The Path to Peace

46 the path to pea ce

infinite love yearns toward them, dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who
ready to give them more than they hunger and thirst after righteousness,
can ask or think, and yet they pray who long after God, may be sure that
so little and have so little faith? The they will be filled. The heart must be
angels love to bow before God; they open to the Spirit’s influence, or God's
love to be near Him. They regard blessing cannot be received.
communion with God as their highest
joy; and yet the children of earth, who Our great need is itself an argu-
need so much the help that God ment and pleads most eloquently in
only can give, seem satisfied to walk our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought
without the light of His Spirit, the unto to do these things for us. He says,
companionship of His presence. “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And
“He that spared not His own Son, but
The darkness of the evil one delivered Him up for us all, how shall
encloses those who neglect to pray. He not with Him also freely give us all
The whispered temptations of the things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32.
enemy entice them to sin; and it is all
because they do not make use of the If we regard iniquity in our hearts,
privileges that God has given them in if we cling to any known sin, the Lord
the divine appointment of prayer. will not hear us; but the prayer of
Why should the sons and daughters of the penitent, contrite soul is always
God be reluctant to pray, when accepted. When all known wrongs are
prayer is the key in the hand of faith to righted, we may believe that God will
unlock heaven’s storehouse, where answer our petitions. Our own merit
are treasured the boundless resources will never commend us to the favor
of Omnipotence? Without unceasing of God; it is the worthiness of Jesus
prayer and diligent watching we are that will save us, His blood that will
in danger of growing careless and cleanse us; yet we have a work to do
of deviating from the right path. in complying with the conditions of
The adversary seeks continually to acceptance.
obstruct the way to the mercy
seat, that we may not by earnest Another element of prevailing pr-
supplication and faith obtain grace ayer is faith. “He that cometh to God
and power to resist temptation. must believe that He is, and that He
is a rewarder of them that diligently
There are certain conditions upon seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said
which we may expect that God will to His disciples, “What things soever
hear and answer our prayers. One of ye desire, when ye pray, believe that
the first of these is that we feel our ye receive them, and ye shall have
need of help from Him. He has them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him
promised, “I will pour water upon him at His word?
that is thirsty, and floods upon the
The assurance is broad and un-
limited, and He is faithful who has

Th e K ey to Limitless Treasure 47

promised. When we do not receive by His will and word, He can and
the very things we asked for, at the will attend to our cry, and will let
time we ask, we are still to believe that light shine into our hearts. Through
the Lord hears and that He will answer sincere prayer we are brought into
our prayers. We are so erring and connection with the mind of the
short-sighted that we sometimes ask Infinite. We may have no remarkable
for things that would not be a blessing evidence at the time that the face of
to us, and our heavenly Father in love our Redeemer is bending over us in
answers our prayers by giving us that compassion and love, but this is even
which will be for our highest good – so. We may not feel His visible touch,
that which we ourselves would desire but His hand is upon us in love and
if with vision divinely enlightened pitying tenderness.
we could see all things as they really
are. When our prayers seem not to When we come to ask mercy and
be answered, we are to cling to the blessing from God we should have a
promise; for the time of answering spirit of love and forgiveness in our
will surely come, and we shall receive own hearts. How can we pray,
the blessing we need most. But to “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive
claim that prayer will always be our debtors,” and yet indulge an
answered in the very way and for the unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If
particular thing that we desire, is we expect our own prayers to be
presumption. God is too wise to err, heard we must forgive others in the
and too good to withhold any good same manner and to the same extent
thing from them that walk uprightly. as we hope to be forgiven.
Then do not fear to trust Him, even
though you do not see the immediate Perseverance in prayer has been
answer to your prayers. Rely upon His made a condition of receiving. We must
sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be pray always if we would grow in faith
given you.” and experience. We are to be “instant
in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and
If we take counsel with our doubts watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
and fears, or try to solve everything Romans 12:12; Col. 4:2. Peter exhorts
that we cannot see clearly, before believers to be “sober, and watch unto
we have faith, perplexities will only prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. Paul directs, “In
increase and deepen. But if we everything by prayer and supplication
come to God, feeling helpless and with thanksgiving let your requests be
dependent, as we really are, and in made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6 “But
humble, trusting faith make known ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in
our wants to Him whose knowledge the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the
is infinite, who sees everything in love of God.” Jude 20, 21.
creation, and who governs everything
Unceasing prayer is the unbroken
union of the soul with God, so that life

