(James Smith‘s autobiography, “Marvelous Mercy!” 1862)
“Yes, He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, and this is my Friend!” Song of Songs 5:16
Jesus is . . .
an ocean of delights,
a sea of pleasure,
a fountain of bliss!
There is enough in Jesus, and in the happiness which we shall eternally enjoy:
to comfort the most dejected saint,
and soothe the sorrows of the most tried soul,
to strengthen the weakest, and
stimulate the most feeble to press onward in the path of tribulation!
O for . . .
more spirituality of soul,
and more conformity to His lovely likeness,
more unreserved dedication to His holy service!
But shortly — understanding, mind, will, and affections — will all be sweetly engaged and employed in ascribing, “Blessing and honor, thanksgiving and power — to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever!”
My heart leaps within me at the thought of thus giving perfect and perpetual praise to my beloved Lord!
This is my Friend!
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms!” Deuteronomy 33:27
Oh, how pleasant to lean upon an almighty arm, and to commit ourselves without anxiety to the guidance of infinite wisdom and love!
“This God is our God for ever and ever! He will be our guide even unto death!” Psalm 48:14