgiving，notwithsadnessandgloom。
OurGodisatender，mercifulFather。Hisserviceshouldnotbelookeduponasaheart—saddening，distressingexercise。ItshouldbeapleasuretoworshiptheLordandtotakepartinHiswork。GodwouldnothaveHischildren，forwhomsogreatsalvationhasbeenprovided，actasifHewereahard，exactingtaskmaster。Heistheirbestfriend；andwhentheyworshipHim，Heexpectstobewiththem，toblessandcomfortthem，fillingtheirheartswithjoyandlove。TheLorddesiresHischildrentotakecomfortinHisserviceandtofindmorepleasurethanhardshipinHiswork。HedesiresthatthosewhocometoworshipHimshallcarryawaywiththempreciousthoughtsofHiscareandlove，thattheymaybecheeredinalltheemploymentsofdailylife，thattheymayhavegracetodealhonestlyandfaithfullyinallthings。
Wemustgatheraboutthecross。ChristandHim104
crucifiedshouldbethethemeofcontemplation，ofconversation，andofourmostjoyfulemotion。WeshouldkeepinourthoughtseveryblessingwereceivefromGod，andwhenwerealizeHisgreatloveweshouldbewillingtotrusteverythingtothehandthatwasnailedtothecrossforus。
Thesoulmayascendnearerheavenonthewingsofpraise。Godisworshipedwithsongandmusicinthecourtsabove，andasweexpressourgratitudeweareapproximatingtotheworshipoftheheavenlyhosts。\"Whosoofferethpraiseglorifieth\"God。Psalm50：23。LetuswithreverentjoycomebeforeourCreator，with\"thanksgiving，andthevoiceofmelody。\"Isaiah51：3。
（105）
WhattoDowithDoubtMany，especiallythosewhoareyoungintheChristianlife，areattimestroubledwiththesuggestionsofskepticism。ThereareintheBiblemanythingswhichtheycannotexplain，orevenunderstand，andSatanemploysthesetoshaketheirfaithintheScripturesasarevelationfromGod。Theyask，\"HowshallIknowtherightway？IftheBibleisindeedthewordofGod，howcanIbefreedfromthesedoubtsandperplexities？\"
Godneverasksustobelieve，withoutgivingsufficientevidenceuponwhichtobaseourfaith。Hisexistence，Hischaracter，thetruthfulnessofHisword，areallestablishedbytestimonythatappealstoourreason；andthistestimonyisabundant。YetGodhasneverremovedthepossibilityofdoubt。
Ourfaithmustrestuponevidence，notdemonstration。Thosewhowishtodoubtwillhaveopportunity；whilethosewhoreallydesiretoknowthetruthwillfindplentyofevidenceonwhichtoresttheirfaith。
ItisimpossibleforfinitemindsfullytocomprehendthecharacterortheworksoftheInfiniteOne。Tothekeenestintellect，themosthighlyeducatedmind，thatholyBeingmusteverremainclothedinmystery。\"CanstthoubysearchingfindoutGod？canstthoufindouttheAlmightyuntoperfection？Itisashighasheaven；whatcanstthoudo？deeperthanhell；
whatcanstthouknow？\"Job11：7，8。
106
TheapostlePaulexclaims，\"OthedepthoftherichesbothofthewisdomandknowledgeofGod!howunsearchableareHisjudgments，andHiswayspastfindingout!\"Romans11：33。Butthough\"cloudsanddarknessareroundaboutHim，\"\"righteousnessandjudgmentarethefoundationofHisthrone。\"Psalm97：2，R。V。WecansofarcomprehendHisdealingswithus，andthemotivesbywhichHeisactuated，thatwemaydiscernboundlessloveandmercyunitedtoinfinitepower。WecanunderstandasmuchofHispurposesasitisforourgoodtoknow；andbeyondthiswemuststilltrustthehandthatisomnipotent，theheartthatisfulloflove。
ThewordofGod，likethecharacterofitsdivineAuthor，presentsmysteriesthatcanneverbefullycomprehendedbyfinitebeings。Theentranceofsinintotheworld，theincarnationofChrist，regeneration，theresurrection，andmanyothersubjectspresentedintheBible，aremysteriestoodeepforthehumanmindtoexplain，orevenfullytocomprehend。ButwehavenoreasontodoubtGod’swordbecausewecannotunderstandthemysteriesofHisprovidence。Inthenaturalworldweareconstantlysurroundedwithmysteriesthatwecannotfathom。Theveryhumblestformsoflifepresentaproblemthatthewisestofphilosophersispowerlesstoexplain。Everywherearewondersbeyondourken。Shouldwethenbesurprisedtofindthatinthespiritualworldalsotherearemysteriesthatwecannotfathom？Thedifficultyliessolelyintheweaknessandnarrownessofthehumanmind。GodhasgivenusintheScripturessufficientevidenceoftheirdivinecharacter，andwearenotto107
