Part 13 (1/2)

There is a faith in G.o.d, and a clear perception of His will and designs, and providence, and glory, which gives to its possessor a confidence and patience and sweet composure, under every varied and troubling aspect of events, such as no man can realize who has not felt its influences in his own heart. There is a communion with G.o.d, in which the soul feels the presence of the unseen One, in the profound depths of its being, with a vivid distinctness and a holy reverence, such as no words can describe.

There is a state of union with G.o.d, I do not say often reached, yet it has been attained in this world, in which all the past and present and future seem reconciled, and eternity is won and enjoyed; and G.o.d and man, earth and heaven, with all their mysteries, are apprehended in truth as they lie in the mind of the Infinite.

SAMUEL D. ROBBINS.

March 13

_He that abideth in me, and I in him, bringeth forth much fruit_.--JOHN xv.

5.

_Let the beauty of the Lord our G.o.d be upon us_.--PS. xc. 17.

As some rare perfume in a vase of clay Pervades it with a fragrance not its own, So, when Thou dwellest in a mortal soul, All Heaven's own sweetness seems around it thrown.

H. B. STOWE.

Some glances of real beauty may be seen in their faces, who dwell in true meekness. There is a harmony in the sound of that voice to which Divine love gives utterance, and some appearance of right order in their temper and conduct whose pa.s.sions are regulated.

JOHN WOOLMAN.

I believe that no Divine truth can truly dwell in any heart, without an external testimony in manner, bearing, and appearance, that must reach the witness within the heart of the beholder, and bear an unmistakable, though silent, evidence to the eternal principle from which it emanates.

M. A. SCHIMMELPENNINCK.

March 14

_I have called upon Thee, for Thou wilt hear me, O G.o.d: incline Thine ear unto me, and hear my speech_.--PS. xvii. 6.

_Ye people, pour out your heart before Him: G.o.d is a refuge for us_.--PS.

lxii. 8.

Whate'er the care which breaks thy rest, Whate'er the wish that swells thy breast; Spread before G.o.d that wish, that care, And change anxiety to prayer.

JANE CREWDSON.

Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer driveth away trouble and perplexity.

P. MELANCTHON.

Whatsoever it is that presses thee, go tell thy Father; put over the matter into His hand, and so thou shalt be freed from that dividing, perplexing care that the world is full of. When thou art either to do or suffer anything, when thou art about any purpose or business, go tell G.o.d of it, and acquaint Him with it; yea, burden Him with it, and thou hast done for matter of caring; no more care, but quiet, sweet diligence in thy duty, and dependence on Him for the carriage of thy matters. Roll thy cares, and thyself with them, as one burden, all on thy G.o.d.

R. LEIGHTON.

March 15