SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 437, 20 May 1899, Page 2 (Supplement)

SERIOUS THOUGHTS.

In studying tho writings of hrathon philosophers, the truth of St. Paul's sermon iu Athens is forced upou one. No earnest mind does God leave in tho dark but reveals flashes of truth to all who patiently 'feel after Him'even though they know Him not. He is not far from any of us but is gradually rcvoaling Himself to every thoughtful mind. Marcus Amelius writes: —'A man is the better for what he suffers; he improves his value and raises his character by making a right use of a rugged accident.' The bettsr for what he suffers ! - that is the last thing mast people would pay. The better, rather, for what he accomplishes, for what money he makes, for whiit power he acquires, for how much enjoyment he can get out of life, but surely 'not for what ho suffirs. Does this not fall in with our Bible views -'perfect through suffering-pain is gain—gold is only viluabio in proportion as it has been through a fire and a man's charactor is only strengthened by resisting temptations and enduring Utile. ' Blessed is the man that endureth temptation '—' behold we count them happy —not that are rich, successful, influential - but ' that endure.' ' Count it all but joy when ye fall into divers temptation.' The Beatitudes are applied to very different classes to thoso whom the world would deem happy -to the meek, to those who ' hunger and thirst after righteousness.' Further we are to use any ' rugged accident' which may befall us to add to our value and raise our characters. We may wrest a blessing from the most untoward circumstance. Everything 'tis said has two handles but with one only it may bo borne. I would go further and say that everything has a blessing for us if only wo take it in tho right way. Looking back on our life we shall say : ' Of all that could not be spared from our life, our sacrifice, i« that which could bo spared tho least.' Do we but fiuht bravely ' wo gain tho strength of the temptation we resist.' In the end wo shall see" that our best gifts, our true possessions havo come to us through fuffering; the clouds in passing have left us rioh rewards, and now that we understand wo are glad to havo lived for a whilo under the shadow. How different, we notice, are people who know trouble to those whose life has be«n smooth and free from sorrow. To whom do wo turn in time of grief but to those who havo been ' through the mill ?' Do we not ourselves long to ' comfort others with the comfort wherewith we have been comforted of God ?' So we gain the gift of sympathy. The meek angel of Patience takes up his abode with us Courage nerves our arm with remembrance of past troubles overcome. Endurance teaches us to presevere unto the end and wo cling confidently to tho Anchor Hope. Each individual must acknowledge being better for what they huve suffered, according to the will of God His chastenings are all for our profit, that we may be pai takers of His holiness' and may wo b« willing, nay lathor anxious that we ni-iy be counted worthy to suffer 'so as to be purified and refined »nd made meet for His presenco F VERY MUCH BETTER. ' Seekest thou great things for thyself'? Seek them not.'—Jer. xiv. ;">. Better a cot in a lonely spot, Whore love and peace are found, Than a palace of case with much to please, Where strife and cares abound. Better the day when earth's hopes decay, While hope in Christ is firm ; Than the glaring morn, where ambitious are born Which only earthwards turn. Better to sow,' tho' wo never know Tho 6eed has taken root, Than to idly stand, with an empty hand, And pluck our neighbour's fruit. Better a word of kindness heard, Tho' whispered tremblingly :_ ! Than the grandest speech which the world may reach, Lacking in charity. Better to fill, with a yielded will, Tho place which God has planned, Thau, building, try to reach the sky, Foundations laid on sand ! Better tho cross, and any loss, While we've His changeless love ; Thau the transient crown of the world's renown, Recorded not above. Lord, wo confess 'tis ever best To humbly follow Thee ; Lead up, we prey, in Thine own blest way, And may wo faithful be !—M.H.K. (F)