doubtHiswordbecausewecannotunderstandallthemysteriesofHisprovidence。
TheapostlePetersaysthatthereareinScripture\"thingshardtobeunderstood，whichtheythatareunlearnedandunstablewrest……untotheirowndestruction。\"2Peter3：16。ThedifficultiesofScripturehavebeenurgedbyskepticsasanargumentagainsttheBible；butsofarfromthis，theyconstituteastrongevidenceofitsdivineinspiration。IfitcontainednoaccountofGodbutthatwhichwecouldeasilycomprehend；ifHisgreatnessandmajestycouldbegraspedbyfiniteminds，thentheBiblewouldnotbeartheunmistakablecredentialsofdivineauthority。TheverygrandeurandmysteryofthethemespresentedshouldinspirefaithinitasthewordofGod。
TheBibleunfoldstruthwithasimplicityandaperfectadaptationtotheneedsandlongingsofthehumanheart，thathasastonishedandcharmedthemosthighlycultivatedminds，whileitenablesthehumblestandunculturedtodiscernthewayofsalvation。Andyetthesesimplystatedtruthslayholduponsubjectssoelevated，sofar—reaching，soinfinitelybeyondthepowerofhumancomprehension，thatwecanacceptthemonlybecauseGodhasdeclaredthem。Thustheplanofredemptionislaidopentous，sothateverysoulmayseethestepsheistotakeinrepentancetowardGodandfaithtowardourLordJesusChrist，inordertobesavedinGod’sappointedway；
yetbeneaththesetruths，soeasilyunderstood，liemysteriesthatarethehidingofHisglory——mysteriesthatoverpowerthemindinitsresearch，yetinspirethesincereseekerfortruthwithreverenceandfaith。Themore108
hesearchestheBible，thedeeperishisconvictionthatitisthewordofthelivingGod，andhumanreasonbowsbeforethemajestyofdivinerevelation。
ToacknowledgethatwecannotfullycomprehendthegreattruthsoftheBibleisonlytoadmitthatthefinitemindisinadequatetograsptheinfinite；
thatman，withhislimited，humanknowledge，cannotunderstandthepurposesofOmniscience。
Becausetheycannotfathomallitsmysteries，theskepticandtheinfidelrejectGod’sword；andnotallwhoprofesstobelievetheBiblearefreefromdangeronthispoint。Theapostlesays，\"Takeheed，brethren，lesttherebeinanyofyouanevilheartofunbelief，indepartingfromthelivingGod。\"Hebrews3：12。ItisrighttostudycloselytheteachingsoftheBibleandtosearchinto\"thedeepthingsofGod\"sofarastheyarerevealedinScripture。1Corinthians2：10。While\"thesecretthingsbelonguntotheLordourGod，\"\"thosethingswhicharerevealedbelonguntous。\"
Deuteronomy29：29。ButitisSatan’sworktoperverttheinvestigativepowersofthemind。AcertainprideismingledwiththeconsiderationofBibletruth，sothatmenfeelimpatientanddefeatediftheycannotexplaineveryportionofScripturetotheirsatisfaction。Itistoohumiliatingtothemtoacknowledgethattheydonotunderstandtheinspiredwords。TheyareunwillingtowaitpatientlyuntilGodshallseefittorevealthetruthtothem。TheyfeelthattheirunaidedhumanwisdomissufficienttoenablethemtocomprehendtheScripture，andfailingtodothis，theyvirtuallydenyitsauthority。ItistruethatmanytheoriesanddoctrinespopularlysupposedtobederivedfromtheBiblehavenofoundationinitsteaching，andindeedare109
contrarytothewholetenorofinspiration。Thesethingshavebeenacauseofdoubtandperplexitytomanyminds。Theyarenot，however，chargeabletoGod’sword，buttoman’sperversionofit。
IfitwerepossibleforcreatedbeingstoattaintoafullunderstandingofGodandHisworks，then，havingreachedthispoint，therewouldbeforthemnofurtherdiscoveryoftruth，nogrowthinknowledge，nofurtherdevelopmentofmindorheart。Godwouldnolongerbesupreme；andman，havingreachedthelimitofknowledgeandattainment，wouldceasetoadvance。LetusthankGodthatitisnotso。Godisinfinite；inHimare\"allthetreasuresofwisdomandknowledge。\"Colossians2：3。Andtoalleternitymenmaybeeversearching，everlearning，andyetneverexhaustthetreasuresofHiswisdom，Hisgoodness，andHispower。
