“Good is the Will of the Lord.”
THERE is no sentiment of which the consecrated heart makes so great account, as a love for the divine will. In that will, the devout one delights himself whether its dispensations seem hard or easy to be borne by the natural feelings. When afflictions press sorely and heavily upon him, and he sees them accumulating daily, so that nature's heart is rent, and cries out, a spirit within whispers, “Good is the will of the Lord;” and he replies, “In thee, O Lord, is my trust!” But should one be disposed to cavil, and ask, “How can it be known that this is the Lord's will? You receive many afflictions by the hands of wicked men, and through the selfishness of the world, and the perversion of the laws of God.” We are ready to reply, God has a will of permission as well as appointment. Without divine permission no man, nor evil spirit, could harm a hair of the head; for lo! the Almighty is a shield to those who rely on no other arm, but look steadfastly upward to Himself. And indeed, the steadfast eye discovers the truth that God does not permit any real harm to the faithful Christian. He only uses the evil designs of enemies, and the wicked perversion of physical, mental and moral laws, as instruments to accomplish his own purposes of good will to his child. Yet, this child must be careful himself, and not partake of the guilt of knowingly perverting any law of God, whether physical, mental or moral; else he must lose his confidence. But we speak of the consecrated, the sanctified one. Certainly he will not, cannot, and retain acceptance with his Maker, knowingly or carelessly break even the most simple physical law; for these too are his Maker's laws. So, after having done as well as he knows, or has the means of knowing, he may rest in peace, being assured that nothing over which he can have no control, shall be permitted to harm him, while he leans and rests himself upon the arm that encompasses the universe. I have often hesitated when about to speak of the prosperity and adversity of God's dear children; those that walk carefully before him, and love him with the whole heart; for, in a correct sense, I think, it may be said that all is prosperity to such. “All things work together for good,” &c. There is no curse to those who walk with God, and “follow the Lamb”—those who can say, “as he was, so are we in this world;” living not to do our own will, but to glorify our Father. But the external circumstances with which these are surrounded differ at different times. Sometimes they are resting under the sun of prosperity, and then again, under the clouds of adversity, as we express it. They are equally at rest, in both these cases. I have witnessed the breathings of the heart in love with the divine will. I have seen that constant worshiper, low in the dust, brought there by affliction, such as is felt when the cold hand of death lays hold upon those tender living cords that bind together human hearts. Then I heard the exclamations, “I love thy will!” “Thy will be done!” “Do as thou wilt, O God!” Confusion and agitation afflicted not that breast. A distrust of all prospects of good, save what were given by the all-wise dispenser, induced a calm and serenity, such as human philosophy never had the power to secure. But it is not unimportant to look, and observe this faithful disciple in the less prominent and striking circumstances of life; for it may sometimes be found that those who give up their own will, when a heavy stroke comes upon them, will hold to it in ordinary dispensations. Not so in the case just mentioned. The following are expressions and petitions in use every day and hour by this praying heart: “My Father, I know not what is for thy greatest glory and my own good;” “Thy will be done;” “I have no particulars to ask of thee; only thou appoint all my times for me, and point me to the way which pleaseth thee! Amen!” These are offered in reference to secular arrangements, or temporal blessings. For spiritual communications, the prayer bespeaks the same freedom from self-seeking. An example: “Give me just such exercises and emotions as shall best please thee, my Father!” “I only pray God make me holy, God fit me for my work!” “Help me to do, and say, just what shall honor thee, and save souls, how humbly soever I myself must appear in the eyes of those who behold me!” “Give me thyself, or I die!” “Let me live in thee, or I cannot endure my existence!” But there is no crying after this or that particular thing, “that I may be more happy.” There is no saying, Give me this, and this, recklessly exclaiming, “if it can be thy will;” seeming to say, if it can be made thy will. If any particulars are mentioned before the Lord, of which there is not a certainty of the divine pleasure, the prayer is, “if it be thy will.” We know “if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us;” and we shall have these things, if we continue to ask aright; and “good is the will of the Lord.” All good then, is secured to those who forsake self, and cleave to God. Beholding and considering these things, my whole heart prompts that prayer of prayers, “Father, glorify thy name!”