The Winslow mail., 1923-03-16

y ETk A YMA today tells of our
having lodging
place called Goodness" O, such
place, whether by night or by day.
his soul shall dwell in goodness.
Said Jesus to the rich young ruler,
"Why callest thou me good there is
none good. but One, that is God 1t is
from such teaching chat we come to
know who alone possesses goodness,
and consequently, who alone can pro-
vide the dwelling place for the soul.
This hOme-neSt for the soul cannot be
of human construction; it is be-
slowed lodging, located in the heart
of Him who alone is good. 1t is not
ours to be the architects or the build
ers rather it is ours to be the dwell
ers. When will we consent to believe
in provided righteousness, provided
goodness and a provided home for
those who accept our Lord Jesus
Christ?
We live in a world of distress and
tears. What a contrast between our
souls lodging and the neighborhood I!
When attacked on all sides by fierce
and subtle enemies the soul takes
refuge in the goodness Of God. Just
as a schoOlbOy runs home when too
closely pursued by a group of attack
ing boys, conscious OF his parents pro-
lection and feeling an almost infinite
contrast between it and the schoolbOy
world. We may prefer surroundings
that are apparently more peaceful and
safe, but who can hold back the raging
floods of circumstances? Rather let
us escape. Let us hide in goodness
when the neighborhoOd rocks with
badness. He who provides the lodging
alone can control the circumstances.
Thus, too, can we lend the best infu-
ence toward improving the immediate
surroundings.
But think of a sinner coming to feel
at home in goodness The dread of
change gone. The fondness for self
will abandoned. Hatred of iniquity
substituted for love of sin! The man
who lodges in goodness must possess
a fondness for holiness. The thought
of even approaching God consciously
. may have been a dreaded thing for
years. but now it has been made con-
genial. The change is a miracle. Yes
terday "in the tents of wickedness,"
today '1n the secret place of the Most
High!'' Yesterday out of the way,
today in the place of rest! Is it not
goodness indeed that saved sinner
;e oI in ho
heavenlies in Christ Jesus?"
One may be stranger vainly call
ing at the post office in d foreign land
for mail, but at the same moment be
at home with God. There is more than
slight hint of the cure for homesick-
ness here. For, who could want
better, lovelier, safer lodging than
our text promises? pilgrims and
strangers on the earth?" Yes, but
pilgrims at home while going home.
When you come to see that the literal
meaning of the Psalm is HE that
dwelleth (by day-time) in the secret
place of the Most High shall have
nights lodging under the shadow of
the Almighty" you grasp It's meaning.
Gods goodness now, Gods goodness
tomorrow, Gods goodness on earth,
Gods goodness in heaven; this is the
program for those who will accept the
one outstanding token of his goodness,
the gift of His Son for our sins.
Goodness There is a sense of sound
ness in the word Goodness 1t savors
of prosperity, cleanness, safety, love
The longest stretch of the strongest
Imagination cannot picture 1t that
poor, lost, homeless sinner should be
so changed that he lodges in the good
ness of God. 1t takes faith to grasp
that. 1t took revelation to disclose it.
And a sense of being at home wher-
ever duty calls on earth is In it. My
soul shall never again say that it is
homeless.
You wish to communicate with me,
then You ask for my city. You de-
sire to know my street and the num-
Der Of my house. You inquire. do
live in the valley or on the hill? My
address is four words; 1t answers your
inquiry. 1t is "The Goodness of God"