GodintendsthateveninthislifethetruthsofHiswordshallbeeverunfoldingtoHispeople。Thereisonlyonewayinwhichthisknowledgecanbeobtained。WecanattaintoanunderstandingofGod’swordonlythroughtheilluminationofthatSpiritbywhichthewordwasgiven。\"ThethingsofGodknowethnoman，buttheSpiritofGod；\"\"fortheSpiritsearchethallthings，yea，thedeepthingsofGod。\"1Corinthians2：11，10。AndtheSaviour’spromisetoHisfollowerswas，\"WhenHe，theSpiritoftruth，iscome，Hewillguideyouintoalltruth……ForHeshallreceiveofMine，andshallshowituntoyou。\"John16：13，14。
Goddesiresmantoexercisehisreasoningpowers；andthestudyoftheBiblewillstrengthenandelevatethemindasnootherstudycan。Yetwearetobeware110
ofdeifyingreason，whichissubjecttotheweaknessandinfirmityofhumanity。IfwewouldnothavetheScripturescloudedtoourunderstanding，sothattheplainesttruthsshallnotbecomprehended，wemusthavethesimplicityandfaithofalittlechild，readytolearn，andbeseechingtheaidoftheHolySpirit。AsenseofthepowerandwisdomofGod，andofourinabilitytocomprehendHisgreatness，shouldinspireuswithhumility，andweshouldopenHisword，aswewouldenterHispresence，withholyawe。WhenwecometotheBible，reasonmustacknowledgeanauthoritysuperiortoitself，andheartandintellectmustbowtothegreatIAM。
Therearemanythingsapparentlydifficultorobscure，whichGodwillmakeplainandsimpletothosewhothusseekanunderstandingofthem。ButwithouttheguidanceoftheHolySpiritweshallbecontinuallyliabletowresttheScripturesortomisinterpretthem。ThereismuchreadingoftheBiblethatiswithoutprofitandinmanycasesapositiveinjury。WhenthewordofGodisopenedwithoutreverenceandwithoutprayer；whenthethoughtsandaffectionsarenotfixeduponGod，orinharmonywithHiswill，themindiscloudedwithdoubts；andintheverystudyoftheBible，skepticismstrengthens。Theenemytakescontrolofthethoughts，andhesuggestsinterpretationsthatarenotcorrect。WhenevermenarenotinwordanddeedseekingtobeinharmonywithGod，then，howeverlearnedtheymaybe，theyareliabletoerrintheirunderstandingofScripture，anditisnotsafetotrusttotheirexplanations。ThosewholooktotheScripturestofinddiscrepancies，havenotspiritual111
insight。Withdistortedvisiontheywillseemanycausesfordoubtandunbeliefinthingsthatarereallyplainandsimple。
Disguiseitastheymay，therealcauseofdoubtandskepticism，inmostcases，istheloveofsin。TheteachingsandrestrictionsofGod’swordarenotwelcometotheproud，sin—lovingheart，andthosewhoareunwillingtoobeyitsrequirementsarereadytodoubtitsauthority。Inordertoarriveattruth，wemusthaveasinceredesiretoknowthetruthandawillingnessofhearttoobeyit。AndallwhocomeinthisspirittothestudyoftheBiblewillfindabundantevidencethatitisGod’sword，andtheymaygainanunderstandingofitstruthsthatwillmakethemwiseuntosalvation。
Christhassaid，\"IfanymanwillethtodoHiswill，heshallknowoftheteaching。\"John7：17，R。V。Insteadofquestioningandcavilingconcerningthatwhichyoudonotunderstand，giveheedtothelightthatalreadyshinesuponyou，andyouwillreceivegreaterlight。BythegraceofChrist，performeverydutythathasbeenmadeplaintoyourunderstanding，andyouwillbeenabledtounderstandandperformthoseofwhichyouarenowindoubt。
Thereisanevidencethatisopentoall，——themosthighlyeducated，andthemostilliterate，——theevidenceofexperience。GodinvitesustoproveforourselvestherealityofHisword，thetruthofHispromises。Hebidsus\"tasteandseethattheLordisgood。\"Psalm34：8。Insteadofdependinguponthewordofanother，wearetotasteforourselves。Hedeclares，\"Ask，andyeshallreceive。\"John16：24。Hispromiseswillbe112
fulfilled。Theyhaveneverfailed；theynevercanfail。AndaswedrawneartoJesus，andrejoiceinthefullnessofHislove，ourdoubtanddarknesswilldisappearinthelightofHispresence。
TheapostlePaulsaysthatGod\"hathdeliveredusfromthepowerofdarkness，andhathtranslatedusintothekingdomofHisdearSon。\"
