Forearmed Against Trials.
By H. S. Z.
If you were traveling along the highway, and should find trees plucked up by a storm and cast before you, you would contrive by some means to pass around and thus proceed on your way. If you had not the facilities for removing the obstruction before passing here again, you would calculate upon a hinderance, and before starting would expect to be delayed, so that you would not, as before, be disappointed. Thus it should be with you in your life labors; on the farm, in the counting room, in the study. In whatever vocation you are called, you will meet hindrances and perplexities. Let nothing vex or aggravate you. Disappoint Satan in his maneuvers to overcome you. Use the language of Jesus. “Get thee behind me, Satan, I will have nothing to do with thee,” and angels will come and minister to you. But especially when you have to contend with such difficulties as a balky team, unruly stock, quarrelsome neighbors, or contrary help, be not overcome. Be prepared for every emergency, by keeping on the whole armor of God. Then your temper will never be ruffled, and you will at last come off more than conqueror through Him that loved us, and gave himself for us.