Hewing Stones and Pruning Vines

*’ There is more squaring, and hewing a?id hacking used about a sto7ie that is to be set in a stately palace than that which is placed in a?t ordinary btcildifigj and the vine is primed ‘whe7i the bramble is not looked after, but let alone to grow to its full lengthy This should reconcile believers to their chastisements. It is a well-worn figure; but it is well put. Brambles certainly have a fine time of it, and grow after their own pleasure. We have seen their long shoots reaching far and wide, and no knife has threatened them as they luxuriated upon the commons and waste lands. The poor vine is cut down so closely that little remains of it but bare stems. Yet, when clearing-time comes, and the brambles are heaped for their burning, who would not rather be the vine?

Ah, Lord! Let me never sigh for ease, but always seek for usefulness. Square me till I am fit for a place in thy temple; prune me till I yield my utmost fruit. I know not what this prayer may involve; but if I did, I would pray to be helped to pray it, and I would entreat thee to fulfil it to the letter.