The Fifteenth of February

THERE IS A RIVER --- Psalm 46:4, 5

"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." --- Psalm 46:4, 5.

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." --- 1 John 4:4; Psalm 110:2; Zechariah 2:5.

True Christians, in a right spirit, still are subject to temptations from within and without: but, watching unto prayer, they do not fall by them. On the contary, as temptations are great helps to discover their hidden infirmities, and stir them up to be more cautious, serious, and faithful, they are followed with great and glorious victories.

Temptations are not indeed joyous in themselves, but are attended with good fruit and blessed effects in the faithful. Hence, St. James bids us count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations. What reason have we, then, to be afraid of temptations, since every one carries a new blessing along with it?

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll,
While the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Saviour hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe unto the haven guide,
Oh receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none;
Hangs my helpless soul on thee;
Leave ah! leave me not alone,
Still support and comfort me.

All my trust on thee is stay'd,
All my help from thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing.

All my trust on thee is stay'd,
All my help from thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing.