GOD’S MERCY.
BY ALICE M. BALL.
I want to speak of Christ, and of what I know of “His wonderful goodness to the children of men,” His goodness to those who put their trust in Him; those who wait for Him, who hope in His mercy. “The pure in heart shall see God” (St. Matt. v:8). He has Himself declared it, and it is for us to try and find His word immutable, His promise sure.
For a long time
our hearts have been crying, “Make us pure in heart, O Lord, for we are fully
purposed that we will see Thee.” The dear Lord remembereth the word unto His
servant, upon which He has “caused us to hope” (Psa. cxix:49), and although it
is through tempestuous storms that He sometimes maketh His way, it is only for
“a small moment” that He hideth His face from us, but with everlasting mercy He
beareth us in mind. It is towards the many pale prisoners in sick rooms that my
heart turns with utterable yearnings, and to those dear ones I long in Christ’s
name to say, “Be strong and of a good courage.” I seem to hear the piteous cry,
“Who is sufficient for these things?” and to hear weariness exclaim, “My flesh,
and my heart faileth!” But again I hear the gracious response, “The Lord thy
God… He will not fail thee, nor
forsake thee.”-(Deut. xxxi:6.)
O, dearly
beloved, let us never lose our courage. “He is
faithful that promised;” it must he a constant application of faith in the
promises, that bringeth victory. Only n Christ’s name can we succeed.
Thee,
From treacherous paths guide our weak human
feet.
Far out of self, completely and securely
And into Christ, our refuge and retreat.
