What is most precious in the sight of God is often least noticed
by men.
The work of the Holy Ghost is often most mighty when least of
its power is seen by the common eye. Judas working miracles,
and king Saul prophesying, were not such proofs of the Spirit's
power as the tears of Peter after he had denied his Lord.
If we would be strong we must make pleasing God our business:
then what adversary can harm us?
Before our knowledge can be of much profit to others it must
become a channel of our own soul's communion with God in secret.
How needful is it to take heed to our ways, to seek counsel,
not only of God, but of those who are faithful and prudent! Satan
watches for our halting, and entangles us by little and little;
questionable things first, then things plainly evil. Great sins
may spring out of little trespasses.
That confession to others which is frequent and unasked, is seldom
deep before God.
They are most alive to snares and temptations who by reason of
walking with God are most blameless: we rarely see the snare
when entangled therein.
David, Elijah, and others, obtained victories over themselves
in solitude, and there had power with God: when afterwards they
came forth, how calmly did they undertake the greatest things,
and how easily perform them!
How great a victory was that which Jonathan must have gained
over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him!
He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learnt to delight
in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine
him, but another faithful man raised up for God and for Israel.
Not so Joab, who in hellish jealousy slew his kinsman Amasa.
(1 Sam. 23:17; 2 Sam. 20:9.10.)
To _have_ nothing, and to _be_ nothing, this is riches, quietness,
rest.