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!
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　　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。
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　　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。
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　　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。
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　　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。
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　　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。
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　　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。