48 the path to pea ce

from God flows into our life; and from Pray in your closet, and as you go
our life, purity and holiness flow back about your daily labor let your heart
to God. be often uplifted to God. It was thus
that Enoch walked with God. These
There is necessity for diligence in silent prayers rise like precious incense
prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make before the throne of grace. Satan
every effort to keep open the cannot overcome him whose heart is
communion between Jesus and your thus stayed upon God.
own soul. Seek every opportunity to
go where prayer is wont to be made. There is no time or place in which it
Those who are really seeking for is inappropriate to offer up a petition
communion with God will be seen in to God. There is nothing that can
the prayer meeting, faithful to do their prevent us from lifting up our hearts in
duty and earnest and anxious to reap the spirit of earnest prayer. In the
all the benefits they can gain. They crowds of the street, in the midst of a
will improve every opportunity of business engagement, we may send
placing themselves where they can up a petition to God and plead for
receive the rays of light from heaven. divine guidance, as did Nehemiah
when he made his request before King
We should pray in the family circle, Artaxerxes. A closet of communion
and above all we must not neglect may be found wherever we are. We
secret prayer, for this is the life of the should have the door of the heart
soul. It is impossible for the soul to open continually and our invitation
flourish while prayer is neglected. going up that Jesus may come and
Family or public prayer alone is not abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.
sufficient. In solitude let the soul be
laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Although there may be a tainted,
Secret prayer is to be heard only by corrupted atmosphere around us, we
the prayer-hearing God. No curious need not breathe its miasma, but may
ear is to receive the burden of such live in the pure air of heaven. We may
petitions. In secret prayer the soul is close every door to impure imaginings
free from surrounding influences, and unholy thoughts by lifting the
free from excitement. Calmly, yet soul into the presence of God through
fervently, will it reach out after God. sincere prayer. Those whose hearts
Sweet and abiding will be the are open to receive the support and
influence emanating from Him who blessing of God will walk in a holier
seeth in secret, whose ear is open to atmosphere than that of earth and
hear the prayer arising from the heart. will have constant communion with
By calm, simple faith the soul holds heaven.
communion with God and gathers to
itself rays of divine light to strengthen We need to have more distinct views
and sustain it in the conflict with of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of
Satan. God is our tower of strength. the value of eternal realities. The
beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts

Th e K ey to Limitless Treasure 49

of God’s children; and that this may concerns our peace is too small for
be accomplished, we should seek for Him to notice. There is no chapter
divine disclosures of heavenly things. in our experience too dark for Him
to read; there is no perplexity too
Let the soul be drawn out and difficult for Him to unravel. No
upward, that God may grant us a calamity can befall the least of His
breath of the heavenly atmosphere. children, no anxiety harass the soul,
We may keep so near to God that in no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape
every unexpected trial our thoughts the lips, of which our heavenly Father
will turn to Him as naturally as the is unobservant, or in which He takes
flower turns to the sun. no immediate interest. “He healeth the
broken in heart, and bindeth up their
Keep your wants, your joys, your wounds.” Psalm 147:3. The relations
sorrows, your cares, and your fears between God and each soul are as
before God. You cannot burden Him;
you cannot weary Him. He who

numbers the hairs of your head is not distinct and full as though there were
indifferent to the wants of His not another soul upon the earth to
children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and share His watchcare, not another soul
of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His for whom He gave His beloved Son.
heart of love is touched by our
sorrows and even by our utterances of Jesus said, “Ye shall ask in My
them. Take to Him everything that name: and I say not unto you, that I
perplexes the mind. Nothing is too will pray the Father for you: for the
great for Him to bear, for He holds up Father Himself loveth you.” “I have
worlds, He rules over all the affairs of chosen you: . . . that whatsoever ye
the universe. Nothing that in any way shall ask of the Father in My name, He
may give it you.” John 16:26,27;

50 the path to pea ce

15:16. But to pray in the name of not filling the position that God
Jesus is something more than a mere designed he should. The proper
mention of that name at the begin- cultivation of the social elements in
ning and the ending of a prayer. It is to our nature brings us into sympathy
pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, with others and is a means of dev-
while we believe His promises, rely elopment and strength to us in the
upon His grace, and work His works. service of God.

God does not mean that any of us If Christians would associate tog-
should become hermits or monks and ether, speaking to each other of the
retire from the world in order to love of God and of the precious
devote ourselves to acts of worship. truths of redemption, their own hearts
The life must be like Christ’s life – would be refreshed and they would
between the mountain and the refresh one another. We may be daily
multitude. He who does nothing but learning more of our heavenly Father,
pray will soon cease to pray, or his gaining a fresh experience of His
prayers will become a formal routine. grace; then we shall desire to speak of
When men take themselves out of His love; and as we do this, our own
social life, away from the sphere of hearts will be warmed and encour-
Christian duty and cross bearing; aged. If we thought and talked more
when they cease to work earnestly for of Jesus, and less of self, we should
the Master, who worked earnestly for have far more of His presence.
them, they lose the subject matter of
prayer and have no incentive to dev- If we would but think of God as
otion. Their prayers become personal often as we have evidence of His care
and selfish. They cannot pray in regard for us we should keep Him ever in our
to the wants of humanity or the up- thoughts and should delight to talk of
building of Christ’s kingdom, pleading Him and to praise Him. We talk of
for strength wherewith to work. temporal things because we have an
interest in them. We talk of our friends
We sustain a loss when we neglect because we love them; our joys and
the privilege of associating together our sorrows are bound up with them.
to strengthen and encourage one Yet we have infinitely greater reason
another in the service of God. The to love God than to love our earthly
truths of His word lose their vividness friends; it should be the most natural
and importance in our minds. Our thing in the world to make Him first
hearts cease to be enlightened and in all our thoughts, to talk of His
aroused by their sanctifying influence, goodness and tell of His power. The
and we decline in spirituality. In our rich gifts He has bestowed upon us
association as Christians we lose much were not intended to absorb our
by lack of sympathy with one another. thoughts and love so much that we
He who shuts himself up to himself is should have nothing to give to God;

