January 7

II

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.—ROM. viii, 28.

Ill that He blesses is our good,

And unblest good is ill;

And all is right that seems most wrong,

If it be His sweet will.

FABER.

Before the fruit be gathered,

We must see the blossoms fall;

And the waiting-time, my brothers,

Is the hardest time of all.

Those who love God will find all things working together for their good. Everything helps them, as sunshine or storm, summer or winter, helps the tree. When the sun shines warmly, the tree opens all its buds and leaves and drinks in the warm air, and grows. When the cold storms of winter beat upon it, it withdraws into itself, and shuts its pores, and tightens its hold by the roots, and hardens. So when all things are pleasant in life we enjoy them gratefully, and expand in God's sunshine with thankful hearts. When disappointment and trial come we learn to be patient, trusting, submissive, hopeful, firm, and true, and that, also, is good for us.

JAMES FREEMAN CLARKE.