Colossians1：13。Andeveryonewhohaspassedfromdeathuntolifeisableto\"settohissealthatGodistrue。\"John3：33。Hecantestify，\"Ineededhelp，andIfounditinJesus。Everywantwassupplied，thehungerofmysoulwassatisfied；andnowtheBibleistometherevelationofJesusChrist。DoyouaskwhyIbelieveinJesus？BecauseHeistomeadivineSaviour。WhydoIbelievetheBible？BecauseIhavefoundittobethevoiceofGodtomysoul。\"WemayhavethewitnessinourselvesthattheBibleistrue，thatChrististheSonofGod。Weknowthatwearenotfollowingcunninglydevisedfables。
Peterexhortshisbrethrento\"growingrace，andintheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist。\"2Peter3：18。WhenthepeopleofGodaregrowingingrace，theywillbeconstantlyobtainingaclearerunderstandingofHisword。Theywilldiscernnewlightandbeautyinitssacredtruths。
Thishasbeentrueinthehistoryofthechurchinallages，andthusitwillcontinuetotheend。\"Thepathoftherighteousisasthelightofdawn，thatshinethmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday。\"Proverbs4：18，R。V。，margin。
ByfaithwemaylooktothehereafterandgraspthepledgeofGodforagrowthofintellect，the113
humanfacultiesunitingwiththedivine，andeverypowerofthesoulbeingbroughtintodirectcontactwiththeSourceoflight。WemayrejoicethatallwhichhasperplexedusintheprovidencesofGodwillthenbemadeplain，thingshardtobeunderstoodwillthenfindanexplanation；andwhereourfinitemindsdiscoveredonlyconfusionandbrokenpurposes，weshallseethemostperfectandbeautifulharmony。\"Nowweseethroughaglass，darkly；
butthenfacetoface：nowIknowinpart；butthenshallIknowevenasalsoIamknown。\"1Corinthians13：12。
（115）
RejoicingintheLordThechildrenofGodarecalledtoberepresentativesofChrist，showingforththegoodnessandmercyoftheLord。AsJesushasrevealedtousthetruecharacteroftheFather，sowearetorevealChristtoaworldthatdoesnotknowHistender，pityinglove。\"AsThouhastsentMeintotheworld，\"saidJesus，\"evensohaveIalsosentthemintotheworld。\"\"Iinthem，andThouinMe；……thattheworldmayknowthatThouhastsentMe。\"
John17：
18，23。TheapostlePaulsaystothedisciplesofJesus，\"YearemanifestlydeclaredtobetheepistleofChrist，\"\"knownandreadofallmen。\"2Corinthians3：3，2。IneveryoneofHischildren，Jesussendsalettertotheworld。IfyouareChrist’sfollower，Hesendsinyoualettertothefamily，thevillage，thestreet，whereyoulive。Jesus，dwellinginyou，desirestospeaktotheheartsofthosewhoarenotacquaintedwithHim。PerhapstheydonotreadtheBible，ordonothearthevoicethatspeakstotheminitspages；theydonotseetheloveofGodthroughHisworks。ButifyouareatruerepresentativeofJesus，itmaybethatthroughyoutheywillbeledtounderstandsomethingofHisgoodnessandbewontoloveandserveHim。
Christiansaresetaslightbearersonthewaytoheaven。TheyaretoreflecttotheworldthelightshininguponthemfromChrist。TheirlifeandcharactershouldbesuchthatthroughthemotherswillgetarightconceptionofChristandofHisservice。
116
IfwedorepresentChrist，weshallmakeHisserviceappearattractive，asitreallyis。Christianswhogatherupgloomandsadnesstotheirsouls，andmurmurandcomplain，aregivingtoothersafalserepresentationofGodandtheChristianlife。TheygivetheimpressionthatGodisnotpleasedtohaveHischildrenhappy，andinthistheybearfalsewitnessagainstourheavenlyFather。
SatanisexultantwhenhecanleadthechildrenofGodintounbeliefanddespondency。HedelightstoseeusmistrustingGod，doubtingHiswillingnessandpowertosaveus。HelovestohaveusfeelthattheLordwilldousharmbyHisprovidences。ItistheworkofSatantorepresenttheLordaslackingincompassionandpity。HemisstatesthetruthinregardtoHim。HefillstheimaginationwithfalseideasconcerningGod；andinsteadofdwellinguponthetruthinregardtoourheavenlyFather，wetoooftenfixourmindsuponthemisrepresentationsofSatananddishonorGodbydistrustingHimandmurmuringagainstHim。Sataneverseekstomakethereligiouslifeoneofgloom。Hedesiresittoappeartoilsomeanddifficult；andwhentheChristianpresentsinhisownlifethisviewofreligion，heis，throughhisunbelief，secondingthefalsehoodofSatan。
