The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03
=" Thou Didst It"
BY THE REV. THEODORE l. cUY1

ID AhL new 1hEOOOhE IL CO1L LEN.
All, my dear friends who may be read
ing these lines to day with smarting
heart, it is glorious discovery which we
make when we discover Gods hand in
an experience of sorrow II fellow man
has wounded us or wronged Us we may
scold at his stupidity or vent our indig.
nation at his unklndness the charity OF
forgiveness is the utmost grace we can
exercise. But when we come up to face
our heavenly Father, and recognize his
great overshadowing hand in the cloud
of sorrow, then there is nothing for us
but silence and submission. Question
ings will bring no answer God keeps his
own secrets Murmurings only aggra
vate the suffering Rebellion is-ruin
Push as far as we can, and press as hard
as we may, we cannot force that solid
gate OF mystery on which is inscribed
"God did it,
Well, then, as we sit and read those
words through our tears, let us try to
take in their wonderful instruction and
their precious consolation. Did my All
wise Father do it? Then it was no blind
stroke of Fate, and no haphazard blum
der of ignorance. He makes no mistakes
Just wherein the wisdom of Gods treat
ment of me lies do not comprehend any
more than your little boy comprehends
the inside works Of the clock when he
looks at its face and reads the figures
VIII" He says: 1t is eight clock,
and 1 must be off to school" He &C.
cepts the fact without going behind the
clock face. So you and l are to accept
the transcendent truth that God doeth
all things well, although He does not ad-
NIT us into the mysteries of His provi-
dence. Our peevish and rebellious
Wigs J.? will only chafe and worry our
sore hearts, and bring no answer. Infn-
itely better is it for us to be still, and
know that He is God.
IT He did it, then there was not
shadow of cruelty or shred of unkind-
ness in the affection. This is precious
discovery; for we can bear almost any
blow more patiently if we feel sure that
pure love held the rod. Love never
wrongs us. Love never tortures us, never
deceives us. Love never lnhicts a wan.
ton wound. The same love that "spared
not His own Son, but delivered Him up"
for our redemption, took your son and
my daughter out of our clinging grasp;
and did it, too, without asking our per-
mission.
But cannot understand how low
ing Father could take my darling away,
while other people have a houseful OF
children undisturbed :: and another
says eff l had not been 80 perfectly
happy with MY husband, then 1 should
feel more reconciled :" and another says:
This is a strange way of showing love.
Good friends, this is not the world to I'M
ravel mysteries in, or the place to de-
mand explanations. Up yonder is an
other world, in which we shall know
even as we are known" This world is
Gods primary school you and 1 are the
wise and loving Teacher is speaking, the
dutiful child should keep still. When he
appoints us hard lessons we should learn
them, even though the tears fall fast
upon the page. The mightiest, deepest
lesson to be learned in this world is to
let God have His way. Your brain and
my brain are not big enough to oompre
bend all the mysteries Of Divine Provi-
dence but your heart and my heart may
trust our gracious compassionate Father
enough to, say Lord, not as l will, but
as Thou wilt;-I open not my mouth, be.
cause Thou djdst II"
" If we could push sjar the gates Of life
And stand within, and all Gods workings see,
We could interpret all this doubt and strife.
And for each mystery could find key.
@ But not to day. Then be content, poor heart
Gods plans. like lilies pure and white, unfold.
We must not tear the close shut leaves apart
Time will reveal the ca'yxes Of gold.
And If through patient toll we reach the land
Where tired feet, with sandals loose, may rest,
When we shall clearly see and understand,
think that we will say God knew the best "
Nea0 York Evangelist.
Prayer is the work Of the soul, and not
Of the lips only.