Th e K ey to Limitless Treasure 51

they are constantly to remind us of Him pleasure to worship the Lord and to
and to bind us in bonds of love and take part in His work. God would not
gratitude to our heavenly Benefactor. have His children, for whom so great
We dwell too near the lowlands of salvation has been provided, act as if
earth. Let us raise our eyes to the open He were a hard, exacting taskmaster.
door of the sanctuary above, where He is their best friend; and when they
the light of the glory of God shines in worship Him, He expects to be with
the face of Christ, who “is able also to them, to bless and comfort them,
save them to the uttermost that come filling their hearts with joy and love.
unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7:25. The Lord desires His children to take
comfort in His service and to find more
We need to praise God more “for His pleasure than hardship in His work. He
goodness, and for His wonderful desires that those who come to
works to the children of men.” Psalm worship Him shall carry away with
107:8. Our devotional exercises them precious thoughts of His care
should not consist wholly in asking and love, that they may be cheered in
and receiving. Let us not be always all the employments of daily life, that
thinking of our wants and never of the they may have grace to deal honestly
benefits we receive. We do not pray and faithfully in all things.
any too much, but we are too sparing
of giving thanks. We are the constant We must gather about the cross.
recipients of God’s mercies, and yet Christ and Him crucified should be
how little gratitude we express, how the theme of contemplation, of
little we praise Him for what He has conversation, and of our most joyful
done for us. emotion. We should keep in our
thoughts every blessing we receive
Anciently the Lord bade Israel, from God, and when we realize His
when they met together for His great love we should be willing to
service, “Ye shall eat before the Lord trust everything to the hand that was
your God, and ye shall rejoice in all nailed to the cross for us.
that ye put your hand unto, ye
and your households, wherein the The soul may ascend nearer heaven
Lord thy God hath blessed thee.” on the wings of praise. God is
Deuteronomy 12:7. That which is worshiped with song and music in the
done for the glory of God should be courts above, and as we express our
done with cheerfulness, with songs of gratitude we are approximating to the
praise and thanksgiving, not with worship of the heavenly hosts.
sadness and gloom. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth”
God. Psalm 50:23. Let us with rev-
Our God is a tender, merciful erent joy come before our Creator,
Father. His service should not be with “thanksgiving, and the voice of
looked upon as a heart-saddening, melody.” Isaiah 51:3.
distressing exercise. It should be a

Understanding Your Limitations
MMany, especially those who are
young in the Christian life, are at times educated mind, that holy Being must
troubled with the suggestions of ever remain clothed in mystery. “Canst
skepticism. There are in the Bible thou by searching find out God? canst
many things which they cannot thou find out the Almighty unto
perfection? It is as high as heaven;

explain, or even understand, and what canst thou do? deeper than hell;

Satan employs these to shake their what canst thou know?” Job 11:7,8.

faith in the Scriptures as a revelation The apostle Paul exclaims, “O the

from God. They ask, “How shall I know depth of the riches both of the

the right way? If the Bible is indeed wisdom and knowledge of God! how

the word of God, how can I be freed unsearchable are His judgments, and

from these doubts and perplexities?” His ways past finding out!” Romans

God never asks us to believe, 11:33. But though “clouds and

without giving sufficient evidence upon darkness are round about Him,”

which to base our faith. His existence, “righteousness and judgment are the

His character, the truthfulness of His foundation of His throne.” Psalm

word, are all established by testimony 97:2, R.V. We can so far comprehend

that appeals to our reason; and this His dealings with us, and the motives

testimony is abundant. Yet God has by which He is actuated, that we may

never removed the possibility of doubt. discern boundless love and mercy

Our faith must rest upon evidence, not united to infinite power. We can

demonstration. Those who wish to understand as much of His purposes

doubt will have opportunity; while as it is for our good to know; and

those who really desire to know the beyond this we must still trust the

truth will find plenty of evidence on hand that is omnipotent, the heart

which to rest their faith. that is full of love.

