September 25

Realise therefore the privilege; and remember that the best thing you can do with your trouble is to take it to him. This is sanctioned by the highest authority: "Is any afflicted? Let him pray."

It is recommended by experience:

"What various hindrances we meet

In coming to a mercy-seat:

Yet who that knows the worth of prayer,

But wishes to be often there."

Of all the millions that have tried it; there is not one but will say, "It is good for me to draw nigh to God:" and also add, "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."

There is nothing like the influence of the exercise, in calming the ruffled mind, healing the broken spirit, and preserving us from all the unhallowed feelings to which we are liable in the hour of distress.

To whom can we be so encouraged to go as unto him? Others are often wanting in kindness. Their patience is soon exhausted. By our continual coming we weary them. They may be in a selfish or pettish frame. They may be too busy to attend to our complaint. It may be deemed beneath their notice when they deign to regard us—What airs they give themselves—what difficulties they urge—what delays they require—how they love to make us feel our dependence—and how sure are they to remind us of our faults. But he upbraideth not. He despises not the prayer of the destitute. He is full of condescension and longsuffering. His heart is the dwelling-place of pity. He presses us to make free with him—"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

If men were kind, they are often powerless. If their ear is open to hear, their hand is shortened that it cannot save. They may weep when we weep, and weep most of all that their resources cannot aid their affections. But nothing is too hard for the Lord. As to the trouble you take to him, he can explain it, and show you wherefore he contendeth with you. He can support you under it. He can deliver you from it. He can turn it into a blessing. He can enable you to say, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted."

Therefore go and tell Jesus. It is not in all cases and in all respects improper to unbosom yourselves to a fellow-creature, and especially a fellow-Christian; some solace and relief may be obtained: but, says Cowper—

"Were half the breath thus vainly spent,

To heaven in supplication sent,

The cheerful cry would oft'ner be,

'Hear what the Lord hath done for me.'"

Have you, like these disciples, been to the grave, and left your hope and comfort in the dust? Go and tell him who wept himself at the grave of Lazarus, and who can be better to you than ten sons.

Have you received intelligence that alarms or distresses you? Do as Hezekiah did—He went and spread the letter before the Lord.

Have you a heart's bitterness, known only to yourself, and which you feel not at liberty to divulge to any earthly connexion? There