A RARE CASE OF FAITHFULNESS
By J. H. W.
A RARE CASE OF FAITHFULNESS.
“I WILL pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Ps. 66: 13, 14. Few, very few, indeed, of the most devoted servants of God, fully act up to this resolution of King David. It is not so much that they are dishonest, nor even forgetful of the obligation; but it is difficult for any of us to realize our dependence on God in times of prosperity and ease, as we do in time of affliction. While with most, it is the old story of Pharaoh again—penitent and prayerful in affliction, but proud and hard-hearted when the rod was removed. So it was with Israel: “When he slew them, then they sought him; and they returned and inquired early after God.” Ps. 78: 34. Many times have I seen professed Christians act as the little girl said who related to her mother her going through the woods to her aunt Ann’s. When she came to the edge of the woods, she said to the Lord, if he would take care of her, she would thank him. After passing safely through, she said, “Thank you, dear Lord, and now you need not mind me any more, for I am most to aunt Ann’s.” Do you smile, reader? Look at yourself. Have you not often looked to the Lord for protection when trouble was before you, and when you had “got through the woods,” acted as if you were fully able to take care of yourself? Do you feel your dependence on God in everything, and at all times? A certain minister related, with evident thankfulness, how the providence of God had saved his life in the case of an accident which occurred on his journey. “But I,” said another, “have a more wonderful providence than that, to record; I came all the way on my journey without any accident!” Who notices such providences as that? What selfish, thoughtless, unthankful creatures we are. I knew a mother who promised the Lord if he would raise her child from a severe, and to all appearance, fatal sickness, she would never again distrust his care, or doubt his truth. And her child was restored, in answer to prayer, in such a manner that it was a wonder to all. But soon came a cross which she had not sufficient self-denial or Christian principle to take up; then came distrust of God’s care, and soon her mind was so darkened, or her heart hardened, or both, that she openly denied the hand of God in the restoration of her child! And yet I doubt if she has ever broken through her subsequent years of sorrows and trials, rebellions and denials of God’s truth, and the reproach and shame that these have brought to her, back to the broken vows which her heart prompted, and her lips uttered, when she was in trouble. When promises are made in trouble, future crosses are rarely provided for. When these come, the promises are forgotten. But God never forgets. “He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed.” Eccl. 5: 4. Vows made in trouble, and forgotten when peace comes, indicate a selfish spirit, intent on present gain, regardless of the honor and authority of God. Who has confessions to make hereon, or neglected vows to take up? J. H. W.