July 11

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?—Psalms 42:5.

IS my soul cast down because of temptation? But has not God said that he will not suffer me to be tempted beyond what I am able to bear? Is affliction piercing my heart, or trouble pressing me down to the ground? But does not my heavenly Father know and regulate it all? And has he not promised that all things shall work together for my good if I love and trust him? However dark the cloud, is not the bow of mercy and promise upon it?

There is a dark and also a bright side to every providence, as there was to the fiery, cloudy pillar that guided God's people of old in the desert. Nature looks upon the dark side, and calls it sorrow and sadness; but faith sees the sun dispersing the darkness, and calls it by the name of joy.—H. BONAR.

Never give way to sadness. Put on your hat, and go and visit the poor and sick in your neighborhood. Seek out the desolate and distressed; inquire into their wants, and sympathize with, and minister to them. I have often tried it, and have always found it the best medicine for a heavy heart.—JOHN HOWARD.

Oh, why art thou cast down, my soul?

Uplift thee, and be strong:

Thy care upon the Maker roll,

Thy sadness doth him wrong.

The God who ever rules above,

His child doth know, and keep and love!

—OBERLIN.