May 24

Friday in Easter Week

For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. Hebrews 12:6.

BE not like those who fret or stand amazed at the losses or sorrows which God sends them. But in each seek for what end He sends it; die more to the world, from which He is detaching us; look whereunto He is calling us; strive to forget the world, its pomps, its sorrows, its vain desires, its destructive pleasures, its bitter sorrows and more bitter joys, in Him. Contemplating Him and His Cross, each sorrow will but unloose one link of the chain which sin binds round us, and which withholds us from Him; each pang of pain will be but His welcome messenger; all shall we gladly share with Him, in His sufferings forget our own; glad to share here, for our own sins' sakes, suffering, pain, bereavement, sorrow, loss, contempt, knowing that we are safer thus than in health, reputation, abundance, gladness, enjoyment of all things; glad to share all suffering which He, for our sakes, suffered, so, for His sufferings' sake, He give "us for a prey" our own souls which we had justly forfeited, and the souls which we have loved. For nothing earthly can satisfy the soul which is heavenly. All which passeth away is unreal, and what is unreal cannot satisfy; all passeth away except the soul and God.

I know that trial works for ends Too high for sense to trace, That oft in dark attire He sends Some embassy of grace.

May none depart till I have gained The blessing which it bears, And learn, though late, I entertained An angel unawares.

So shall I bless the hour that sent The mercy of the rod, And build an altar by the tent Where I have met with God.

K