October 31

•’ did know iJtee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.’ llosea xiii. 5.

if’ttl-’^ES, Lord, Thou didst indeed know me in my fallen j’-s’ state, and Thou didst even then choose me foi Thypolf. Whon I was loathsome and self-abhorred, Thou didst receive me as Thy child, and Thou didst satisfy my jraving wants. Blessed forever be Thy name for thi? free, rich, abounding mercy. Since then, my inward experience has often been a wilderness; but Thou hast owned me still as Thy beloved, and poured streams of love and grace into me to gladden me, and make mc fruitful. Yea, when my outward circumstances have been at the worst, and I have wandered in a land of drought, Thy sweet presence has solaced me. Men have not known me when scorn has awaited me, but Thou hast known ray soul in adversities, for no affliction dims the lustre of Thy love. 3Iost gracious Lord, 1 magnify Thee for all Thy faithfulness to me in trying circumstances, and I deplore that I should at any time have forgotten Thee and been exalted in heart, when I have owed all to Thy gentleness and love. Have mercy upon Thy servant in this thing!

My soul, if Jesus thus acknowledged thee in thy low estate, be sure that thou own both Himself and His cause now that thou art in thy prosperity. Be not lifted up by thy worldly successes so as to be ashamed of the truth or of the poor church with which thou hast been associated. Follow Jesus into the wilderness: bear the cross with Him when the heat of persecution grows hot. He owned thee, 0 my soul, in thy poverty and shame — never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of Him. Oh for more shame at the thought of being ashitiied f mj b2£* Beloved! Jesus, my soul cleavcth to Thee.

“I’ll turn to Thco in d.-iys of light,
As well as iiiy;lits of care,
Thou brightL’st iimid all that’s bright
Thou fairest of ttie fair!”