Many，walkingalongthepathoflife，dwellupontheirmistakesandfailuresanddisappointments，andtheirheartsarefilledwithgriefanddiscouragement。WhileIwasinEurope，asisterwhohadbeendoingthis，andwhowasindeepdistress，wrotetome，askingforsomewordofencouragement。ThenightafterIhadreadherletterIdreamedthatIwasinagarden，andonewhoseemedtobetheownerof117
thegardenwasconductingmethroughitspaths。Iwasgatheringtheflowersandenjoyingtheirfragrance，whenthissister，whohadbeenwalkingbymyside，calledmyattentiontosomeunsightlybriersthatwereimpedingherway。Thereshewasmourningandgrieving。Shewasnotwalkinginthepathway，followingtheguide，butwaswalkingamongthebriersandthorns。
\"Oh，\"shemourned，\"isitnotapitythatthisbeautifulgardenisspoiledwiththorns？\"Thentheguidesaid，\"Letthethornsalone，fortheywillonlywoundyou。Gathertheroses，thelilies，andthepinks。\"
Havetherenotbeensomebrightspotsinyourexperience？HaveyounothadsomepreciousseasonswhenyourheartthrobbedwithjoyinresponsetotheSpiritofGod？Whenyoulookbackintothechaptersofyourlifeexperiencedoyounotfindsomepleasantpages？ArenotGod’spromises，likethefragrantflowers，growingbesideyourpathoneveryhand？Willyounotlettheirbeautyandsweetnessfillyourheartwithjoy？
Thebriersandthornswillonlywoundandgrieveyou；andifyougatheronlythesethings，andpresentthemtoothers，areyounot，besidesslightingthegoodnessofGodyourself，preventingthosearoundyoufromwalkinginthepathoflife？
Itisnotwisetogathertogetheralltheunpleasantrecollectionsofapastlife，——itsiniquitiesanddisappointments，——totalkoverthemandmournoverthemuntilweareoverwhelmedwithdiscouragement。Adiscouragedsoulisfilledwithdarkness，shuttingoutthelightofGodfromhisownsoulandcastingashadowuponthepathwayofothers。
118
ThankGodforthebrightpictureswhichHehaspresentedtous。LetusgrouptogethertheblessedassurancesofHislove，thatwemaylookuponthemcontinually：TheSonofGodleavingHisFather’sthrone，clothingHisdivinitywithhumanity，thatHemightrescuemanfromthepowerofSatan；
Histriumphinourbehalf，openingheaventomen，revealingtohumanvisionthepresencechamberwheretheDeityunveilsHisglory；thefallenraceupliftedfromthepitofruinintowhichsinhadplungedit，andbroughtagainintoconnectionwiththeinfiniteGod，andhavingenduredthedivinetestthroughfaithinourRedeemer，clothedintherighteousnessofChrist，andexaltedtoHisthrone——thesearethepictureswhichGodwouldhaveuscontemplate。
WhenweseemtodoubtGod’sloveanddistrustHispromiseswedishonorHimandgrieveHisHolySpirit。Howwouldamotherfeelifherchildrenwereconstantlycomplainingofher，justasthoughshedidnotmeanthemwell，whenherwholelife’sefforthadbeentoforwardtheirinterestsandtogivethemcomfort？Supposetheyshoulddoubtherlove；itwouldbreakherheart。
Howwouldanyparentfeeltobethustreatedbyhischildren？AndhowcanourheavenlyFatherregarduswhenwedistrustHislove，whichhasledHimtogiveHisonly—begottenSonthatwemighthavelife？Theapostlewrites，\"HethatsparednotHisownSon，butdeliveredHimupforusall，howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings？\"Romans8：32。Andyethowmany，bytheiractions，ifnotinword，aresaying，\"TheLorddoes119
notmeanthisforme。PerhapsHelovesothers，butHedoesnotloveme。\"
Allthisisharmingyourownsoul；foreverywordofdoubtyouutterisinvitingSatan’stemptations；itisstrengtheninginyouthetendencytodoubt，anditisgrievingfromyoutheministeringangels。WhenSatantemptsyou，breathenotawordofdoubtordarkness。Ifyouchoosetoopenthedoortohissuggestions，yourmindwillbefilledwithdistrustandrebelliousquestioning。Ifyoutalkoutyourfeelings，everydoubtyouexpressnotonlyreactsuponyourself，butitisaseedthatwillgerminateandbearfruitinthelifeofothers，anditmaybeimpossibletocounteracttheinfluenceofyourwords。YouyourselfmaybeabletorecoverfromtheseasonoftemptationandfromthesnareofSatan，butotherswhohavebeenswayedbyyourinfluencemaynotbeabletoescapefromtheunbeliefyouhavesuggested。Howimportantthatwespeakonlythosethingsthatwillgivespiritualstrengthandlife!
