As you read these words, are you not conscious of an inward feeling of
peace and quietness?
_Beneath God's Eye!_ there is something in the thought like a sheltering
rock, a refreshing dew, a gleam of light.
Ah! why always such seeking for some one to _see_ me, to _understand_,
_appreciate_, _praise_ me?
The human eye I seek is like the scorching ray that destroys all the
delicate colors in the most costly material. Every action that is done,
only to be seen of others, loses its freshness in the sight of GOD, like
the flower that passing through many hands is at last hardly presentable.
Oh, my soul! be as the desert flower that grows, blooms, and flourishes
unseen, in obedience to GOD'S Will, and cares not whether the passing bird
perceives it, or the wind scatters the petals, scarcely formed.
* * * * *
On no account neglect the duty you owe to friendship, relatives, society,
but remember each day to reserve some portion of it for yourself and GOD
only.
Remember always to do some actions that can be known to none but GOD.
Ah! how sweet to have GOD as our only Witness.
It is the high degree of holiness.
The most exquisite happiness.
The assurance of an entry into heaven hereafter.
The mother that reserves all that is most costly for her child, the child
that prepares in secret some surprise for its mother, do not experience a
joy more pure, more elevating, than the servant of GOD, who lives always
in GOD'S Presence, Whom alone they would please, or the loving heart that
enclosing alms to some destitute family writes upon the cover these words
only, "In the name of the Good and Gracious GOD."
* * * * *
The following lines were found on some scraps of paper belonging to some
stranger: ... They have just told me of a poor destitute woman; I gave
them ten pence for her; it was my duty to set an example. And now, my
GOD, for Thee, for Thy sake only, I mean to send her five shillings,
which I shall deduct from my personal expenses.
... To-morrow Henry is coming to see me, that poor Henry I loved
so dearly, but who has grown cold towards his old friend. He
wished to grieve me, and little knows that I found it out. Help
me, LORD, to remember I have forgiven him, and help me to receive
him cordially.
Thou alone knowest all I have suffered.
... What a happy day was yesterday! happy with regard to heavenly
things, for alas! my poor heart suffered.
Yesterday was a festival. The snow outside kept every one at home by
their own firesides, and I was left lonely.... Ah, yes, my heart felt
sad, but my spirit was peaceful; I tried to talk to GOD, just as if I
could really see Him at my side, and gradually I felt comforted, and
spent my evening with a sweet sense of GOD'S Presence.... What I said,
what I wrote, I know not; but the remembrance of yesterday remains to
me as some sweet, refreshing perfume.
* * * * *
Perhaps at the Last Day all that will remain worth recording of a life
full of activity and zeal will be those little deeds that were done solely
beneath the Eye of GOD....
My GOD, teach me to live with an abiding sense of Thy Presence, laboring
for Thee, suffering for Thee, guided by Thee, ... and Thee alone!