On Thy Paths
‘All the path.3 of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such, as keep His covenant and His testimonies.” — Pa. XXV. 10. “All the Paths!” It is no small effort of faith to say so, — when blessings are blown upon and schemes crossed, and fellow-pilgrims (it may be beloved helpmeets in our spiritual joys) mysteriously removed, — to say, “All — ALL is mercy! — All — all is well!”
But they are “the paths of the LorcV — His choosing; and be assured He will “lead His people by a right way.” It may not be the way of their own selecting. It may be the very last they would have chosen. But when He leadeth His sheep, “He goeth before them /” The Shepherd stakes off our pasture-ground. He guides “the footsteps of the flock.” He will lead them by no rougher way than He sees needful. Does a father give his child his own way? If lie did, it would be his ruin. Will God surrender us to our own truant wills, which are bent on nothing so much as wandering farthest from the Shepherd? He knows us better — He loves us better I
My soul! it is the loftiest triumph and prerogative of faith to have no way — no path of thine own — but with childlike simplicity and reliance to say, “Teach me Thy paths!’’ “Undertake Thoti for me!” Lead me hoicsoever and luheresoever Thou pleasest. Let it be through the darkest, loneliest, thorniest way — only let it bring me nearer Thyself.
“0 tell me, Thou life and delight of my soul,
Where the flock of Thy pasture are feeding; I seek Thy protection, I need Thy control;
I would go where my Shepherd is leading. 0 tell me the place where Tby flock are at rest, j
Where the noon-tide will find them reposing! j
The tempest now rages, my soul is distrest,
And the pathway of peace I am losing!” i
O that we could keep our eye not so much on the path, as on the bright wicket-gate which terminates it! When standing at that luminous portal, we shall trace, with adoring wonder, the way in which our God has led us, discerning the “need-be” of every tear-drop; — and to the question, “Is it well?” to which often on earth we gave an evasive answer, ready with an unhesitating, “It is well!” “What a light will then be flashed on these three oft mysterious words, “God is Love!” Then, at least, shall we be able to add the joyful comment — “We have known and believed the love which God hath to us!”
Meanwhile, my soul! if thou art treading a path of sorrow, consider, as an encouragement, that thy Lord and Master trod the same before thee. Behold! as He toils on His blood-stained journey, how submission to the Divine will forms the secret of His support. “Even so, Father!” “Xot my will, but Thine be done I” The True David was
strengthened with what sustained His typical yo THE NIGHT WATCHES.
ancestor in a dark and trying hour: “O Lord, thou art My God /” Believer! if it be tJiy God in covenant who is leading thee, what more canst thou require? “His ways are verity and judgment:” “He will guide thee, while thou livest, by His counsel, and afterward receive thee into His glory!” My God! if such be the design of thy dealings and discipline, —
“I WILL BOTH LAY MK DOWN IN PEACE AND SLEEP; FOR THOU, LOED, ONLY MAKEST MK DWELL IN SAFETY!”