ON THE MOUNTAIN TOP ALONE.
No matter how much social religion we may have, no one who does not spend hours alone with God need expect to grow in holiness. When we are to be used, there will be means employed to perfect us. Jacob, after having wrestled alone with the Lord, became a prince, and his character was changed and settled. God called Moses to meet him on the top of the mountain alone; it was a private interview. It is always on the top of the mountain, no matter where we are, if we are alone with God. We can never be strong in the Lord and the power of his might, unless we lie down alone before him. As we see his greatness we learn our own littleness; and we are taught our own weakness as we learn a little of his power. Comparing ourselves with others may lead us either into discouragement or vanity, but acquaintance with God humbles us in the dust, and fills us with the hidden power of Him who is strong to redeem and mighty to save. No matter how weak the instrument, if it is wielded by an almighty hand.