It is impossible for finite minds fully The word of God, like the char-

to comprehend the character or the acter of its divine Author, presents

works of the Infinite One. To the mysteries that can never be fully

keenest intellect, the most highly comprehended by finite beings. The

Understanding Your Limitations 53

entrance of sin into the world, the its divine inspiration. If it contained
incarnation of Christ, regeneration, no account of God but that which
the resurrection, and many other we could easily comprehend; if His
subjects presented in the Bible, are greatness and majesty could be
mysteries too deep for the human grasped by finite minds, then the Bible
mind to explain, or even fully to would not bear the unmistakable
comprehend. But we have no reason credentials of divine authority. The
to doubt God’s word because we very grandeur and mystery of the
cannot understand the mysteries of themes presented should inspire faith
His providence. In the natural world in it as the word of God.
we are constantly surrounded with
mysteries that we cannot fathom. The The Bible unfolds truth with a
very humblest forms of life present a simplicity and a perfect adaptation
problem that the wisest of philosophers to the needs and longings of the
is powerless to explain. Everywhere human heart, that has astonished and
are wonders beyond our ken. Should charmed the most highly cultivated
we then be surprised to find that in the minds, while it enables the humblest
spiritual world also there are myst- and uncultured to discern the way of
eries that we cannot fathom? The salvation. And yet these simply stated
difficulty lies solely in the weakness truths lay hold upon subjects so
and narrowness of the human mind. elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely
God has given us in the Scriptures beyond the power of human com-
sufficient evidence of their divine prehension, that we can accept them
character, and we are not to doubt His only because God has declared them.
word because we cannot understand Thus the plan of redemption is laid
all the mysteries of His providence. open to us, so that every soul may see
the steps he is to take in repentance
The apostle Peter says that there toward God and faith toward our Lord
are in Scripture “things hard to be Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in
understood, which they that are God’s appointed way; yet beneath
unlearned and unstable wrest . . . unto these truths, so easily understood, lie
their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16. mysteries that are the hiding of His
The difficulties of Scripture have been glory – mysteries that overpower the
urged by skeptics as an argument mind in its research, yet inspire the
against the Bible; but so far from this, sincere seeker for truth with reverence
they constitute a strong evidence of and faith. The more he searches

54 the path to pea ce

the Bible, the deeper is his conviction human wisdom is sufficient to enable
that it is the word of the living God, them to comprehend the Scripture,
and human reason bows before the and failing to do this, they virtually
majesty of divine revelation. deny its authority. It is true that many
theories and doctrines popularly
To acknowledge that we cannot supposed to be derived from the Bible
fully comprehend the great truths of have no foundation in its teaching,
the Bible is only to admit that the finite and indeed are contrary to the whole
mind is inadequate to grasp the tenor of inspiration. These things have
infinite; that man, with his limited, been a cause of doubt and perplexity
human knowledge, cannot understand to many minds. They are not, however,
the purposes of Omniscience. chargeable to God’s word, but to
man’s perversion of it.
Because they cannot fathom all its
mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel If it were possible for created beings
reject God’s word; and not all who to attain to a full understanding of
profess to believe the Bible are free God and His works, then, having
from danger on this point. The apostle reached this point, there would be for
says, “Take heed, brethren, lest there them no further discovery of truth, no
be in any of you an evil heart of growth in knowledge, no further
unbelief, in departing from the living development of mind or heart. God
God.” Hebrews 3:12. It is right to would no longer be supreme; and
study closely the teachings of the man, having reached the limit of
Bible and to search into “the deep knowledge and attainment, would
things of God” so far as they are cease to advance. Let us thank God
revealed in Scripture. 1 Corinthians that it is not so. God is infinite; in Him
2:10. While “the secret things belong are “all the treasures of wisdom and
unto the Lord our God,” “those things knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. And to all
which are revealed belong unto us.” eternity men may be ever searching,
Deuteronomy 29:29. But it is Satan’s ever learning, and yet never exhaust
work to pervert the investigative the treasures of His wisdom, His
powers of the mind. A certain pride is goodness, and His power.
mingled with the consideration of
Bible truth, so that men feel impatient God intends that even in this life
and defeated if they cannot explain the truths of His word shall be ever
every portion of Scripture to their unfolding to His people. There is only
satisfaction. It is too humiliating to one way in which this knowledge can
them to acknowledge that they do not be obtained. We can attain to an
understand the inspired words. They understanding of God’s word only
are unwilling to wait patiently until through the illumination of that Spirit
God shall see fit to reveal the truth by which the word was given. “The
to them. They feel that their unaided things of God knoweth no man, but

