"Great peace have they which love Thy law:and nothing shall offend them," said king David, in the 119th psalm; or, as it is also translated, "nothing stumbleth them."

And this is truly the effect of knowing and loving the word of God; for it ever leads us to confide in Him of whom it testifies. They who trust Him, and hear Him, speak as He does in His word. They know that whatever may come into their life can but prove that "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

With what peace and confidence Abraham obeys God when put to the greatest test under which a man may probably be tried. How calmly he speaks and answers! He knew that every word from the mouth of God must end in blessing.

Moses' parents quietly commit him to God's care, and watch for the issue. Hannah confidingly brings her son to the service of the Lord; and David walks without fear to meet the Philistine giant. Mary of Nazareth also replies in perfect calmness, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word."

But all this requires a will surrendered to God. Until then we but quarrel with the word of God whenever it says aught that meets the unbrokenness of our will. A marvelous change had taken place in an acquaintance of mine. He was one accustomed to command; to force his own way through all obstacles; to get for himself what he set out for; and to ask favor of none. But he was brought to the Saviour; and although it had made a great change in his life, he still was an independent man, living but little out of the word of God. Later on a serious illness developed, which ended in total blindness. Here indeed was discipline! No longer able to help himself; totally dependent upon others for everything; nothing to look forward to now to the end but to be a burden and a care to those who loved him. But it was the way of God's grace to manifest itself afresh in the life of that dear man. A great change again took place, producing great peace and quiet confidence in God.

One day he said, " What a blessed psalm is that 23rd! I always loved it; but since God has placed me where I am, it has become my food. ' The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.'" And so he went through these precious verses, making them his own personal property, displaying thus his peace and confidence in God. He lived out of every word of God, and the proud, independent heart had found its rest and peace in God Himself:he was satisfied with the way of the will of God. Blessed rest!

Isaiah says, in the same strain, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever:for in the Lord Jehovah is the Rock of ages." F.