Provisioned for a Siege

‘■’’When a city is besieged the prince who would defend it doth not leave it to its orditiary strength and the standi7tg provisions which it had before, but sendeth in fresh supplies of soldiers, victuals, and annnunition, and such things as the prescjit exigetice calleth for. So doth God deal with his people; his Spirit cometh iti with a new supply, that they may better repel sin, and stand out in the hoicr of trial P What supplies of food, medicine, and ammunition are poured into a city which has to sustain a siege; and seldom do they prove to be more than are required! Even so, in our time of temptation, the Lord bestows vast stores of grace, strength, comfort, and wisdom; and yet there is need of them all ere the assault is over. It were well if we had a clearer idea of the needs of a beleaguered soul. We think far too lightly of the necessities which arise out of the attacks of Satan, and the blockade of the flesh. The City of Mansoul has no provision within itself, and if its commerce with heaven be cut off, black famine stares the inhabitants in the face. While the coast is clear it will be well to get in stores, and specially on those great market-days, the Sabbaths. None can fit us to stand a siege but that Universal Provider who daily feeds countless myriads of needy creatures.

Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest when next my nature shall be beleaguered by the adversary. Provision me, I pray thee, against the siege. Give me to rejoice because thou hast prayed for me that my faith fail not.