Understanding Your Limitations 55

the Spirit of God;” “for the Spirit the word of God is opened without
searcheth all things, yea, the deep reverence and without prayer; when
things of God.” 1 Cor. 2:11,10. And the thoughts and affections are not
the Saviour’s promise to His followers fixed upon God, or in harmony with
was, “When He, the Spirit of truth, is His will, the mind is clouded with
come, He will guide you into all truth. . doubts; and in the very study of the
. . For He shall receive of Mine, and Bible, skepticism strengthens. The
shall show it unto you.” John 16:13,14. enemy takes control of the thoughts,
and he suggests interpretations that
God desires man to exercise his are not correct. Whenever men are
reasoning powers; and the study of not in word and deed seeking to be in
the Bible will strengthen and elevate harmony with God, then, however
the mind as no other study can. Yet we learned they may be, they are liable to
are to beware of deifying reason, err in their understanding of Scripture,
which is subject to the weakness and and it is not safe to trust to their
infirmity of humanity. If we would not explanations. Those who look to the
have the Scriptures clouded to our Scriptures to find discrepancies, have
understanding, so that the plainest not spiritual insight. With distorted
truths shall not be comprehended, vision they will see many causes for
we must have the simplicity and faith doubt and unbelief in things that are
of a little child, ready to learn, and really plain and simple.
beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A
sense of the power and wisdom of God, Disguise it as they may, the real
and of our inability to comprehend His cause of doubt and skepticism, in
greatness, should inspire us with most cases, is the love of sin. The
humility, and we should open His word, teachings and restrictions of God’s
as we would enter His presence, with word are not welcome to the proud,
holy awe. When we come to the Bible, sin-loving heart, and those who are
reason must acknowledge an authority unwilling to obey its requirements are
superior to itself, and heart and ready to doubt its authority. In order
intellect must bow to the great I AM. to arrive at truth, we must have a
sincere desire to know the truth and a
There are many things apparently willingness of heart to obey it. And all
difficult or obscure, which God will who come in this spirit to the study of
make plain and simple to those who the Bible will find abundant evidence
thus seek an understanding of them. that it is God’s word, and they may gain
But without the guidance of the Holy an understanding of its truths that
Spirit we shall be continually liable to will make them wise unto salvation.
wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret
them. There is much reading of the Christ has said, “If any man will
Bible that is without profit and in do His will, he shall know of the
many cases a positive injury. When doctrine.” John 7:17. Instead of

56 the path to pea ce

questioning and caviling concerning Because He is to me a divine Saviour.
that which you do not understand, Why do I believe the Bible? Because I
give heed to the light that already have found it to be the voice of God to
shines upon you, and you will receive my soul.” We may have the witness in
greater light. By the grace of Christ, ourselves that the Bible is true, that
perform every duty that has been Christ is the Son of God. We know
made plain to your understanding, that we are not following cunningly
and you will be enabled to understand devised fables.
and perform those of which you are
now in doubt. Peter exhorts his brethren to
“grow in grace, and in the knowledge
There is an evidence that is open to of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
all, – the most highly educated, and 2 Peter 3:18. When the people of
the most illiterate, – the evidence of God are growing in grace, they will
experience. God invites us to prove be constantly obtaining a clearer
for ourselves the reality of His word, understanding of His word. They will
the truth of His promises. He bids us discern new light and beauty in its
“taste and see that the Lord is good.” sacred truths. This has been true in the
Psalm 34:8. Instead of depending history of the church in all ages, and
upon the word of another, we are to thus it will continue to the end. “The
taste for ourselves. He declares, “Ask, path of the righteous is as the light of
and ye shall receive.” John 16:24. His dawn, that shineth more and more
promises will be fulfilled. They have unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18, R.V.
never failed; they never can fail. And
as we draw near to Jesus, and rejoice By faith we may look to the here-
in the fullness of His love, our doubt after and grasp the pledge of God
and darkness will disappear in the for a growth of intellect, the human
light of His presence. faculties uniting with the divine, and
every power of the soul being brought
The apostle Paul says that God into direct contact with the Source of
“hath delivered us from the power light. We may rejoice that all which
of darkness, and hath translated us has perplexed us in the providences of
into the kingdom of His dear Son.” God will then be made plain, things
Colossians 1:13. And everyone who hard to be understood will then find
has passed from death unto life is able an explanation; and where our finite
to "set to his seal that God is true.” minds discovered only confusion and
John 3:33. He can testify, “I needed broken purposes, we shall see the
help, and I found it in Jesus. Every most perfect and beautiful harmony.
want was supplied, the hunger of my “Now we see through a glass, darkly;
soul was satisfied; and now the Bible but then face to face: now I know in
is to me the revelation of Jesus Christ. part; but then shall I know even as also
Do you ask why I believe in Jesus? I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Wall to Wall Happiness
TThe children of God are called to be
representatives of Christ, showing character should be such that through
forth the goodness and mercy of the them others will get a right conception
Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the of Christ and of His service.
true character of the Father, so we are
to reveal Christ to a world that does If we do represent Christ, we shall
not know His tender, pitying love. “As make His service appear attractive, as
Thou hast sent Me into the world,” it really is. Christians who gather up
said Jesus, “even so have I also sent gloom and sadness to their souls, and
them into the world.” “I in them, and murmur and complain, are giving to
Thou in Me; . . . that the world may others a false representation of God
know that Thou hast sent Me.” John and the Christian life. They give the
17:18,23. The apostle Paul says to the impression that God is not pleased to
disciples of Jesus, “Ye are manifestly have His children happy, and in this
declared to be the epistle of Christ,” they bear false witness against our
“known and read of all men.” 2 Cor. heavenly Father.
3:3,2. In every one of His children,
Jesus sends a letter to the world. If you Satan is exultant when he can lead
are Christ’s follower, He sends in you a the children of God into unbelief
letter to the family, the village, the and despondency. He delights to see
street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling us mistrusting God, doubting His
in you, desires to speak to the hearts willingness and power to save us. He
of those who are not acquainted with loves to have us feel that the Lord will
Him. Perhaps they do not read the do us harm by His providences. It is
Bible, or do not hear the voice that the work of Satan to represent the
speaks to them in its pages; they do not Lord as lacking in compassion and
see the love of God through His works. pity. He misstates the truth in regard
But if you are a true representative to Him. He fills the imagination with
of Jesus, it may be that through false ideas concerning God; and
you they will be led to understand instead of dwelling upon the truth
something of His goodness and be in regard to our heavenly Father,
won to love and serve Him. we too often fix our minds upon the
Christians are set as light bearers misrepresentations of Satan and
on the way to heaven. They are to dishonor God by distrusting Him and
reflect to the world the light shining murmuring against Him. Satan ever
upon them from Christ. Their life and seeks to make the religious life one of
gloom. He desires it to appear toilsome
and difficult; and when the Christian
presents in his own life this view of

