174 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

sion of the heart; but, we are human—weakness
and error are born with us. When the way in
which we are walking is suddenly closed up before
us, and we see the opening to no other way, how
can we keep the faint heart from sinking ?”

“Only as Peter was saved from sinking. If we
look to God, He will lift our hearts above the yield-
ing billows. If we stand still, hopefully and trust-
ingly, the high mountain before us will become asa.
plain, so that we can walk on in a smooth way, joy-
ful and rejoicing.”’

“And so this high mountain, which has risen up
so suddenly, will soon be cleft for us or levelled to a
plain, if we wait patiently and confidingly for its
removal ¢”’

“Oh! I am sure of it, Edward,” replied Mrs.
Claire, with a beautiful enthusiasm. “We are His
creatures, and He loves us with an infinite love.
When his children are disposed to trust too much to
the arm of flesh, He sometimes shows them their
weakness in order that they may feel His strength.
Faithfully and unselfishly, my husband, have you
tried to meet the suddenly increased demand upon
us: and this out of love for one of God’s children.
In the trial, weakness has prevailed over strength.
Suddenly your hands have fallen to your side power-
less. God saw it all; and permitted it all; and, in
His own good time, will supply, from other sources,
all that is really needed. We have the promise—
our bread shall be given, and our water sure—not
only the natural food that sustains outward life, but
the true bread of heavenly affections, and the waters
of pure truth, which nourish and sustain the spirit.”