My Leader

He leadeth me.’’ — PSALM xxiii. 2.

A GUIDE-POST is one thing, a guide is quite another. It is helpful to have written instructions; it is far more helpful to have the leadership of a companionable friend. We might acquire an art from a text-book, but how infinitely more delightful it is to acquire it from a competent teacher. It is the vital human presence which tells. It is the living fellowship which takes the length out of the long road, and fills it with inspiring interest from end to end.

And in the unknown way of life we have a comforting Presence. We have the help of the guide-post, which is our conscience. We have the counsel of the guide-book, which is the Bible. But we have something better than both — we have the Lord of the road who erected the guide-post; we have the all-wise Counsellor who inspired the guide-book. The good Lord does not guide

34 My Leader

us by maxims orrules. He gives us Himself. “* He leadeth me.” “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” ‘The Lord Himself is thy Keeper.”

And so this is the wonderful prospect for the unknown journey of life — the communion of the Holy Spirit. His companionship is not conditioned by the nature of the road. He will not desert me when the way becomes rough and difficult. Nay, He reserves His choicest inspirations for the sternest parts of the road. He has songs for the night. He has cordials for the oppressive day. He has everything that heart can wish or need! ‘** He leadeth me.” I will trust and not be afraid.