October 9

What I do, thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.—John 13:7.

WHEN providences seem dark, and the way before me is not plain, do I still rest by faith on the wisdom and goodness of my heavenly Father? Do I bear in mind that this world is not the world of results, but a state of discipline and trial? Looking forward to the future state, am I perfectly satisfied that all will then be made plain? And do I strive now to be found faithful in duty, leaving to the solution of the future all that is mysterious or painful in this earthly state?

Most of our difficulties and perplexities arise from our discussing what belongs to God. He does not reason with us, but replies to our suspicious reasoning by displaying afresh the love of his heart, and the power of his arm.—H. BONAR.

In Providence, as in the Scriptures, we must accept readily whatever is plain; and whatever things are hid from us, we must pass them over, and in faith and patience wait for light—if need be, for the light of eternity.

God's plans, like lilies pure and white, unfold;

We must not tear the close-shut leaves apart; Time will reveal the calyxes of gold,

And show their fitness, to the waiting heart. And if, through patient toil, we reach the land,

Where weary feet, with sandals loosed, may rest, Where we shall know and clearly understand,

Then we shall surely say, "God knew the best."