58 the path to pea ce

religion, he is, through his unbelief, and sweetness fill your heart with joy?
seconding the falsehood of Satan. The briers and thorns will only

Many, walking along the path of wound and grieve you; and if you
life, dwell upon their mistakes and gather only these things, and present
failures and disappointments, and them to others, are you not, besides
their hearts are filled with grief and slighting the goodness of God
discouragement. While I was in yourself, preventing those around you
Europe, a sister who had been doing from walking in the path of life?
this, and who was in deep distress,
wrote to me, asking for some word of It is not wise to gather together
encouragement. The night after I had all the unpleasant recollections of
read her letter I dreamed that I was in a a past life, – its iniquities and
garden, and one who seemed to be the disappointments, – to talk over them
owner of the garden was conducting and mourn over them until we are
me through its paths. I was gathering overwhelmed with discouragement.
the flowers and enjoying their A discouraged soul is filled with
fragrance, when this sister, who had darkness, shutting out the light of God
been walking by my side, called my from his own soul and casting a
attention to some unsightly briers that shadow upon the pathway of others.
were impeding her way. There she
was mourning and grieving. She was Thank God for the bright pictures
not walking in the pathway, following which He has presented to us. Let us
the guide, but was walking among the group together the blessed assurances
briers and thorns. “Oh,” she mourned, of His love, that we may look upon
“is it not a pity that this beautiful them continually: The Son of God
garden is spoiled with thorns?” Then leaving His Father’s throne, clothing
the guide said, “Let the thorns alone, His divinity with humanity, that He
for they will only wound you. Gather might rescue man from the power of
the roses, the lilies, and the pinks.” Satan; His triumph in our behalf,
opening heaven to men, revealing to
Have there not been some bright human vision the presence chamber
spots in your experience? Have you where the Deity unveils His glory; the
not had some precious seasons when fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin
your heart throbbed with joy in into which sin had plunged it, and
response to the Spirit of God? When brought again into connection with
you look back into the chapters of the infinite God, and having endured
your life experience do you not find the divine test through faith in our
some pleasant pages? Are not God’s Redeemer, clothed in the righteous-
promises, like the fragrant flowers, ness of Christ, and exalted to His
growing beside your path on every throne – these are the pictures which
hand? Will you not let their beauty God would have us contemplate.

When we seem to doubt God’s

Wall to Wall Happiness 59

love and distrust His promises we of your words. You yourself may be
dishonor Him and grieve His Holy able to recover from the season of
Spirit. How would a mother feel if her temptation and from the snare of
children were constantly complaining Satan, but others who have been
of her, just as though she did not mean swayed by your influence may not be
them well, when her whole life’s able to escape from the unbelief you
effort had been to forward their have suggested. How important that
interests and to give them comfort? we speak only those things that will
Suppose they should doubt her love; it give spiritual strength and life!
would break her heart. How would
any parent feel to be thus treated by Angels are listening to hear what
his children? And how can our kind of report you are bearing to the
heavenly Father regard us when we world about your heavenly Master.
distrust His love, which has led Him to Let your conversation be of Him who
give His only-begotten Son that we liveth to make intercession for you
might have life? The apostle writes, before the Father. When you take the
“He that spared not His own Son, but hand of a friend, let praise to God be
delivered Him up for us all, how shall on your lips and in your heart. This will
He not with Him also freely give us all attract his thoughts to Jesus.
things?” Romans 8:32. And yet how
many, by their actions, if not in word, All have trials; griefs hard to bear,
are saying, “The Lord does not mean temptations hard to resist. Do not tell
this for me. Perhaps He loves others, your troubles to your fellow mortals,
but He does not love me.” but carry everything to God in prayer.
Make it a rule never to utter one word
All this is harming your own soul; of doubt or discouragement. You can
for every word of doubt you utter is do much to brighten the life of others
inviting Satan’s temptations; it is and strengthen their efforts, by words
strengthening in you the tendency to of hope and holy cheer.
doubt, and it is grieving from you the
ministering angels. When Satan There is many a brave soul sorely
tempts you, breathe not a word of pressed by temptation, almost ready to
doubt or darkness. If you choose to faint in the conflict with self and with
open the door to his suggestions, your the powers of evil. Do not discourage
mind will be filled with distrust and such a one in his hard struggle. Cheer
rebellious questioning. If you talk out him with brave, hopeful words that
your feelings, every doubt you express shall urge him on his way. Thus the light
not only reacts upon yourself, but it is of Christ may shine from you. “None
a seed that will germinate and bear of us liveth to himself.” Romans 14:7.
fruit in the life of others, and it may be By our unconscious influence others
impossible to counteract the influence may be encouraged and strengthened,
or they may be discouraged, and
repelled from Christ and the truth.

