The Approbation of God.
By S. Elmer
WHAT an inestimable blessing! We cannot prize it too highly. It cannot be purchased with wealth, or compared with the costliest diamonds of earth. Let the worldling seek honor, wealth, fame, or whatever this poor world can give, but let us know that the approving smile of my heavenly Father is resting upon me; that his holy angels are watching over me, and I ask for no more. The approbation of God! how it sweetens the cup of affliction! In every circumstance whether in prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, it sustains, encourages and animates the care-worn heart. As the sun breaks forth from the dense clouds, as the water drops upon the parched ground, so is the influence of the Spirit after hours of darkness and temptation. It was this that nerved up the martyrs and saints of all ages to endure their sufferings with composure. It is a life-boat upon time's tempestuous billows, a guarantee to all who possess it. But if we would enjoy the approbation of the Lord, we must do his will; and we know it is his will that we keep his commandments. Can we expect he will approve us in disobedience? Should an earthly parent command a child to do a certain piece of work and he should go and do something altogether different, would the father approbate his course? And will the Creator of Heaven and earth be less particular? Oh for the spirit of obedience. Unto this man, saith the Lord will I look, even him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. To secure his approbation is to secure everything; to lose it is to lose all. What would the sinner give when every earthly prop shall fail, in that day when left to call for the rocks and the mountains to fall on him, if he felt God's approbation resting upon him! But 'tis now too late; he has trampled on the Law of God, spurned offered mercy, and now he feels that he is not his friend. Not so with the Christian. The wild tempest may sweep, the loudest thunder roar, and the red lightnings blaze, the heavens and earth may shake; yet with a calm trust he exclaims, This is our God, and he will save us. Oh sinner! seek the approbation of God, ere mercy closes forever. Get safely on board the old ship of Zion, and with Jesus at the helm, you will be able to escape the ruins of earth; and safely land on the eternal shore. Ashfield, Mass., Oct. 1864.