“In the secret places of the stairs” (Song of Solomon ii. 14).
The dove is in the cleft of the rock—the riven side of our Lord. There is
comfort and security there. It is also in the secret places of the stairs.
It loves to build its nest in the high towers to which men mount the
winding stairs for hundreds of feet above the ground. What a glorious
vision is there obtained of the surrounding scenery. It is a picture of
ascending life. To reach its highest altitudes we must find the secret
places of the stairs. That is the only way to rise above the natural
plane. Our life should be one of quiet mounting with occasional resting
places; but we should be mounting higher step by step. Everybody does not
find this way of secret ascent. It is for God’s chosen ones. The world may
think you are going down. You may not have as much public work to do as
formerly. “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” It is a secret, hidden life.
We may be hardly aware that we are growing, till some day a test comes and
we find we are established. Have you got above the power of sin so that
Christ is keeping you from wilful disobedience? Does it give you a shudder
to know the consciousness of sin? Are you lifted above the world?