The Thirty First of May.

THY COMFORTS DELIGHT MY SOUL --- Psalm 94:19.

"In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul." --- Psalm 94:19. See also 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

A contented man, without afflictions, is ready to place his trust, and seek his comforts, in temporal things. Earthly desires crowd upon him, filling his soul with vanity, and he cannot well taste the sweet comforts of God's word, but under the burden of the cross.

Here we often enjoy more solid rest than if we were without a cross, and then that word is fulfilled which Christ says, Matthew 11:30: "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Thus our hearts are set against the world, reconciled to heavenly things, and easily separated from many idols which we could not resist or forsake before. Well, then, may we bear these salutary burdens, which, when sanctified, will produce present comfort, and soon issue in eternal rest and glory. And since the Lord has promised to give strength sufficient for the day, that we may not be tempted above measure, there is abundant reason again to say that his burden is light indeed.

'Tis good for me to wear the yoke,
For pride is apt to rise and swell;
'Tis good to bear my Father's stroke,
That I might learn his statutes well.

Father, I bless thy gentle hand;
How kind is thy chastising rod,
That force my conscience to a stand,
And brought my wand'ring soul to God.