How Manifold are Thy Mercies.
By D. B. STAPLES
How good the Lord is to the children of men. “He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” But how little do the most of us realize his goodness, long-suffering, and tender mercy. How tenderly he watches over his own children, those who love and fear him. What a fatherly care he ever manifests toward those who try to do his will. I have not been half thankful enough for the mercies, blessings, and privileges with which I have been favored, and to-night I have been blessed with another sweet, precious privilege. I thank God that my lot has been cast in so pleasant a place, where I am permitted to meet from time to time, with some of the chosen people of God. I am aware that there are many who are not thus blessed. I can sympathize with them. At our little prayer-meeting, through the goodness of God, Bro. Shaborn was permitted to be with us, and though we were but few in number, yet the Lord was with us by his Holy Spirit; and while our dear brother was presenting to us the Christian's duties, taking Paul's stand-point as given in his letter to the Colossians, chap. iii. 14, “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection,” his remarks came home to my heart with great force. 1. Where this bond of perfection or love should begin. At home in the family, from thence it would emanate toward our brethren and sisters, and thence to our neighbors and friends, and thus on, till it embraced the whole human family. May God enable us to carry out this great principle of love, which Paul says is above all, and stands at the head of all Christian graces. And truly if the countenance is an index to the soul, I think we may confidently expect to see, by the grace of God, an advance step in this direction, by those at least who were present; and as love begets love, others will follow in the wake. Some of us have been making an effort in this direction; and now we hope to make greater progress. We were also reminded of what Paul further says about charity, or love, to his Corinthian brethren, “Charity suffereth long and is kind.” It must be elastic and well mixed with kindness. This was truly meat in due season to me, because I am trying to reform in this direction, and I have received fresh courage. Bless the Lord! What though some may have a companion, or children, or brothers, or sisters, or friends, who do not endorse our views, who do not give place to these great truths in their hearts, and perhaps oppose and ridicule! “Love suffereth long, and is kind.” Ever bear this in mind. Oh, what a glorious theme is love! God is love. My prayer shall be, Lord imbue my heart with love, let it permeate my whole being. May the Lord aid me, and all the dear brethren and sisters here and elsewhere, to “put on charity.” D. B. STAPLES.
Johnstown Center, Wis.