The river of God is full of water; but there is not one drop of it that takes its rise in earthly springs. God will have no strength used in his own battles but the strength which he himself imparts; and I would not have you that are now distressed discouraged by it. Your emptiness is but the preparation

for your being filled; and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up.

Unexpected help shall come to us when affairs are at their worst.

Let us learn from our Master to reckon upon forces invisible.

Oftentimes men of the world will give their money to the cause of Christ, putting down large sums for charity or for missions, but they will not weep in secret over other men's sins, or speak a word of comfort to an afflicted saint. To visit a poor sick

woman, teach a little child, reclaim a street arab, breathe a prayer for an enemy, or whisper a promise in the ear of a desponding saint, may show more of sonship than building a row of almshouses or endowing a church.