60 the path to pea ce

There are many who have an them as Christ has loved us; but if our
erroneous idea of the life and character thoughts dwell upon the wondrous
of Christ. They think that He was devoid love and pity of Christ for us, the same
of warmth and sunniness, that He was spirit will flow out to others. We
stern, severe, and joyless. In many should love and respect one another,
cases the whole religious experience is notwithstanding the faults and imper-
colored by these gloomy views. fections that we cannot help seeing.
Humility and self-distrust should be
It is often said that Jesus wept, but cultivated, and a patient tenderness
that He was never known to smile. with the faults of others. This will
Our Saviour was indeed a Man of kill out all narrowing selfishness and
Sorrows, and acquainted with grief, make us large-hearted and generous.
for He opened His heart to all the
woes of men. But though His life was The psalmist says, “Trust in the
self-denying and shadowed with pain Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell
and care, His spirit was not crushed. in the land, and verily thou shalt be
His countenance did not wear an fed.” Psalm 37:3. “Trust in the Lord.”
expression of grief and repining, but Each day has its burdens, its cares and
ever one of peaceful serenity. His perplexities; and when we meet how
heart was a wellspring of life, and ready we are to talk of our difficulties
wherever He went He carried rest and and trials. So many borrowed troubles
peace, joy and gladness. intrude, so many fears are indulged,
such a weight of anxiety is expressed,
Our Saviour was deeply serious that one might suppose we had no
and intensely in earnest, but never pitying, loving Saviour ready to hear
gloomy or morose. The life of those all our requests and to be to us a
who imitate Him will be full of earnest present help in every time of need.
purpose; they will have a deep sense
of personal responsibility. Levity will Some are always fearing, and
be repressed; there will be no boist- borrowing trouble. Every day they are
erous merriment, no rude jesting; but surrounded with the tokens of God’s
the religion of Jesus gives peace like a love; every day they are enjoying the
river. It does not quench the light of bounties of His providence; but they
joy; it does not restrain cheerfulness overlook these present blessings.
nor cloud the sunny, smiling face. Their minds are continually dwelling
Christ came not to be ministered unto upon something disagreeable which
but to minister; and when His love they fear may come; or some difficulty
reigns in the heart, we shall follow His may really exist which, though small,
example. blinds their eyes to the many things that
demand gratitude. The difficulties
If we keep uppermost in our minds they encounter, instead of driving
the unkind and unjust acts of others them to God, the only source of their
we shall find it impossible to love

Wall to Wall Happiness 61

help, separate them from Him because keep them from the evil.”“In the world,”
they awaken unrest and repining. He says, “ye shall have tribulation: but
be of good cheer; I have overcome the
Do we well to be thus unbelieving? world.” John 17:15, 16:33.
Why should we be ungrateful and
distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all In His Sermon on the Mount, Christ
heaven is interested in our welfare. taught His disciples precious lessons
We should not allow the perplexities in regard to the necessity of trusting
and worries of everyday life to fret the in God. These lessons were designed
mind and cloud the brow. If we do we to encourage the children of God
shall always have something to vex through all ages, and they have come
and annoy. We should not indulge a down to our time full of instruction
solicitude that only frets and wears us, and comfort. The Saviour pointed His
but does not help us to bear trials. followers to the birds of the air as
they warbled their carols of praise,
You may be perplexed in business; unencumbered with thoughts of
your prospects may grow darker and care, for “they sow not, neither do
darker, and you may be threatened they reap.” And yet the great Father
with loss; but do not become discour- provides for their needs. The Saviour
aged; cast your care upon God, and asks, “Are ye not much better than
remain calm and cheerful. Pray for they?” Matthew 6:26. The great
wisdom to manage your affairs with Provider for man and beast opens His
discretion, and thus prevent loss and hand and supplies all His creatures.
disaster. Do all you can on your part to The birds of the air are not beneath
bring about favorable results. Jesus His notice. He does not drop the food
has promised His aid, but not apart into their bills, but He makes provision
from our effort. When, relying upon for their needs. They must gather the
our Helper, you have done all you can, grains He has scattered for them.
accept the result cheerfully. They must prepare the material for
their little nests. They must feed their
It is not the will of God that His young. They go forth singing to their
people should be weighed down with labor, for “your heavenly Father
care. But our Lord does not deceive us. feedeth them.” And “are ye not much
He does not say to us, “Do not fear; better than they?” Are not you, as
there are no dangers in your path.” He intelligent, spiritual worshipers, of
knows there are trials and dangers, more value than the birds of the air?
and He deals with us plainly. He does Will not the Author of our being, the
not propose to take His people out of Preserver of our life, the One who
a world of sin and evil, but He points formed us in His own divine image,
them to a never-failing refuge. His provide for our necessities if we but
prayer for His disciples was, “I pray not trust in Him?
that Thou shouldest take them out of
the world, but that Thou shouldest

