There are some very profitable and comforting I thoughts in the eleventh chapter of Ecclesiastes. Take the first verse, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." To the natural man casting bread upon the restless expanse of water seems very foolish indeed, and at times we may say that is the end of it all; but the man of faith knows that it shall be found "after many days." And how often in these days one may think, "it seems to be of no use speaking to those around us." Even so it does " seem," but, "thou shalt find it after many days." If we see no results we are apt to be discouraged, but our Father knows all about us ; He knows the effect it would have upon us if we saw all the results. Knowing a little of our poor hearts we can realize how often it might puff us up to see results. But He will honor His own Word, and whatsoever speaks of His dear Son, and as for us, "the day shall declare it." Then, indeed, we shall see results and receive the reward. What joy it will be then to receive His commendation ! Sow on in hope, my brethren, and let it be done from a true heart, true to our blessed Lord Jesus Christ May all our service be done out of love for Himself!
" He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." Let us look not at the things which are seen. If we look for encouragement in circumstances, we will also find discouragement there, but we need to find our encouragement in the living God. Then, though all around seem in ruins, and a hardness seems to have come over man's hearts, we will not be cast down, but will sow the precious seed, the living Word of the living God. We know that His Word will accomplish that whereunto He sends it. Often do we realize how powerless our words are, and
that only the word of our God can find an entrance. Most blessed it is too to realize this, for then we will press His Word home, and the entrance of that shall give light. Let there be more of this amongst us-using "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."
"In the morning sow thy seed, and in evening withhold not thine hand :for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good." May we "be instant in season, out of season." At times we may feel more hopeful in speaking to some, than when speaking to others ; but " thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that." In the parable of the sower we see that the seed falls in some places on good" and in some on stony ground, but note, the sower did his work, and sowed on all alike. So let us take the lesson home to ourselves and sow in faithfulness to God, leaving results to Him. We know that our labor is not in vain "in the Lord." True service can only flow from love to our Lord Jesus.
If our hearts are filled with His love there will be little need to trouble about lack of service ; the one will be the result of the other. There are hungry souls around Us, hungering for the bread of life. Nothing can satisfy them but that for which they long. Shall we not pray earnestly for deeper love for the person of our Lord Jesus Christ ? Much truth and knowledge we have, but knowledge in itself puffeth up. What we need more at this time than all else, is deep true love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Surely He will give this, and after He has given it will bring us in contact with needy souls, and give us the message. The time is short, "the night is far spent and the clay is at hand." In the little while remaining before He comes may we be very humble.
Our hearts can go out to Himself without reserve ; not so with the things of the world :we must watch, be on guard. But no need of this toward our Lord Jesus. With fullest confidence and love we can let our hearts go out to Him in praise and adoration. What love indeed is His ! It passeth knowledge ; yet in a measure we do know it. With longing, yearning hearts we cry, Lord, give Thy people more love for Thyself, that we may find our all in Thee. Amen. J. G. T.
Oakland, Cal.