May 3

I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.—Hosea 2:14.

DO I realize that when God has mercy in store for his children, he often brings them to the wilderness of trial, that there, in quiet and retirement, they may commune with him? Does it encourage me to know, that when the enforced quiet has done its appointed work, then he will speak comfort to the soul, and give that peace and joy which flow only from nearness of communion with himself?

Whilst thou art passing on through the wilderness, from the gate of hell where thou wast, to the gate of heaven where thou art going, God hath strewed thy path with promises, as with flowers from his own paradise.—BUNTAN.

Give me the comforts of God, and I can well bear the taunts of men. Let me lay my head on the bosom of Jesus, and I fear not the distraction of care and trouble. If my God will but give me the light of his smile, and the blessing of his benediction, it is enough. —SPURGEON.

Till death the weary spirit free,

My God hath said, "'Tis good for thee

To walk by faith, and not by sight

Take it on trust a little while;

Soon shalt thou read the mystery right,

In the full sunlight of his smile.—KEBLE.