62 the path to pea ce

Christ pointed His disciples to the but there is joy and satisfaction in the
flowers of the field, growing in rich service of God; the Christian is not left
profusion and glowing in the simple to walk in uncertain paths; he is not left
beauty which the heavenly Father had to vain regrets and disappointments.
given them, as an expression of His If we do not have the pleasures of this
love to man. He said, “Consider the life we may still be joyful in looking to
lilies of the field, how they grow.” The the life beyond.
beauty and simplicity of these natural
flowers far outrival the splendor of But even here Christians may have
Solomon. The most gorgeous attire the joy of communion with Christ;
produced by the skill of art cannot they may have the light of His
bear comparison with the natural love, the perpetual comfort of His
grace and radiant beauty of the presence. Every step in life may bring
flowers of God’s creation. Jesus asks, us closer to Jesus, may give us a
“If God so clothe the grass of the field, deeper experience of His love, and
which today is, and tomorrow is cast may bring us one step nearer to the
into the oven, shall He not much more blessed home of peace. Then let
clothe you, O ye of little faith?” us not cast away our confidence,
Matthew 6:28,30. If God, the divine but have firm assurance, firmer than
Artist, gives to the simple flowers that ever before. “Hitherto hath the Lord
perish in a day their delicate and helped us,” and He will help us to the
varied colors, how much greater care end. 1 Samuel 7:12. Let us look to the
will He have for those who are created monumental pillars, reminders of
in His own image? This lesson of what the Lord has done to comfort us
Christ’s is a rebuke to the anxious and to save us from the hand of the
thought, the perplexity and doubt, of destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our
the faithless heart. memory all the tender mercies that
God has shown us, – the tears He has
The Lord would have all His sons wiped away, the pains He has
and daughters happy, peaceful, and soothed, the anxieties removed, the
obedient. Jesus says, “My peace I give fears dispelled, the wants supplied,
unto you: not as the world giveth, give the blessings bestowed, – thus
I unto you. Let not your heart be trou- strengthening ourselves for all that is
bled, neither let it be afraid.” “These before us through the remainder of
things have I spoken unto you, that My our pilgrimage.
joy might remain in you, and that your
joy might be full.” John 14:27; 15:11. We cannot but look forward to new
perplexities in the coming conflict, but
Happiness that is sought from we may look on what is past as well as
selfish motives, outside of the path on what is to come, and say, “Hitherto
of duty, is ill-balanced, fitful, and hath the Lord helped us.” “As thy days,
transitory; it passes away, and the soul so shall thy strength be.” Deut. 33:25.
is filled with loneliness and sorrow; The trial will not exceed the strength

Wall to Wall Happiness 63

that shall be given us to bear it. Then blood of Christ, and the excellence
let us take up our work just where we and brightness of His glory, far
find it, believing that whatever may exceeding the brightness of the sun, is
come, strength proportionate to the imparted to them. And the moral
trial will be given. beauty, the perfection of His charac-
ter, shines through them, in worth far
And by and by the gates of heaven exceeding this outward splendor.
will be thrown open to admit God’s They are without fault before the
children, and from the lips of the King great white throne, sharing the dig-
of glory the benediction will fall on nity and the privileges of the angels.
their ears like richest music, “Come,
ye blessed of My Father, inherit the In view of the glorious inheritance
kingdom prepared for you from the that may be his, “what shall a man
foundation of the world.” Matt. 25:34. give in exchange for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26. He may be poor,
Then the redeemed will be yet he possesses in himself a wealth
welcomed to the home that Jesus and dignity that the world could
is preparing for them. There their never bestow. The soul redeemed and
companions will not be the vile of cleansed from sin, with all its noble
earth, liars, idolaters, the impure, and powers dedicated to the service of
unbelieving; but they will associate God, is of surpassing worth; and there
with those who have overcome Satan is joy in heaven in the presence of
and through divine grace have formed God and the holy angels over one soul
perfect characters. Every sinful ten- redeemed, a joy that is expressed in
dency, every imperfection, that afflicts songs of holy triumph.
them here has been removed by the

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