AngelsarelisteningtohearwhatkindofreportyouarebearingtotheworldaboutyourheavenlyMaster。LetyourconversationbeofHimwholivethtomakeintercessionforyoubeforetheFather。Whenyoutakethehandofafriend，letpraisetoGodbeonyourlipsandinyourheart。ThiswillattracthisthoughtstoJesus。
Allhavetrials；griefshardtobear，temptationshardtoresist。Donottellyourtroublestoyourfellowmortals，butcarryeverythingtoGodinprayer。Makeitarulenevertoutteronewordofdoubtordiscouragement。
Youcandomuchtobrightenthe120
lifeofothersandstrengthentheirefforts，bywordsofhopeandholycheer。
Thereismanyabravesoulsorelypressedbytemptation，almostreadytofaintintheconflictwithselfandwiththepowersofevil。Donotdiscouragesuchaoneinhishardstruggle。Cheerhimwithbrave，hopefulwordsthatshallurgehimonhisway。ThusthelightofChristmayshinefromyou。\"Noneofuslivethtohimself。\"Romans14：7。Byourunconsciousinfluenceothersmaybeencouragedandstrengthened，ortheymaybediscouraged，andrepelledfromChristandthetruth。
TherearemanywhohaveanerroneousideaofthelifeandcharacterofChrist。TheythinkthatHewasdevoidofwarmthandsunniness，thatHewasstern，severe，andjoyless。Inmanycasesthewholereligiousexperienceiscoloredbythesegloomyviews。
ItisoftensaidthatJesuswept，butthatHewasneverknowntosmile。OurSaviourwasindeedaManofSorrows，andacquaintedwithgrief，forHeopenedHishearttoallthewoesofmen。ButthoughHislifewasself—denyingandshadowedwithpainandcare，Hisspiritwasnotcrushed。
Hiscountenancedidnotwearanexpressionofgriefandrepining，buteveroneofpeacefulserenity。Hisheartwasawellspringoflife，andwhereverHewentHecarriedrestandpeace，joyandgladness。
OurSaviourwasdeeplyseriousandintenselyinearnest，butnevergloomyormorose。ThelifeofthosewhoimitateHimwillbefullofearnestpurpose；
theywillhaveadeepsenseofpersonalresponsibility。Levitywillberepressed；therewillbeno121
boisterousmerriment，norudejesting；butthereligionofJesusgivespeacelikeariver。Itdoesnotquenchthelightofjoy；itdoesnotrestraincheerfulnessnorcloudthesunny，smilingface。Christcamenottobeministereduntobuttominister；andwhenHislovereignsintheheart，weshallfollowHisexample。
IfwekeepuppermostinourmindstheunkindandunjustactsofothersweshallfinditimpossibletolovethemasChristhaslovedus；butifourthoughtsdwelluponthewondrousloveandpityofChristforus，thesamespiritwillflowouttoothers。Weshouldloveandrespectoneanother，notwithstandingthefaultsandimperfectionsthatwecannothelpseeing。
Humilityandself—distrustshouldbecultivated，andapatienttendernesswiththefaultsofothers。Thiswillkilloutallnarrowingselfishnessandmakeuslarge—heartedandgenerous。
Thepsalmistsays，\"TrustintheLord，anddogood；soshaltthoudwellintheland，andverilythoushaltbefed。\"Psalm37：3。\"TrustintheLord。\"
Eachdayhasitsburdens，itscaresandperplexities；andwhenwemeethowreadywearetotalkofourdifficultiesandtrials。Somanyborrowedtroublesintrude，somanyfearsareindulged，suchaweightofanxietyisexpressed，thatonemightsupposewehadnopitying，lovingSaviourreadytohearallourrequestsandtobetousapresenthelpineverytimeofneed。
Somearealwaysfearing，andborrowingtrouble。EverydaytheyaresurroundedwiththetokensofGod’slove；everydaytheyareenjoyingthebountiesofHisprovidence；buttheyoverlookthesepresent122
