“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits,” &c. James iii, 17. Whose heart would not glow with admiration in the contemplation of this beautiful passage. Cold indeed must be that heart that would not desire wisdom like this. How lovely the character that shows by a practice of those virtues, that he possesses this wisdom. For one I confess with sorrow my lack, yet I do pray, and press my case to the Father of lights from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, to grant me unwavering faith to prevail with him. I feel while writing these lines that faith and hope spring up anew, and lay hold of the sure promise, It shall be given you. Often is my heart made sad when I call to mind how many I meet daily, whom I respect, perishing for the lack of the above wisdom, rushing on to ruin and to death. How especially true are the following solemn lines at this time:
“Broad is the road that leads to death,
And thousands walk together there,
But wisdom shows a narrow path,
With here and there a traveler.”
Be it mine to share in the trials, the burdens and blessings of God's chosen and peculiar people; and though the way heavenly wisdom points out is narrowing up, the sure word of prophecy assures us that we are passing the last waymark. Mount Zion and the city of our God are just before us; and though this dark world is growing darker, thank God, the heavenly way shines more and more unto the perfect day.
We cannot miss our way if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Heb. iii, 6. Amid the “Lo heres” and “Lo theres,” and the confusion that surrounds us, men's hearts failing them for fear, when human wisdom utterly fails to know what is coming, how calmly and confidently can he whose mind is stored, and heart warmed, with the wisdom that makes wise unto salvation, by an eye of faith look through and beyond this vast preparation for war and clash of carnal weapons. He knows that the King of kings is coming, that his redemption draweth nigh.
May you and I, dear reader, be clad with the armor of light which is described in Eph. vi, 14–17, that we may be able to stand in this evil day. And while others are engaged in deadly conflict with each other for a fading inheritance, let us rally under the banner of our God which is displayed because of the truth [Ps. lx, 4], realizing that though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Cor. x, 3, 4. With these divine precepts imprinted on my heart, and Christ dwelling there by faith, I am resolved to march on with him who has gone forth conquering and to conquer [Rev. vi, 2], and the unfading inheritance and crown of glory will be ours. In conclusion, may the calm trust and confidence in God let what will come, which is expressed in the following beautiful lines, be obtained and retained by us all, is my prayer:
“My lifted eye without a tear,
The gathering storm shall see;
My steadfast heart shall know no fear,
That heart will rest on Thee.”