(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,
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,
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!
~ ~ ~ ~
(Anonymous)
Everything here below is fleeting and transitory.
While journeying through this wilderness of
troubles, few verdant spots are to be found,
on which the weary traveler can repose.
The earth lies under the curse.
Thorns and thistles cover the ground.
Storms and tempests agitate the air.
Disease and death dissolve the dearest ties.
Everything around me bespeaks the Fall,
and testifies that this is not my rest. Why,
then, should my foolish heart repose itself
on any creature comfort? Have I still to
learn that all of this world, is less than
nothing, and vanity?
“Oh! blessed Jesus, reveal yourself to my heart;
soften, melt, and renew it. Consume all the dross
which it contains, and transform it, wholly, after
your image; that, while surrounded by evils of
every name, and sorrows of every kind, which
abound in this rebellious, dying world, I may
enjoy the light of your countenance, and the
purifying influence of your love. Fill me with
your love; satiate my soul with your goodness;
and make me an everlasting trophy of your grace.”
~ ~ ~ ~