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Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing
heedless and headstrong to destroy themselves. It is true that Satan’s
path is made to appear attractive, but it is all a deception; in the way
of evil there are bitter remorse and cankering care. We may think it
pleasant to follow pride and worldly ambition, but the end is pain and
sorrow. Selfish plans may present flattering promises and hold out the
hope of enjoyment, but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned
and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In the downward
road the gateway may be bright with flowers, but thorns are in the
path. The light of hope which shines from its entrance fades into the
darkness of despair, and the soul who follows that path descends into
the shadows of unending night.
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“The way of transgressors is hard,” but wisdom’s “ways are ways
of pleasantness and all her paths are peace.”
Proverbs 13:15
;
3:17
.
Every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for His sake,
every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a
step in the march to the glory of final victory. If we take Christ for
our guide, He will lead us safely. The veriest sinner need not miss his
way. Not one trembling seeker need fail of walking in pure and holy
light. Though the path is so narrow, so holy that sin cannot be tolerated
therein, yet access has been secured for all, and not one doubting,
trembling soul need say, “God cares nought for me.”
The road may be rough and the ascent steep; there may be pitfalls
upon the right hand and upon the left; we may have to endure toil in
our journey; when weary, when longing for rest, we may have to toil
on; when faint, we may have to fight; when discouraged, we must still
hope; but with Christ as our guide we shall not fail of reaching the
desired haven at last. Christ Himself has trodden the rough way before
us and has smoothed the path for our feet.
And all the way up the steep road leading to eternal life are well-
springs of joy to refresh the weary. Those who walk in wisdom’s
ways are, even in tribulation, exceeding joyful; for He whom their
soul loveth, walks, invisible, beside them. At each upward step they
discern more distinctly the touch of His hand; at every step brighter
gleamings of glory from the Unseen fall upon their path; and their
songs of praise, reaching ever a higher note, ascend to join the songs
of angels before the throne. “The path of the righteous is as the light
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of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Proverbs
4:18
, R.V., margin.