The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-10-27
Secret of Power.


IN whatever we are engaged brings into
the soul joyousness and strength. This
Is the only effectual deliverance from cor
roding anxieties. All other sources of
strength fail US in times of great difficulty
this one never has been known to fail.
Thy favor Is better than life - Bless
ed Is the man whose strength is in Thee. 4"
1t Is easy to show why this is true.
All that God is in love, wisdom, and
power is pledged to sustain the soul that
knows and feels that He is now propi-
tious. In this assurance that soul is en-
couraged to ask with confidence for help,
and never asks In vain.
1t was twilight-that beautiful even.
ing twilight of a glorious summer day.
A company of joyous believers held con-
verse together concerning the Divine
leading. After nearly all had spoken,
and the deepening shadows had foretold
the hour of speedy departure, one earn
est listener asked for the opportunity of
a closing word my life, said he, ais
one of great responsibilities. 1 am 30
pressed with its daily labors that it is
only with constant watchfulness that l
am able to reserve proper time for the
sacred duties of the closet and the family.
No one knows how, after all the system
attic division of my time and the assist
ance rendered by others, the weighty
cares of life press upon ne"
How can you live and enjoy religion
IN this way?" asked one, whose testi-
mony was always ardent, but who was
called to sphere of duty less exacting
than that one who had just spoken. Il
will tell you, said the thoroughly hon
est, working business man. 81 was
early IN life converted. I found out,
even at the first, that happiness and
strength came from the secret evidence
OF Gods favor. In other words, I be-
heVed that the Christian might and
ought to live in the enjoyment of the
witness of the Spirit. l held firmly to
this truth. sought this experience
daily. 1 spoke of this great privilege on
all proper occasions. made it one of
the cardinal principles of my life to SO
live that l might retain the present con-
seriousness of God pleasure IN me and IN
my work. Hence, find no difficulty in
His service, though my responsibilities
are so heavy. He keeps me. He sweet
ly blesses me. He gives me strength,
though l cannot devote as much time as
others to the outward services of reli.
gion'
We listened to this sweet testimony
with Joy. 1t was the tribute of sincere
heart to the blessed Saviour tribute
all the more beautiful since 1T illustr ated
the Divine prayer &c pray not that thou
fol 10 hnp of 4 i L
that Thou shouldst keep them from the
evil. Men OF the widest business rela-
tlonships are needed in the world, no less
than the men whose time is exclusively
devoted to the Christian ministry. While
engaged in worldly pursuits they may
hold the secret Of power with God ecu.
ally with others. Their hours NAV be
filled with worldly activities. Behind
counters they may stand in marts o.
trade they may meet the rising or reced
ing tides of human passion in busy
workshops they may spend the day be,
meath the glowing sun they may upturr
the deep burrows to receive the autumn.
al seed -but whether employer or en-
ployed, each one of all these may enjoy
" the witness of the Spirit" Living thus
llta ls secure-even eternal life. And
such testimony, given in the power o.
the Holy Spirit, is an evidence that can.
not be resisted.
We would say to every one who il
bearing life's high trusts-hold fast tc
this one thing, namely, the a,,Oard nit
ness, that secret Of power whereby peace
and strength are made certain, even amid
the severest perplexities and most alb
sorbing, worldly engagements
Daily Communion.