Do we not see how God’s purposes are thwarted and deferred by human perversity? At the very time when God had determined upon the election and consecration of Aaron to the priesthood, Aaron was spending his time in molding and chiseling the golden calf.

We might have been crowned fifty years ago, but just as the coronation was about to take place we were discovered in the manufacture of an idol.

The Lord was just ready to make kings of us when we made fools of ourselves. JOSEPH PARKER

One small life in God’s great plan— How futile it seems as the ages roll, Do what it may or strive how it can To alter the sweep of the infinite whole! A single stitch in the endless web, A drop in the ocean’s flow or ebb; But the pattern is rent where the stitch is lost, Or marred where the tangled threads have crossed: And each life that fails of true intent Mars the perfect plan that its Master meant.

Remember the awful truth that I can limit Christ’s power in the present, although I can never alter God Almighty’s order for a moment. SEED THOUGHTS CALENDAR

There is a niche in God’s own Temple, it is thine; And the hand that shapes thee for it, is Divine.

Someone has said very pertinently, “There was no rudder to Noah’s ark.” It was hardly necessary. He had obeyed God and now was shut in, with God only to steer his ark, for he was on God’s errand.

The man who could endure what he endured for more than a century, while preaching the Word amidst a hostile people, did not have any fears as to where he was going. The fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the deluge must have confirmed a faith already strong.

It is a delightful experience when we really believe that God is steering our little bark over life’s tempestuous sea. Only supreme and absolute abandonment to the will of God will give perfect rest of soul. It is this that enlarges the soul. Fenelon says: “If there be anything that is capable of setting the soul in a large place it is absolute abandonment to God. It diffuses in the soul a peace that flows like a river and the righteousness which is as the waves of the sea” (Isaiah 48:18).

If there be anything that can render the soul calm, dissipate its scruples and dispel its fears, sweeten its sufferings by the anointing of love, impart strength to all its actions, and spread abroad the joy of the Holy Ghost in its countenance and words, it is this simple and childlike repose in the arms of God.

God could give to Abraham because he had made such a wide opening into his life. God can give only into an open hand. This hand was opened wide. This door swung clear back. God had a free swing, and He used it. He could, and He did. He always does. Let this be our rule: “Give all He asks; then take all He gives.” And the cup will be spilling joyously over the brim.

S. D. GORDON

Beware of every hesitation to abandon to God!