The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-10-03
Stops AZ Well as Steps.


It is easy enough for US to believe
that "the steps Of good man are or;
dered of the Lord" and to take all
the comfort possible out at our Christ
given right to appropriate to ourselves
this assurance. We learn, as we go
on in life, to trust gladly in this order
ing" whether it be in the great move
ments or crises of our experience, OF
in the smaller duties and affairs OF
every days occurrence. -s.ss
But recent devout writer speaks Of
"allowing Gods timetable TO super
sede our own,n and recognizing HIS,
planning as put forth in the stops as
we'll as steps," There Is deep
thought here which it may do many
of us good to ponder for a moment,
especially those who have been called
to stop. When we are in the full tide
of active service for God and man. In
the lines, opened to US, and clearly
pointed out by God Himself, is not
always-is it ever easy to stop short,
lay down the work, or give it into the
hands of others, and accept the divineT
ordering of the "halt" as heartily ass
of the advance" ,.l s
. It seems as If we could serve God 80;
much better by doing something, by
speaking or writing, planning or or
ganizing, teaching or exhorting, rails
Ing money. or spending it, stirring up
Others, or leading their newly-kindled
enthusiasm, than in sitting down in :
silence before the Lord. And 50 We
chafe against these "stops," and almost
think that they must be devices Of the
evil one to hinder and distress us, not 3
gentle orderings of our loving Father.
to rest and quiet us. i
It seems to us that this and that and
the other interest would surely suffer il
we failed to keep our hand upon them
or, at least, we should like to choose
the time for rest when it seems toour
view that we can best be spared.
But our wise and loving Father does
not it to us for our choosing VI
In His own way, at His own time
suddenly or by degrees, gently or with
swift, strong hand, He draws us awsy
from the work and the associations
which are filing our hearts and hands, Z
and bids us stop for a while. We look
up to Him and say: "Lord, this cam
not be! was serving Thee out there
There Is no one to take my place..
Thy work will suffer-"
Yet firmly He, holds us where we I
are, whispering, if we will but listen,
words of comfort and assurance to- our
souls, showing US that 1t is all of his
ordering, the stops as well as. the
steps, and that, as He has ordained it
all, there is no fear that aughts will
really suffer because one or another Is :
brought to the resting-time before his
work seems done. Then yielding to-
Him, waiting on him, trusting in Him.
we may learn such lessons that, ever
after this time shall be remembered as {
one in which we were truly taught
of the Lord,"' and great was our
"peace."
Do notgrieve nor murmur, then, yotlS
who are in the midst of busy, active
life, if the summons comes to you to !
you in any form to turn aside and
leave all your plans and labors for q
time. Your clock may not yet point
to the hour for rest. God sees that the
hour has come, and calls you away:
If you are conscious of seeking to serve
Him in your steps, recognize now his
guidance in the stop to which his prov
idence points, and you will not fail
of the blessing there awaiting you.y
The Presbyterian.