blessings。Theirmindsarecontinuallydwellinguponsomethingdisagreeablewhichtheyfearmaycome；orsomedifficultymayreallyexistwhich，thoughsmall，blindstheireyestothemanythingsthatdemandgratitude。Thedifficultiestheyencounter，insteadofdrivingthemtoGod，theonlysourceoftheirhelp，separatethemfromHimbecausetheyawakenunrestandrepining。
Dowewelltobethusunbelieving？Whyshouldwebeungratefulanddistrustful？Jesusisourfriend；allheavenisinterestedinourwelfare。
Weshouldnotallowtheperplexitiesandworriesofeverydaylifetofretthemindandcloudthebrow。Ifwedoweshallalwayshavesomethingtovexandannoy。Weshouldnotindulgeasolicitudethatonlyfretsandwearsus，butdoesnothelpustobeartrials。
Youmaybeperplexedinbusiness；yourprospectsmaygrowdarkeranddarker，andyoumaybethreatenedwithloss；butdonotbecomediscouraged；castyourcareuponGod，andremaincalmandcheerful。Prayforwisdomtomanageyouraffairswithdiscretion，andthuspreventlossanddisaster。Doallyoucanonyourparttobringaboutfavorableresults。JesushaspromisedHisaid，butnotapartfromoureffort。When，relyinguponourHelper，youhavedoneallyoucan，accepttheresultcheerfully。
ItisnotthewillofGodthatHispeopleshouldbeweigheddownwithcare。
ButourLorddoesnotdeceiveus。Hedoesnotsaytous，\"Donotfear；therearenodangersinyourpath。\"Heknowstherearetrialsanddangers，andHedealswithusplainly。HedoesnotproposetotakeHispeopleoutofaworldofsinandevil，butHepointsthemtoanever—failing123
refuge。HisprayerforHisdiscipleswas，\"IpraynotthatThoushouldesttakethemoutoftheworld，butthatThoushouldestkeepthemfromtheevil。\"\"Intheworld，\"Hesays，\"yeshallhavetribulation：butbeofgoodcheer；Ihaveovercometheworld。\"John17：15，16：33。
InHisSermonontheMount，ChristtaughtHisdisciplespreciouslessonsinregardtothenecessityoftrustinginGod。TheselessonsweredesignedtoencouragethechildrenofGodthroughallages，andtheyhavecomedowntoourtimefullofinstructionandcomfort。TheSaviourpointedHisfollowerstothebirdsoftheairastheywarbledtheircarolsofpraise，unencumberedwiththoughtsofcare，for\"theysownot，neitherdotheyreap。\"AndyetthegreatFatherprovidesfortheirneeds。TheSaviourasks，\"Areyenotmuchbetterthanthey？\"Matthew6：26。ThegreatProviderformanandbeastopensHishandandsuppliesallHiscreatures。ThebirdsoftheairarenotbeneathHisnotice。Hedoesnotdropthefoodintotheirbills，butHemakesprovisionfortheirneeds。TheymustgatherthegrainsHehasscatteredforthem。Theymustpreparethematerialfortheirlittlenests。Theymustfeedtheiryoung。Theygoforthsingingtotheirlabor，for\"yourheavenlyFatherfeedeththem。\"And\"areyenotmuchbetterthanthey？\"Arenotyou，asintelligent，spiritualworshipers，ofmorevaluethanthebirdsoftheair？
WillnottheAuthorofourbeing，thePreserverofourlife，theOnewhoformedusinHisowndivineimage，provideforournecessitiesifwebuttrustinHim？
ChristpointedHisdisciplestotheflowersofthe124
field，growinginrichprofusionandglowinginthesimplebeautywhichtheheavenlyFatherhadgiventhem，asanexpressionofHislovetoman。Hesaid，\"Considertheliliesofthefield，howtheygrow。\"ThebeautyandsimplicityofthesenaturalflowersfaroutrivalthesplendorofSolomon。
ThemostgorgeousattireproducedbytheskillofartcannotbearcomparisonwiththenaturalgraceandradiantbeautyoftheflowersofGod’screation。
Jesusasks，\"IfGodsoclothethegrassofthefield，whichtodayis，andtomorrowiscastintotheoven，shallHenotmuchmoreclotheyou，Oyeoflittlefaith？\"Matthew6：28，30。IfGod，thedivineArtist，givestothesimpleflowersthatperishinadaytheirdelicateandvariedcolors，howmuchgreatercarewillHehaveforthosewhoarecreatedinHisownimage？
