The Twenty First of October.

STAND YE IN THE WAYS --- Jeremiah 6:16.

"Where shall I find rest?" Answer: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." --- Jeremiah 6:16. See also Matthew 11:28, 29.

In our own way there is nothing but trouble; but giving ourselves entirely up to be guided by God at his own pleasure, we may always be easy, since we know that by every step he brings us nearer to heaven. The only way to rest is the way of repentance and faith, in which we consider ourselves, from the beginning even to the end of our Christian life, as utterly lost and condemned by the law, and as perfectly reconciled and justified through Christ.

Thus to abide in him, to let him work alone, and be truly resigned to his ways, will certainly have the desired effect; whilst, by the righteous and workings of our own heart we can never attain to it, and, which is worse, may be lulled into a false rest.

Lord, I believe a rest remains To all thy people known; A rest, where pure enjoyment reigns, And thou art loved alone.

A rest where all our soul's desire
Is fix'd on things above;
Where grief, and pain, and fear expire,
Cast out by perfect love.

This is the feast of saints on high,
But I may taste below;
And sweeter tastes will God supply,
As into Christ I grow.

Devotion for October 21