Life and Literature Part 113

DIRECTED IN A DREAM.

A zealous divine, who had prayed earnestly that G.o.d would teach him the perfect way of truth, was directed in a dream to go to a certain place, where he would find an instructor; when he came to the place, he found a man in ordinary attire, to whom he wished a good morning.

"I never had a bad morning," replied the man. "That is very singular; I wish you may always be as fortunate." "I was never unfortunate," said he. "I hope you may always be as happy," said the divine. "I am never unhappy," said the other. "I wish," said the divine, "that you would explain yourself a little."

"That I will cheerfully do," said the other; "I said that I never had a bad morning, for every morning, even if I am pinched with hunger, I praise G.o.d. If it rains, or snows, or hails, whether the day is serene or tempestuous, I am still thankful to G.o.d, and therefore I never had a joyless morning. If I am miserable in outward circ.u.mstances, and despised, I still praise G.o.d; you wished that I might always be fortunate, but I cannot be unfortunate, because nothing befalls me but according to the will of G.o.d, and I believe that His will is always good, in whatever He does or permits to be done. You wished me always happy, but I cannot be unhappy, because my will is always resigned to the will of G.o.d."

The divine, astonished at the man's answers, asked him whence he came.

"I came from G.o.d," he replied. "Where did you find Him?" "Where I left the world." "Where did you leave G.o.d?" "With the pure in heart." "What are you?" "I am a king." "Where is your kingdom?" "It is within my bosom. I have learned to rule my appet.i.tes and pa.s.sions, and that is better than to rule any kingdom in the world."

"How were you brought into this happy condition?"

"By secret prayer, spiritual meditation and union with G.o.d; nothing below G.o.d could satisfy my desires; I have found Him, and in Him I have found Peace and Rest."

--_Old Magazine._

1563

A PRAYER "FOR ABSENT RELATIVES AND FRIENDS."

"Our Father, in Thy mercy Hear our anxious prayer: Keep our loved ones now far absent 'Neath Thy care."

1564

NO ROOF ON THE HOUSE.

A laborer went to work for a wealthy farmer. It was regarded as something of a favor to be employed by him, as he was a prompt and liberal paymaster, and was look'd upon by his neighbors as a very superior farmer. The man remained with him only a few days.

"I'm told you've left farmer P," said a neighbor.

"Yes, I have," was the reply.

"Was the work too hard for you?"

"There was nothing to complain of on that score."

"What then? Were the wages too low?"

"No."

"Why did you leave?"

"There was no roof on the house!" And he went on his way, leaving the questioner to ponder on the strange answer he had given.

The man's meaning may be found in the saying of an old writer, who affirms that a dwelling in which prayer is not offered up to G.o.d daily, is like a house without a roof, in which there cannot be either peace, safety, or comfort.

--_Old Magazine._

1565

Prayer in the morning is the key that opens to us the treasures of G.o.d's mercies and blessings; in the evening it is the key that shuts us up under his protection and safeguard.

1566

When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without heart.

--_Bunyan._

1567

A QUAINT OLD PRAYER.

"Oh, that mine eyes might closed be To what concerns me not to see; That deafness might possess mine ear To what concerns me not to hear; That love my tongue might always tie From ever speaking foolishly!

But what are wishes! Lord, mine eye On Thee is fixed. To Thee I cry.

Wash, Lord, and purify my heart And make it clean in every part; And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it, too, For that is more than I can do."

--_Unknown._

1568

_Rev. Thomas Guthrie_:--"As an amba.s.sador for Christ, I regard a preacher of the Gospel as filling the most responsible office any mortal can occupy. His pulpit is, in my eyes, loftier than a throne; and of all professions, learned or unlearned, his, though usually in point of wealth the poorest, I esteem the most honorable. That office is one angels themselves might covet."

--_From Memoir of Dr. Guthrie._

1569

When the preacher seeks fame he is sure to find folly.

1570

Opinions founded on prejudice are always sustained with the greatest violence.

1571

He who never leaves his country is apt to be full of prejudices.

--_Goldoni._