Part 21 (2/2)

M. A. SCHIMMELPENNINCK.

Let it not be in any man's power to say truly of thee that thou art not simple, or that thou art not good; but let him be a liar whoever shall think anything of this kind about thee; and this is altogether in thy power. For who is he that shall hinder thee from being good and simple?

MARCUS ANTONINUS.

April 28

_The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand_.--PS.

cxxi. 5.

_Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them_.--PS. cxix. 165.

I rest beneath the Almighty's shade, My griefs expire, my troubles cease; Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed, Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.

C. WESLEY.

One great sign of the practical recognition of the ”divine moment,” and of our finding G.o.d's habitation in it, is constant calmness and peace of mind.

Events and things come with the moment; but G.o.d comes with them too. So that if He comes in the suns.h.i.+ne, we find rest and joy; and if He comes in the storm, we know He is King of the storms, and our hearts are not troubled. G.o.d Himself, though possessing a heart filled with the tenderest feelings, is, nevertheless, an everlasting tranquillity; and when we enter into His holy tabernacle, our souls necessarily enter into the tabernacle of rest.

T. C. UPHAM.

My soul was not only brought into harmony with itself and with G.o.d, but with G.o.d's providences. In the exercise of faith and love, I endured and performed whatever came in G.o.d's providence, in submission, in thankfulness, and silence.

MADAME GUYON.

April 29

_I will arise and go to my Father_.--LUKE xv. 18.

O my G.o.d, my Father! hear, And help me to believe; Weak and weary I draw near; Thy child, O G.o.d, receive.

I so oft have gone astray; To the perfect Guide I flee; Thou wilt turn me not away, Thy love is pledged to me.

HYMNS OF THE SPIRIT.

O child, hast thou fallen? arise, and go, with childlike trust, to thy Father, like the prodigal son, and humbly say, with heart and mouth, ”Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son; make me as one of Thy hired servants.” And what will thy heavenly Father do but what that father did in the parable?

a.s.suredly He will not change His essence, which is love, for the sake of thy misdoings. Is it not His own precious treasure, and a small thing with Him to forgive thee thy trespa.s.ses, if thou believe in Him? for His hand is not shortened that it cannot make thee fit to be saved.

JOHN TAULER.

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