ThislessonofChrist’sisarebuketotheanxiousthought，theperplexityanddoubt，ofthefaithlessheart。
TheLordwouldhaveallHissonsanddaughtershappy，peaceful，andobedient。Jesussays，\"MypeaceIgiveuntoyou：notastheworldgiveth，giveIuntoyou。Letnotyourheartbetroubled，neitherletitbeafraid。\"
\"ThesethingshaveIspokenuntoyou，thatMyjoymightremaininyou，andthatyourjoymightbefull。\"John14：27；15：11。
Happinessthatissoughtfromselfishmotives，outsideofthepathofduty，isill—balanced，fitful，andtransitory；itpassesaway，andthesoulisfilledwithlonelinessandsorrow；butthereisjoyandsatisfactionintheserviceofGod；theChristianisnotlefttowalkinuncertainpaths；heisnotlefttovainregretsanddisappointments。Ifwedonothavethe125
pleasuresofthislifewemaystillbejoyfulinlookingtothelifebeyond。
ButevenhereChristiansmayhavethejoyofcommunionwithChrist；theymayhavethelightofHislove，theperpetualcomfortofHispresence。EverystepinlifemaybringusclosertoJesus，maygiveusadeeperexperienceofHislove，andmaybringusonestepnearertotheblessedhomeofpeace。
Thenletusnotcastawayourconfidence，buthavefirmassurance，firmerthaneverbefore。\"HithertohaththeLordhelpedus，\"andHewillhelpustotheend。
1Samuel7：12。Letuslooktothemonumentalpillars，remindersofwhattheLordhasdonetocomfortusandtosaveusfromthehandofthedestroyer。LetuskeepfreshinourmemoryallthetendermerciesthatGodhasshownus，——thetearsHehaswipedaway，thepainsHehassoothed，theanxietiesremoved，thefearsdispelled，thewantssupplied，theblessingsbestowed，——thusstrengtheningourselvesforallthatisbeforeusthroughtheremainderofourpilgrimage。
Wecannotbutlookforwardtonewperplexitiesinthecomingconflict，butwemaylookonwhatispastaswellasonwhatistocome，andsay，\"HithertohaththeLordhelpedus。\"\"Asthydays，soshallthystrengthbe。\"
Deuteronomy33：25。Thetrialwillnotexceedthestrengththatshallbegivenustobearit。Thenletustakeupourworkjustwherewefindit，believingthatwhatevermaycome，strengthproportionatetothetrialwillbegiven。
AndbyandbythegatesofheavenwillbethrownopentoadmitGod’schildren，andfromthelipsoftheKingofglorythebenedictionwillfallontheir126
earslikerichestmusic，\"Come，yeblessedofMyFather，inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld。\"Matthew25：34。
ThentheredeemedwillbewelcomedtothehomethatJesusispreparingforthem。Theretheircompanionswillnotbethevileofearth，liars，idolaters，theimpure，andunbelieving；buttheywillassociatewiththosewhohaveovercomeSatanandthroughdivinegracehaveformedperfectcharacters。Everysinfultendency，everyimperfection，thatafflictsthemherehasbeenremovedbythebloodofChrist，andtheexcellenceandbrightnessofHisglory，farexceedingthebrightnessofthesun，isimpartedtothem。Andthemoralbeauty，theperfectionofHischaracter，shinesthroughthem，inworthfarexceedingthisoutwardsplendor。Theyarewithoutfaultbeforethegreatwhitethrone，sharingthedignityandtheprivilegesoftheangels。
Inviewofthegloriousinheritancethatmaybehis，\"whatshallamangiveinexchangeforhissoul？\"Matthew16：26。Hemaybepoor，yethepossessesinhimselfawealthanddignitythattheworldcouldneverbestow。Thesoulredeemedandcleansedfromsin，withallitsnoblepowersdedicatedtotheserviceofGod，isofsurpassingworth；andthereisjoyinheaveninthepresenceofGodandtheholyangelsoveronesoulredeemed，ajoythatisexpressedinsongsofholytriumph。