The Way to Peace and Joy.
By C. H. Rogers
It is a plainly revealed characteristic of our nature to be ever seeking for happiness. It matters not what our vocation may be, or what our circumstances in life, there is a continual striving after this one great end. We would then ask, What, in the light of pure and undefiled religion, is the acme of the Christian's enjoyment? What constitutes his perfect happiness so far as this life is concerned, while surrounded with the cares and turmoils of this inconstant and giddy world? What is it that is most congenial to his tastes and feelings? Is it not a conscience void of offence toward God and toward all men? a willingness to become anything or nothing for the sake of Jesus? a humble sinking out of self into Christ? Is it not the putting on of that spirit of meekness and charity which beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things? that rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth? I answer, that I think when the child of God can humbly feel like this, then, so far as mortality is capable, he will be able to comprehend what is the exceeding love of God. The question then arises, How are we to attain to this? There are certain duties laid down in the word of God which we must perform, the performance of which brings that peace which comes through obedience, and which will secure the favor of God. One of these is prayer, and the most necessary is secret prayer. What is secret prayer? It is a communion of one's self alone with God, either silently or vocally. Says the apostle, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting." 1 Tim. ii, 7. I do not understand the apostle to mean here that we should at all times and under all circumstances lift up our hands and raise our voices in vocal prayer; but that we should always feel the force of the solemn declaration, "Thou God seest me." We should at all times commend ourselves to his kind care and keeping. Especially are we enjoined to seek our Lord in our closet, where he has promised to not only hear us while secretly communing with him, but reward us openly. Then, how precious should be the seasons when we can retire and pour our sorrows and griefs into the ears of One who is never weary of hearing our cries. Why is it that the duty of secret prayer should be so arduous and repugnant to the feelings of so many, when we know that it is in the secret bower that a tender Father often reveals the glory of his shining face? when we know that he bids us meet him there, and daily receive that strength which we so much need to successfully cope with the adversary of all good? The Psalmist often sought his God in secret; and if it was necessary for David, a man after God's own heart, to flee often to his secret chamber and intercede with God for daily strength to enable him to endure the buffetings of Satan, and the persecutions of unrighteous men, how much more necessary is it that we should do the same thing, in this time when Satan is working with all signs and powers and lying wonders; when men's hearts are failing them for fear, and when nations are trembling, thrones tottering, and principalities crumbling to decay? Let us often be found in near communion with God. It is impossible to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and men, without often seeking this blessed secret intercourse with our heavenly Father. We have the example of our blessed Pattern to cheer us in this holy duty. At one time we find him going apart from his disciples, and continuing all night in the mountain in secret communion with his Father. And once again at solemn midnight he bowed in agony and prayed. Pause and think! think of the intense agony which called forth that heart-gush of anguish, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass." There he bowed, forsaken of those whom he loved, earnestly pleading with his Father for strength to pass through the bitter trial before him. Then an angel was sent to bless and encourage. Thus it is with those who earnestly plead with God. It is the strong faithful crying, the earnest appeal, that brings the blessing from above; and while cares and sorrows oppress, and the heart seems riven with anguish, how sweet to go away and find that soothing solace with God and our Redeemer which can be found nowhere else! and then to know that while in this sacred nearness with our heavenly Father, he hears our feeble cries, and sends to our help and rescue angels to comfort and assure us of divine favor, and say to our troubled spirits, Be not afraid, thy Father is at the helm. Then hail the secret bower,
The calm and sacred hour,
When God in soothing power
Comes down in love.
C. H. ROGERS.
Mauston, Wis.